Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Graduate Program offers an outstanding opportunity for graduate training in an exceptionally interactive and collaborative environment at a world class research institution. We strive to train the next generation of creative, independent neuroscientists by providing academic instruction, research experience and active mentoring. At Rochester, this training is facilitated by outstanding faculty, talented and involved students, and a collaborative research environment. To provide our students with research training, professional mentorship, and career guidance in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that will prepare them to advance ever better neuroscience research through scholarship, instruction, and community service.
The Neuroscience Graduate Program provides a comprehensive, research-intensive training experience for students seeking a Ph.D. degree in the study of the nervous system. The first year curriculum provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts that underlie contemporary neuroscience, from the molecular and cellular to systems level. Active learning is fostered through participation in the Neuroscience Journal Club and Student Seminar and through a series of laboratory rotations with faculty selected by the student.
At the end of the first year, students choose a Ph.D. degree track (Neuroscience or Neurobiology & Anatomy) and thesis advisor. Students spend the majority of their time in subsequent years developing and carrying out their dissertation research, attending seminars, and presenting their research at local, national, and international meetings.
The Neuroscience track attracts students from diverse backgrounds in the biological and physical sciences, psychology, and engineering. The hallmark of the track is its flexibility, allowing students students to design a curriculum that will augment their unique research experience or broaden their perspective of neuroscience. Starting in the first year, students personalize their training with advanced coursework chosen from a rich variety of electives offered in the School of Medicine or the School of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. In addition, students frequently collaborate with faculty to design their own interest-specific tutorials. Students in the Neuroscience track may select a thesis advisor from more than 60 faculty representing 17 departments and 6 interdisciplinary research centers. Successful completion of the track culminates with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience.

Students entering the program typically have a baccalaureate degree in one of the natural or applied sciences (e.g., Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering). Successful applicants will usually have had college-level coursework, or equivalent professional experience, in disciplines relevant for neuroscience, including the biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In addition, prior laboratory research experience is strongly recommended.
Applicants must have earned a U.S. baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor's degrees are awarded before they matriculate. Evidence of the earned degree is required prior to matriculation in the form of an official transcript noting degree conferral.
It is expected that all application materials (with the exception of official score reports) be scanned and uploaded to your online application. Please note that the University of Rochester reserves the right to verify the accuracy of all transcripts and test scores, and to require submission of official documentation at any point in the admissions review process.
Statement of Purpose
Uploaded copy of transcript(s) to online application.
Please do not mail a hard copy at this time.
3 Letters of Recommendation
GRE Scores will not be used by the admissions committee even if submitted.
Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores