Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Graduate Program is administered by The Institute for Neuroscience (INS), a campus-wide organization responsible for research and teaching activities related to the neurosciences. The Program is multidisciplinary with more than 80 participating neuroscientists from 13 departments and is designed to promote interdisciplinary training and interaction. Research at the INS is diverse with investigators covering all major disciplines and techniques in neuroscience and representing a broad range of research interests, from molecular neuroscience and genetics, through physiology, cellular and systems research, to cognition and behavior and the neurobiology of disease. Because of the outstanding and diverse composition of the INS faculty, our graduate students are provided with unparalleled opportunities for research and are trained to become critical thinkers capable of understanding the full breadth of conceptual and technical approaches to neuroscience.

Selection for admission to the University of Texas Neuroscience Graduate program is based on a student's research experience, academic achievements, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Research experience is a particularly important part of the application. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this neuroscience program, students with a background in biological, physical, computational, and psychological sciences are equally appropriate for the program. The program does not have specific course requirements, although completion of basic science and math undergraduate course work is encouraged. For the 2023-2024 application cycle, the GRE general test will not be considered for admission. For international students whose native language is not English, the program requires one of the following: a TOEFL score of 550 (paper), 213 (computer-based), 79 (internet-based), or an overall band of 6.5 on the IELTS.
A Statement of Purpose. This statement should be 1-2 pages that describes (1) why you wish to pursue graduate work in Neuroscience, (2) your research experience(s) including background, hypotheses, approaches, real or expected findings, and implications, as well as (3) your future career aspirations.
Three reccomendations. Submit the names and email addresses of three recommenders in the References section of the online application. At least one must be a research mentor. Be sure these email addresses are current and accurate. Your recommenders will be contacted via email and directed to submit their letters electronically via a website link where they complete a questionnaire and submit their letter of reference.
Transcripts -- please see the instructions for submission on the Graduate Admissions
A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or a comparable GPA in upper-division workjunior- and senior-level coursesand in any graduate work already completed is also required.