Neuroscience, PhD

Neuroscience is a collaborative and interdisciplinary PhD program that provides training for careers in neuroscience research, teaching and more. Our training program is designed to provide a strong foundation of neuroscience knowledge while at the same time taking into account each student's strengths, needs, and career goals.

Virtually all aspects of traditional neuroscience are reflected in the research programs of the 186 faculty members who participate in NGG training, including computational, systems, cellular and molecular, developmental, behavioral, and cognitive neuroscience, along with the neurobiology of disease.  NGG faculty members represent 30 academic departments in the schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Applied Science, Wharton Business, Veterinary Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Nursing, as well as the Perelman School of Medicine.  

Required Courses 

Coursework
BIOM 6000Cell Biology1
NGG 5720Electrical Language of Cells1
NGG 6050NeuroCore:Quantitative Rigor and Reproducibility in Neuroscience1
NGG 5730Systems Neuroscience1
NGG 6950Scientific Writing0.5
Select three NGG electives between 5000-99993
Research
4-8 CUs of NGG 6990 or NGG 89904-8
Lab Rotation
Pre-Disst Lab Rotation
Dissertation
Additional Requirements
NGG First Year Journal Club
NGG Specialty Journal Club
Teaching Requirement
One semester of teaching is required
Total Course Units11.5-15.5

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

Qualifying Evaluation
Candidacy Examination
Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam
Dissertation Deposit


For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.


Sample Plan of Study

Year 1
Fall
Cell Biology
Electrical Language of Cells
Lab Rotation
First Year Journal Club
Spring
Systems Neuroscience
Foundations in Statistics
NeuroCore:Quantitative Rigor and Reproducibility in Neuroscience
Lab Rotation
First Year Journal Club
Summer
Lab Rotation
Year 2
Fall
Pre-Disst Lab Rotation
Specialty Journal Club
Elective
Elective
Spring
Scientific Writing
Pre-Disst Lab Rotation
Specialty Journal Club
Elective
Year 3 and Beyond
Dissertation