Thank you for seeking information concerning the Neuroscience Graduate Program at Vanderbilt University. Our doctoral program encourages applications from all highly qualified students. Presently, our program has 69 graduate students.

Students holding degrees in the biological or physical sciences, psychology, or biomedical engineering are especially encouraged to apply to the Graduate Program, but applicants from other fields will be considered. Students are advised to take the Graduate Record Examinations as early as possible. Complete applications should be received by December 15. You should apply to our graduate program online. There is no application fee for an online application.

Applicants to our graduate program are evaluated on the totality of their scholarly achievements, including previous research experience as well as GPA and test scores. The general GRE is required by the Graduate School and original scores from ETS as well as letters of recommendation and a scientific writing sample must be received to complete the application before the December 15 deadline. Subject GRE test are not required. There is a Graduate School minimum B average in overall undergraduate GPA and GPA in major. There are no Graduate School minimums for GRE scores. For perspective, the mean GPA of entering students in our program in the last few years is about 3.5 with average GRE scores of about V=560; Q=680 and W=4.4.

It must be emphasized that many other factors, including demonstrated research abilities, experience and recommendations are highly important in the admissions process.

We offer advanced training leading to the Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience in two different tracks - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, and Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience. Details of the differences in curriculum and requirements for these two tracks are available on our program website (see above). Students wishing to enter the Cellular and Molecular track should direct their application to the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGP) (located under apply tab), whereas those wishing to enter the Cognitive and Systems doctoral program should apply directly to that program through the Graduate School. A link directing you to the application pages can be found above.

Graduates of our department are superbly prepared for a variety of career options in both academia and industry. Due to an excellent faculty-graduate student ratio, extensive opportunities are available for interaction and exchange of ideas in a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. Each student's program is designed to provide a broad-based education in neuroscience, yet accommodate individual needs and interests to allow students to become creative, independent scientists. Please see the web site listed above for more information on our graduate program.

All of our doctoral students receive financial support in the form of a stipend as well as waiver of tuition. Our current stipend level is $25,500 per year, and the costs of tuition, health insurance, and some fees are covered by the University. In addition, applicants may be nominated at the time of application for Harold S. Vanderbilt graduate scholarships and other awards, which provide an additional stipend of up to $10,000 per year to students of exceptional accomplishment and high promise.

If you have any questions about the Neuroscience Graduate Program, or the application process, please call me at 615-936-3933 or send an e-mail to douglas.s.mcmahon@vanderbilt.edu. I look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely,
Douglas G. McMahon, Ph.D.
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Neuroscience
Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt Training in Neuroscience

Two Neuroscience tracks/three paths (areas of focus) are offered within the Vanderbilt Brain Institute Neuroscience Graduate Program. The Integrative and Cognitive track emphasizes neural systems and global brain function, while the Cellular and Molecular track stresses genetic, molecular and cellular approaches to understanding brain function and disease.

The Cellular/Molecular Track, process of qualifying as a doctoral candidate and training faculty provide doctoral training emphasizing neurogenetics and genetic dissection of neural development, molecular aspects of synapse formation and plasticity, structure and regulation of ion channels and transporters, targeting and signal transduction, psychotropic drug action, the molecular basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models. Click here to apply via Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP)

The Cognitive/Systems Track curriculum, process of qualifying as a doctoral candidate, and training faculty provide doctoral training emphasizing cognitive neuroscience, sensory-motor systems, neuroimaging, neural development, synaptic plasticity, neurobiological basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegeneratiev disorders, and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models. Click here to apply via the Graduate Program

Additonal Vanderbilt Brain Institute Neuroscience Graduate Program activities are designed to facilitate the development of knowledge and skills critical to a research career, including teaching, comprehensive knowledge of research literature, grants writing, developing excellent communication skills, and acquiring a scholarly neuroscience background through attendance in seminars, journal clubs, and similar events. The Neuroscience Student Organization (NSO) unites trainees from across campus, providing opportunities to present research, share critical information, and develop a network of friends and future colleagues.

Vanderbilt Graduate Training in Neuroscience

The Molecular Track curriculum, process of qualifying as a doctoral candidate, and training faculty provide doctoral training emphasizing neurogenetics and genetic dissection of neural development, molecular aspects of synapse formation and plasticity, structure and regulation of ion channels and transporters, targeting and signal transduction, psychotropic drug action, the molecular basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models. Click here to apply via the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP)

The Systems/Cognitive Track curriculum, process of qualifying as a doctoral candidate, and training faculty provide doctoral training emphasizing cognitive neuroscience, sensory-motor systems, neuroimaging, neural development, synaptic plasticity, neurobiological basis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders,and targeted gene disruption in transgenic animals to ascertain the function of neural genes and establish disease models.Click here to apply via the Graduate Program

Neuroscience Graduate Program

Vanderbilt Brain Institute's Neuroscience Graduate Program fosters development from trainee to independent research scientist and educator. Students have the option of a curriculum and research program that emphasizes either Cellular and Molecular or Integrative and cognitive neuroscience, preparing each trainee for a future in which neuroscientists must be able to make the transition from molecules and cells to neural systems and behavior.

Neuroscience, the study of the nervous system, is one of the most rapidly advancing areas of modern science. Progress in identifying, visualizing and manipulating key determinants of neural development, signaling and plasticity is driven by and inextricably linked to advances in our understanding of nervous system structure and function. The distinguished training faculty of the Vanderbilt Brain Institute Neuroscience Graduate Program at Vanderbilt University reflects the multidisciplinary nature of modern neurobiologic inquiry, and is drawn from diverse fields such as Psychology, Biochemistry, Molecular Physiology, and Pharmacology.