Neuroscience

The Neuroscience program at Princeton University offers an interdisciplinary and rigorous academic experience designed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system and brain function. Through a combination of courses in biology, psychology, physics, mathematics, and computer science, students explore the molecular, cellular, systems, and cognitive levels of neuroscience. The program aims to develop students’ skills in scientific research, critical thinking, and quantitative analysis, preparing them for careers in research, medicine, technology, or academia. Students engage in hands-on laboratory work, participate in cutting-edge research projects, and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including research centers focused on brain and mind studies. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute to advancements in understanding neurological diseases, cognitive processes, and neural technologies. Princeton’s Neuroscience program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, fostering a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the nervous system. With mentorship from renowned faculty members, students receive personalized guidance and opportunities for original research. The program provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees or careers in neuroscience, neurobiology, psychology, or related fields. Overall, Princeton’s Neuroscience program embodies a commitment to excellence in education, inquiry, and discovery, inspiring students to become leaders in the scientific exploration of the brain and nervous system.

Courses:

During the first year of their Ph.D., all students take the Neuroscience Core Course. The goal of this course is to provide a common foundation so that all students have a strong knowledge base and a common language across the breadth of neuroscience, a highly diverse and multidisciplinary field. To the extent possible, the course aims to teach an overview of all topics through a mix of hands-on laboratory experience, lecture, and computational modeling.

Graduate students  must select one additional elective course approved by the department.

Pre-Generals Requirements(s):

Rotations

All neuroscience graduate students are required to rotate, during the first year, in up to three laboratories, participating in research projects during each rotation.

General Exam:

Students are required to take and pass their general exam, which will include both a breadth component and a thesis proposal depth component  in the beginning of their third year. 

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully passes the general examination. It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met.

Teaching:

Students are expected to teach two semesters, usually in their second year.

Dissertation and FPO:

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained.

• 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

All admitted students receive full financial support for the duration of their Ph.D., including tuition, a competitive stipend, and health benefits. This support is made possible through a combination of funds from Princeton University, federal grants to PNI, generous private donations, and grants to faculty members.

The Neuroscience Program at Princeton University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the nervous system, integrating perspectives from biology, psychology, physics, chemistry, and computer science. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and computational aspects of neuroscience. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that covers neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and computational modeling, among other topics. Research is a core component of the program, with students encouraged to participate in laboratories focused on cutting-edge investigations into brain function and neural mechanisms. Princeton's faculty includes leading experts in the field, providing mentorship and guidance in both fundamental and innovative research projects. The program aims to prepare students for careers in neuroscience research, medicine, or related fields, emphasizing critical thinking, experimental design, and data analysis skills. Additionally, students can benefit from Princeton’s extensive research facilities and collaborations with nearby medical and scientific institutions. Opportunities for interdisciplinary study are innate to the program, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests within neuroscience, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive neuroscience, or neural engineering. The program also integrates discussions of ethical issues related to neuroscience research and applications. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue doctoral studies, medical degrees, or careers in research and industry, contributing to advancements in understanding brain function and developing treatments for neurological disorders. Overall, Princeton's Neuroscience Program is characterized by its commitment to rigorous scholarship, innovative research, and the development of versatile scientists equipped to address complex questions about the brain and nervous system.