Master's Degree in Neuroscience

<h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInNeuroscience">Master of Science in Neuroscience</h3> <p>In many schools, the graduate program in neuroscience is multi-disciplinary, with faculty from different departments (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, psychology, and computer science) participating in the delivery of courses. The scope of the program may be wider than other programs listed in this article, as it tackles many sub-fields related to neuroscience, such as behavioral neuroscience, molecular neuroscience, and integrative neuroscience. To be admitted to a master's degree program in neuroscience, applicants must typically have good academic standing (GPA of about 3.4 and minimum specified GRE scores), a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or psychology, and prior research experience. Students are expected to grow their expertise in neuroscience, further develop their skills in laboratory research, and develop competence in the analysis of scientific articles. Graduates of this degree program will have finished around 30 credit units and can subsequently venture into academia and research. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInNeurobiology">Master of Science in Neurobiology</h3> <p>Master's degree programs in neurobiology tackle the anatomy of the brain and the biological principles related to it. These types of programs prepare students for careers in healthcare, academia, or industry, and may serve as an intermediate step to medical school or to PhD programs. Good academic records during their undergraduate studies and prior research experience are typically required for applicants. Through such a program, students may gain knowledge on medical anatomy and neuroscience, biostatistics, and research methodologies. The degree can commonly be completed within one or two years (about 32 credit units) through the fulfillment of coursework and a thesis project. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInCognitiveNeuroscience">Master of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience</h3> <p>Cognitive neuroscience is a sub-field of neuroscience that studies the biological processes in the brain that give rise to cognition or sensing, decision-making, and social interactions. Lectures and coursework explore topics such as neural activities, attention and perception, memory, and executive control. Cognitive neuroscience is heavily research-driven, so degree programs are often designed in a way that students need to conduct experiments and produce a thesis. Master's degree programs should be completed within two years (approximately 32 credit units). Graduates of this degree may build careers in health or medicine, technology, business, research, or education. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInIntegrativeNeuroscience">Master of Science in Integrative Neuroscience</h3> <p>Students who want to experience a more assimilated degree program may opt to study integrative neuroscience. Spanning 1 to 2 years (about 30 credit units), the education is based on neuroscience principles, but also explores computation and bioinformatics, imaging methods, and world health. Applicants must have earned a four-year Bachelor's degree. Depending on the school, students often choose between tracks such as science policy or laboratory research. Students in the science policy track can develop a foundation in public policy-making and study global issues in science, health, and technology. On the other hand, students in the laboratory research track take research practicum courses to learn about neuroscience research methodologies. This can prepare them for careers in government, education, or research. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInNeuroscienceAndEducation">Master of Science in Neuroscience and Education</h3> <p>This kind of degree program combines the principles of neuroscience and education, such that the innovations achieved by studying cognition and behavior can be used to solve problems in schools and other similar social settings. Here, students learn about the basics of neuroscience, data analysis, and the application of neuroscience on education. There is no specific bachelor's degree needed to be eligible to the program, as long as the applicant has been credited 120 units. The programs typically take 2 years to finish (around 32 credit units), by which students are required to complete their theses and should be equipped to pursue doctorate degrees or careers in research and consultancy. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Program</b></td><td><b>Program Length</b></td><td><b>Program Requirements</b></td><td><b>Related Careers</b></td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Neuroscience</td><td>2 years</td><td>*Undergraduate Degree<br />*GPA of 3.4 or higher<br />*GRE scores<br />*Faculty sponsor</td><td>*Researcher/Scientist<br />*Professor</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Neurobiology</td><td>2 years</td><td>*Undergraduate Degree<br />*GPA of 3.0 or higher<br />*GRE and TOEFL/IELTS (for international students) scores</td><td>*Researcher/Scientist<br />*Professor</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience</td><td>2 years</td><td>*Undergraduate Degree<br />*GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores</td><td>*Industrial researcher (Telecommunications, Computer-human interaction, Artificial Intelligence)<br />*Academic researcher</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Integrative Neuroscience</td><td>1 to 2 years</td><td>*Undergraduate Degree<br />*GPA of 3.0 or higher<br />*TOEFL or IELTS score</td><td>*Researcher/Scientist<br />* Science Policy Advisor/Public Policy Specialist</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Science in Neuroscience and Education</td><td>2 years</td><td>*Undergraduate Degree<br />*TOEFL or IELTS score</td><td>*Researcher/Scientist<br />*Educational consultant</td></tr> </table><p>Neuroscience is a research-driven discipline with many sub-fields from which master's degree students can choose. Under such programs, students learn about anatomy, neurological processes, applications of neuroscience, and laboratory methods, to comply with requirements like the master's thesis and to prepare them for careers in academia, industry, and healthcare.</p>