Online Master’s in Medical Sciences, Concentration: Biomedical Neuroscience

The goal of this Online Biomedical Neuroscience Master’s concentration is to provide students with a strong foundational knowledge of normal human brain function across the lifespan, as well as the functional and pathological changes that accompany neurodegenerative diseases, aging, affective disorders, and addictive behaviors. In addition, this program offers students several opportunities within the various courses to hone their professional communication skills–skills that are critical to success in neuroscience careers. The courses in this program are exclusively taught by renowned UF professors, recognized for their teaching excellence and known for providing extensive one-on-one assistance to students. We pride ourselves on offering creative, interactive, and challenging online courses.

Many graduates of this program use their degree as a stepping stone to gain admission to doctoral or medical school programs or to jump-start career advancement or a career change. Many of our graduates are now enrolled in professional schools, including medical, PA, and dental schools. Other graduates are working in the private sector, including in healthcare and industry.  

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The Biomedical Neuroscience master’s concentration represents one of a growing number of high-quality online degree programs offered by the University of Florida, which is a member of the Association of American Universities and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The rapidly evolving field of neuroscience has a large impact on several fields of medicine, including public health, public policy and sports medicine, as well as on the military and the pharmaceutical industry.

The goal of this online biomedical neuroscience master’s concentration is to provide students with a strong foundational knowledge of normal human brain function across the lifespan and of the functional and pathological changes that accompany neurodegenerative diseases, aging, affective disorders and addictive behaviors. In addition, this program offers students several opportunities within the various courses to hone their professional communication skills, skills that are critical to success in neuroscience careers.

Armed with this knowledge and these skills, graduates will be well positioned to successfully gain admission to advanced training programs in health-related professional schools and to contribute to the exciting pursuit of solutions to many of societies pressing medical and social issues impacted by neuroscience in the following professional environments:

• Medical industry
• Education
• Science writing
• Consulting
• Government science advocacy
• Health care
• Law firms

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The tuition cost of the program, regardless of residency, is $550 per credit hour. Fees are approximately $36 per credit hour. The estimated total cost for the Online Biomedical Neuroscience Master’s Program, including both tuition and fees, is $17,572.50. A complete breakdown of fees at UF is updated each academic year on the website. Individual courses may have additional fees associated with them to cover online live exam proctoring. These fees will be disclosed prior to registration for classes. Only a small number of our classes use this form of proctoring.

Part-time Registration and Financial Aid: Graduate students should be aware that, in order to qualify for most financial aid programs (federal, state, or institutional), students must be enrolled at least half-time. For financial aid purposes, a graduate student must be enrolled in at least five credit hours during the fall or spring semester, and at least four hours during the summer semester.

When are applications due to the Online Master’s Program in Neuroscience? 

• Applications must be completed by June 1 to begin in August/fall. 
• Applications submitted after June 1 must be for fall of the next year.
• Application review can take several weeks to months before final decisions can be sent to applicants. They are reviewed by the Department of Neuroscience Admissions Committee, UF College of Medicine, UF Admissions Office, and UF Graduate School.

Are applications accepted for the spring or summer? 

• No. Applications are only accepted to begin in the fall.

Will I have to interview?

• No. There are no interviews in the recruitment process.

Are there course requirements to be admitted? 

• Strong applicants will have previous coursework in biology, chemistry, psychology/neuroscience, and/or will have demonstrated professional experience in a neuroscience-related field.

What is the GPA requirement to be admitted?

• Applicants should have at least a 3.0 upper-division undergraduate GPA. The UF Graduate School requires that all applicants calculate their junior/senior cumulative GPA and enter it into the space provided on the application.  

How long does the program take? Can it be completed in one year?

• The program will take a minimum of 2-3 years, depending on your course load each semester. Some courses require prerequisites that are offered only once per year. Taking more than 2-3 courses in a semester is not recommended, as the coursework is intense and will require approval from the Program Director. Factors that can affect the pace at which the program is completed include (1) the science background of the student, (2) the applicant has a full-time job, (3) prior experience with online education.

Are the courses asynchronous?

• Yes, they are asynchronous. All courses have assignments that are due at specific times during the semester. Times are based on Eastern Standard Time. Students requesting a Zoom conference will meet with instructors synchronously.

What is the program cost?

The current tuition cost of the program, regardless of residency, is $550 per credit hour. Fees are approximately $36 per credit hour.

• Total Tuition Cost for 30 credits is $16,500.
• Total Fees for 30 credits are approximately $1,080.

Is there financial assistance available? 

• The Department does not provide financial assistance at this time. Many students are able to obtain financial assistance from their current employer and may be eligible for private and/or federal loans. Students seeking federal student loans must complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible.
• Federal loans are dependent on the number of credits taken each semester.
  • Part-time registration for financial aid is 5 credits in the fall or spring semester and 4 credits in the summer semester. 
  • To be considered full-time, graduate students must register for 9 credits in the fall and spring semesters and 6 credits in the summer semester.
  • To be considered part-time, but not be eligible for most financial aid, students must take 3 credits in the fall or spring semester and 2 credits in the summer semester.
• You can get more information from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

What is the difference between the Online Master’s in Neuroscience and the Master’s of Science in Medical Sciences: Neuroscience?

• The online Master’s in Neuroscience mainly involves coursework and a capstone project. The in-person Master’s of Science in Medical Sciences: Neuroscience includes a research component and lab work with a faculty mentor, as well as a different course curriculum.  

Can courses completed in the Certificate be transferred into the Master’s?

• A maximum of 15 credits completed with a grade of B or better can be transferred into the online Master’s in Neuroscience.
• Some courses completed with a grade of B or better can be transferred into the in-person Master’s of Science in Medical Sciences: Neuroscience with the approval of your faculty mentor and the Program Director.
• Transfer of courses will not reduce/substitute lab and other course time required to complete the program.

Are courses accepted for transfer from other Universities?

• No, we do not accept courses to transfer into the Neuroscience Master’s program from other programs and Universities.

Will this program prepare students to enter the Ph.D. in Neuroscience?

• Completion of the coursework offered through the online master’s program will provide students with a thorough background in neuroscience that can make them more competitive applicants to doctoral programs. Students interested in pursuing a research doctoral degree are strongly encouraged to seek out opportunities to work in research laboratories while completing our program. Research experience is weighted heavily in applications to most doctoral programs.

Will my transcript or diploma say this is an online program?

• No. Here is what is stated on the transcript upon graduation from the program:
  • Awarded Master of Science
  • Graduated (date)
  • Major Medical Sciences
  • Concentration Biomedical Neuroscience
• The diploma will state that you have earned a Master of Science in Medical Sciences.