Neuroscience PhD - How to Apply
How Do I Apply to the Neuroscience PhD Program?
Penn State College of Medicine’s Neuroscience PhD Program follows the application process for The Graduate School at Penn State.
All students must submit an application through The Graduate School.
Before applying, please be sure to read The Graduate School's admission requirements.
Prerequisites
To be considered for admission, you must have an appropriate academic background, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) during the last two years (junior/senior) of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university.
Your degree should be in a biological, physical or behavioral science, and you should have taken courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Neuroscience courses are desirable but not essential. Research experience is required.
Application Instructions
The Neuroscience Graduate Program does not request or use GRE scores in our admissions process.
To complete your application through The Graduate School, please note the following:
- Campus: Select "Hershey Med Ctr."
- Major: Select "Neuroscience."
- Degree: Select "Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)."
A complete application through The Graduate School should include:
- Completed online application
- Payment of the $65 application fee
- Copies of official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, uploaded by the student (do not mail official transcripts unless specifically requested to do so)
- 3 letters of recommendation, uploaded through online application system by person writing the reference
- TOEFL/IELTS score (if applicable) - School Code 2660 - sent directly from the testing agency
- Personal statement including your reasons for applying to the program, research interests, research experience (not including lab courses), and future goals
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Key Dates
Formal applications for the doctoral program for domestic or international students must be received by Dec. 1. All supporting documents (transcripts, references, etc.) must be received by Dec. 5.
Admission to this program is for fall semester only.
Interview Process
Highly competitive applicants selected based on the materials in their completed application package are invited to interview with faculty members in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Interviews will be conducted in January and February.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Neuroscience PhD program, please contact Kristin E. Smith, MS, Director of Graduate Admissions, at kec17@psu.edu.