Application Materials

Please Note: You must submit application material to the Graduate Program in Neuroscience and the Graduate School at the University of Minnesota.

Graduate Program in Neuroscience Applications are due November 20

The Neuroscience Brochure contains detailed information about the Graduate Program in Neuroscience as well as application information for the program. This file also contains the Application Checklist and the Letter of Recommendation Form, which you can download individually below.

University of Minnesota Graduate School

Graduate School Application
When completing the application, please note the following: the "Major Code" for Neuroscience is 059060208; check the box for "Summer" and write in the year you wish to enter the program.

Mission and Vision of the GPN Admissions Committee

The Admissions Committee of the Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota is committed to identifying and admitting individuals who demonstrate a strong motivation for scientific discovery, a deep commitment to research, and the potential to become innovative and impactful leaders in neuroscience.

Our mission is to build a diverse and dynamic graduate community by holistically evaluating each applicant. We recognize that excellence in science arises from a wide range of academic backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. We welcome applicants from all disciplines and academic backgrounds who share a passion for neuroscience and demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and perseverance in their pursuit of knowledge. We place a strong emphasis on research experience and potential. Our review process carefully considers all elements of the application, including personal and research statements, letters of recommendation, and academic performance. During our evaluation we seek to understand the breadth and depth of each applicant’s unique trajectory, academic background, and experiences. Transparency and fairness are central to our admissions process. We strive to make our evaluation and decision-making practices equitable, clear, and consistent. In doing so, we ensure that all applicants are given thoughtful consideration within the context of their opportunities and challenges. 

Ultimately, our goal is to admit students who are academically prepared, intellectually curious, resilient, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community through rigorous research and collaborative discovery.

Filling out the University of Minnesota Graduate School application

All students applying to the Graduate Program in Neuroscience should fill out the application form provided by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Graduate School. To simplify completion of this form, we hope the following instructions will be useful to you.

The general application form requests two "applicant statements", a Research Statement and a Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE)  Statement. You will also be asked for an academic Resume/CV.  Instructions for these required application materials are given below.

Statement 1 - Research Statement

Please write a 1000-1500 word statement addressing your research experience following the guidelines and order described below.

1. Introduction & Goals

Briefly describe the experiences that inspired your interest in neuroscience and motivated you to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

2. Research

Provide a description of the independent research that you have performed to date. Include any undergraduate research activities, internships, abstracts/publications, or other experiences you may have had to document your preparation for advanced study in neuroscience.

For one or two of the research projects you led or were involved in, please summarize the rationale, experimental question, approaches, results, conclusions, and impact. Emphasize aspects of the work that demonstrate your creativity and independent critical thinking. 

3. Graduate Program in Neuroscience

Please explain your specific interest in the GPN at the University of Minnesota.

Also, please indicate if there are particular faculty members with whom you wish to study, stating the names of the identified faculty and explaining why you want to study with those persons.

Statement 2 –  Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE)

Diversity of views and experiences is fundamental to the University’s mission, and the University’s faculty, staff, and students share responsibility for the collective achievement of this goal.

Describe the challenges you have faced, skills you have built, or lessons you have learned that will provide you with a unique ability to contribute to the University of Minnesota’s community.

Guidelines:

Please write a 500 words statement addressing the prompt above.

Enrolling and graduating students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences is central to the University of Minnesota's mission. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to the Graduate Program in Neuroscience and to the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. 

You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success.

You may also wish to describe any specific challenges you faced.  These could include, but are not limited to, personal or professional challenges such as dealing with a disability, participating in collegiate athletics, raising a family, working significant hours (outside of research) while in school.

You may also use part of this statement to explain how extenuating circumstances may have affected your academic performance.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Please follow the NIH Guide for Résumés & Curricula Vitae.

Financial Aid section

The Graduate School uses a common application form. We would like to make it clear that all matriculated neuroscience PhD students receive financial support during their graduate career, including a generous stipend, fully-paid tuition, and health care benefits. Therefore, please just check "yes" to the first question on the Financial Aid section (that you have applied for a fellowship). You do not need to fill in any of the other questions in this section.

If you have any questions, please contact our office.

Graduate Program in Neuroscience
University of Minnesota
6-145 Jackson Hall
321 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Tel. 612-626-6474
Fax 612-626-6460
[email protected]