Table of Contents
- Best Neuroscience PhD Programs
- Harvard University, Harvard Medical School
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University, School of Medicine
- Princeton University, Graduate School
- Yale University, School of Medicine
- The University of California San Francisco, Weill Institute for Neurosciences
- Brown University
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
- California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering
- The University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division
- What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Neuroscience?
- What to Consider When Choosing a Neuroscience PhD Program
- PhD in Neuroscience: Key Facts
- Key Takeaways
- PhD in Neuroscience Programs FAQs
Neuroscience is a branch of biological science studying the brain, emphasizing its biochemistry, molecular biology, psychology, and anatomy to understand human and animal behavior. It offers an in-depth understanding of brain diseases and abnormalities so we can develop solutions using studies with neuroscientific models.
An expert neuroscientist can make significant contributions to society, and a PhD in neuroscience will equip you to pursue a prestigious career in the field. According to Salary Expert, the average annual salary of neuroscience PhD holders is $109,270. That number is expected to rise to $121,831 by 2027, making this one of the highest paying PhDs.
Ready to find your dream PhD program in neuroscience? Let’s get started.
Best Neuroscience PhD Programs
Harvard University, Harvard Medical School
Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience (PiN)
The Neurobiology Department of Harvard Medical School is the first research department in the world to take an interdisciplinary, systemic approach to studying the human brain. This program is one of the more competitive PhDs in neuroscience and offers a wide range of electives as part of a flexible format. Students have ample freedom to balance their coursework and lab work with hybrid and online learning.
- Courses: Quantitative methods for biologists, rotations in neuroscience, and discipline of neuroscience.
- Duration: 3 years or more
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: Full funding
- Financial aid: Full tuition/stipend support, health insurance, childcare support, parental support, and travel allowance.
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Brain and Cognitive Sciences PhD Program
MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences claims to produce the sharpest and most innovative brain scientists in the world. This PhD program enables students to pursue cutting-edge research that seeks to push the boundaries of neuroscientific knowledge.
- Courses: Molecular & cellular neuroscience, computational cognitive science, and statistics for neuroscience research.
- Duration: 5 years plus
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $28,795 per year
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and health insurance.
- Acceptance rate: 7.3%
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Stanford University, School of Medicine
Stanford is one of the leading research universities in the world. This PhD program is one of 14 “Biosciences Home Programs” offered by the institution’s School of Medicine. One of the best neuroscience PhD programs USA offers, it enables students to design their post-graduate studies by working collaboratively with a large network of faculty and labs.
- Courses: Responsible conduct of neuroscience, neuroscience systems core, and neurogenetics core.
- Credits: 135 units
- Duration: 5 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: Refer tuition page
- Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and veteran benefits.
- Acceptance rate: 5.2%
- Location: Stanford, California
Princeton University, Graduate School
Princeton University is a globally acclaimed school that boasts a long list of Nobel laureates and other honors. This one of our list of PhD neuroscience programs emphasizes hands-on experience, encouraging students to fortify the concepts they learn in lectures by applying them in the lab.
- Courses: Cellular & circuits Neuroscience, computational neuroscience, and Statistics for Neuroscience.
- Duration: 5 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $56,010 per year
- Financial aid: Fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, external funding, travel grants, veteran benefits, and loans.
- Acceptance rate: 5.6%
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Yale University, School of Medicine
Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
Yale is another world-renowned university with several cultural centers to preserve the institution’s unique cultural identity. This interdepartmental PhD program is called a “department without walls” as it allows students to explore every aspect of neuroscience with the help of over 100 faculty members from more than twenty departments.
- Courses: Principles of neuroscience, foundations of systems neuroscience, and bioethics in neuroscience.
- Duration: Up to 7 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $47,500 per year
- Financial aid: Fellowships, awards, research assistantships, loans, and travel fund.
- Acceptance rate: 6.5%
- Location: New Haven, Connecticut
The University of California San Francisco, Weill Institute for Neurosciences
The University of California San Francisco is a big name committed to diversity and follows the JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) approach to promote a positive campus environment. This post-graduate program allows students to work collaboratively with faculty members across various departments who are well-known names in their respective fields.
- Courses: Cellular & molecular neuroscience, systems & behavioral neuroscience, and computational neuroscience.
- Duration: 4 – 6 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $11,442 per year
- Financial aid: Fellowships, awards, grants, and teaching assistantships.
- Acceptance rate: 3.7%
- Location: San Francisco, California
Brown University
Brown University is located in the culturally diverse city of Providence, Rhode Island, and emphasizes intellectual freedom. The “Open Curriculum” system at the undergraduate level testifies to this. This PhD in neuroscience program involves various experimental approaches, including a Graduate Partnership Program (GPP) with NIH (National Institutes of Health).
- Courses: Advanced molecular & cellular neurobiology, advanced systems neuroscience, and neuroanatomy.
- Duration: 5 years plus
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $7,835 per course
- Financial aid: Full funding, stipend, health insurance, grants, fellowships, and teaching assistantships.
- Acceptance rate: 7.7%
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
The Neuroscience Department at Johns Hopkins University was one of the first academic centers for Neuroscience in the country. Its PhD program is very well-regarded, offering students ample opportunities for lab rotations, a wide selection of electives, and seminar series from eminent national and international scholars.
