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Neuroscience, MS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Neuroscience

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

Recent breakthroughs have revolutionized our understanding of the biological basis of nervous system functions. Are you interested in learning more or in conducting innovative research in neuroscience? This program provides a foundation to help you start a career in a wide range of related fields.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Neuroscience

The MS program in neuroscience provides advanced knowledge on fundamental neuroscientific concepts, the neurobiological substrates of behavior, and cutting-edge experimental techniques for studying brain function. An important underlying theme of the program is to understand the genetic, molecular, cellular and circuit-level changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases, altered brain development, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

In addition to mentored research opportunities with internationally recognized experts, students also have opportunities to explore recent primary literature and hone communication, presentation and professional skills.

GI Bill® benefits

This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.


Application and admission information

How to apply

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is November 15. We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the November 15 deadline will be considered for admission.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences. 

Required materials and information include the following:

  • 1-2 page personal statement
  • An up to date CV or resume
  • The names of relevant SOLS faculty you have been in touch with who you might be interested in being supervised by
  • Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
  • The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation

Application review process and timeline

Following the November 15 deadline, faculty will begin reviewing applications. Applicants should monitor their My ASU priority tasks to ensure there are no missing materials in their application. Admission decisions will begin in March, and applicants typically receive final decisions by April 1.

Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission include the following:

  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • International applicants must satisfy university minimum requirements for English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE). There are other ways to demonstrate English proficiency beyond the tests, so please refer to ASU's English proficiency webpage to review how you might satisfy requirements.

Desired qualifications typically seen in competitive candidates:

  • Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
  • English proficiency scores that meet these teaching assistant language proficiency requirements

Please note that the GRE is not required.

Program cost and funding

In the School of Life Sciences, there is no funding guarantee for students admitted to a master's degree. If admitted, master's students are able to request teaching assistant positions each semester. However, positions may only be assigned on a first come, first serve basis pending position availability. Research assistant positions are uncommon for master's students but ultimately depend on the student's faculty research supervisor. Teaching and research assistant positions for master's students come with a salary for the semester assigned, but do not include tuition or health insurance assistance.

Given the lack of position guarantee, master's students should ensure they understand the tuition costs they will be responsible for. Tuition varies depending on a student's residency status. To review anticipated tuition costs, please utilize ASU's tuition estimator.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (5 or 6 credit hours)
BIO 610 Introduction to Responsible Conduct of Research in Life Sciences (1)
NEU 556 Human Systems Neuroscience (4) or NEU 576 Advanced Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3)
NEU 558 Neuroscience Journal Club (1)

Other Requirement (1 credit hour)
NEU 591 Seminar (1)

Research (9 credit hours)
NEU 592 Research (9)

Electives (8 or 9 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
NEU 599 Thesis

Additional Curriculum Information
Students choose either NEU 556 or NEU 576 as part of their core course requirements. Students who choose NEU 576 complete an additional credit hour of elective coursework in order to achieve the 30 credit hours required for the program. Students should contact the program advisor for a list of approved electives.

Students take NEU 599 in their last semester.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the life sciences, psychology, engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admissions application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. professional resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.

Applicants will need to provide three letters of recommendation from people who can speak to their academic experiences, qualifications and potential. Recommenders will receive an email with instructions but are able to submit their recommendation entirely online. Submission of a traditional hard-copy letter is not necessary.

In one- to two- single-spaced pages using Arial font, applicants should discuss their research interests and experience. Applicants should indicate what their goals are in obtaining a graduate degree; why the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University is suited to the pursuit of their degree; and list any publications, honors, awards or society memberships they have.


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
November 15th
Final


Career Opportunities

The Master of Science program in neuroscience prepares graduates for entry into advanced research or clinical training programs; technical positions in academia, industry and health care-related fields; or employment in sectors focused on education, consulting, law, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence.

Career examples include:

  • clinical research assistant
  • data analyst in neuroscience or artificial intelligence
  • laboratory technician
  • medical writer
  • pharmaceutical sales representative
  • public health position related to neurological disorders
  • technologist in medical imaging or genetic counseling

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • sols.grad@asu.edu
  • 480/965-1768


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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