Neuroscience PhD Program Details
The Neuroscience Graduate Program at Penn State College of Medicine brings together scientists from different basic and clinical disciplines to focus on the nervous system.
Some researchers seek to clarify the development or function of the brain at the cellular, molecular, or genetic levels. Others seek to understand how the nervous system processes information, controls autonomic functions, regulates states of consciousness, or determines behavior. Still others search for the means to diagnose, prevent, and successfully treat malignant brain tumors, congenital and acquired brain diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, or dysfunctions caused by pathologic states in brain structure.
All are committed to educate graduate students in the neurosciences.
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Learn about the application processProgram Overview
First Year
During the first year, students participate in coursework and undertake three laboratory rotations.
Typically, two rotations in the spring semester and one rotation in the summer semester of the first year are carried out to develop laboratory technical skills, learn ways to design and analyze experiments and to begin to identify potential laboratories to carry out thesis research.
Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in courses and, at the end of the first year, must pass a qualifying exam. This exam consists of a written paper on one of a given set of topics and an oral exam on the year’s coursework.
Second Year
During the second year, students begin to focus on their thesis research but have a number of required courses as well as the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of electives.
Before the beginning of the fall semester of the third year, students must pass a Comprehensive Exam. This exam consists of a written research proposal followed by an oral examination and is administered by the student’s doctoral committee.
Third Year and Beyond
Completion of the requirements for a PhD in Neuroscience entails the preparation of a dissertation (written thesis), a final oral examination (thesis defense), and formal acceptance of the thesis by the student’s doctoral committee.