Applicants to the program are expected to have had thorough undergraduate training in neuroscience, psychology, biology, immunology, organic chemistry, physics and/or mathematics.
Candidates must apply for admission online.
Applicants are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL examination. Please see the Weill Cornell Graduate School admissions page for further information.
Path to Degree
Our core neuroscience curriculum provides a strong foundation in neuroscience while allowing flexibility for students to pursue further interests through elective courses from any graduate school program at WCGS. Students work closely with members of the faculty whose research interests and approaches complement their own interests. Regularly scheduled seminars, where students present work in progress for discussion with members of the program, are another important component of graduate training as they afford students a broad view of the neurosciences.
Rotations
Laboratory rotations in the first year allow students to experience research first-hand and to acquaint themselves with the program faculty and their laboratories. Students are expected to complete at least three rotations, each lasting two to three months, but students can complete additional rotations before choosing a thesis advisor (major sponsor).
Candidacy Exam
By the end of the second academic year, students must successfully complete the Admission to Candidacy Examination (ACE). The ACE is designed to test student's general knowledge of neuroscience and includes preparation of an original written research proposal. In consultation with their thesis advisor(s)/major sponsor, and with the consent of the Program Directors, the student chooses an ACE topic and committee. The ACE can be focused on the thesis topic and is prepared in a format that can be submitted as a fellowship proposal to external funding agencies. The ACE committee consists of 4-5 examiners, including a designated chair from the neuroscience faculty, the student's thesis advisor, and two additional faculty with expertise in the topic.
PhD Research and Degree
Thesis research is usually completed within six years from enrollment in the program and is performed under the direction of the student's major sponsor. The student also meets at least once per year with a Thesis Committee consisting of 4-5 faculty who are experts in the student's area of research; the committee advises the student, monitors the progress of their research, and oversees development of the thesis. During this time, the student continues to participate in other educational activities offered by the graduate program and works full-time in the laboratory. Annual meetings (biannual for G5 and above) with the Thesis Committee are mandatory.
For the thesis, the student compiles their major achievements into chapters that have or can be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, presents it to the University in an open seminar, and defends the work before their Thesis Committee and members of the graduate program. The culmination of the student's successful progression through the program is the final examination (the "defense") and certification by the Thesis Committee that the work satisfies all requirements of the Graduate School for the PhD degree.