Tulane University offers a Master of Science degree in Neuroscience for students with baccalaureate degrees from other institutions. Students in the M.S. program take courses relevant to their interests in Neuroscience and related fields. Completion of an empirical master’s thesis under the guidance of an advisor who is a member of the Tulane Brain Institute is optional. However, this may require additional semester(s) beyond the one-year program, and additional fees would be charged. All master's students are encouraged to gain research experience and may earn independent study credit. The mission of the M.S. program is to prepare students for admission to doctoral programs in the neurosciences, careers in neuroscience-related fields, or for admission to medical or other pre-health (e.g., Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, etc.) schools. Completion of the M.S. program does not guarantee acceptance to Tulane's Ph.D. programs or medical school.
Contacts
Dr. Beth Wee, PhD | Program Director
Phone:504-314-7548
Email: bwee@tulane.edu
Dr. Sara Clark | Associate Director
Phone: 504-862-3364
Email: sclark4@tulane.edu
Stefanie de Abreu | Neuroscience Operations Manager I
Neuroscience Office: 200 Flower Hall
Phone: 504-862-3305
Email: sdeabreu@tulane.edu
Admission Criteria
Acceptance into the program is competitive and based on the decision of a Steering Committee comprised of Tulane Brain Institute faculty members. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of college level biology, chemistry, and physics and exhibit the potential for graduate study. Successful applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of ~3.4 and grades of B or better in their science courses.
Students may enter the program during either the fall or spring semester of any academic year. The deadline for receipt of the COMPLETED APPLICATION, INCLUDING ALL SUPPORTING MATERIALS is June 1 to start in the fall semester and October 15 to start in the spring semester. For application inquiries, please email sdeabreu@tulane.edu
Required materials to be included in your application:
- Completed Tulane Graduate School application form
- Completed statement of purpose (500 words or less) that describes why you want to complete the program and how it fits into your career goals.
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may be used for review. Formal acceptance can only be issued after official transcripts are furnished.
- Letters of recommendation from three faculty members who have had you in courses, with at least two of the recommendations being from faculty who had you in science courses.
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate an adequate command of the English language. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores or other evidence of English Proficiency are required. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 points on the written exam, 250 on the computerized exam, or 90 on the internet-based exam is required. For more information about the TOEFL, visit the TOEFL website or contact ETS. When requesting ETS to send your score to the Neuroscience Graduate Program, please use our university code (6173) and departmental code (99).
Contact Stefanie de Abreu in the Neuroscience Program regarding specific admission procedures.
Costs
Tuition and fees for all university schools are determined per fiscal year by the university administration. The most recent tuition and fees table can be found on the Accounts Receivable website.
There are no internal scholarships, assistantships or other types of financial awards available for the MS program. Students should contact Tulane Financial Aid for FASFA and/or private loan information.
Curriculum
Consistent with the training model for our doctoral students, each M.S. student follows an individualized program of study. Most students concentrate on a specific area of Neuroscience, and their course work reflects that focus. The degree requires 30 credits at the graduate level. Students are required to take Graduate Neuroscience I (NSCI 7110) or Cellular Neuroscience (NSCI 6310), Neuroscience Applied (NSCI 6400), Trends in Neuroscience (NSCI 6040-01), and Brain Institute Seminar (NSCI 6030-03). These classes make up 8 of the required 30 credits needed to complete the degree. Research, Internship, and MS Thesis may be taken for up to 3 credits/semester. No more than 6 credits of Research/Thesis (combined) and 6 credits of Internship can count towards the 30-credit program requirement. The curriculum is flexible and specific to each individual student. For a list of faculty members for students interested in research visit brain.tulane.edu. The course plan of study must be developed in consultation with Dr. Sara Clark.
NOTE: Students must earn at least a B in their graduate courses and must have at least a 3.0 overall GPA to graduate. Failure to earn at least a B- in a graduate course means that the course grade will count towards your GPA, but the course credit will not count towards the required 30 credits needed to graduate.
Duration of Study
Students may enter the program during either the fall or spring semester of any academic year. Students should complete their degree requirements within two academic semesters and must complete all requirements within two years. Additional semesters beyond the first two semesters will incur additional tuition and student fees.
Course List for the M.S. Degree in Neuroscience at Tulane University
View a list of graduate courses available to graduate students in neuroscience.
