Neuroscience

The Neuroscience program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex functioning of the brain and nervous system. This undergraduate major is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in biological, psychological, and computational principles underlying neural processes. Students enrolled in this program will explore the structure and function of the nervous system, mechanisms of neural communication, sensory perception, motor control, learning and memory, and neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The curriculum combines coursework in biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to equip students with a well-rounded perspective on neuroscience.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, students will engage in laboratory research experiences that foster hands-on skills in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program encourages active collaboration with faculty mentors on research projects that contribute to the understanding of neural mechanisms and cognitive functions. Students are prepared for diverse career paths, including graduate studies in neuroscience, medicine, psychology, or biomedical engineering, as well as careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare industries. The university also offers specializations, minors, and joint degree options that allow students to tailor their educational experience to their interests and career goals.

Through a mixture of coursework, research opportunities, and experiential learning, the Neuroscience program at Illinois aims to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deep appreciation for the complexity of the nervous system. Graduates leave equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make meaningful contributions to scientific research, healthcare, and technology sectors related to brain and nervous system health. The program benefits from the university’s state-of-the-art facilities, active research community, and strong connections with healthcare providers and research institutions. Whether students aspire to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce directly, studying neuroscience at Illinois provides a stimulating environment to explore the mysteries of the brain and contribute to advancements in understanding human cognition and neurological health.

Because of the breadth of the fields in this program, the coursework is tailored to the student's fields of interest as declared by a major and at least two minor areas of concentration from among those listed above. A faculty committee of representatives from the major and minor areas will then meet regularly with the student to plan coursework and research experience. The goal of this plan is to allow maximum flexibility while providing students with close guidance. Courses and laboratory research experience are supplemented by weekly seminars in neuroscience.

Other Requirements1

Requirements

• The Neuroscience Program welcomes applications from research-oriented students with strong qualifications and laboratory experience. Our program is particularly suited to students who are ready to dive into research. We make every effort to recruit and accept applicants who are well matched to our program, and a student is normally admitted to work with a specific faculty mentor. We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2014.
• Communication with one or more faculty members whose research programs are of interest to the applicant is strongly recommended.
• Applicants should have a grade-point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 = A) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate study.
• Research experience is highly desirable.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required of all applicants for the Ph.D. There are no strict cutoffs for GRE scores. The MCAT is required for applicants to the Medical Scholars Program, and for them the GRE requirement is waived.
• Students are accepted from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Students typically have strong preparation in several of the following: biology (including cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, and behavior), psychology (especially experimental and physiological), biochemistry, physics, engineering and mathematics.
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Transcripts
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are also required for International students. (International students with a TOEFL score of less than 570 will not be considered.).

Scholarships

• Currently the beginning stipend for Neuroscience students is $22,660 per year, increasing to $24,701 in the fourth year and beyond
• NEURON: Novel Education for Understanding Research On Neuroscience
• NSP Fellowships

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a comprehensive Neuroscience program designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the biological foundations of nervous system function. The program integrates multiple disciplines including biology, psychology, chemistry, and physics to prepare students for careers in research, healthcare, or further academic study. Students in the Neuroscience program have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, allowing for hands-on experience in various aspects of neuroscience, such as cellular and molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and computational neuroscience. The curriculum combines core courses in neurobiology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and cognitive neuroscience, complemented by electives that explore specialized topics like neuropharmacology, neuroengineering, and neuroinformatics.

Students are encouraged to participate in research projects early in their studies, often working alongside faculty members who are leading experts in their fields. The program emphasizes critical thinking, experimental design, and data analysis skills, equipping graduates with the ability to contribute to advancing understanding of brain function and neurological disorders. The university also offers interdisciplinary research opportunities through collaborations with departments such as Psychology, Chemistry, and Engineering, fostering an environment that promotes innovative approaches to neuroscience questions.

Graduates of the Neuroscience program at UIUC can pursue various career paths, including research positions in academia, industry, and medical settings, as well as graduate or professional school in medicine, psychology, or related fields. The program also prepares students for work in biotech and pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations focused on neurological health. The university’s strong emphasis on experiential learning, combined with a vibrant academic community and extensive research resources, makes the Illinois Neuroscience program an excellent choice for students interested in exploring one of the most dynamic and impactful fields in science today.