CBN Graduate Program Requirements
Graduate Degrees Offered
M.S. Biological Sciences
Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Biological Sciences
Montana State University is NOT accepting students for Neuroscience Graduate Programs.
The program offers graduate study and research leading to a Master of Biological Science (M.S.) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in either Neuroscience or Biological Sciences. Prospective students wishing to apply directly to the Cell Biology & Neuroscience must first secure a faculty mentor prior to the on-line application process. Applicants applying through the Molecular Biosciences Program do not need to secure a mentor prior to application.
Admission
Ph.D. and M.S. Degree Programs
A Bachelor's degree in an area of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Math or Psychology
is recommended. Students with Bachelor’s degrees outside these areas are also encouraged
to apply; such students will generally be required to complete appropriate courses
while enrolled at MSU to make up subject matter deficiencies prior to full acceptance
into the Ph.D. and Masters programs. Factors that the program uses in its admissions
process may include TOEFL scores (for non-native English speakers), reference letters,
GPA and previous coursework and research experience.
Complete details about the application process are available.
Program Requirements
M.S. Degree
Two options are offered for the Master's degree:
- Plan A requires completion of 20 credits of acceptable coursework and 10 credits of thesis.
- Plan B requires completion of a 4 credit project and 26 credits of acceptable coursework.
All Master's candidates must take an oral comprehensive exam near the completion of their graduate program. Required curriculum will be tailored to the needs and interests of each student in consultation with their graduate advisor and advisory committee.
Ph.D. Degree
A Ph.D. student must complete 60 credits. This will include a mix of dissertation
credits and graduate-level coursework credits. The exact proportion of credits will
be determined for each student by their advisory committee. Accepted students will
work with their advisor to establish an advisory committee and curriculum of study
that best fits their educational needs, research interests, and career plans.
Research Experience
Plan A (thesis option) Master's degree students gain research experience through their
thesis and are expected to submit the results of their thesis work to at least one
journal or conference. Plan B (project option) Master's degree students gain some
research experience in the context of their project. Ph.D. students will gain research
experience through their doctoral work, journal or conference submissions, and attending
conferences
Research Facilities
Graduate research will be performed primarily in the laboratory of the student’s thesis
advisor. Additional facilities will be available from the program and in laboratories
collaborating with the student’s advisor.
Financial Assistance
A number of research and teaching assistantships are available for qualified graduate
students. These appointments are normally for half-time assignments (19 hours per
week) during the academic year. Some appointments may also be available during the
summer. Assistantships will only be offered to formally admitted graduate students.