Doctoral Degree in Neuroscience

Who is this program for?

The doctoral program in neuroscience is ideal for individuals fascinated by the brain and nervous system, with a desire to explore areas such as neural circuits, cognitive function, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuroplasticity. Graduates can pursue careers in academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare, with opportunities to contribute to advancements in brain research, neurological therapies, and mental health treatments.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Neuroscience program offers rigorous, interdisciplinary training in the study of the brain and nervous system, preparing students to conduct groundbreaking research in areas such as neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, neurodegenerative diseases, and neural development. Through a combination of advanced coursework, laboratory research, and collaboration with faculty across multiple disciplines, students develop the skills to investigate the biological basis of behavior and brain function. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and science policy.

The Department of Neuroscience is comprised of a world-class team of scientists and educators who focus their research activities in the dynamic field of Neuroscience, with nearly seven million dollars a year in grant and contract support for biomedical research on the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. Research strengths include the study of spinal cord and brain injury and repair, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, and circadian biology. Several faculty are affiliated with translational research centers, including the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), the Sanders Brown Center on Aging (SBCoA), the Center for Microelectrode Technology (CenMeT), the Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center (MRISC), the Center for Advanced Translational Stroke Science (CATSS), and the Epilepsy Center (EpiC).

Offered by the College of Medicine
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Credential
PhD
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Tuition / Credit Hour
Resident $825.50
Non-Resident $2,060.50

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What You'll Learn


Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!

Expand Your Learning

The PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Kentucky offers a flexible, research-intensive program that prepares students for careers in academic research, teaching, and industry. Students benefit from a multidisciplinary curriculum, hands-on laboratory experience, and close mentorship from an energetic and collaborative faculty. Research areas span neural, neuroendocrine, and reproductive systems, with a strong emphasis on using state-of-the-art methods to explore brain function and behavior.

Students typically begin with foundational coursework and lab rotations through the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) curriculum in the first year, then transition to advanced coursework, teaching, and qualifying exams by the end of the second year. From that point forward, the program is highly focused on independent research. A robust seminar series, national and international presentation opportunities, and a strong sense of community support students as they grow into accomplished neuroscientists. A combined MD/PhD option is also available for students interested in clinical research careers.

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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
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