MS Neuroscience at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Department of Neuroscience master's programme provides additional laboratory research and academic training for students who have completed an undergraduate major in neuroscience or a related scientific area. Areas of concentration include neuroplasticity, synaptic transmission, homeostatic regulatory systems, biological bases of neuropsychiatric disorders, cognitive neuroscience and developmental neuroscience.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Neuroscience | Duration: Up to two years (about a year and a half for students who completed a BS in the department) | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

30 credits, including at least 15 credit hours of coursework (12 formal): a neuroanatomy course (NROSCI 2102 or 2011), a cellular and molecular neuroscience course (NROSCI 2100/2101 or 2012 plus 2017), journal club each fall and spring, the neuroscience seminar series (NROSCI 2106), at least four terms of full-time laboratory research, a Reprint Exam and a Master's Thesis Defense.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The programme is small and designed primarily for students already working with department faculty; the department admits up to six master's students per year and all applicants must be sponsored by a Department of Neuroscience (or affiliated) faculty member before applying. Successful applicants generally have a BS in neuroscience or a related discipline (biology, chemistry, psychology) with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4. Review considers statement of interest, research experience, letters of recommendation, test scores and grades; interviews may follow. Funding comes entirely from the sponsoring faculty member.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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