Neuroscience Graduate Programs

Neuroscience Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Along with having a strong science background, including courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, the following qualities are desirable for anyone considering a master’s in neuroscience:

• Good communication skills
• Collaborative spirit and effective team member
• Patient
• Self-disciplined and diligent
• Meticulous and conscientious
• Efficient and organized
• Methodical
• Analytical
• Curious
• Honest
• Ethical

There are a variety of topics and courses available in neurology, with new courses developing on a regular basis. Each neuroscience graduate program has its own specific requirements; however several, common topics occur across programs:

• Cell and molecular neurobiology
• Behavioral neuroscience
• Neurodegeneration and neurological disease
• Neurophysiology
• Neuroanatomy
• Topics in neuropharmacology/pharmacology

All programs include hands-on lab work, seminars in neuroscience topics and research projects. Most programs include the completion of a thesis and an exam.

Admission into neurology graduate programs is an extremely competitive process. A strong background in sciences is required, including coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics. Undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, neuroscience, biochemistry, and molecular biology are preferable.

Neuroscience Career Paths

Graduates of a neuroscience program can find work as medical scientists or as biological scientists in a field of applied research. Teaching, as well as medical and pharmaceutical research and development, are the main fields for neuroscience graduates. Neuroscientists are employed in universities, hospitals, private and government operated research labs, and nonprofit organizations, and may conduct independent research. Within the research field, graduates take positions as research assistants and research scientists.

Neuroscience Future Job Outlook

Employment growth is expected for both medical scientists and biological scientists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rates for medical scientists are expected to grow by 40 percent by 2018. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, neuroscientists within the field of biological science earn an average salary of $71,310 per year, as of May 2010.

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.