About PhD Program,
The University of Chicago has a long tradition of innovative research in the neurosciences. K. C. Cole developed the voltage clamp here, Stephen Polyak and C. J. Herrick did pioneering work on the anatomy of the retina and brain, and Jack Cowan and Hugh Wilson were among the first to develop mathematical analyses of the dynamics of cortical neurons using non-linear dynamics. This tradition is continued by the Ph.D. Program in Computational Neuroscience, which provides an interdepartmental and interdivisional focus for multidisciplinary training in neuroscience.
Computational neuroscience is a relatively new area of inquiry that is concerned with how components of animal and human nervous systems interact to produce behaviors. It relies on quantitative and modeling methods to understand the function of the nervous system, natural behaviors, and cognitive processes, and to design human-made devices that duplicate behaviors.
Coursework in computational neuroscience can prepare students for research in neurobiology, psychology, or in the mathematical or engineering sciences.
Students in the program rotate through two or three laboratories before choosing one for their thesis work near the end of the first year. About a year later, they qualify for Ph.D. candidacy by presenting and defending a thesis proposal. Most of the remaining time is devoted to thesis research, although students also take electives and can take training in teaching or other professional skills.
The average time to Ph.D. is 5.7 years. Since its inception in 2001, the Program in Computational Neuroscience has awarded 47 Ph.D. degrees.
Graduates from this program move to traditional academic careers, to careers in biomedical research or engineering, or to opportunities in the corporate world.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students with undergraduate degrees in biology, neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, any of the quantitative sciences, or any of the engineering disciplines are invited to apply to the Graduate Program in Computational Neuroscience.
Students who are interested in Computational Neuroscience, but who prefer earning a Ph.D. in a cognate discipline can do so by pursuing a Ph.D. through the departments of Computer Science, Mathematics, Neurobiology, Physics, Psychology, or Statistics, and taking Computational Neuroscience courses.
The University of Chicago welcomes applications from students who are members of groups underrepresented in science, including students with disabilities. For information on the BSD efforts to recruit and retain students with diverse backgrounds, please visit our office of diversity.
Admission to the Ph.D. program in Computational Neuroscience is coordinated through the Division of Biological Sciences. The application system opens in early September, and completed applications need to be submitted by November 30. You may apply to as many as four programs with one application, but please list the program of most interest to you first; this program will be given priority in reviewing your application.
Applicants are expected to have completed a bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of science (BS), or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university by the time they matriculate.
PhD Funding Coverage,
UChicago Biosciences offers academically qualified applicants full and equitable support. Such assistance is guaranteed through the student’s first five years of study, conditional on satisfactory degree progress, and is extended to completion of degree in all but the most unusual of circumstances.
Financial support includes tuition and fees, and provides a stipend. The graduate stipend is maintained at a level affording a reasonable local standard of living, is competitive with awards offered at comparable institutions, and is periodically adjusted in response to cost-of-living increases.
The 2024-25 stipend will be $45,000 plus health insurance and fees. We also provide a one-time $1,000 relocation payment.
Individual fields of research may offer support from predoctoral training grant appointments, endowed fellowships, or research assistantships. Many of our students also compete successfully for external fellowships. UChicago Biosciences provides supplemental funding to ensure that all students, regardless of funding source, receive the same standard of funding.
All new and continuing graduate students are encouraged to seek individual merit awards, such as NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, NIH individual National Research Service Awards, or Department of Defense awards, whenever possible. For more information, see Student Funding and Awards.
Application Requirement,
The application period for UChicago Biosciences programs starting in Autumn Quarter 2025 will open in early September 2024. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all materials are submitted by the December 3, 2024 deadline. Our approach to the evaluation of candidates is holistic; applications are reviewed as a whole. The admissions committee takes into consideration the entire application package, including submitted transcripts and scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and, especially, academic and research background. Evidence of a sound background in the applicant’s intended field of study is important, as are academic credentials suggesting that the applicant has the ability to successfully pursue advanced study and research. The University of Chicago recognizes that standardized test scores may not be good indicators of ability or potential for all candidates; submission of GRE scores is therefore optional. Previous research experience is considered a strong asset. Candidates are assessed in the context of the opportunities that have been available to them. Additional guidance to applicants is provided on our FAQ page.
Application Deadline,
Dec 03, 2024
Application Fee,
Application fee of $90 is required and non-refundable.
