Curriculum
What You’ll Learn
The Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience (IPN) focuses on research training and the completion of independent dissertation research. Our students frequently forge new collaborations within the close-knit IPN community, allowing them to pursue multiple approaches during their research training and launching them to the forefront of their area of research.
We aim to ensure Ph.D. candidates obtain a comprehensive and well-rounded background in the neurosciences covering cellular, molecular, systems, and cognitive approaches. Students complete required courses in Neuroscience as well as advanced electives and laboratory rotations.
Contact the IPN staff to learn more about our program.
Degree Requirements
Coursework is completed in the first 2 years of the program. The 1st year consists of a set of required courses and laboratory rotations. Thesis research begins in the 2nd year along with electives focusing on material important to the research topic. Students have maximum flexibility in selecting their electives to tailor their training.
By the end of the second year, a thesis mentor and an area of thesis research are identified. Throughout the program, students present their current research to the program in the Student Seminar Series. Upon completion of the research project, a thesis is written and defended, and a Ph.D. degree is awarded.
The training of Ph.D. students in the IPN involves a multi-faceted approach to learning. In addition to coursework and thesis research, formal and informal learning situations are integrated into the study in the form of journal clubs, seminars, and other student-student and student-faculty interactions.
Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing: A PhD student may make a written request for the transfer of credit for specific applicable courses or apply for advanced standing. Please speak with program leadership and review the policy on transfer credit and advanced standing.
CHECKLIST
🗹 9 Required Courses (24 credits)
🗹 10 credits of Electives
🗹 3-4 Rotations
🗹 2 Comprehensive Exams
🗹 Weekly Student Seminars Series
🗹 Annual Neurofest
🗹 IPN Seminar Series
🗹 Journal Clubs
Comprehensive Exams
Students must pass the written and oral exams to begin thesis research.
Completion of Degree
Students must pass the written and oral exams to begin thesis research.
M.D.-Ph.D. Program
The M.D.-Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience is a dual doctorate program designed for students interested in careers as physician-scientists. Students will receive a top medical education combined with research training in laboratories of premier investigators at Georgetown University. The Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience curriculum is tailored to complement the medical coursework.
Application Process
Apply now or learn more about the required application documents, application deadlines, tuition, available financial assistance, and answers to admissions FAQs.
Why a degree in Neuroscience?
A Ph.D. in Neuroscience can break open new and interesting careers! In addition to an academic career in research and teaching (the Professor route) there are additional health-related careers, research only careers (Institutes and Pharma), policy work, work in global health, business and law, government, writing and publishing, non-profit research/foundation, consulting, big data and other quant fields. The list goes on…what will you add to it?