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UF Health University of Florida
Department of Neuroscience College of Medicine
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Education & Training Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

When are applications due to the Online Masters Program in Neuroscience? 

  • Applications must be complete by June 1 to begin August/Fall.
  • Applications submitted after June 1 must be for Fall of the following 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 prerequisites for admission? 

  • Applicants must complete a BA/BS degree and have at least a 3.0 upper-division undergraduate GPA prior to the start of the term to which they are applying.
  • Strong applicants will have previous coursework in biology, chemistry, psychology / neuroscience and/or will have demonstrated professional experience in a neuroscience-related field.

How long does the program take? Can it be completed in 1 year?

  • Earning the degree typically takes 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 courses are graduate-level, academically rigorous, and require significant time and energy. Factors that can affect the pace at which the program is completed include (1) science background of the student, (2) applicant has full-time job, (3) prior experience with online education.
  • Completing the program in one year is possible but requires an intensive course load of 10–12 credits each semester. This accelerated pace is generally suited for full-time students with few or no outside responsibilities. Students are welcome to pursue this option but should plan carefully. All course prerequisites must be met, and no courses may be waived or substituted. Those who choose this path are responsible for managing the increased workload while maintaining good academic standing.

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 $35.75 per credit hour.
    • Total Tuition Cost for 30 credits $16,500
    • Total Fees for 30 credits $1,072.50
    • Total Program Cost $17,572.50

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 fall/spring, 4 credits summer
    • To be considered full-time graduate students must register for 9 credits in the Fall and Spring and 6 credits in the summer.
    • To be considered part-time, but not be eligible for most financial aid, students must take 3 credits fall/spring, 2 credits summer.
  • Students may also be eligible to receive financial aid funding from alternative or private educational loans or find external scholarships through sites like FastWeb, Bold.org, or the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder.
  • You can get more information from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

EEP is accepted

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

  • The online Masters in Neuroscience mainly involves coursework and a capstone project. The in-person Master 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 Masters?

  • A maximum of 15 credits completed with a grade of B or better can be transferred into the online Masters in Neuroscience.
  • Some courses completed with a grade of B or better can be transferred into the in-person Masters 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?

  • Only graduate courses taken at another university can be considered for transfer into the Biomedical Neuroscience Masters degree.
  • This does not include undergraduate courses that were open to both undergrad and graduate students. It must be listed as a graduate course on the transcript.
  • Transfer of credit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Will this program prepare students to enter a PhD program or medical school?

  • Program coursework 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.
  • While the Biomedical Neuroscience Master’s Program is not a pre-medical program, it can serve as a valuable academic stepping stone for students pursuing future studies in medicine or related healthcare fields. The program offers rigorous training in neuroscience, which may strengthen a student’s scientific foundation and demonstrate academic commitment to medical or graduate schools.
  • Completion of the program does not guarantee admission into doctoral programs or medical school. Applicants are encouraged to research the specific requirements of their intended doctoral or medical programs and use their time in the master’s program to enhance their academic profile accordingly.

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.

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You may find the answer to any additional questions on the main program page.

You can also email the Academic Coordinator, Melissa Naidu.