PhD Neuroscience at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The Neuroscience Curriculum (NBIO) stresses a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the brain. There are more than 80 faculty members in 12 departments and 5 specialized research centers participate in this interdisciplinary program. The Curriculum facilitates communication between these neuroscientists across departmental barriers in order to: Provide PhD training that incorporates a broad interdisciplinary background.

Faculty: School of Medicine | Department: Neuroscience | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

6 Students must take NBIO 994 twice for a minimum of 6 credit hours. Core courses include NBIO 722 Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology; NBIO 723 Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology; NBIO 750 Neuroanalytics: Introduction to Big Data Science for Neuroscientists; NBIO 850 Improving Presentation & Communication of Scientific Results; NBIO 893 Neuroscience Seminar Series; BBSP 710 Biostatistics for Laboratory Scientists.

Career pathways

Finally, NBIO strongly supports and fosters the exposure to a broad range of potential careers through the (Training Initiatives in Biomedical and Biological Sciences) TIBBS Program. TIBBS and other career development programs offer information, seminars, workshops and individual guidance for all biomedical career options, including academic, government, pharmaceutical and scientific publishing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School minimum (applies to all graduate programmes): a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution completed before graduate study begins and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better; application via the Graduate School online application with transcripts, three recommendation letters, statement of purpose and CV, plus any programme-specific tests/materials; international applicants add a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score; admission decisions are made by each programme.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants apply for a start term; fall is the main start term. Very few programmes admit new students for spring or summer terms.

Graduate applications and payment must be received by the deadline of the academic programme applied to, which varies by programme; the application closes at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The Graduate School recommends complete applications by December 15, 2026 for full fellowship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions/

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