About PhD Program,
The Ph.D. degree is a research degree with specialized education in a particular discipline of neuroscience. Students may also apply for Professional Duel Degrees with the Physician Scientist Training Program (M.D./Ph.D.) and the Veterinary Scientist Training Program (DVM/Ph.D.).
Students may specialize in the following areas of neuroscience:
- cellular/molecular neuroscience
- developmental neuroscience
- systems neuroscience
- cognitive neuroscience
- behavioral neuroscience
- computational neuroscience
- neuroengineering
Normally, a student will complete course and teaching requirements during the first two years of the program, pass a written and oral Preliminary Examination given by five faculty members, then conduct and complete the dissertation research under the direction of a major professor, who serves as a research mentor. A thesis committee approves the dissertation, and the student delivers an exit seminar on this work to the graduate group to complete the degree. Full time students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units per quarter.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
A minimum GPA is required.
The Neuroscience graduate group evaluates applicants using holistic review. Many criteria are considered when reviewing individual applications for admission into the Neuroscience graduate group:
- Academic Preparation:Are you prepared to pursue a degree in neuroscience, including success in related/foundational coursework? Is there evidence of self-directed study, etc.?
- Research Interest and Experience:What research questions interest you and why? Do you have experience conducting original research? If so, what research question did you and your team tackle, and why? What did you learn from that experience, and how does that inform your future goals?
- Potential/Promise:Do you have the work ethic, motivation and ability to achieve goals? Is your creativity, perseverance, and balance between focus and flexibility in alignment with the graduate program?
- Leadership and Service
PhD Funding Coverage,
The UC Davis Neuroscience Graduate Group provides financial support, fees and tuition for all students who are admitted to the program and then guarantees funding for every student who continues to make satisfactory progress. Ph.D. students in the Neuroscience Graduate Group are paid a stipend that is competitive with other comparable programs in the nation. Current stipend (for living expenses) is ~$37,728 per year. On admission, the Graduate Group commits to supporting new students with two quarters of full support, including in-state tuition, health insurance (if needed), Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (if applicable), and a stipend. Once students have joined a major professor’s laboratory, the faculty member commits to continuing that level of support. Once students have joined a major professor’s laboratory, the faculty member commits to continuing that level of support. The funds come from several sources including federal training grants, federal research grants to the faculty, University fellowships and scholarships, and teaching assistantships. The program is currently funded, in part, by an NIH Training Grant in Basic Neuroscience.
Additional Graduate Student Support
A variety of support is also available, through both the College of Biological Sciences and the University.
- Training Programs, Grants and Research Fellowships
- Scholarships and Stipends
- Underrepresented Student Support
Application Requirement,
- Online Application
- Application Fee
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Copies of all college transcripts reported in application
- Statement of Purpose and Personal History and Diversity Statement
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable)
- GRE scores
- GPA
The Neuroscience Graduate Group welcomes applications from academically strong individuals who are first-generation college students, are underrepresented minorities, are disabled, or belong to socially or economically disadvantaged groups. Students trained through the McNair’s, BUSP, UC LEADS, UC-HBCU Initiatives, or similar programs at your undergraduate institute are especially welcomed
- McNair’s Scholarship Program
- Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program
- UC Leadership Excellence Through Advanced DegreeS (UC LEADS) Scholar Program
- UC-HBCU Initiative
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2024
Application Fee,
Application Fee, $135
