How to Apply

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 application fee ($65 U.S. applicants, $85 international applicants)

• 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

  • View country-specific requirement information

• Resume or curriculum vitae

• Personal statement

  • The Neuroscience admissions committee will use this statement to learn about you as an individual, your background, professional experiences and goals and to determine whether the program is a good fit for you. Describe your personal and professional experiences that motivate your aspiration to pursue a graduate career in neuroscience. If applicable, describe research experiences including a brief description of research questions, methodologies and outcomes. Include your research interests, professional goals and describe how the NEURO program at Penn State College of Medicine will help you achieve them. (Up to two pages.)

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 us at comgradadmissions@psu.edu.