Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology

The mission of our PhD program is to provide students with a foundation in the fields of neuroscience and anatomical sciences. The combination of course work and research experience prepares students for a diversity of career paths in the basic sciences, spanning academia (both research and education), scientific outreach, biotechnology, and private sector research. The department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology provides a highly collaborative environment that offers training in state-of-the-art research techniques at molecular, cellular, and system levels and is part of a large campus-wide neuroscience community with over 200 neuroscientists. Current research areas include Sensory Systems Neuroscience, Neural Development and Plasticity, Neurotrauma and Repair, Anatomical Evolution, and Anatomical Pedagogy. Techniques available within the department include molecular genetics, 3-D imaging of morphology, functional imaging electron microscopy, electrophysiology, optogenetics, behavior phylogenetics, and cadaveric and fresh-tissue dissection.

Students in the program are required to conduct a multi-year research project with a faculty advisor, culminating in a contribution to the scientific literature. Students receive a support package consisting of an annual stipend of $33,000, full waiver of tuition and fees, plus health care benefits. The stipend increases to $35,000 after passing the qualifying exam and advancing to Doctoral Candidacy. Students can select a mentor from multiple world class investigators with appointments to the Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology (list of faculty research interests can be found here). Because only a subset of faculty members accept new students into their research programs each year, applying students should have research interests that align with multiple faculty members.

Doctoral training is supplemented with an interactive seminar series that features nationally and internationally distinguished scientists.  Both the institution and the department provide additional opportunities for career development including mentorship opportunities, scientific outreach at local schools and museums, a teaching academy, practical teaching opportunities within the department, and a Career Research Advancement Focused Training Seminar series.

Download PDF: Requirements for the PhD Degree

List of ASNB Graduate Student Publications: ASNB Graduate Student Publications

M.S. in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology 

The mission of our Master’s Program is to provide students with a foundation in anatomy and neurobiology in preparation for further graduate or professional school training. The program combines coursework with the completion of an individual scholarly project under the direction of a departmental mentor (list of possible mentors can be found here). Requirements for this degree are generally completed within two years.

Download PDF: Requirements for M.S. Thesis Program