ADMISSIONS

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Neuroscience Graduate Program is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.

If you are an applicant with a disability who would like to engage in a confidential consultation about disability access at CU Anschutz, or who requires accommodations to complete the application or interview process, please contact The Office of Disability, Access & Inclusion.

The Neuroscience Graduate Program (NSP) admits 7-11 students each fall who apply directly to NSP. Incoming students select one of two training tracks:

• Rotation Track – Incoming students will do 3 rotations in Neuroscience labs and select a thesis lab at the end of their first year. This is the default track and the significant majority of students are expected to enter through this track.
• Thesis Lab Track – A limited number of incoming students can apply to directly join the lab of a thesis advisor in whose lab they have already worked instead of doing rotations. It is required that these applicants and advisors have already established a strong mentor-mentee relationship. There are additional requirements to apply via the thesis lab track; interested applicants should contact NSP’s Program Directors Nidia Quillinan and Gidon Felsen by November 1 for additional information.

How to Apply

Applications to the Neuroscience Program received by December 1 will be given first consideration for admission to the Fall Semester of the following year, but applications received subsequently may also be considered. Fall Semester classes begin in late August

Entrance Requirements

Coursework | Although not an absolute requirement, competitive candidates will typically have completed undergraduate coursework that covers some of the following: biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, biochemistry, physics, mathematics (through calculus), computer science, biomedical engineering. 

Essays | You will be required to submit two essays with your application, approximately 1-3 pages in length, covering: 

Research Statement | Describe your past work in your proposed or allied fields of study, including educational and non-course educational experiences, lab research, teaching or other relevant employment, publications, theses, research in progress, or other scholarly activities. 

Personal Statement | Describe your motivation and plans for graduate study and a professional career, and discuss how this program will contribute to them. 

Letters of Recommendation | We require 3 letters from previous mentors who are familiar with your academic and/or laboratory achievements, such as college professors and faculty. 

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) | The GRE is not required or considered in the review of applications. 

Work Authorization | Students in our doctoral program receive coverage of stipend, tuition, and fees (including health insurance). To be eligible for such coverage, a student needs to be authorized to work in the United States. The application will have questions for which you need to document that you currently possess valid work authorization documentation. International students (those who would reside in the US with a visa) may apply with the understanding that they will obtain the required sponsored student visa. For any questions, please contact your program before submitting the application.  

TOEFL scores and financial support verification (international students)​​ 
A $50 (domestic) or $75 (international) non-refundable application fee. An application will not be processed without payment.  Fee waivers are available for qualified applicants. 

Graduate School online application One (1) unofficial or official transcript of all academic work completed to date. An official transcript will be required following acceptance to matriculate into our program and must come from the issuing institution directly and sent either electronically or mailed to:  

Electronic Transcripts should be sent to:  [email protected] 

If sending a physical transcript, please mail to: 

Graduate School 
Mail Stop C296 
Fitzsimons Building, C5000 
13001 E. 17th Place 
Aurora, CO 80045 

International Applicants

PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS IS NOVEMBER 1.

Visit International Admissions for more information.

Questions?

Please email the Neuroscience Graduate Program office with any questions at [email protected]

Entry via an Umbrella Program

• Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) MD/PhD – Applicants wishing to pursue their PhD in Neuroscience as part of the dual MD/PhD program requirements must apply directly to MSTP and select Neuroscience for their PhD training. Learn more about MSTP.
• Biomedical Sciences Program (BSP) – Applicants wishing to pursue a PhD but desiring the freedom to rotate in labs of Neuroscience and non-Neuroscience faculty may apply to BSP. Learn more about BSP.

Students who enter NSP through BSP or MSTP are granted second-year status, having already chosen a thesis laboratory and conducted laboratory rotations. Applicants may apply to multiple PhD programs simultaneously (e.g., BSP and NSP).