University of Oregon

What you'll study

This master’s combines core coursework with intensive laboratory research. Core topics typically include cellular and molecular neuroscience, systems and behavioural neuroscience, synaptic physiology, neuroanatomy and development, and cognitive neuroscience. Students also study experimental methods and quantitative approaches such as neural data analysis, statistics for neuroscience, computational modelling and neuroimaging techniques.

• Core modules: cellular/molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, neurophysiology, synaptic mechanisms.
• Methods and quantitative training: electrophysiology, calcium imaging, microscopy, optogenetics, signal processing and statistics, experimental design.
• Specialist electives: neuropharmacology, developmental neuroscience, computational neuroscience, behavioural genetics, cognitive and systems neuroscience.
• Research component: the programme emphasises supervised laboratory research leading to a research thesis or a substantial project report; many students join research labs in the Institute of Neuroscience and related departments.
• Professional development: seminars, journal clubs, teaching assistant opportunities and training in scientific communication and ethics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, neuroscience, biochemistry, physics, engineering or a closely related field. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate prior coursework in biology and chemistry and have quantitative preparation (calculus and statistics recommended).

• Academic background: undergraduate degree with strong grades in scientific subjects; prerequisite coursework in biology and chemistry is usually required.
• Research experience: prior laboratory experience or documented research involvement is strongly preferred; descriptions of research in the personal statement strengthen an application.
• Application materials: official transcripts, CV, a personal statement outlining research interests, and letters of recommendation (typically two or three). GRE scores may not be required; check the programme’s admissions guidance for current requirements.
• English language: for applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required in line with university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of career paths. Many continue into doctoral programmes in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical sciences or related fields. Others move into roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, neurotechnology and device development, clinical research coordination, data science and computational neuroscience, or apply their training to medical and allied health professional programmes.

• Further academic research: PhD programmes and post‑graduate research positions.
• Industry roles: research associate positions in biotech, preclinical drug discovery, neurotech companies.
• Clinical and translational work: research coordination, clinical trials support, neurorehabilitation research.
• Other careers: science communication, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, and teaching at the college level.

Why study at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon offers an interdisciplinary environment with strong links between the Institute of Neuroscience and departments such as Biology, Psychology, Physics and Computer Science. Students benefit from access to well‑equipped laboratories and core facilities for advanced microscopy, imaging and behavioural analysis, and from active research groups working across molecular, systems and cognitive neuroscience.

• Interdisciplinary research culture: collaboration across traditional departments and frequent seminar series linking basic and translational neuroscience.
• Hands‑on training: emphasis on mentored laboratory research, technical skill development and methodological breadth.
• Facilities and resources: access to imaging and microscopy cores, animal and model organism resources, and computational support for data analysis.
• Support and community: opportunities for teaching experience, professional development workshops, and a supportive graduate student community in Eugene.