BN Program - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the entrance requirements and due dates for Graduate School application?
- Under Graduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 minimum
- Graduate Records Examination (GRE) minimum score of 1000 (verbal and quantitative scores combined)
- Note: These scores are not used exclusively to determine admission but are viewed in the context of other supporting materials, such as letters of recommendation
- Completed applications for admission in the fall semester, including all letters and supporting documents are due by January 5.
- For instructions on how to complete the process, go to http://psychology.clas.asu.edu/graduate/admissions
What is the acceptance rate of students who apply?
There is not a certain quota of students that are accepted or declined. Generally, applicants are accepted based on the compatibility between the applicant’s research interest and an individual faculty member’s need.
Does the behavioral neuroscience department have lab rotations the first year?
No, during the first year, students choose a research mentor under whose supervision they complete a “first year research project,” culminating in a paper and oral presentation. The presentation is scheduled at the end of the spring semester and has come to represent a celebration of the completion of the first year.
What is behavioral neuroscience?
Behavioral neuroscience is the study of the physiology of behavior, more specifically how the central nervous system regulates behavior. Behavioral neuroscientists in general study brain and behavior interactions with regards to development, function, abnormalities and repair as well as anatomy, chemistry and physiology.
What kind of research does ASU’s behavioral neuroscience do?
Our research examines the biological basis of behavior using molecular, genetic, anatomical, imaging and pharmacological approaches. Some of our current faculty research interests are:
- learning and memory
- Alzheimer's Disease/Aging
- mathematical modeling of behavior
- Schizophrenia
- recovery of function after brain damage
- dysfunctions of the basal ganglia
- neuroplasticity
- stress and depression
- behavioral and neurobiological underpinnings of drug abuse
What kind of degree do I need to enter a graduate program in behavioral neuroscience?
Students with a Bachelors of Science or Bachelors of Arts degree from an accredited university are encouraged to apply. Most applicants have taken several basic science courses including: biology, chemistry and physiology.
Will my master's degree from a different area help my graduate studies in behavioral neuroscience?
Applicants are encouraged to apply from a variety of different disciplines. Each applicant will be reviewed on a case by case basis taking into consideration the nature of the graduate degree, the applicants previous course work and research interests.
What can I expect the first year of graduate school?
In your first year you will choose a mentor, design and execute a first-year project that will culminate into a paper and an oral presentation. In addition to your research, you will complete four classes with a grade of a "B" or better and attend a weekly neuroscience seminar. Other responsibilities may include a teaching assistant position or a research assistant position where you collaborate on other research projects in your lab.
What are the program requirements for a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience?
The behavioral neuroscience graduate program has 4 major milestones:
- the first-year project
- master’s thesis
- comprehensive examination
- doctoral dissertation
For for a detailed description on each of the four major milestones go to http://psychology.clas.asu.edu/graduate/currentstudents and download the graduate student handbook.
How much research, course work, and teaching can I expect?
The amount of time you spend on your own research project is largely dependent on the demand of your research project. Hours spent on your own research can vary from week to week, but on average expect to spend 80 hours a week on your own research project. While research is your primary focus, it is imperative to be successful in your course work. Typically students take two three-credit classes each semester in addition to the two-credit weekly seminar each semester. Your teaching load can vary depending on the lab you are working in and the course for which you have been selected. A teaching assistant can expect to spend approximately 20 hours a week fulfilling the teaching assistantship requirement.
How much independent research can I expect in addition to my own research?
This is dependent on your mentor. If you are given a research assistantship expect to spend approximately 20 hours a week in addition to your own research project.
Will I have undergraduate research assistants to help me with my project?
This is can vary from lab to lab. Your first year project is your responsibility and it is your responsibility to perform the research requirement for your project. However, if extra help is available, you may be assigned a student to help you with your research.
Do I need research experience?
No, this is not a requirement, but it is a desired quality. Research techniques are usually learned in the process of completing your first year project. However, advisors typically will look for preliminary qualifications such as processing the scientific theory at a cognitive rather than a procedural level. It should be noted that most successful applicants do have some research experience that demonstrates their capacity to work in the lab and to think analytically.
Do people have fun in the BN Program?
Come join us and see for yourself!
