Neurobiology (PhD) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The PhD in Neurobiology trains independent researchers to investigate neural mechanisms underlying sensation, plasticity and behavior, with hands-on experience in planning, executing, analysing and publishing experiments. Each student's curriculum is tailored to their interests.

Duration: 60 units minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Core courses are Recent Advances in Neurobiology, Foundations of Neurobiology, Analysis of Neurobiological Literature and Experimental Design, and research ethics. Students add research and dissertation units and electives chosen with their adviser from areas such as cellular and systems neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and AI and machine learning. Students write an NRSA-style proposal for the qualifying examination and prepare an annual Individual Development Plan.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

USC Graduate School (all graduate programmes): a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. International applicants whose first language is not English demonstrate English proficiency; for PhD applicants, ISE-exam exemption scores are TOEFL iBT 100 with no less than 20 on each section (exams taken before 21 January 2026), IELTS Academic 7 with no less than 6 on each band, or PTE 68 with no less than 53 on each band. USC sets no university-wide minimum for admission and some departments set higher requirements.

Requirements published at program group level.

Duration: 60 units minimum

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