- Courses: Neuroscience cognition, quantitative methods for the brain sciences, and neuron models.
- Duration: 3 years plus
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $59,700 per year
- Financial aid: Fellowships, loans, scholarships, and grants.
- Acceptance rate: 11.1%
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering
Caltech is a private institution dedicated to excellence in technological education and research. This PhD program gives students the opportunity to conduct advanced research in molecular mechanisms of nervous system development, the evolution of brain and behavior in primates, neuroscience of brain disorders, and neuroengineering.
- Courses: Tools of neurobiology, molecular, cellular, and developmental neurobiology, and circuits, systems, behavioral biology.
- Credits: 54 units (6 quarter courses)
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $56,364 per year
- Financial aid: Teaching assistantships, fellowships, loans, research assistantships, and full funding.
- Acceptance rate: 6.7%
- Location: Pasadena, California
The University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division
PhD Program in Computational Neuroscience
The University of Chicago is a renowned institution that evolved pioneering neuroscience research by eminent scientists like K. C. Cole, Stephen Polyak, and Jack Cowan. The school’s PhD in Computational Neuroscience offers an in-depth understanding of how various neural components affect human and animal behavior.
- Courses: Cellular neurobiology, methods in computational neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience.
- Duration: 5 years plus
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $19,035 per quarter
- Financial aid: Grants, fellowships, awards, stipends, and research assistantships.
- Acceptance rate: 7.3%
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Neuroscience?
You’ll need at least an undergraduate degree in biological sciences or a related field. Some programs may also require a master’s in a relevant field, and others may ask for GRE scores as part of the application process. Throughout the program, you’ll need to complete coursework, research, and a dissertation paper, as well as meet teaching requirements, seminars, and pass qualifying examinations.
What to Consider When Choosing a Neuroscience PhD Program
Neuroscience is a highly specialized field that often involves interdisciplinary research. Therefore, it’s important to look for programs offering specializations in your areas of interest, and with faculty members who are experts in these fields. It’s also important to consider applicable tuition, other fees, location, and whether the program offers the type of study you want (on-campus, online, or hybrid learning).
Once you decide on a PhD program, it’s a good idea to lay some groundwork. This will help you put together a stronger application and better prepare for the program itself. Read up on the latest neuroscience research and think about potential subjects for your dissertation. Build your network in the sector and start to make connections that will help you with your studies and beyond.
Why Get a Doctorate in Neuroscience?
A doctorate in neuroscience can make you a valuable expert in one of the top branches of the biological sciences. In this field, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to perform exciting, valuable, and innovative research.
This advanced degree will also qualify you for many well-paid roles, including:
- Medical Science Liaison ($140,043)
- Senior Clinical Research Associate ($106,413)
- Neuroscientist ($81,264)
- Research Scientist ($83,565)
- Program Director, Healthcare ($81,742)
- Assistant Professor, Postsecondary/Higher Education ($70,089)
PhD in Neuroscience: Key Facts
What is the Average Cost of a PhD in Neuroscience?
The cost of completing a PhD in neuroscience varies depending on certain factors, from the school and program you choose, to other expenses like accommodation. A reputable PhD in neuroscience program can range anywhere from $10K to $60K per year.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Neuroscience?
Getting a PhD in Neuroscience generally takes between 3-7 years.
What Skills Do You Gain from a PhD in Neuroscience?
A PhD in Neuroscience awards you a range of skills, most notably:
- The ability to develop testable neuroscientific hypotheses and conduct studies using experimental, statistical, and literature review methods.
- Laboratory skills related to researching behavioral Neuroscience concepts.
- Scientific written communication skills.
PhD Neuroscience Program Statistics
- A PhD in neuroscience program can expect hundreds of applicants — the average is around 170.
- Most neuroscience PhD candidates have an undergraduate degree in psychology, biology, or neuroscience, though they may have backgrounds in other fields, even non-science ones such as business or humanities.
- Most schools only accept a few neuroscience PhD candidates a year based on stringent criteria. For example, The University of Texas at Dallas accepts an average of 10 students per semester.
Key Takeaways
With intake numbers for PhD in Neuroscience programs being relatively small, it’s important to start preparing early to put together the strongest application possible. Once you get accepted into your dream program, the future will be bright, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a 17% growth in jobs for medical scientists between 2020 and 2030. From high salary prospects to the opportunity to make valuable contributions to society, as a neuroscientist you’re sure to have a rewarding career!
If you’re trying to decide between studying neuroscience and psychology, check out our guides to the best Master’s in Psychology and the best online PhD in Psychology programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Competitive are Neuroscience Doctoral Programs?
Neuroscience PhD programs can be highly competitive. Even when there are hundreds of applicants, only 10 or so may be accepted each year by each program. Therefore, it’s important to have a strong academic record and prepare a compelling application in order to be accepted into your dream program.
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Do Neuroscientists Need a PhD?
This depends on the exact neuroscience role you want. Typically, you’ll need a PhD in neuroscience to work as a research scientist, senior research associate, or neuroscience professor at a post-secondary school. However, you may be eligible for entry-level neuroscience roles with an undergraduate or master’s degree in the field.
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Does Harvard Have a Neuroscience Major?
Yes, Harvard University offers one of the most reputable of the USA’s neuroscience doctorate programs.
Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.
