Two application options are available for students interested in undergraduate training in Neuroscience.
- The Department of Biological Sciences offers a B.S. degree in Biology with an emphasis in Neuroscience. Details about admission and policies can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students are encouraged to apply online.
- Preparations are underway for the Honors Tutorial College (HTC) to offer a B.S. degree in Neuroscience possibly beginning in fall 2007. The HTC is a unique and exciting approach to undergraduate education. Modern neuroscience is a highly interdisciplinary field that brings together ideas and methodologies from a variety of traditional disciplines such as biology, chemistry, psychology, philosophy, physics and mathematics.
The Honors Tutorial Program in Neuroscience provides students with a solid interdisciplinary foundation in modern Neuroscience and allows them to pursue their individual interests within one of four major sub disciplines: - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Quantitative Neuroscience
- Neuroethology
The program is designed to provide maximum flexibility while ensuring that students are fully prepared for admission into the graduate or professional school of their choice.
Application to the HTC can be made online, but it is preferred that applicants download forms and send them directly to the college. Please note that the application deadline for the HTC is December 15, which is earlier than standard Ohio University applications.
Master of Science and Ph.D.
Admission to graduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences requires a bachelor's degree with a strong background in the biological and physical sciences, including calculus, organic chemistry, and physics -- all applicants must have a 3.0 or better GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from the institution where they received their most recent degree (bachelor's or master's). Results of verbal, analytical, and quantitative tests of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required of all applicants; all applicants must score above the 50th percentile in all three areas (typically about 480 for verbal, 620 for quantitative, and 4.5 for analytical writing). The GRE advanced subject test in biology or a physical science is recommended but not required. Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or its equivalent; applicants must score a minimum of 620 on the paper based test (equivalent to a score of 260 on the computer based, or 105 on the internet based tests). All admissions are based on a hierarchical ranking of students and, if the student requires financial aid, on funding availability.
Applications consist of:
- two university application forms (request the forms in writing from the Office of Graduate Student Services, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, via e-mail to graduate@ohio.edu or apply over the Web (preferable))
- GRE and TOEFL scores (Ohio University institutional code, 1593; Biological Sciences department code, 35)
- undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate transcripts
- three letters of reference
- a short essay concerning prior training, research interests, and career goals
- the names of three faculty members from our graduate faculty with whom the applicant is interested in working
- a non-refundable application fee of $45.
All parts of the application except the letters of reference are sent to the Ohio University Office of Graduate Student Services; the letters of reference are sent directly to the department's graduate secretary, Angie Nilsen, Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701.
Applications are accepted at any time, but must be received by January 15 to be considered for financial support during the following academic year. For any further questions, please e-mail the department's graduate secretary at nilsen@ohio.edu.
All applications must include the names of three graduate faculty with whom the applicant is interested in working. Admission is contingent on a faculty member expressing an interest in the applicant, and applicants are strongly advised to contact potential advisers. Upon request, the graduate committee and/or Neuroscience Program will fund visits by strong candidates. The initial choice of advisor is not binding, and students are encouraged to perform research rotations with other faculty during their first year. Students are expected to choose a home lab and faculty advisor by the end of this year. Prior to this time, mentoring student progress is the responsibility of the initial advisor or the head of the Neuroscience Program or, possibly, other program faculty.
