Graduate Programs in Neuroscience

Neuroscience Professor Gina Turrigiano

Brandeis University is an exciting place for neuroscience research and study because we have an outstanding and highly interactive research community. Brandeis University's graduate program in neuroscience, leading to the MS and PhD degrees, is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and training necessary to conduct research in this interdisciplinary field. Students entering the program have opportunities to work in a range of fields, from cognitive neuroscience to the structure and function of ion channels. The program comprises three broadly defined areas:

Students in the PhD program are eligible to participate in the interdepartmental graduate program in Quantitative Biology, which provides training in new research fields that cross the traditional boundaries between the life sciences and the physical sciences. Graduate students can engage with BioMaterials research by taking courses within the Quantitative Biology Training Program and then joining research laboratories funded by the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC).

Brandeis, a leader in research in the life sciences, offers the rare combination of an internationally recognized research university in a small college setting that promotes close interactions with prestigious faculty. Our suburban campus is just outside the bustling academic and research centers of Boston and Cambridge.

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Faculty

We encourage you to explore one of the department’s greatest assets through our faculty pages.

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Courses and Degree Requirements

For the most updated course listing, course descriptions, and degree requirements, please visit the Registrar.

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How to Apply

Application Deadlines

  • PhD: December 1. Late applications may be considered, but first consideration will be given to applications received by the deadline.
  • MS: Rolling through May 1; application review begins January 15. Please note that the application may be closed earlier if the desired cohort size is reached prior to May 1; questions can be emailed to scigradoffice@brandeis.edu.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the programs, you must submit:

  • An online application;

  • An application fee;

  • Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended must be uploaded to your application; do not mail official transcripts to our office. For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions;

  • Letters of recommendation, submitted online. PhD: 3 required; Master's: 2 required (3 recommended).

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé;

  • A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the academic program and your objectives in undertaking this program. Also, please outline your research interests and how they would complement those of our faculty.

  • PhD applicants should be prepared to attach to their application a listing of previous research experience, which should include the name of the company/university, the name of PI/professor/supervisor, location, dates started and ended, and topic(s) studied.

  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required. Our GRE institution code is 3092 (please note: this institution code only applies to GRE scores).

  • International applicants: For additional requirements for international applicants (non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents), minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores, and important information regarding visas. If you are submitting TOEFL scores, please note that our TOEFL institution code is 3261.

For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please visit Frequently Asked Questions.

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Financial Aid

Generous financial aid is available; for more information please visit Financial Aid.

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Careers and Alumni

Students and alumni can work closely with Career Services for an array of resources, including CV/resume help, job search, and networking.