2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Physiology and Neuroscience, MS


Program Description:

The Master of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience degree can be earned through one of two programs–the thesis option or the course option. For both options, the program curriculum is built on fundamental concepts in biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology and neuroscience. In addition, students take part in the departmental seminar and can choose elective topics relevant to their research or educational needs and career objectives.

Admissions Requirements:

Physiology and Neuroscience - The requirements for admission are:

  1. B.A., B.S., or equivalent degree
  2. Overall GPA of 3.00-plus.  A GPA of less than 3.0 requires submission of GRE scores with a combined GRE total exceeding 305 (minimum 153 Verbal; 152 Quantitative).
  3. International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  A TOEFL score exceeding 550, or a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL-IBL is required.
  4. Suggested prerequisite courses: general biology (two years), chemistry (two years including organic chemistry), general physics (one year), mathematics (one year through introductory calculus), and one year of advanced study in biology, chemistry, physics, or computer science

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Program Requirements:


Physiology and Neuroscience - In order to qualify for the Master of Science degree-thesis option, students must satisfy the requirements of the Graduate School as well as program requirements. The first two semesters involve 17 credit hours, which include required departmental and other courses determined in consultation with the student’s advisor. Research activities begin in the second semester of the first year. The second program year involves 13 credit hours with emphasis on research. Completed research is presented in written thesis form at the end of the second year, with a public oral defense.

Thesis Option:


1. Required Courses


2. Required experiential component


3. Electives


  • Other electives related to the program of study may be taken with approval of the Program Director and thesis advisor.

Total: 30 Hours


Course Option:


Physiology and Neuroscience - In order to qualify for the Master of Science degree-course option, students must satisfy the requirements of the Graduate School as well as program requirements. The experiential component of the degree is provided by writing-intensive courses that engage the student in experimental design and literature-based research.

1. Required Courses


2. Required experiential component


3. Electives


  • Other electives related to the program of study may be taken with approval of the Program Director and thesis advisor.

Total: 30 Hours