Overview

The Neuroscience Training Program at the CU School of Medicine provides multidisciplinary PhD training covering the breadth of neurobiology. Hands-on research training in state-of-the-art laboratories and formal coursework in cellular and molecular neurobiology, systems, neural development, neuropharmacology, and biochemistry, propels students to competitive careers in the sciences.

Admissions Requirements

The Neuroscience application deadline is December 1.

PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS IS NOVEMBER 1.

Applications received by December 1 will be given first consideration for admission to the Fall Semester of the following year, but applications received subsequently may also be considered.

An application for admission must include the following:

• Graduate School on-line application (Includes resume, statement of purpose and research statement)
• A $50 (domestic) or $75 (international) non-refundable application fee. An application will not be processed without payment. Fee waivers are available for qualified applicants.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• TOEFL scores and financial support verification (international students)
• One (1) unofficial or official transcript of all academic work completed to date. An official transcript will be required following acceptance to matriculate into our program and must come from the issuing institution directly and sent either electronically or mailed to:

Electronic Transcript(s): graduate.school@cuanschutz.edu

Mailed Transcript(s):

University of Colorado Denver
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
Fitzsimons Building, W5107
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045

Exams | The GRE is not required. International students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Undergraduate Coursework | An undergraduate degree or its equivalent is required. A baccalaureate degree in a biological science, chemistry, physics or engineering is recommended.

GPA | There is no absolute requirement for grade point average above that required by the graduate school, but successful applicants will generally have GPAs above 3.2 (A=4.0).

Research Experience | Research experience is strongly recommended.

Degree Requirements

First Year

Second Year

Third Year & Beyond

Learning Objectives

Graduate education in general | Doctoral education is the foundation of future scholarship and the “engine” of the research enterprise.  It prepares future faculty and leaders in the academy and other areas of industry and society.

Program/Student Learning Outcomes | The PhD program in Neuroscience trains graduate students to become proficient and successful investigators who are able to:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of central concepts in the biomedical sciences.
• Understand the current concepts in Neuroscience.
• Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
• Formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field and design, conduct, and interpret their own research projects.
• Present research results in peer-reviewed publications and in a dissertation.
• Communicate research results effectively through oral presentations at scientific seminars, conferences, and other venues.
• Write a competitive application for research funding.
• Develop ancillary skills, where necessary, to obtain positions outside of scientific research.

Courses

Policies

Please refer to the Graduate School Policies page.

Contact Us

Abigail Person, PhD
Associate Professor
Program Co-Director
abigail.person@cuanschutz.edu

Nathan E. Schoppa, PhD
Professor
Program Co-Director
nathan.schoppa@cuanschutz.edu

Kayla Thomas
Program Administrator
Kayla.2.Thomas@cuanschutz.edu
NRSC@cuanschutz.edu