Master’s Program
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.
The neuroscience master’s (MS) degree is typically completed in four semesters, culminating in a research-based thesis project. Upon entering the master’s program, we will help you select a mentor whose research excites you, and courses that complement your research interests.
Requirements and Curricula
You can choose from the standard MS curriculum or the systems and behavior concentration (new in 2024).
Standard MS Curriculum
Semester 1
All of these:
- NRS 524 Quantitative Neuroanatomy, 4 credits
- NRS 560 Laboratory Rotation, up to 6 credits
- NRS 601 Research Seminar Evaluations, 1 credit
- One elective (see list on this page), 3-4 credits
*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.
Requirement: Selection of thesis advisor after rotation(s).
Semester 2
- NRS 520 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, 4 credits
- NRS 602 Seminars in Neuroscience, 1 credit
- PMY 516 Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology, 3 credits
- Thesis research (under your mentor's home department course)
Summer requirement: Apply for full-time status if you are taking less than 12 research credits per semester for the duration of your program.
Semester 3
- Thesis research, 1-12 credits
Semester 4
- Thesis research, 1-12 credits
- BMS 501 Cell Biology I, 4 credits
- BIO 517 Neurobiology, 4 credits
- PSY 513 Biological Bases of Behavior, 3 credits
- BCH 503 Biochemical Principles, 4 credits
- BCH 512 Developmental Genomics and Stem Cell Biology, 3 credits
- BMS 502 Essentials of Genetics and Genomics, 3 credits
- BIO 506 Signal Transduction, 3 credits
- BIO 518 Integrative Neuroscience, 4 credits
- PGY 505 Cell and Membrane Physiology, 4 credits
- PGY 551 Human Physiology, 3 credits and/or 1 cr recitation
- PGY 552 Human Physiology II, 3 credits and/or 1 cr recitation
- PGY 555 Neuroimmunology, 3 credits
- PGY 607 Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease, 3 credits
- PSY 715 Behavior Genetics, 3 credits
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) define what students will know and be able to do because they have successfully completed the master's program in neuroscience. Assessment is conducted on a regular basis to determine to what extent students achieve the PLOs, to guide program modifications, and to improve teaching and learning practices.
- Students will be able to reframe the current challenges of understanding how the brain functions in development, health and disease to cultivate insights into how the brain controls behavior.
- Students will be able to integrate the organization of the central nervous system and the physiology and pathophysiology of disease and treatment of disease states to create an inclusive background of modern medical neuroscience
- Students will be able to apply the basic connectivity and anatomy of the human brain and how such connectivity may impact disease states.
- Students will be able to critically evaluate a wide variety of research topics and communicate their findings through multiple modalities
- Students will acquire an understanding of numerous laboratory techniques utilized in modern life science research and critically evaluate data generated to synthesize new knowledge and discoveries and deliver to the scientific community.
Systems and Behavior MS Curriculum
Semester 1
- NRS 524 Quantitative Neuroanatomy, 4 credits
- BMS 514 Introduction to Scientific Investigation and Responsible Conduct, 2 credits
- NRS 560 Laboratory Rotation, 3-6 credits
- PSY 513 Biological Bases of Behavior, 3 credits
*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.
Semester 2
- PMY 516 Neuropsychopharmacology, 3 credits
- Elective course, 3-4 credits
- NRS 600 (or equivalent) Thesis Research, 6 credits
Semester 3
- PSY 607 Advanced Statistical Methods, 3 credits
- PSY 624-Psychopathalogy or
PSY 618- Developmental Psychology or
PSY 639- Cognitive Processes or
PSY 728- Memory, 3 credits - NRS 600 (or equivalent) Thesis Research, 1-6 credits
Semester 4
- NRS 600 (or equivalent) Thesis Research, 1-6 credits
- BCH 503LEC - Biochemical Principles Credits: 4
- NRS 520LEC - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Credits: 4
- NRS 601SEM - Research Seminar Evaluations Credits: 1
- NRS 560LAB - Research Rotations Credits: 1 - 6
- PSY 608SEM - Adv Statistics Methods 2 Credits: 3
- PSY 624SEM - Psychopathology Credits: 3 *
- PSY 629SEM - Biopsychology of Ingestive Behavior Credits: 3
- PSY 634SEM - Animal Behavior Credits: 3
- PSY 744LEC - Biological Rhythms in Behavior Credits: 3
- PSY 813LEC - Hormones & Behavior Credits: 3
*May be used as elective if PSY 728 was taken as core course
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) define what students will know and be able to do because they have successfully completed the master's program in neuroscience. Assessment is conducted on a regular basis to determine to what extent students achieve the PLOs, to guide program modifications, and to improve teaching and learning practices.
- Students will be able to reframe the current challenges of understanding how the brain functions in development, health and disease to cultivate insights into how the brain controls behavior.
- Students will be able to identify the psychological and neural mechanisms underlying changes in cognition, emotion, sensory and motor-function.
- Students will interpret the connections between environment and behavior.
- Students will be able to critically evaluate a wide variety of research topics and communicate their findings through multiple modalities.
- Students will acquire an understanding of numerous laboratory techniques utilized in modern life science research and critically evaluate data generated to synthesize new knowledge and discoveries and deliver to the scientific community.
How We Help You Succeed
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. We recommend uploading scanned copies of your results at the time of application in order to expedite the review process.
- Institution code: R2925 (SUNY-University at Buffalo)
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