Graduate Program in Neuroscience

Multidisciplinary Curriculum

• Broad scientific scope: The program spans molecular neuroscience, systems neurobiology, and functional neuroscience, covering everything from gene regulation to neurotransmitter systems, signal transduction, synaptic function and neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience.

• Translational neuroscience emphasis: Students learn how foundational research informs treatments for neurological diseases and nervous system injury, preparing them for roles in both laboratory and clinical science.

Mentor-Based Admission Model

• Personalized guidance: Students joining the Neuroscience program enter the lab with a designated mentor who holds appointments in both the Graduate College and the Neuroscience program. This arrangement ensures tailored research alignment, support, and mentoring.

• Integrated training: This model fosters early lab placement and focused development of technical and analytical skills. This model also includes mentoring of the student by the mentor in scientific writing and presentation skills.

Interdisciplinary Research Environment

• Cross-field collaboration: The program intersects with rapidly advancing computing, instrumentation and cutting edge methods that impact basic neuroscience and human health to encourage students to tackle complex challenges using diverse methodologies.

• Access to OU Health: Proximity to hospitals and clinical departments allows students to engage in translational and patient-centered research.

Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS) Integration

• Foundational training: Students begin through GPiBS to gain knowledge of  modern core biomedical sciences before specializing in neuroscience.

This combination of translational focus, interdisciplinary depth, and personalized mentorship makes the neuroscience program at OU Health Campus a compelling choice for students aiming to bridge research and real-world impact.