Master’s Program

Lin Lin and Zhen Yan, PhD.

Master’s students are assigned an academic adviser who assists the student in tailoring a course curriculum. Pictured are master’s student Lin Lin, left, and Zhen Yan, PhD, professor of physiology and biophysics.

Our program offers studies in cell biology, advanced neuroscience, topics in neuroscience, advanced statistics and neuroanatomy research.

Requirements and Curriculum

The neuroscience master’s degree is a two-year (four-semester) program requiring completion of 30 credits. The required courses and suggested electives are listed below. Upon entering the master’s program, you will consult with the neuroscience program director, who will help tailor a curriculum that suits you best. 

You will need to get a grade of B or higher on all required courses, and maintain an overall GPA above 3.0. Grades of B- or lower do not count toward the 30 credits required for graduation.

Required Courses

  • NRS 520 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, 4 credits
  • NRS 524 Quantitative Neuroanatomy, 4 credits
  • NRS 601 Research Seminar Evaluations, 1 credit
  • NRS 602 Seminars in Neuroscience, 1 credit
  • PMY 516 Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology, 3 credits
  • At least ONE elective course (3-4 credits)
  • Thesis research*

*In your first semester, you will register for NRS 560 (Research Rotations). Starting in your second semester, you should register for research credit under your home department’s course number in your mentor’s section. Some examples are PMY 751/752, BCH 701/702, and NEU 600. If your home department does not have such a course, the default is NRS 600. Contact the graduate program coordinator or your department administrator with any questions. 

How We Help You Succeed

You will complete at least one research rotation in your first semester so that you will be ready to choose a laboratory and mentor before the start of your second semester. You may also elect to take NRS 523 to develop familiarity in basic laboratory techniques. After the first semester, you can register for research credits with your selected mentor.

In addition, you will form a committee from members of the neuroscience faculty, in addition to your mentor. These faculty will help guide you in your research project and provide you advice and networking opportunities as you move through the program. 

For more information, please view the Graduate School Policy Library, which contains details relating to admissions, registration, grading, student records, degree requirements and academic integrity.

Financial Assistance

Domestic master’s students do not qualify for departmental stipends or scholarships. However, you can apply for some assistance through federal loans or grants (see FAFSA). You may also qualify for assistance through your advisers.

Highly qualified candidates from underrepresented backgrounds may be eligible for assistance through the Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship.

International students are not eligible for financial aid and must document ability to pay all of their costs.

How to Apply

You can apply online. You’ll need to submit scanned copies of all required supporting documents before your application will be reviewed. You may save and edit your application as you go.

Official documents will be required if you are offered admission.

Once your application is ready, you must formally submit it to upload your documents.

Check Your Status

You may log in at any time to check your status.

The online checklist is your best source about the status of your application during the review process; please check it frequently. 

You will receive an email when your admission decision is available in the portal.

Special Note for International Students

If you are applying from outside the United States, apply as early as possible to ensure time for application and visa processing.

Regardless of your program’s deadline, it is recommended that you apply at least 6-9 months prior to the term start date (depending on your country of origin). Check with your program’s application coordinator for specific guidelines.

Requirements

The following credentials are required for application consideration:

  • transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended
  • three letters of recommendation
  • a resume
  • a personal letter stating career objectives and research experience. Research experience is highly desirable.

English Proficiency Requirement

International applicants must present a valid English Language Proficiency test score. It is university policy that test dates be no older than two years when students enter a program.

  • Institution code: R2925 (SUNY-University at Buffalo)
Accepted Tests and Minimum Scores

Deadline

Applications for the master’s program must be completed and supporting documentation must be received by April 1.  

Applications are reviewed monthly to ensure timely acceptance into the program.

Fees

Once you submit your application online for formal review, you will be provided with a link to our online payment system, where you can pay the application fee.

International Students

Please visit the International Student Services website if you have any questions regarding immigration status.

If you do not have access to the technology to be able to upload a copy of your transcripts or any additional application materials on your application, please send them to:

Neuroscience Program
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
955 Main Street, Suite 3102
Buffalo, NY 14203

For questions about applying to the neuroscience MS program, contact:

Admissions Coordinator

Marah Salyer

Admissions Coordinator

955 Main Street, Suite 3102, Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-829-2658

Email: marahwat@buffalo.edu

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