Neuroscience

The Neuroscience undergraduate program at Iowa State University offers students an in-depth exploration of the structure and functioning of the nervous system, combining elements of biology, psychology, chemistry, and physics to provide a comprehensive understanding of neural processes. Designed to prepare students for careers in research, healthcare, or advanced studies, the program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will engage with coursework that covers foundational topics such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, cellular and molecular neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience. The curriculum also integrates modern technology and methodologies, including neuroimaging techniques, electrophysiology, and computational modeling, preparing students for the evolving landscape of neuroscience research.

The program provides numerous opportunities for hands-on experience through laboratories, research projects, and internships, often in collaboration with faculty who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research initiatives. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills essential for scientific inquiry. In addition, the program promotes interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting students with departments such as psychology, biomedical sciences, and computer science, fostering a holistic understanding of nervous system functions and disorders.

Graduates of the Neuroscience program are well-equipped to pursue graduate or professional education in medicine, neuroscience, psychology, or related fields. They may also find employment in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and bioscience firms. Iowa State University’s commitment to excellence in science and research ensures that students receive a rigorous education, supportive mentorship, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, making the Neuroscience undergraduate program an excellent choice for those passionate about understanding the complexities of the brain and nervous system.

Ph.D. candidates majoring in Neuroscience must take at least 72 graduate credits.  These 72 credits include the core course requirements (below) and applicable research credits earned.  Credits taken during a student's M.S. program in Neuroscience at Iowa State University may count towards their Ph.D. in MCDB.

Additional coursework for both Ph.D. and M.S. degrees may be selected by the student in consultation with his/her Program of Study (POS) Committee to meet departmental requirements and to satisfactorily prepare the student for their research project.

Graduate credits of B or better earned at another institution may be transferred at the discretion of the POS Committee and with the approval of the Neuroscience Program and the ISU Graduate College.

Neuroscience Core Curriculum requirements include:

*Footnote: NEURO 690 & NEURO 696 are taken each Fall & Spring semester in which the student is enrolled in the program.

In addition to the above coursework, all Neuroscience PhD students are required to take a minimum of six credits of approved elective courses. 

Non-native English speakers must pass the English Requirement as established by the university.  Depending on the results of this exam additional courses may be required to meet English proficiency standards. 

Neuroscience graduate students are required to teach one semester as part of their training for an advanced degree.   Students whose first language is not English must take and pass the Oral English Certification Test (OECT) test to be eligible to teach.

A four-year university degree (the equivalent of a bachelor's degree) is required. Applicants should have an undergraduate or advanced degree in one of the basic or applied sciences. Typical program disciplines include majors in biochemistry, biology, human medicine, immunology, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, veterinary medicine, or zoology. Appropriate undergraduate coursework includes mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biological sciences.

The program accepts applications for graduate study year-round; however, most assistantship and fellowship decisions are made by the end of April. To have the best chance of qualifying for financial support, your complete application (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) must be received by January 1 for admission for the fall semester. Application files will NOT be reviewed by the admissions committee until all of the required materials have been submitted to the Neuroscience program office.

1. Complete and submit the Neuroscience Program application online.  There is no application fee associated with this submission.
2. In addition, please submit the following materials in ONE packet and mail to the address provided below.
   • Official academic records/transcripts from each previous institution attended, regardless of whether or not a degree was earned.  Official transcripts should be in sealed envelopes from the individual college or university.  Transcript data must be in English.  Iowa State transcripts will be provided at no cost.
   • Three letters of recommendation.  Letters should include the signature of the recommender and be provided in sealed envelopes with the recommender's signature across the seal.  The following confidential report form (pdf) needs to accompany each letter of recommendation.  You as the applicant need to complete parts 1-3 of this form and then provide this to each of your recommenders for their evaluation.  At this time we do NOT accept electronic letters of recommendation.
   • Examination Results.  Please include a photocopy of each examination result in your pre-application packet.  Exam results should include both raw scores and percentile information.  If an offer is made to you, official test scores will need to be sent directly from ETS to Iowa State, but only if an offer is made.  It is of note that photocopies are still requested even if you have sent official scores to ISU.  The exams required are:
     • Graduate Records Examination (GRE).  Subject tests are not required but can be submitted if desired.
     • English Proficiency Exam Scores for non-native English speakers only.  Acceptable exams include:
       • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or
       • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
   • Statement of Purpose, Goals, and Research Interests
   • Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Scholarships

