Neuroscience, M.S.
Minimum Totals for Graduation: 30 hours
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Neuroscience at Central Michigan University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of neuroscience combined with intensive research training. The program will prepare students for doctoral-level graduate programs or for advanced programs and career options in biomedical and neuroscience-related fields. All students in the program will be actively involved in research with a graduate program faculty advisor. Prior to submitting application materials, students should contact Neuroscience Program faculty whose research is of interest.
Admission Requirements, Retention & Termination Standards
Admission Requirement Snapshot
GPA: 3.0
Entrance Exam: GRE
Application Deadline: January 5
See Admission Requirement Details Below
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; however, strong preference is given to complete applications received on or before January 5.
To apply to the program, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, official GRE scores, a personal statement, and a completed “Neuroscience Supplemental Application” form are required. Letters of reference should be submitted directly by referees to the program at NSC@cmich.edu. Application forms and detailed instructions are found on the program website (https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/se/neuroscience/programs/graduate/Pages/default.aspx).
Applicants are expected to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) before starting in the program. Students should have completed at least 5 courses (at 300 level or above) in chemistry and biology (including neuroscience or biologically-based psychology courses), and at least one statistics course. Preference will be given to students with prior research experience and at least a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). In some cases, excellence in one area may compensate for deficiencies in another; however, students who are deficient in a subject area will be expected to make up this deficiency during the first year in the Program. A maximum of 9 credit hours earned during non-degree status may be applied toward the M.S. degree.
The M.S. in Neuroscience requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate work. To attain the Master of Science in Neuroscience degree, students must complete the required coursework (earning a B or better in core courses), obtain approval of a written thesis, present their thesis research in a forum open to the public, and successfully defend their thesis. Students who are unable to achieve a B or better on the comprehensive examinations for the Principles of Neuroscience courses and defend their thesis after two attempts will be dismissed from the program. 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