About PhD Program,
The Department of Neurosciences offers an interdisciplinary neuroscience training program (INTP). Our program emphasizes cellular, molecular, and systems neuroscience to discover mechanisms that mediate the function and development of the nervous system. Training in neurobiology is provided through a combination of research, coursework, and seminars.
Thesis research opportunities are available with more than 20 faculty members working in areas such as sensory and motor systems, neuronal regeneration, sensory and cognitive neuroscience, synaptic function and plasticity, neurodegeneration, neuron-glial interactions, simple neural circuits and neural modeling, and neurogenetics.
The Department of Neurosciences is currently undergoing a period of expansion and is actively recruiting new primary faculty. One feature of the department that makes it a particularly attractive training environment is the highly interactive atmosphere, characterized by extensive collaboration among laboratories and with other departments in the university.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Unless stated higher by the department, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 is required for the awarding of graduate degrees from the School of Graduate Studies. Any department, school, or curricular program committee may choose to establish quality standards higher than those stated above if such additional requirements are made known in writing to the students upon matriculation and are recorded with the School of Graduate Studies. In calculating the grade point average, courses taken as a student in the School of Graduate Studies at the 400 level or above as well as any courses accepted toward fulfillment of degree requirements for which quality points are given will be counted, including courses that may need to be repeated. In that case, the departmental standards supersede the minimum standards. Students who do not maintain the minimum grade point average will be placed on academic probation until the minimum standard has been achieved.
Our students are admitted to the Neurosciences PhD program through one of two routes:
- Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP)– The BSTP is the umbrella program through which students should apply for entry into the Neurosciences PhD Program. Students can explore different areas of research before choosing a mentor.
- Please contact: bstp@case.eduwith any questions about applying to the PhD program.
- Medical Sciences Training Program (MSTP)– Students who apply to the MSTP will earn a dual MD/PhD degree. Students in this program can also explore different areas before choosing a research mentor.
PhD Funding Coverage,
All BSTP students are fully funded, meaning 100% tuition & fees are awarded to matriculating BSTP students.
BSTP students earn a $35,000 stipend in the 2023-2024 academic year and $37,000 in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Health insurance is provided for by the program. In addition, a $2,000 moving allowance is available to all matriculating students.
We also encourage you to prepare your own fellowship applications to support your work—many Case Western Reserve University graduate students have earned fellowships from the NIH, American Heart Association, and other agencies. A stipend supplement of $2,500 is provided for awardees of individual training grants. For more information, visit our Fellowships and Grant Writing section.
Application Requirement,
A completed application includes the following:
- Online Application:Start the online application. Please indicate that you are applying to the School of Medicine, Doctoral Biomedical Sciences Training Program.
- Transcripts: School-issued unofficial transcripts are sufficient for admissions review, scanned and uploaded for all colleges or universities attended.
- Resume/CV:Upload your current resume/CV outlining all work experience and volunteer roles with timeframes. Make sure to highlight any completed research positions or opportunities experienced. Scientific publications and skills not captured elsewhere in the application should be included here.
- Letters of Recommendation:Three letters of recommendation are required. Research mentors and individuals who have helped you with independent scientific research are recommended to write at least one or more of these recommendations. The online application will request recommenders’ contact info for electronic submission. We will not begin review of the application until all three letters of recommendation are received.
- Personal Statement:A personal statement is how we begin to know you better. The 1-2 page personal statement should include the experiences that shaped your interest in science and your long-term goals.
- Research Experience: List and describe all your research experiences.
- Application Fee:$50 USD paid at the time of submission. For more information on who qualifies for a fee waiver check out our policy page.
- GRE:Exam scores are not required for admission.
- *For international applicants: if you are not a citizen of a country whose official language is English, or if you received a degree from a university where the primary language of instruction was not English, an English proficiency exam (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) is required.
Application Deadline,
Jan 01, 2025
Application Fee,
- Application Fee:$50 USD paid at the time of submission. For more information on who qualifies for a fee waiver check out our policy page.
