Program Specifics

Programs of Study
The Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota includes the study of topics such as molecular, cellular, systems, developmental, computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, neuroeconomics, and behavioral neurobiology, which lead to the Ph.D. degree. This variety of research interests is represented by over 125 faculty members from 30 University departments. Students begin the program with a four-week hands-on laboratory course at the University of Minnesota’s Forestry and Biological Station at Itasca State Park in northern Minnesota, where you receive your stipend and room and board are covered by the program.

Research Facilities
The laboratories are well supplied with instrumentation for research in neuroscience. Laboratories with specific research goals have a variety of special equipment. Facilities available at the University include PET imaging, extensive nuclear resonance imaging facilities, transgenic mice facilities, and several supercomputers.

Financial Aid
Entering students are offered full financial support for the first two years of their graduate studies. Students received full support while they are working towards their PhD, assuming that they are in good standing and making good progress toward their PhD degree. Sources of support vary, as we have many training grants, program funds, as well as specific research grants of the research advisor. At least half of our trainees apply for, and are funded by, individual fellowship awards - both internally and externally funded. During the 2019-20 academic year, full support includes $33,000 in direct aid for a twelve-month year plus, 95% coverage of health-care benefits, (and some dependent-care coverage) worth more than $3000 per year. Students receive an additional amount of more than $8000 in the form of tuition and fee support.

Cost of Study
The cost of tuition is fully waived for students receiving support.

Student Group
Approximately 40,000 degree-seeking students are enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. About 8,000 of these are enrolled in the Graduate School. Many graduate students are from out of state and from other countries. The Graduate Program in Neuroscience admits about 10-16 new students each year.

Student Outcomes
Students graduating from the program commonly accept postdoctoral fellowship positions at major research universities throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Location
The Greater Twin Cities area and the state of Minnesota provide a broad selection of cultural and recreational opportunities. The Minnesota Orchestra and the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre are very well known, and tickets for their performances are available at special student rates. In addition, there are all the other cultural activities associated with a metropolitan area and a major urban university. There is also a full complement of professional and amateur athletic activities. In the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” the opportunities for outdoor recreation are exceptional. The nationally famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area is only one example of the variety that is available.

The University
The University of Minnesota was established by the Territorial Legislature in 1851 and perpetuated by the new State Constitution in 1857 as an autonomous unit, independent of the legislative and executive branches of the state. In an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and generous state financial support, the University has grown to become one of the largest in the world.

Applying
Applications for admissions are due by December 1 for classes that begin the end of July. Applications for admission for international students are due by December 1 also. In addition to a completed application form and transcripts, admission requirements include three letters of recommendation, a statement describing immediate and long-range career objectives, and an application fee of $75 for domestic students or $95 for international students. NO GREs are needed. If you need a fee waver, please contact Dr. Danielle Watt at watt0175@umn.edu. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL score.

Correspondence and Information may be sent to:

John Paton, Department Administrator
University of Minnesota
Graduate Program in Neuroscience
6-145 Jackson Hall
321 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
Telephone: 612-626-6474
Fax: 612-626-6460