Neuroscience students receive a stipend to help cover living expenses.  Depending on the degree track, and provided that the student remains in good academic standing, the assistantship provides partial or full tuition scholarship.  Graduate students receiving an assistantship will also receive paid single coverage health insurance.  Additional information about student health insurance can be found on the Students & Scholar Health Insurance Program (SSHIP) website. 

Assistantships

Current Neuroscience graduate students are supported by graduate assistantships.  Graduate assistantships can be research, teaching or a combination of the two.  Annual stipend rates typically range from $22,000 to $25,000 depending on the assistantship or fellowship received.  Neuroscience first year, PhD students who enter via rotation receive their first several months of support from the program.  The current rotation assistantship provides a stipend of $1,834 per month.  It is expected that rotation students will choose a Major Professor who will pick up their financial assistantship by the end of their initial graduate assistantship award.  Thereafter financial support continues through the research grant(s) of the Major Professor and may vary in amount from that during rotations.  MS students or PhD students who are admitted directly are supported by their Major Professor from the start.  When choosing rotations and a major professor it is important to discuss available funding.

Fellowships

Additional fellowship opportunities are available to Neuroscience applicants.  Applicants are automatically considered for the following competitive Iowa State University fellowships.  Each awarding office has its own selection and eligibility criteria. It is of note that the program must nominate those who qualify and applicants are not able to nominate themselves.  

• Diane Brandt Fellowship for Women: Provides one year of $5,000 in stipend support to an outstanding female graduate student.  Nomination eligibility is limited to women enrolled as a first semester, full-time student in a PhD program in science, mathematics, agriculture, or engineering. 
• Graduate College Miller Fellowship: This is a multi-year fellowship awarded on a competitive basis to doctoral graduate students without regard to the area of research interest.  Domestic and international applicants may qualify for this award.
• Graduate Disability Assistantship Program (GDAP): GDAP offers financial assistance to disabled graduate students who are pursuing either a MS or PhD degree within any discipline.  Nominees must have a disability (physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities) under the Americans with Disabilities Act and confirmed through the ISU Student Disability Office.  Only students admitted as full or provisional are eligible for nomination.  Please note that you do not have disclose your specific disability to the Neuroscience Graduate Program.  For more information about the GDAP program and how it works, please contact Thelma Harding at (866) 478-4723 or tlhardi@iastate.edu.   
• Office of Biotechnology Graduate Student Fellowship: A competitive fellowship awarded to graduate students with research interests related to Biotechnology.  Domestic and international applicants may qualify per eligibility standards.  

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Iowa State University offers a comprehensive education in the structure and function of the nervous system. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, and mathematics, all of which are fundamental to understanding neural processes and behavior. Undergraduate students can expect to engage in coursework that includes neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, behavioral neuroscience, molecular neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience, preparing them for various career paths or graduate study in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, or related fields.

The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, often incorporating laboratory work, research projects, and internships. Students may have opportunities to participate in research at Iowa State University's state-of-the-art facilities, working alongside faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. This research experience is valuable for students who aim to pursue advanced degrees or careers in biomedical research, clinical practice, or industry.

In addition to strong science curricula, the program encourages interdisciplinary learning and collaboration across departments, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system from multiple perspectives. The university provides various resources, including mentorship, academic advising, and extracurricular activities, to support students throughout their educational journey.

Graduates of the neuroscience program at Iowa State University are well-equipped to enter graduate programs in neuroscience, psychology, or medicine, or to begin careers in healthcare, research, biotech companies, or science education. The program's focus on evidence-based approaches and research prepares students not only for immediate employment but also for lifelong learning and adaptation in a dynamic scientific landscape. Overall, Iowa State's neuroscience program combines rigorous academics, experiential learning, and research opportunities to cultivate highly competent professionals in the neurosciences.