Scientific slide is held by gloved hands in front of a microscope. Scientific slide is held by gloved hands in front of a microscope.

Neuroscience
Master's

Overview of the master's degree in neuroscience

The human brain is exceedingly complex. Advanced neuroscience research helps us better understand it, allowing us to develop treatments for diseases resulting in healthier lives.

As a student earning your master's degree in neuroscience, you'll build a strong understanding of the brain through courses in chemistry, biology and psychology. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of neuroscience combined with intensive research training. 

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
30 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program HighlightsAccelerated Program Careers & Outcomes

Earning a master's degree in neuroscience

Our master’s degree in neuroscience gives you the skills and hands-on experience you'll need to stand out as you apply for neuroscience-related jobs in both the public and private sectors. You'll have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and opportunities for discussions with other students and faculty.

A master’s degree in neuroscience will prepare you for the next step in your journey, whether that's a doctoral program or a career in the biomedical or neuroscience fields.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Highlights of the master's degree in neuroscience

As a student in our master’s degree in neuroscience, you’ll:

  • Explore cutting-edge topics: You'll research with and be mentored by a program faculty member as you dive into topics like Alzheimer's, neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injuries, molecular neurobiology and aging.
  • Conduct ground-breaking research: Gain hands-on experience with today’s most vital neuroscience research — CNS control of respiration — studying the causes and potential treatments for Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Accelerated master's in neuroscience

Earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees faster with an accelerated master’s in neuroscience. You can earn up to 50% of your master’s while you finish your bachelor’s degree, saving you time AND money. You can double-count up to 15 credits.

By double-counting all 15 credits, domestic students save up to $4,155 and international students save up to $1,560.

    • Minimum GPA at time of application: 3.0 GPA of at least 15 credits at CMU.
    • Requirements to maintain eligibility: average of 3.0 and no E's in double-counted courses.

    If your GPA is lower than a 3.0 or you have fewer than 15 credits at CMU, you can still be considered for admission if you demonstrate why you are prepared to be successful in graduate coursework.

    You must have a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours completed before starting coursework in the accelerated M.S. in neuroscience. To take full advantage of the program, make sure you apply for admission before taking any of the double-counted courses listed below.

    • Up to 15 credits of the following courses can be double-counted:
      • NSC 501, NSC 502, NSC 597, NSC 690; and either BIO 500 or PSY 511; other BIO, NSC, or PSY courses at the 500- or 600-level approved by the Neuroscience program advisor. 
    • You'll select your double-counted courses with an advisor. Then, you'll count them towards both your undergraduate degree and your graduate degree – either for your major or as electives.

    After earning your bachelor's degree, you'll take at least 15 credits to complete the M.S. in neuroscience. If you don't complete the 15 double-counted credits before finishing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to take the remaining courses as graduate credits to complete the 30 credits required for the master's in neuroscience.

    The M.S. in neuroscience requires 30 credits  (including the thesis). You may double-count 15 credits before finishing your bachelor's degree, leaving 15 credits remaining to complete your master's degree. If you don't complete all 15 double-counted credits before you finish your bachelor's degree, you'll need to take more than 15 credits to reach the 30 credits required for the M.S. in neuroscience.

    Careers in neuroscience

    Neuroscience master's degree graduates become medical professionals (MD, DO, PA, PT, etc.), researchers (in biotech, pharmaceutical, hospitals, etc.) or educators (teachers, professors, etc.). Many alumni take on other professions that value the critical thinking skills and ability to synthesize diverse information gained by studying neuroscience.

    Career Projected Salary
    Psychologist $94,310
    Medical Scientist
    $100,590
    Laboratory Manager $161,180
    Clinical Research Coordinator $54,000
    Male researcher reviews microscope display on a computer.
    Two men and one woman wearing lab coats talk to each other in a research lab on campus.

    Working in neuroscience

    Curious about what you can do with a degree in neuroscience? Check out our blog, 10 high-paying careers in neuroscience, to learn more about the different career paths you can choose and the areas of research where you can make a difference.

    Read the blog

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