Neuroscience

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Neuroscience at Rutgers University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the biological bases of behavior and mental processes. This program integrates coursework from biology, psychology, chemistry, and neuroscience to give students a broad and detailed perspective on how the nervous system functions and influences behavior. Students will explore the structure and function of the nervous system, neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory, sensory and motor systems, and neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and experimental skills, preparing graduates for careers in research, healthcare, or further education in graduate or professional schools. Students can tailor their educational experience through specialized electives aligned with their interests, such as cognitive neuroscience, neuropharmacology, or clinical neuroscience. Research opportunities are available through faculty-led projects, internships, and labs, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge neuroscience research. The program also fosters critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific communication skills essential for success in scientific careers. Rutgers’ state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with medical institutions enhance students’ learning and research capabilities. Graduates of the Neuroscience program are well-equipped to pursue careers in neuroscience research, healthcare professions such as neurology or psychiatry, or advanced study in graduate programs. Overall, the Rutgers BA in Neuroscience aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists, clinicians, and informed citizens who are eager to understand the workings of the brain and contribute to advancements in neuroscience and mental health.

First Year Courses

Suggested First Fall Semester Courses

• Advanced Studies 16:710:605. 2 credits. (REQUIRED)
• Neurobiology 16:710:555. 4 credits. (REQUIRED and CORE)
• Molecular Biology & Biochemistry 16:115:511. 3 credits
• Current Cell Biology 16:148:652  3 credits
• Research (Rotation) 16:710:701  1-2 credits
• Electives 2 - 4 credits

Suggested First Spring Semester Courses

• Advanced Studies 16:710:606. 2 credits (REQUIRED)
• Ethical Scientific Conduct 16:115:556. 1 credit (REQUIRED)
• Neuroscience 16:710:557. 4 credits
• Molecular Biology & Biochemistry 16:115:512. 3 credits
• Advanced Cell Biology 16:695:601  3 credits
• Current Cell Biology 16:148:652  3 credits
• Advanced Developmental Biology 16:148:550   3 credits
• Research (Rotation) 16:710:702  1-2 credits
• Electives 2 - 4 credits

Subsequent Years Courses

Required Course

• 16:115:558 Ethical Scientific Conduct Refresher.  This course is required of all 5th year graduate students as well as MD/PhD in the 3rd year of PhD.  This is a case-based course that reviews the most important topics in Responsible Conduct of Research. It complies with NIH requirements. 

Potential Elective Courses

• 16:710:511(S) History of Neuroscience (2) The origins of neuroscience from antiquity to the current era. Changing concepts of brain function, the development of the neuron theory, localization of function, and the role of instrumentation in the development of neuroscience. Prerequisite: Interest in neuroscience.
• 16:710:540(S) Trophic Mechanisms in the Nervous System (2) Introduction to neurotropic factor field. In particular, the critical nature of trophic agents in the establishment and maintenance of a functioning nervous system. Dreyfus. Prerequisites: Cell biology, neurobiology, and biochemistry.
• 16:710:544(F) Molecular Regulation of Neurogenesis (2) Discussion of current literature, explores concepts and mechanisms regulating neuronal generation, and specification from undifferentiated precursors in invertebrates and vertebrates examined, including cell lineage, homeotic genes, neurotransmitters, and growth, trophic, and transcription factors. DiCicco-Bloom. Prerequisites: Neurobiology, molecular biology of cells.
• 16:710:555(F) Neurobiology (4) (REQUIRED AND CORE) Introductory survey emphasizing experimental approaches to the study of invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems. Molecular, biophysical, and biochemical bases of nerve cell function. Higher-level functions shown as emerging from nerve cell properties, anatomical development, and mature connections. Plummer. Recommended: Biochemistry, physiology, or animal behavior. Permission of instructor.
• 16:710:557(S) Neuroscience (4) Study of the human central nervous system involving gross and microscopic examination and physiological study of the brain, spinal cord, receptors, and effectors with correlated clinical demonstration of neurological disorders. Glendinning. Lec. lab and demonstration.  Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
• 16:710:558,559 Special Topics in Neurobiology (2,2) Analysis and discussion of contemporary research in cellular and molecular aspects of neuronal functioning, or of selected topics of current research in developmental neurobiology examined by historical review, presentation of current research papers, and analysis of new approaches and unifying theories, in alternating terms. Plummer.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
• 16:710:605,606 Advanced Studies in Neuroscience (2) (BA,BA) (REQUIRED) Research literature review or independent reading.  Pintar
• 16:710:701,702 Research in Neuroscience (BA,BA) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
• 16:067:510 Neuroendocrinology (3) Role at organismic, cellular and molecular levels of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in reproduction, stress, growth, biological rhythms, drug addiction and immunity.  Advis, Sarkar
• 16:963:501,502 General Toxicology I, II (2,2) Basic principles of toxicology, organ toxicology, toxicology of specific chemical agents an radiation, and overview of environmental and industrial toxicology and safety evaluation. Reuhl.  Prerequisite: 16:115:503,504; 16:710:501,502, or equivalent.
• 16:960:584 Biostatistics I – Observational Studies (3) Statistical techniques for biomedical data.  Analysis of observational studies emphasized. Prerequisite: One year of calculus and Level V statistics.
• 16:960:585 Biostatistics II – Clinical Trials (3) Statistical and practical design, cnduct and analysis of controlled clinical experiments.  Prerequisite: Level IV statistics.  16:960:584 Biostatistics I is not required.
• 16:963:632 Neural Injury and Repair (3) Mechanisms by which the nervous system is damaged by chemicals, trauma and other agents.  Neurobiological basis for is response to injury.  Sonsalla
• 16:695:601 Advanced Cell Biology (3) Molecular analysis of eukaryotic cells, including cell structure, receptors, cell-cell interactions, cytoskeleton, growth, differentiation, and transformation. Pintar,  Prerequisite: 16:115:501,502
• 16:148:652 Current Cell Biology (3) Analyses of progress in all areas of cell biology.  Moyle
• The Graduate Program in Neuroscience is administered jointly by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Graduate School New Brunswick. The Program also maintains a variety of reciprocal relations with faculty members of Princeton University. Course work requirements are flexible and established via individual student conferences.

