Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience

The program in neuroscience is an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary research and graduate training program that offers training leading to the PhD degree in neuroscience. Program faculty members are based in four departments: biological science, biomedical sciences, mathematics, and psychology. There is no master's degree in neuroscience, but MS degrees with a concentration in neuroscience are available through the participating departments for work completed with neuroscience program faculty. The program was established to promote basic research and to provide graduate education in neuroscience via a close mentoring relationship between students and faculty. Students entering the program choose a faculty advisor and enroll in that advisor's department. Students are able to begin hands-on research immediately while discovering modern neuroscience through courses covering a broad range of approaches, from molecular to behavioral. The requirements for the neuroscience degree are uniform across departments so changing advisors and departments later is possible, for example, to begin specialized PhD dissertation research. Interdisciplinary research training is available involving molecular, cellular, physiological, and behavioral approaches to the study of a broad array of research areas, including sensory systems, ingestive behavior, human neuroscience, animal models of cognition, molecular genetics, proteomics, membrane biophysics, neurobiology of brain injury and disease, neuroendocrinology, social behavior, stress, and drug addiction. Fellowships and positions on two NIH-funded training grants are available on a competitive basis to students in the program. The program maintains specialized research support services and personnel and provides special courses and symposia on contemporary neuroscience issues. Each semester the program brings prominent neuroscientists to Florida State University to give colloquia and hold informal discussions with graduate students and faculty.

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while enrolled as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this essay is to highlight your academic preparation for a graduate program in Neuroscience, why a PhD is the key to your career interests and aspirations, and why the FSU graduate program in Neuroscience is the right choice for you. You should include information regarding:
Coursework and research experiences that guide and confirm your interest in neuroscience. You should explain grades that you feel do not reflect your potential as a scientist.
Your career goals.
Area of study (reference our website for information about FSU program strengths and areas of specialization, techniques, model organisms). Identify specific faculty with whom you would like to work and how their interests match your own. In addition to this essay, you are strongly encouraged to contact these faculty directly by email to express your interest and indicate your intent to apply to the program.
Graduate Diversity Statement
The FSU graduate program in Neuroscience is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all members of our program. The purpose of this essay is for you to describe yourself as an individual. Your essay could reflect on past personal experiences or be forward looking to goals for the future, or both. Through the lens of diversity and belonging, describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree and/or how the world will be improved if you are trained through a PhD program in Neuroscience. As your comfort level permits, you may include any of the following:
educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences
community service, outreach activities
residency and citizenship
first-generation college status
opportunities relevant to your academic journey
how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual, or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Unofficial college transcript(s). Please note that official college transcript(s) are not required at the time of application.
GRE test scores - students may request a GRE waiver if they meet specific criteria.
The GRE admission requirement will be waived for select, outstanding students who meet at least one of the key criteria for demonstrating Success and Aptitude for Research and Academic Preparation.
Success and Aptitude for Research
Undergraduate research-based thesis in a relevant field.
Post-graduate research experience in a relevant field.
Extensive (at least 4 months) relevant research or laboratory experience related to the applicant's graduate training goals.
Co-authored research paper published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Extensive (at least 4 months) relevant employment related to the applicant's graduate training goals.
AND
Academic Preparation
Upper-division undergraduate GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher from any nationally or internationally accredited college or university.
Graduate GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher from any nationally or internationally accredited college or university.
Names and email addresses of three individuals who will write a letter of support on your behalf.
Internet based TOEFL (IBTOEFL): 80
Paper based TOEFL (TOEFL): 550
International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): 6.5