Neuroscience Ph.D. - Admissions
QUALIFICATIONS
Undergraduate Record
Applicants to the doctoral program in Neuroscience should have demonstrated high aptitude for quantitative reasoning, physical science and life science. The applicant should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, and are expected to have a GPA of 3.25 or better, with course work in biochemistry (e.g. BIOL 483), cell biology (e.g. BIOL 484), and molecular genetics (e.g. BIOL 482). In addition, students interested in the theoretical, computational or physiological neuroscience are expected to have completed integral calculus.
Strong candidates who lack several prerequisites to any concentration may be admitted to provisional status. Removal from provisional status, and continuation in the program, is contingent upon earning a GPA of 3.25 in the program's fundamental courses, plus completion of missing prerequisites.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE exam must have been taken within the past five years prior to the date of application submission. A minimum GRE scores is 1100 combined on the verbal and quantitative sections and 4.0 on the analytical writing section. Send your score to George Mason by using institution code: 5827
TOEFL scores are also required for all foreign applicants. The TOEFL requirement is a score of at least 575 (paper based exam) or 230 (computer-based exam)or 88, 20 for each section (internet-based exam). Send your score to George Mason by using institution code: 5827
Recommendation Letters
Applicants must obtain three strong letters of recommendation from faculty members or individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s academic or professional capabilities.
Goals Statement
The goals statement should include a description of how the applicants research interests relate to those of two faculty member in the program.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance is available at competitive levels through graduate research assistantships and fellowships to outstanding candidates. Fellowships and assistantships for Ph.D. students are available beginning in the fall semester. Those applying for fellowships and assistantships must submit completed applications by February 1 for fall admission (Dec 15 for degree holders from non-US institutions).
PROCEDURE
Applicants should forward the following materials to Graduate Admissions, College of Science:
- Completed application form with fee;
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts (originals, or attested or notarized copies);
- GRE scores (use code 5827);
- Three letters of recommendations; and
- Goals Statement.
- CV or resume may be included, but is not required
The online application package contains additional information and requirements for application materials.
The faculty reserves to the right to require interviews as deemed appropriate.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND MAILING ADDRESS
Please send application and application fee to the address below, or submit online. Applications sent to other addresses will not be considered.
George Mason University
Graduate Admissions, Mail Stop 6A3
4400 University Dr.
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
Applications should be submitted by February 1 for Fall admission of each year. The deadline is December 15 for degree holders from non-US institutions. This early deadline is needed for transcript evaluation. Applications will be considered until positions are filled. We encourage students to meet application deadlines to be considered for scholarships and stipends. Under unusual circumstances, applications may be considered for Spring admission (without funding) if they are received by October 1.