Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, MS
Introduction
The Master’s program in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience enables students to collaborate with high-profile researchers working at the cutting edge of the discipline. Built upon the combined resources of Delaware State and partner institutions, the program unites researchers from multiple disciplines, including:
- Molecular biology
- Neurochemistry
- Neurophysiology
- Neuroanatomy
- Psychology/behavior
Delaware State has a historical relationship with the neuroscience graduate program at Drexel University (in Philadelphia) and more recently with the University of Delaware, so students can explore the option of completing their thesis research at one of these institutions. The program also offers complete preparation for eventual PhD studies, and culminates in an original MS thesis based on independent laboratory research. Many of the MS courses can be applied towards DSU’s PhD in Neuroscience if the student is accepted into that program and passes the comprehensive examination to enter the doctoral level.
Professional Preparation
Delaware State’s MS program in neuroscience cultivates a broad range of professional skills. Students have the opportunity to
- collaborate with researchers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors
- conduct independent research
- contribute to scientific papers
- attend conferences
The program enables graduate students to develop professional networks and build research skills, laying the foundation for a career or further study in neuroscientific research.
Faculty
Because the Master’s program in Neuroscience is interdisciplinary and multi-institutional, graduate students work with a broad array of faculty and are exposed to diverse perspectives, techniques, and theoretical approaches. Faculty members at Delaware State University and its partner institutions are engaged in pioneering research funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Health, and other agencies.
Admission Requirements
Admission is considered for applicants who have submitted a complete application, and who meet all admission criteria as outlined below. Considering that there are a limited number of seats, will be evaluated on a competitive basis by the Graduate Program Committee based on the following:
- Personal Statement
The personal statement must demonstrate research experience, scientific writing capacity, scientific reasoning and critical thinking, and goal-oriented and progressive thinking that links previous experience with both short-term and long-term academic and professional goals. - Transcript
Minimum transcript criteria include a 3.0 overall GPA, Bachelor’s Degree conferred in Biology or similar field. Pre-requisite courses include General Biology, General Chemistry, General Physics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Statistics, Biochemistry. - GREs
GRE Scores for the General Test must reflect an overall percentile score of 100, with a minimum percentile score of 25 within the three content areas (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing). Discipline-specific GREs (e.g. biology) are not considered for evaluation. - Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are those that indicate the reviewer’s support of the applicant in terms of their academic strength, personal character, and academic potential of the applicant.
Financial Support
The department admits a limited number of students to the graduate programs so that they can be supported with tuition scholarships and research stipends from grants; however, funding is not guaranteed upon admission. Admission without funding is not usually a viable option, unless the student has a formal financial commitment letter from a faculty sponsor from the Biology department.
The program is considered a career endeavor. In some cases, students will be partially supported by teaching assistantships. In all cases students are expected to focus full-time on their studies and research. No student enrolled in either of the MS program and supported financially through DSU will be allowed to take up employment elsewhere without permission from advisor, GPC and department chair.
Research and Experience
Delaware State University has active research projects in many different areas of neuroscience, including
- behavior
- development
- aging
- cellular / molecular
- clinical neuroscience
- biomechanics
- model systems of learning and memory
- neurophysiology