This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program provides coursework and research training in neuroscience, with research mentoring spanning a range of different dimensions (basic to applied/clinical neuroscience, molecular to cognitive neuroscience, various types of nervous system measurement approaches, etc.). Students’ dissertation chairs and other committee members will come from various colleges and units at UNLV. This program will primarily prepare graduates to pursue post-doctoral research and independent research careers in neuroscience and related fields in academic, medical, government, or private industry settings.
Available Options
Post-Bachelor's Track
Post-Master's Track
Learning Outcomes
Students should have broad knowledge of neuroscience methods, theories, and findings, and deep knowledge in at least one specific area of neuroscience.
Students should have the ability to conduct, present, and publish literature reviews and empirical research in at least one specific area of neuroscience.
Students should be able to prepare and submit applications for research funding.
Students should have the ability to ethically perform independent research in academic, medical, and government institutions, as well as private industry.
Career Possibilities
Most graduates of this program will pursue post-doctoral research, followed by independent research careers in a variety of workplace settings, including academic, medical, and government institutions, as well as private industry. Neuroscience research has a wide and growing range of medical and technological applications, so some graduates of the program will also be poised to apply some of their own research and tool development to the creation of marketable intellectual property in the form of patents and start-up companies, some of which will likely be based in Nevada, and therefore provide high-tech job opportunities for Nevada residents.
September 2025
College of Sciences
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.,
LAS VEGAS,
Nevada,
89154, United States
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00 (A = 4.00) or a master's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.50. Applicants must have completed at least 18 credits in biological or health sciences, cognitive science, neuroscience, or psychology courses including Statistics and Research Methods or their equivalents, at the undergraduate or the graduate level.
English Proficiency:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): (Paper-based) Minimum score - 74; (Computer-based) Minimum score - 213; (Internet-based) Minimum score - 80
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum score: 6.5
Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score: 105
Michigan Test of English Language Placement (MTELP): Minimum score: 85
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score: 65
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.