Joint Graduate Degree Program in Neuroscience

The Princeton University Joint Graduate Degree Program in Neuroscience offers an exceptional interdisciplinary training environment designed to prepare students for cutting-edge research and leadership in the field of neuroscience. This program brings together faculty and resources from multiple departments, including Psychology, Molecular Biology, Electrical Engineering, and others, providing a comprehensive curriculum that spans molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and computational approaches to understanding the nervous system. Students admitted to the program benefit from close mentorship by leading experts dedicated to advancing knowledge in neuroscience, engaging in collaborative research projects, and participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences that foster academic growth and professional development. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in experimental techniques, quantitative methods, and theoretical modeling, enabling graduates to address complex questions about brain function, neural computation, neurological disorders, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, including imaging centers, electrophysiology suites, and computational resources, which support innovative research and discovery. The curriculum includes coursework tailored to individual research interests, comprehensive qualifying exams, and a thesis project culminating in a defense before a committee of faculty experts. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue academic, industry, or healthcare careers, contributing to the expansion of knowledge about the brain and nervous system. The program values diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration, fostering an academic community where students can thrive academically and personally. With its rigorous academic standards and extensive research opportunities, the Princeton Neuroscience Program is committed to training the next generation of neuroscientists dedicated to understanding the intricacies of the nervous system and translating discoveries into real-world applications that improve human health and well-being.

Courses:

Joint degree students must take one of the following four courses: NEU 501a, NEU 501b, NEU 502a, or NEU 502b. Additionally, all students in the joint program are expected to participate in the neuroscience seminar (NEU 511), which meets several times per semester.

General Exam:

Prior to the general examination, students must select a Ph.D. adviser affiliated with the Neuroscience Institute.  Students are required to take and pass their general exam in their home department.

Dissertation and FPO:

Students must carry out original research toward the dissertation with a core, associated or affiliated Neuroscience Institute faculty member.  In addition, at least one member of the student’s thesis committee must be a core faculty member of the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, and the student’s Ph.D. thesis research should have a significant neuroscience component.

• Application Fee: $90
• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• GRE : General test

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses 

The Joint Graduate Degree Program in Neuroscience at Princeton University is a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative academic initiative designed to foster advanced research and comprehensive education in the field of neuroscience. This program is a partnership between Princeton University and several affiliated institutions, enabling students to benefit from a broad spectrum of expertise, facilities, and resources. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists capable of integrating knowledge across multiple disciplines such as biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, and computer science to understand the complex mechanisms of the nervous system.

Students enrolled in the program are expected to undertake rigorous coursework that covers fundamental and advanced topics in neuroscience, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, molecular neuroscience, computational models, and cognitive neuroscience. The curriculum often includes seminars, workshops, and laboratory rotations that provide hands-on experience in state-of-the-art research techniques. Collaboration with faculty members who are leaders in their fields is a key component, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery.

Research is at the core of the program, with students typically working on cutting-edge projects under the mentorship of faculty advisors. These projects often focus on understanding neural circuits, brain development, neurological diseases, and brain-machine interfaces. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating experimental neuroscience with computational modeling, neurotechnology, and data analysis.

The degree awarded upon completion of the program is typically a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, which signifies advanced research capabilities and specialized knowledge. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, industry, or government agencies, where they can contribute to scientific advancements and technological developments in neuroscience. The program also emphasizes the importance of communication skills, ethics, and scientific integrity.

Admission to the program is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, research potential, and a clear motivation for pursuing advanced study in neuroscience. Prospective students usually need to demonstrate a strong background in related sciences and experience in research settings.

Overall, the Princeton University Joint Graduate Degree Program in Neuroscience offers a comprehensive, research-intensive pathway for students interested in exploring the fundamental aspects of the nervous system and developing innovative solutions to neurological challenges. The program’s multidisciplinary nature, combined with its collaborative environment, prepares graduates to become leaders in the rapidly evolving field of neuroscience.