Studying neuroscience, students learn about memory, stress, and the brain and nervous system. The major includes disciplines such as psychology and chemistry, while the master’s program allows greater specialization.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that the field of medical science, which is one in which neuroscientists can work, is expected to expand by 6% between 2019 and 2029. This is faster than average and means that there will be an additional 8,400 jobs available in the field.
Top 5 Masters in Neuroscience Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware State University | Dover, Delaware |
| 2 | SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | New York City, New York |
| 3 | College of Staten Island | New York City, New York |
| 4 | West Virginia University | Morgantown, West Virginia |
| 5 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, Georgia |
Choosing a Masters in Neuroscience
A master’s in neuroscience is a good one if you want a solid paycheck as well as to help people with neurological disorders or diseases. The median pay was $88,790 per year, and most people have a professional degree, MS, MD, or Ph.D. program when entering the field. In 2019, there were 138,300 jobs available.
Becoming a medical scientist is just one potential occupation for those with an MS or Ph.D. in neuroscience. Similar occupations include biochemists, epidemiologists, clinical laboratory technologists, and neuroscience educators.
This article lists our choices for the top 15 schools where you can obtain a master’s in neuroscience. Each of these has different programs with focuses that may vary. If you’re not sure which program is right for you, don’t forget that you can reach out to us. We’re always here to help.
The Best 15 Schools for a Masters in Neuroscience
Delaware State University
Delaware State University offers an MS in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. This program teaches a broad range of skills such as how to contribute to scientific papers and develop independent research. The program is interdisciplinary and consists of 30 total credit hours.
School Overview
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University offers a one-year fellowship in clinical neurophysiology. The program is used in addition to the MS in Neural and Behavioral Science, which is also available through the SUNY system.
School Overview
College of Staten Island
The College of Staten Island offers an MS in Neuroscience and Developmental Disabilities. This program consists of 33 credit hours and requires thesis research, an oral exam, and a thesis defense.
School Overview
West Virginia University
West Virginia University has an interdisciplinary neuroscience graduate program. It can lead to a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. Students can bypass the MS completely and take 87 hours to get the Ph.D. instead, which teaches students about neuroanatomy, enzymology, and many other important topics.
School Overview
Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers an MS in Neuroscience. This program requires 36 credit hours for completion and asks that students come to the Atlanta campus. Students train in behavioral neuroscience, neuroethics, and other interesting areas.
School Overview
Binghamton University
Students at Binghamton University can get a BS in Integrative Neuroscience with an MS degree in biomedical anthropology in just five years total. The combination program is popular because it teaches everything from physics to computer science and psychology.
School Overview
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University offers a Master of Science in Neuroscience. The program is made up of 32 credit hours and does require a thesis, or students who want to forgo the thesis can opt for a 36-credit-hour track.
School Overview
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island offers an M.S. in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience. This program offers several specializations, including dementia and aging; central nervous system disorders; cellular, molecular, and behavioral neurobiology; and computational intelligence. Students will learn from researchers and entrepreneurs who are conducting cutting-edge research about the physiological bases of behavior and who are developing solutions for the most debilitating brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and more.
The Master of Science offers a thesis or a non-thesis option. The thesis program requires students to match with a mentor and conduct research (resulting in a thesis), while the non-thesis program does not require a mentor match or thesis. The program requires a minimum of 30 credits: 20-23 in coursework, 6-9 in research, and 1-3 in electives.
School Overview
Loyola University – Chicago
Loyola University offers an MS program in Neuroscience. It provides students with knowledge in data acquisition and evaluation as well as how to communicate between colleagues and the public. This program consists of at least 24 credit hours.
School Overview
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience graduate program. The school offers interdisciplinary and joint degree programs, including a joint MD/Ph.D. program.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Neuroscience M.S. with a minimum of 30 credit hours needed for completion. A 16-hour residency is required as part of the program, and a 3.0 GPA must be maintained.
School Overview
Tulane University
Tulane University offers a 30-credit-hour program for graduates wanting an MS in Neuroscience. The program is available as a 4+1 with the BS degree or on its own. The non-thesis track is 30 credit hours, while the thesis track is 24.
School Overview
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware offers a 4+1 program in neuroscience. The MS in Neuroscience is also available. The MS is a 30-credit-hour program.
School Overview
University of Arizona
The Physiological Sciences Graduate Interdisciplinary Program offers a two-year research-based master’s degree. Students may work with faculty mentors who are conducting neuroscience research. Faculty members are internationally recognized scientists who use innovative techniques and experimental approaches from molecular to human studies, and possess expertise in professional development and mentoring. All MS students have an option to apply for Teaching Assistantships in the Department of Physiology. These assistantships cover a stipend, tuition, and health insurance for two years.
School Overview
Columbia University
Teachers College at Columbia University offers a Neuroscience and Education MS program. This multidisciplinary program prepares students to work with schools and conditions of the brain. The degree requires 32 credit hours for completion.
School Overview
Ranking Specifications
The schools on this list were ranked based on total tuition rates and enrollment. Smaller enrollment sizes were ranked higher, and lower tuition rates were given a higher score. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information here. This list is subject to change and is not guaranteed.
If you work at one of the schools above and have questions about your ranking or the information listed, please reach out. If you work at a school that is not listed but should be, contact us.