Students may apply online to the Rutgers joint PhD Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Graduate School New Brunswick with one easy online application.

The Graduate Program in Neuroscience is committed to educating and training outstanding young scientists in the multidisciplinary concepts and contemporary techniques underlying in contemporary Neuroscience research. Students selected for this program generally have had exceptional undergraduate training in biochemistry, biology, cell biology, neurobiology, and/or psychology, as well as productive research experience.

A bachelor's degree or equivalent is required for admission. Recommended courses for entry into the program include biology, neurobiology, cell biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics through calculus. Laboratory research experience is expected.

All applicants are required to take the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a GRE subject test recommended but not required. TOEFL scores are required of students from countries in which English is not the native language. Three letters of recommendation, transcripts of undergraduate grades and a statement of interest are also required. When feasible, domestic applicants will be invited to visit the campus before a decision on admission is made. Applications received by January 1 will receive first consideration for matriculation for the following Fall Semester. Those received after January 1 will be considered only as space and funding allow.  Candidates for terminal master's degrees are not accepted.

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

The Neuroscience program at Rutgers University offers a comprehensive range of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status, with in-state students benefiting from lower rates compared to out-of-state students. For the academic year 2023-2024, in-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $15,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $32,000 per year. Graduate students in the Neuroscience program may have different tuition rates which are also dependent on residency status and specific program requirements.

Rutgers University provides a variety of financial aid opportunities to assist students in covering their educational expenses. Federal and state grants, such as the Pell Grant and New Jersey Student Assistance Grant (NJSGA), are available based on financial need. These grants do not require repayment and can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for these resources.

In addition to grants, Rutgers offers numerous scholarships specifically for neuroscience students, academic merit scholarships, and departmental scholarships aimed at supporting outstanding students or those with financial need. Graduate students may also be eligible for assistantships, which typically provide a tuition waiver and a stipend in exchange for research or teaching duties. These assistantships are highly competitive and are usually awarded based on academic performance and research potential.

Furthermore, students can explore external funding sources such as private scholarships, fellowships, and research grants from organizations dedicated to neuroscience research. The university's Office of Financial Aid and Undergraduate Admissions provides counseling and resources to help students identify and apply for financial assistance.

Rutgers University also promotes loan programs as a means for students to finance their education. Federal student and parent loans, such as Direct Loans, are available with favorable interest rates and flexible repayment options. It is essential for students to carefully consider borrowing levels and explore all available funding sources to minimize debt load upon graduation.

Students are encouraged to participate in fundraising events, crowdfunding campaigns, and alumni donations that support scholarships and financial aid initiatives. The university's commitment to accessible education ensures that students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their academic goals in neuroscience without undue financial hardship. Comprehensive financial planning resources and workshops are also offered to help students manage their educational expenses effectively.

The Neuroscience program at Rutgers University offers an interdisciplinary educational experience designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the biological foundations of the nervous system. The program aims to equip students with knowledge spanning molecular, cellular, systems, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of neuroscience. Students are exposed to a multidisciplinary approach that integrates biology, psychology, chemistry, and computer science to explore the functions of nerve cells, neural circuits, and brain mechanisms underlying behavior and cognition. The curriculum includes coursework in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and computational neuroscience, alongside laboratory research opportunities that allow students to gain hands-on experience and develop critical skills in experimental design and data analysis.

The program caters to undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in research, healthcare, or further graduate studies in neuroscience or related fields. Rutgers University provides state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, fostering an environment that encourages innovative research and scientific discovery. Students have access to faculty-led research projects, some of which focus on neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, and computational modeling of neural systems. The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and often partners with other departmental programs to broaden students’ perspectives and research opportunities.

Students enrolled in the Neuroscience program are encouraged to participate in internships, summer research programs, and external conferences to enhance their academic and professional development. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in biomedical research, medicine, psychology, and biotechnology industries, among others. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate or professional schools and to provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of the nervous system and its associated disorders. Rutgers University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community ensures that students from all backgrounds can thrive in this challenging and rewarding field.