Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology (NCBP)

Master of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience

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Why Choose the Physiology and Neuroscience Program?

You can earn the Master of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience degree through one of two programs—the thesis option or the course option.

The thesis option offers you the full range of professional experience, including intensive research and writing. This option assures you will experience training in research techniques and the preparation of scholarly papers. Your studies will culminate in the preparation and defense of a thesis based on original research. Your program of study is an initiation into methods of focused study and research in a selected area of physiology or neuroscience.

The course option allows you to plan a program of study that, along with the degree requirements, satisfies your educational needs and career objectives. This might be to extend knowledge for a current position, or as preparation for one of many health professions. Your program of study typically culminates with two scientific writing courses broadly in the areas of physiology and/or neuroscience.

Careers

This master’s degree program can open many opportunities in the health profession. Some positions in physiology and neuroscience include:

  • Chiropractor
  • Clinical research assistant
  • Counselor
  • EEG technologist
  • Exercise physiologist
  • Forensic technician
  • Health education
  • Laboratory technician
  • Medical and health care manager
  • Medical technician
  • Patient care assistant
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Physical therapist
  • Psychometrist
  • Registered nurse
  • Regulatory affairs specialist

Success Stories

Physiology and neuroscience graduate student Ryan Rakoczy hopes to develop better treatments for prematurely born infants and others with breathing ailments.

Academics and Curriculum

View the Master of Science in Physiology and Neuroscience program information and degree requirements in the Academic Catalog.

NCBP Graduate Student Handbook (PDF)

Opportunities for Advanced Study

While the department does not offer a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience, a continuation of graduate studies with our faculty—by students from this or any other graduate program—may lead to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Biomedical Sciences. This is offered in conjunction with the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Program at Wright State University.

Program Goals

The goals of the graduate program are to provide you the opportunity to apply your knowledge of physiology and neuroscience to solve an original problem through laboratory research and to achieve a high level of professional competence.

All graduates of the program develop a depth of understanding of human physiology and neurobiology, are afforded the opportunity to prepare for a career in research and are prepared for further professional study following graduation.

The graduate program:

  • Prepares you for a research career in the biomedical sciences
  • Serves as a transition to a Ph.D. program or other professional program
  • Features courses taught by full-time Graduate School faculty
  • Provides a strong academic foundation in physiology and neuroscience

Admission

Applicants must have a baccalaureate (B.S., B.A.) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution and should have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above to be adequately prepared for graduate work in anatomy. Although there are no required prerequisite courses, applicants should have completed at least one year of biology and two years of chemistry, including organic chemistry.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should only be submitted if the applicant’s GPA is less than 3.00. The GRE total should exceed 305 (minimum 153 verbal, 152 quantitative). An international student’s TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score should exceed 550, or a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL-IBT exam. This program does not accept the International Language Testing System (IELTS).

A graduate application must be completed and forwarded to the Graduate School. Transcripts from all institutions attended, an application fee, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation, preferably from college faculty familiar with your academic ability and potential for success in a graduate program, must be submitted. An interview is required.

The application deadline for fall semester is August 1.

Graduate application forms and instructions are on the Graduate School website.

For more information, contact:

Graduate School
Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.
Dayton, OH 45435-0001
937-775-2976 or 800-452-4723 (toll free)
Fax: 937-775-2453
Email: wsugrad@wright.edu

Additional questions? Call Kim Hagler, program secretary, at 937-775-4496 in the NCBP graduate program office located in 105 White Hall.