There are five items to consider when choosing the best neuroscience university: your priorities, admissions requirements, accreditation, research programs, and faculty. Neuroscience university is usually part of the faculty of graduate studies and is organized within a larger university. This type of training and program is available at the master’s and doctoral levels. Neuroscience universities are research-driven, offering very specialized training programs.
Deciding on the neuroscience university is a difficult process. Published rankings list neuroscience universities according to a specific criteria and each item is weighted according to its relative importance. However, the priorities of the ranking organization may not match your priorities. For example, many ranking organizations place a high value on the physical environment of the school, including the buildings and amount of open space. As a graduate student, you may decide that these items have less value for you, but that access to student housing off campus is much more important.
In order to qualify for admission to neuroscience university, high marks in a bachelor's degree is required. The degree can be in a range of pure or applied sciences. Common examples include degrees in neurology, biology, or computer science. High marks and a successful interview or essay submission are normally required.
If you are looking at the best neuroscience university in the country or state, take note that the admissions standard is higher to reflect the increased demand. As such, only students with the very best combination of marks, personal interview, test scores, and letters of recommendation are offered admissions. If you don't have the very best marks in your class, think about applying to schools that offer programs that you are interested in or will help your career later on.
When looking for a neuroscience university, check the school's accreditation status. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent third party that has examined its academic and administrative policies. Courses from an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions and are accepted by certifying and licensing boards. Accredited schools are able to offer students access to government student aid programs.
Research programs are essential when looking at a graduate school. Talk to the admissions counselor about current research, openings for a research assistant, as well as the opportunity to run your own research project. Upon graduation, the primary area of employment is in research.
Most neuroscience universities provide the biographies of their faculty or instructors on their website. The information provided typically includes the academic credentials, research focus, publications, and any awards they have received. Review this information to learn more about the interests and focus of the course instructors. Neuroscience programs should have academic staff with expertise in this area, as well as graduate programs and research available to students.