Neuroscience, M.S.
Minimum Totals for Graduation: 30 hours
The Masters of Science (M.S.) in Neuroscience Program at Central Michigan University is designed to give each student a comprehensive understanding of the core principles in neuroscience and the requisite training that will prepare students for further, doctoral-level graduate training or for positions in academics, industry, or government that utilize highly trained research skills in specific areas of neuroscience. Throughout the program, all students are expected to be actively involved in research with a Program faculty member, who serves as a mentor. The focus of the M.S. Program in Neuroscience is to build a broad-based and comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of neuroscience and develop a strong background for applied research in some specific area of neuroscience. Current areas of specific research training include studying the causes of and potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, the CNS involvement in behavioral learning in the context of abused substances, understanding the mechanisms underlying rehabilitation from movement disorders, and potential treatments for CNS insults, including spinal cord injury, cancer, and radiation-induced cognitive deficits. Students are encouraged to contact Program faculty members in their area of research interest prior to submitting application materials.
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
Admission Requirement Snapshot
GPA: 3.0
Entrance Exam: GRE
Application Deadline: December 15
See Admission Requirement Details Below
The application deadline for receipt of all materials will be March 1. When applying for the M.S. degree in Neuroscience, applicants must send three letters of reference, official transcripts, and official GRE scores directly to the Program Director. Applicants are expected to complete a Bachelor of Science degree, have at least 15 hours of courses in neuroscience, chemistry, and/or biology (including biologically-based psychology courses), have at least 3 hours of statistics, and have a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) to gain admittance to the program. Preference will be given to students with prior research experience, especially in the area of neuroscience. Students who are deficient in certain subject areas, such as statistics or chemistry, will be expected to make up these deficiencies in addition to the normally prescribed graduate coursework for the degree. A maximum of 9 credit hours earned during non-degree status may be applied toward the M.S. degree in Neuroscience.
The M.S. degree in Neuroscience is based upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate work, including the successful completion of the Principles of Neuroscience courses and successful completion of a thesis (with oral defense). Students who are unable to pass the comprehensive examination for the Principles of Neuroscience courses after three attempts will be dismissed from the program. Students who complete the required coursework and successfully defend their thesis will attain the Master of Science in Neuroscience degree. All other retention and termination standards for the program follow University policy as specified in the Graduate Bulletin.
Program Requirements
Required Courses I (18 hours)
| NSC 501 | Principles of Neuroscience I | 4(4-0) |
| NSC 502 | Principles of Neuroscience II | 4(4-0) |
| NSC 690 | Research Seminar Neuroscience | 1-4(Spec) |
| NSC 798 | Thesis: Design | 1-3(Spec) |
| NSC 799 | Thesis: Implementation | 1-3(Spec) |
Required Courses II (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| BIO 500 | Biological Statistics | 3(2-2) |
| PSY 511 | Statistics in Psychology | 3(3-1) |
Required Courses III (3 hours)
Select one of the following:
| BIO 600 | Biological Research Design and Analysis | 3(2-2) |
| PSY 611 | Research Design | 3(3-0) |
Electives (6 hours)
To be chosen in consultation with an advisor.
Note: Students need a minimum of 2 credit hours from elective courses at the 600 level.
Total: 30 semester hours