Contact:
Dr. Karen Gale
Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience
Georgetown University Medical Center
W215, Research Building
3970 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington DC 20057
Telephone: (202) 687-1062
FAX: (202) 687-7007
E-Mail: galek@georgetown.edu
WWW: http://neurosci.georgetown.edu
Other Degrees Offered in the Program: M.D./Ph.D.
Program Established: 1994
Number of Faculty: 52
Number of Students: 30
U.S. Citizens: 80%
Female: 50%
U.S. Underrepresented Minorities: 10%
Black: 10%
Number of Graduates in the Last Five Years: new program
Program Description: The Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience began matriculating students in the Fall of 1994. The purpose of the program is to train doctoral students for independent research and teaching in Neuroscience. It is the goal of the program to ensure that candidates for the Ph.D. degree obtain a background covering cellular, molecular, and systems approaches to Neuroscience, as well as receive training that brings them to the forefront of research in their particular area of interest. A series of required courses in Neuroscience, along with advanced electives, laboratory rotations, and original independent dissertation research form the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience.
Upon acceptance, a faculty advisor is identified for each student. A major responsibility of the advisors is to assist the students in planning their educational program. Because of the highly individualized nature of the training needs of Ph.D. students, a specific curriculum will be designed by each student with the advice and approval of the student's faculty advisor, the graduate committee and the thesis mentor. A thesis mentor is chosen upon completion of course work and laboratory rotations during the first two years. The common course requirements for all students include:
1) Completion of a total of at least 48 hours
credits beyond the bachelor's degree in graduate level courses
2) Core Course in Neuroscience (eight hours)
3) Neuroscience Survey Course (two-four hours)
4) Critical Readings in Neuroscience (four hours)
5) Survival Skills and Ethics for Emerging Scientists (two hours)
6) Neuroscience Seminar Series (two hours)
It should be stressed that the most important aspect of the Ph.D. program is the dissertation research. Students begin to experience laboratory research initially through the series of Laboratory Rotations, then continue in their mentor's laboratory to acquire specific skills and preliminary data that will support their thesis research. With the completion of course work and the Comprehensive Exam (prior to commencing the 5th semester) students begin their thesis research. Upon completion of the research project, a thesis is written and defended, and a Ph.D. degree is awarded.
Admission Requirements:
Deadline: February 1. December 31 is the deadline for early consideration. Students submitting complete applications by this deadline will have a competitive advantage. Application fee.
How and Where to Apply: Information and application materials may be obtained from the address provided above.
Annual Tuition and Fees: 1996-97: $17,662. Students who have completed all courses and are engaged only in thesis research pay tuition at the rate of $2,000 for the academic year. The program provides full tuition support for qualified students.
Approximate Cost of Living: $13,500.
Housing Availability and Costs Per Year: Residence hall accommodations generally are not available to graduate students. The University owns and manages an off-campus apartment facility, but many students prefer to rent nearby apartments in the attractive historic area surrounding the University or in the metropolitan areas of Maryland and Virginia. The cost of rent, food, and recreation is equivalent to that in other East Coast metropolitan areas. The Off-Campus Housing Office, located in 100 Harbin Hall, assists graduate students in finding suitable accommodations in the area. The office sponsors a "Searchweek" at the end of July and provides inexpensive rooms on-campus while participants look for housing. Students wanting more information should call (202) 687-4565.
Day-Care Facilities Available and Costs Per Month: For information about on-campus day-care facilities, please contact 202-687-ROMP.
Stipend/Assistantships and Financial Assistance: The neuroscience program provides full tuition support and a competitive stipend (1998-99: $16,000). Applicants accepted to the combined M.D./Ph.D. program may also be eligible for tuition support and a stipend for the time it takes to complete their M.D. The Program pays for all required fees and health insurance.
How, if Necessary, to Apply: All questions regarding financial aid should be directed to the contact information provided above.
Last revised April 2006
http://www.andp.org/programs/graduate/unitedstates/dc/george.htm
Directory of Neuroscience Training Programs
© 2007 Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs
