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Life Sciences:
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Program:
Neuroscience
PhD

Neuroscience

Application Deadline

  • Fall: Jan 15

    • Contact Information

    192S ESC
    801-422-1218
    neuroscience@byu.edu
    Website
    Request Information
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    Admission Requirements
    Tests

    GRE, MCAT, or DAT are not required but may be submitted if desired.

    Course Prerequisites

    In addition to general graduate requirements, applicants should fulfill the following requirements:
    • Applicants should have a strong background in neuroscience. This should include 1) at least one advanced course completed in Behavioral Neuroscience AND 2) at least one advanced course completed in Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience. Students who do not fulfill either or both of these requirements may be conditionally accepted into the program, on condition that they take the course(s) they are missing (NEURO 460 and/or 480, respectively) during their first semester and pass each course with a grade of 3.0 or higher.
    • Applicants should also have a solid foundation in the basic sciences, with university-level credit in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Biology/Physiology.
    • Applicants’ undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or greater. Applicants with a lower GPA must submit a petition.

    Additional Requirements
    • Resume
    • Transcripts
    • Three Letters of Recommendation: at least two from academic mentors/faculty/research advisors.
    • Letter of Intent: Document summarizing your background, career goals, research experience, interest level, likely fit, and desire to conduct graduate research with at least three specific faculty members in the program.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact individual faculty members whose research is aligned with the prospective student's long-term goals. This allows the faculty member to advocate on behalf of the applicant during the acceptance process. Students will work directly with faculty mentors throughout their graduate programs. Faculty contact information can be found here.
    Program Requirements
    Course work and research that emphasize the integration of cellular neuroscience, molecular biology, developmental biology, biophysics, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuroendocrinology, neuroimmunology, cognition, and behavioral neuroscience is offered through this PhD degree program. Students are required to develop a strong background in the principles of neuroscience and develop the intellectual background and technical expertise necessary for successful research projects in their area of specialization. Publication of the research in peer-reviewed journals is expected but not required.

    Requirements for Degree
    • Credit hours: 56 hours, including 18 hours of dissertation (Neuro 799R).
    • Students who have earned a master’s degree must complete at least 36 semester hours of additional graduate work at BYU beyond the master’s degree.
    • Required courses:
      • Bio 503 Research Orientation 1.0
      • Cell 570 Responsible Research Conduct 1.0
      • Neuro 601 Cellular Neuroscience 3.0
      • Neuro 602 Behavioral Neurobiology 3.0
      • Neuro 649R Laboratory Research 2.0
      • Neuro 689R Practicum in Neuroscience Teaching or Research 2.0
      • Neuro 694R Research Presentation 3.5 (0.5 credits for 7 semesters)
      • Neuro 696R Neuroscience Graduate Seminar 3.5 (0.5 credits for 7 semesters)
      • Stat 511 Statistical Methods for Research 1 or equivalent 3.0
      • Neuro 799R Doctoral Dissertation 18.0
      • Electives 9.0
      • One semester (2 credits) of Neuro 694R must be performed in a laboratory different than the laboratory of the student’s graduate committee chair.
      • A seminar must be presented each year (Neuro 694R).
      • A professional development requirement must be met (Neuro 689R).
    • Dissertation: American Psychological Association format or journal publication format.
    • Examinations: (A) comprehensive written and oral examination; (B) defense of dissertation.
    Program Outcomes
    Knowledge of Neuroscience Concepts
    Describe the current state of the discipline in their area of specialization as well as foundational theories, concepts, and practices of the field. Students will add new knowledge to their field through designing and conducting research procedures, collecting data, analyzing data, determining how new knowledge fits in with current understanding in the field, and disseminating their findings to the broader scientific community.

    Professional Development
    Develop professionally through research or teaching assistantships and presentation of their research (Neuro 694R).

    Scientific Method and Research
    Successfully apply the scientific method by generating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis in their personal research that includes appropriate controls, and formulating defensible conclusions.

    Critical Analysis and Effective Communication
    Critically evaluate the current scientific literature in the discipline, write research proposals and papers, and make effective oral and written presentations. Publication of research in peer reviewed journals is strongly encouraged.

    Teaching
    Hone teaching skills through presentation of their research and teaching practicums. Under the direction of a faculty mentor, teach in a formal class setting. Assess student learning and performance.
    Program Stats
    Characteristics of Students from Past Academic Year
    Total Students 6.0
    International 1.0
    Male 5.0
    Female 1.0
    LDS 6.0
    BYU Undergraduate 3.0
    Five Year Average of Graduated Students
    Average Years to Degree 1.89
    Graduated Per Year 18.2
    GMAT Quantitative Percentile 67.5
    Five Year Average of Admitted Students
    Applied Per Year 4.2
    Admitted Per Year 1.8
    Percent Admitted 42.86
    Average GPA 3.62
    Courses and Faculty

    Department Courses Department Faculty