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: None
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. Applications received at other times will be reviewed only at the request of the prospective faculty mentor.
To apply to the program via the online application portal, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement are required. Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by referees to the online application portal. GRE scores are optional. Detailed instructions are found on the program website (https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/college-science-engineering/departments-schools/neuroscience).
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, all students must complete the required coursework (earning a B or better in core courses). For the Plan A degree, students must obtain approval of a written thesis, present their thesis research in a forum open to the public, and successfully defend their thesis. Plan A students who are unable defend their thesis after two attempts will be dismissed from the program. For the Plan B degree, students must obtain approval of the Independent Study proposal and successfully present their findings. All students must achieve a B or better on the required Principles of Neuroscience courses or pass a subsequent, related comprehensive exam. All other retention and termination standards for the program follow University policy as specified in the Graduate Bulletin.
Program Requirements
Required Courses I (12 hours)
| NSC 501 | Principles of Neuroscience I | 4(4-0) |
| NSC 502 | Principles of Neuroscience II | 4(4-0) |
| NSC 597 | Special Topics in Neuroscience | 1-4(Spec) |
| NSC 690 | Research Seminar Neuroscience | 1-4(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) |
Plan (3-6 hours)
Select one of the following plans:
Plan A (6 hours)
Plan B (3 hours)
Note: 3 hours of
NSC 697 are required.
Electives (9-12 hours)
To be chosen in consultation with an advisor.
Note:
- Plan A: 9 hours with a minimum of 5 credit hours at the 600 level or higher.
- Plan B: 12 hours with a minimum of 8 credit hours at the 600 level or higher.
Total: 30 semester hours
Accelerated Admissions to the M.S. in Neuroscience
Undergraduates with a signed major in Neuroscience can pursue a Master of Science degree in Neuroscience while still fulfilling the requirements for their Bachelor's degree. The Accelerated Graduate Degree Program (AGDP) allows students to reduce the total number of credits to complete their undergraduate and graduate level degrees by applying up to 15 credits (500 level courses) toward requirements on both degree programs. The program requirements on the Accelerated Master's Degree program are identical to those of the Master of Science in Neuroscience.