Masters in Neuroscience programs provide additional and intensive laboratory research and academic training to students who have completed an undergraduate major in neuroscience or a closely related scientific area, and wish to extend their studies before moving on to a Ph.D. research program or professional employment. Physicians who are seeking to expand their expertise about the nervous system may also benefit from a Masters degree in Neuroscience.
Prerequisite education for a Masters of Neuroscience degree is a Bachelor’s degree in physical, behavioral or biological science; a strong background in math and physics is also recommended. There are both thesis and non-thesis options; students who prefer to enter the workforce upon graduation may take a non-thesis master's program.
GradSchools.com makes it easy to find Neuroscience Masters Programs by learning format. If you prefer traditional on-campus learning, you may want to initiate a search by location; use the city, state or country tabs to browse listings. If distance-learning is more convenient to you, look into online masters in neuroscience degrees. Some of the choices might include MS Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, or Master of Science in Neuroscience.
Masters Programs Potential Coursework
Each Masters of neuroscience degree program may have its own specific course requirements.
Some programs may include elements of biology, statistics, physiology and pharmacology. Curricula tend to be lab-intensive, and students have the opportunity to develop their analytical science skills in addition to their general competence in neuroscience and its sub-areas. Some of the common course topics students might expect to encounter may include:
- Neurophysiology and neurobiology
- Cell and molecular biology
- Language and the brain
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neuroanatomy
- Psychopharmacology
- Physiology and anatomy
- Biostatistics
Masters in Neuropsychology | Areas of Specializations in Neuroscience
Students may decide to specialize in a wide variety of areas. Some potential concentrations might include:
- Neuroplasticity
- Synaptic transmission
- Homeostatic regulatory systems
- Biological bases of neuropsychiatric disorders
- Cognitive / Behavioral neuroscience
- Developmental neuroscience
- Affective neuroscience
- Molecular neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Neurophysiology
- Neuro-linguistics
Potential Careers For Masters in Neuroscience Graduates
Graduates of master's programs in neuroscience may pursue a variety of potential career opportunities in diverse areas, though level of education may matter; if your ultimate goal is to become a medical scientist, neurologist, academic, or higher-level researcher, an MS in Neuroscience is a springboard, rather than a qualifying degree.
This being said, employment growth for Neurology technicians, which is included in the category of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians is projected to increase by 16% between 2014 and 2024. The Bureau of Labor Statistics considers this much faster than average growth.[i] Other potential careers might include:
Neurogenetic Counselors.: According to the BLS, more genetic counselors are specializing in fields such as cardiovascular health, genomic medicine, neurogenetics, and psychiatry, and employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 29% from 2014 to 2024[ii]
Neuropsychologists: Study the effects of brain injuries, brain disease, developmental disorders, or mental health conditions on behavior and thinking. Employment growth for Psychologists is also favorable; a 19% growth is projected between 2014 and 2024[iii]
Ready to Pursue a Masters Degree in Neuroscience?
Earning a Masters in Neuroscience is a degree that has the potential to prepare you to either enter the workforce upon graduation, or pursue higher education and thus open yourself to other professional options. Why not begin reviewing the Neuroscience Masters Programs on GradSchool.com to find one that aligns with your goals!
Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/genetic-counselors.htm | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm | bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm
