Neuroscience is considered by many to be the "last scientific frontier."
Our large multidisciplinary program provides a wonderful opportunity to study Neuroscience in a rich, supportive environment. Our coursework provides students with a solid foundation in each of the major areas of neuroscience, plus the opportunity to do cutting edge research with world famous neuroscientists. With over 100 faculty, and an environment that thrives on collaboration, the opportunities for students to partake in multidisciplinary research are abound. Our graduate students come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse scientific interests. Therefore, we do not have a specific set of coursework prerequisites for admission into our graduate program. However, experience tells us that the most appropriate background includes coursework in biology, chemistry (including biochemistry), psychology, mathematics, and physics.

Requirements for Admission

We require all students to take the general GRE . Students whose native language is not English are required also to take the TOEFL and obtain a minimum score of 625 or obtain 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination. To give you a realistic view of the strength of your application, on average a GPA of 3.5 and GRE scores reaching at least the 80-85th percentile for all three sections are typical of students accepted into our program. In addition, the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota has set a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission into any graduate program. All prospective students are required to fill out an application, and as part of your application, we require three letters of recommendation and a personal statement about your ambitions and motivations for a research career. Your personal statement should indicate why you are interested in Neuroscience in general, and why you are interested specifically in our Graduate Program in Neuroscience.

Important GRE Information for applicants from People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Republic of Korea

Research Experience

Our admissions committee looks for students who have shown strong initiative, creativity, productivity, and a passion for discovery. The majority of our students had research experience during their undergraduate or post-undergraduate education, experience that has often helped them clarify their research interests. We have found that previous research experience outside of regular coursework is the greatest indicator of success in our graduate program, and we encourage all students to work in a research environment prior to graduate school.

Campus Visit and Financial Support

In late February or early March, we invite our top candidates to the Twin Cities, and introduce them to our program, faculty, and students.
These prospective students are provided an opportunity to sample the research environment by visiting labs from their areas of interest. This trip also allows prospective students the chance to explore the campus and the Twin Cities area. Candidates accepted into the program will be notified shortly after the campus visit. Once accepted into our program, we provide a considerable stipend, full tuition benefits, health care benefits, and funds to travel to a national neuroscience conference during their first year in the program. Once students have selected a PhD advisor, their advisor provides financial support until completion of the PhD. The program is strongly committed to training students of diverse backgrounds and welcomes all applications.

Please Note: See above descriptions for more details

APPLICATION MATERIAL TO SUBMIT TO
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA