Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the brain, nervous system, and behavior, combining approaches from biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and medicine to understand how the nervous system functions at all levels—from molecules and cells to circuits and behavior. It seeks to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior, with applications ranging from treating neurological disease to understanding human consciousness and developing brain-inspired technologies.

Master's thesis research is the central element of the 4+1 Thesis Track. The thesis is an extension of research conducted at the undergraduate level and tied closely to the research advisor’s interest and expertise. A student conducting a thesis in partial fulfillment of the 4+1 degree in Neuroscience will assemble a thesis committee of three faculty members, two of whom must be members of the Tulane Brain Institute. The student will prepare a written thesis prospectus for the committee, not to exceed 5 pages. The prospectus should describe briefly the specific hypotheses, the most relevant literature, the proposed methodology and data analysis, and the expected outcomes and significance of the project. Within one week after submission of the prospectus to committee members, the student will meet with the full committee for comments and guidance. The meeting with the thesis committee should occur prior to October 1 of the 4+1 year of study. Upon completion of the thesis, the committee will read and review the final thesis document and evaluate student performance at a formal thesis defense. The final document submitted to the Science and Engineering Graduate office following the thesis defense is due in April for spring graduation or late July for summer graduation. The exact dates vary from year to year, so be sure to check the dates!  The thesis must be defended and submitted in final form to the School of Science and Engineering within two years after entering the master's program.  Students who fail to meet the two-year deadline will be recommended for dismissal from the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience. Details about the thesis can be found in the School of Science and Engineering's Thesis Preparation Guidelines. For additional information regarding the thesis, contact Dr. Clark or Dr. Beth Wee.

Tulane students working toward the B.S. in Neuroscience or a related major may apply for admission. To be considered for admission, the student should submit a Tulane graduate application form, an official transcript, and two letters of reference written by full-time members of the Tulane Faculty who have had the student in a science course. For students planning to do the Thesis Track, one of these letters must come from a faculty member who is a member of the Tulane Brain Institute confirming their commitment to supervise the student. Acceptance into the program will be competitive and based on the decision of the 4+1 Neuroscience Program Committee. Successful applicants to the program are suggested to have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.4.

Required materials to be included in your application:

1. Completed Tulane Graduate School application form
2. 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.
3. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may be used for review. Formal acceptance can only be issued after official transcripts are furnished.
4. Letters of recommendation from two faculty members who taught you in your science courses.

Program Committee: Sara Clark - Program Director

Contact Stefanie de Abreu in the Neuroscience Program regarding specific admission procedures.

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 year will incur additional tuition and student fees, per credit hour.

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. For application inquiries, please email sdeabreu@tulane.edu

Required materials to be included in your application:

1. Completed Tulane Graduate School application form
2. 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.
3. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may be used for review. Formal acceptance can only be issued after official transcripts are furnished.
4. 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.

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.