Neuroscience is the branch of the sciences that studies the relationship between the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of nerves, nervous tissue, and diseases. Through the Master of Science (M.S.) in Neuroscience at St. John’s , you can prepare for a career in this growing interdisciplinary field.
Earn a master's degree in Neuroscience from St. John's University in New York City!
Neuroscience is the branch of the sciences that studies the relationship between the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of nerves, nervous tissue, and diseases. Through the Master of Science (M.S.) in Neuroscience at St. John’s , you can prepare for a career in this growing interdisciplinary field.
In the degree program, you acquire the critical, analytical, and decision-making skills that will help you find careers in research, government, pharmacy, and biotechnology. We welcome applicants with backgrounds in the natural, physical, and social sciences who wish to expand their career options to the field of neuroscience.
The M.S. in Neuroscience at St. John’s allows you to design a curriculum that best fits your individual interests and career goals. You may pursue either the 30-credit thesis option or the 33-credit non-thesis option and may complete an internship or supervised research to further develop your skills.
At St. John's, you benefit from the collaborative and cutting-edge research of our Neuroscience Research Group.
Program Coordinator, Associate Dean and Professor
The M.S. in Neuroscience offers both a 33-credit non-thesis option and a 30-credit thesis option. The program’s culminating experience includes a choice of a capstone project, comprehensive examination, or thesis, which you will select in consultation with your advisor. For example, if you wish to pursue further graduate study, we encourage you to complete a thesis. If you are a professional already working as a research technician or hope to become a research technician, you may wish to complete a comprehensive examination as your culminating experience.
If you elect the non-thesis option, you also have the option of completing an internship or independent study to enhance your research and professional development.
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 208 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIO 210 | Molecular Neuroscience | 3 |
| BIO 212 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSD 329 | Neurobiology of Speech and Language | 3 |
| PHS 239 | Functional Neuroanatomy & Neuropathology | 3 |
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 209 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIO 248 | Lab Techniques | 3 |
| BIO 249 | Communication Skills in the Life Sciences | 3 |
| BIO 299 | Scientific Literacy & Integrity | 3 |
| BIO 500 | Graduate Research Presentations | 2 |
| BIO 599 | Departmental Seminar | 1 |
| BIO 708 | Special Topics in Biology | 3 |
| CSD 340 | Special Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 3 |
| PAS 252 | Biostatics | 3 |
| PHS 250 | Cell and Tissue Culture | 3 |
| PHS 250L | Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory | 1 |
| PSY 608 | Foundations of Data Analysis | 3 |
| PSY 617 | Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 648 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 835 | Neuropsychological Assessment | 3 |
| TOX 205 | Neurotoxicology | 3 |
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 900 | Master's Thesis Research | 3 |
| PSY 908 | Master's Thesis Research | 3 |
| NEU 105T | Master's Thesis Defense | 0 |
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 208 | Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIO 210 | Molecular Neuroscience | 3 |
| BIO 212 | Cell Biology | 3 |
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSD 329 | Neurobiology of Speech and Language | 3 |
| PHS 239 | Functional Neuroanatomy & Neuropathology | 3 |
Electives (Choose From Among the Following)
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 209 | Bioinformatics | 3 |
| BIO 248 | Lab Techniques | 3 |
| BIO 249 | Communication Skills in the Life Sciences | 3 |
| BIO 299 | Scientific Literacy & Integrity | 3 |
| BIO 500 | Graduate Research Presentations | 2 |
| BIO 599 | Departmental Seminar | 1 |
| BIO 708 | Special Topics in Biology | 3 |
| CSD 340 | Special Topics in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 3 |
| PAS 252 | Biostatics | 3 |
| PHS 250 | Cell and Tissue Culture | 3 |
| PHS 250L | Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory | 1 |
| PSY 608 | Foundations of Data Analysis | 3 |
| PSY 617 | Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 648 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 835 | Neuropsychological Assessment | 3 |
| TOX 205 | Neurotoxicology | 3 |
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 350 | Internship in Biology | 3 |
| BIO 351 | Internship in Biology | 3 |
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 352 | Special Research in Biological Sciences | 3 |
| CSD 452 | Special Research in Speech-Language Pathology | 3 |
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEU 105 | Comprehensive Examination | 0 |
Graduate Assistantships
St. John’s University offers competitive graduate assistantships to qualified full-time applicants. These positions typically include tuition remission and a stipend. Read more about Graduate Assistantships.
Graduate Financial Aid
Learn more about additional forms of financial aid available to St. John’s graduate students.
As a professional with a graduate degree in Neuroscience, you may work as a research scientist for a private research institution or government agency. You may also pursue administrative positions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Opportunities exist within industry and related allied health fields, including as a research lab technician or pharmaceutical sales representative.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in fields related to neuroscience is expected to grow faster than average through 2026: 13 percent for medical scientists (including neuroscientists), 10 percent for natural science managers, and 20 percent for medical and health services managers.
At St. John’s University, research in the field of neuroscience spans across the disciplines of psychology, biology, speech-language pathology, and art.
Our multi-disciplinary faculty are active in their fields and recruit students to participate in their research laboratories.
If you are interested in learning more about their research, please visit the Neuroscience Research Group page.
The M.S. in Neuroscience is designed to provide natural, physical, and social scientists who wish to expand their career options to the field of neuroscience.
Applicants must present a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, as well as 3.0 or better in the major discipline.
Graduate Admission Information
Office of Graduate Admission
718-990-1601
[email protected]
Explore opportunities at St. John's with our pathway generator.
70% of medical decisions depend on laboratory test results performed by clinical laboratory scientists. -CDC
Doctorate (Ph.D.) basic science research in Pharmaceutical Sciences specializing in one of Industrial Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology or Toxicology
Master’s level degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences specializing in one of Industrial Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry or Pharmacology with an optional basic research component.
The Department of Psychology exemplifies St. John's University's core values (Truth; Love; Respect; Opportunity; Excellence; and Service) and its Vincentian mission. The department is committed to academic excellence, operates in accord with accepted ethical principles and with respect for individual rights and dignity, is committed to service to the community, and demonstrates through its research, teaching, and clinical training an appreciation of the importance of cultural diversity.
The Department of Psychology offers an intensive, accelerated combined degree program leading to both the B.A. and M.A. degrees in five years of full-time study. The program provides you with a sound preparation in psychology, including the psychological, social, and biological processes underlying normal and abnormal behavior.
This program is a rigorous course of study, combining didactic and laboratory-based academic instruction with clinical training at leading New York-area hospitals, medical centers, and private medical practices.
Our toxicology degree is a STEM program examining the effects of chemicals on human health and the environment.
Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical or biological agents on people, animals and the environment with the goal of enhancing the overall safety and health of the public. The program prepares students for careers in research, academia, regulatory agencies and industry.
The Office of Student Financial Services is committed to providing students and their families with the information they need to navigate and understand the financial aid and payment process.
St. John’s offers a free online application for all 100+ undergraduate programs, and graduate applications carry a low cost for most programs.