Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The programme combines core coursework, laboratory rotations or independent research, and opportunities in specialised methods. Core topics typically include cellular and molecular neuroscience, systems and behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, synaptic and developmental mechanisms, and principles of neural computation. Students also study experimental methods such as electrophysiology, in vivo and in vitro imaging, neuroanatomical techniques, and quantitative data analysis.

Elective seminars and modules allow students to tailor the degree to their interests; common elective areas are cognitive neuroscience, neuropharmacology, neuroimaging and MRI methods, computational neuroscience and neural engineering, and ethical, legal and social implications of neuroscience. A substantial research component—either a supervised thesis project or a series of lab rotations—forms a central part of the degree, giving practical experience in experimental design, data collection and scientific communication.

Teaching formats include lectures, small-group seminars, journal clubs and laboratory training. Students are expected to present research at internal symposia and may have opportunities to collaborate on multi‑disciplinary projects with clinical and engineering groups.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, physics, mathematics or a related scientific discipline. A strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, physiology and quantitative methods (statistics, calculus or programming) is typically required.

Admission materials usually include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining research interests and goals, a current curriculum vitae, and two or three letters of recommendation from academic or research supervisors. Relevant laboratory or research experience is strongly preferred. Where appropriate, applicants may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in quantitative skills or provide examples of prior research work (eg laboratory reports, publications or presentations).

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to Dartmouth’s graduate admissions policies. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary over time; applicants should consult the programme’s admissions information for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates from a master’s in neurobiology and neurosciences pursue a range of career paths. Common outcomes include research assistant or scientist roles in academic laboratories, clinical research coordination, positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies (for example in drug discovery, preclinical testing or assay development), and technical roles in neuroimaging or data analysis.

Others use the degree as preparation for doctoral study (PhD) in neuroscience, biomedical sciences or related fields, or for professional programmes in medicine and allied health. Transferable skills developed—experimental design, statistical analysis, coding for neuroscience, scientific writing and presentation—also support careers in science policy, consulting, medical writing and technology development in neurotech startups.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers neuroscience training within a close-knit academic environment and strong connections to its medical school and clinical partners, providing access to translational research opportunities. The programme emphasises mentorship and one-to-one training with faculty across basic and clinical neuroscience, allowing students to develop rigorous laboratory skills and direct involvement in ongoing research projects.

Facilities supporting the programme include on-campus laboratories for cellular and systems neuroscience, access to neuroimaging resources and interdisciplinary centres that bring together cognitive scientists, engineers and clinicians. The small cohort size favours personalised advising and collaborative networks, while Dartmouth’s broader liberal-arts setting encourages interdisciplinary perspectives and communication skills valued in research and industry careers.

Students benefit from the college’s research seminars, symposiums and professional development resources to prepare for next-step careers or further graduate study.