Admission
Which Way is Best For Me?
When deciding which route of entry best suits your needs, please consider the following:Students who come from a background in psychology or behavioral biology might prefer direct entry into the Neuroscience Program if their previous studies did not prepare them sufficiently to undertake a core curriculum with a heavy focus on cell and molecular biology.
PIBS allows students maximal flexibility. It should be emphasized that the difference between first year curricula is primarily one of timing and not of program content. By the end of the second year of study, all Neuroscience Program students, regardless of route of admission, will have completed a sequence of Neuroscience courses that differs, at most, by one course, and all students will have carried out intensive Neuroscience research rotations.
Students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United State will receive identical packages of financial support, regardless of whether they are admitted directly to the Neuroscience Program, or through PIBS.
DIRECT
This is the best route to the Neuroscience Program for students who know they wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. This offers a first year curriculum that is focused almost exclusively on areas within neuroscience, and also includes elective course options in other areas of biomedical research. Students who join the program directly may choose to do laboratory rotations with any faculty member affiliated with the Neuroscience Program. The Direct application deadline is December 1. Click here to apply.
PIBS (Program in Biomedical Sciences)
PIBS offers first year graduate students interested in biomedical research the chance to explore opportunities for advanced study in 14 different doctoral degree granting programs, which together include over 300 participating laboratories. The first semester of study includes core courses in Neuroscience as well as areas of cellular and molecular biology common to many fields. This leaves time during the first year of study for students to select elective courses in potential areas of specialization, as well as for intensive research rotations. At the end of the first year students will select a degree program. Each year several PIBS students join the Neuroscience Program as second-year students. The PIBS application deadline is December 1. Click here for additional information about PIBS and the application process.
MSTP (Medical Scientist Training Program)
The MSTP is a dual M.D.-Ph.D. degree program which makes it possible for a small number of outstanding students to earn their doctor of medicine and doctor of philosophy degrees concurrently, typically in 8 years. The MSTP is designed primarily for students who are interested in a future career in academic medicine with a focus in basic research related to medicine. The Michigan MSTP is offered cooperatively by the Medical School and the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. For additional information about MSTP, click here.
INTERNATIONAL
All International applicants are required to apply through PIBS (application deadline is December 1). Admission to PIBS is extremely competitive. PIBS accepts only 5% or less of the international applications received each year. International applicants must submit scores from the TOEFL exam unless the program verifies that English is their native language or they have obtained a Bachelor or Master degree from a US institution. Click here for additional information about the international application process.
PREREQS
The most important criterion for admission to the Program is a demonstrated aptitude for and commitment to laboratory research in neuroscience. A Bachelors degree or its equivalent is required. Prior to admission an applicant is expected to have obtained preparation in the following:
- Introductory biology (other courses such as cell biology, physiology, and genetics are recommended)
- Introductory neuroscience or physiological psychology or animal behavior
- Mathematics through calculus
- One year of physics
- Inorganic and organic chemistry
- Introductory biochemistry
Students may be admitted to the Neuroscience Program without completion of all of the recommended coursework. The Executive Committee will determine whether additional work needs to be done during the first year in order to remedy any deficiencies in the students background. A completed application requires Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores. An Advanced Test is not required.
