Question 1

What can I do with a MS degree in neuroscience?

Accepted Answer

Upon graduation with the M.S. degree, students would have a strong background to apply for doctoral programs in neuroscience, psychology, or medicine. Furthermore, graduates of the M.S. in Neuroscience program may enter the workforce as research scientists for private research institutions or government agencies. Students may qualify for administrative positions within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Entry-level job opportunities exist within industry and related allied health fields, including positions as research lab technicians or pharmaceutical sales representatives.

Question 2

What are the deadlines to apply to the program?

Accepted Answer

There are soft deadlines to apply to the program. You can begin the program in either the fall or spring semester. I recommend that you begin the application process at least 3 months before the semester that you wish to begin.

Question 3

What are the undergraduate requirements for the program?

Accepted Answer

Your undergraduate major is not a determining factor for acceptance in the program. However, given the biology-focused nature of the program you will need to have completed two undergraduate courses in biology (w/ labs)  with a grade of B or higher and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Question 4

Are graduate assistantships (GAs) available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but there are very few GAs available each year. No one will be considered for a GA unless they are accepted into the program.

Question 5

How do I register for the first time and where do I find the courses available for the program?

Accepted Answer

If you go to: https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/st-johns-course-offerings (https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/st-johns-course-offerings)
Select: ‘Course Offerings’, followed by, The Term you are interested in registering for (e.g. Fall 2025)
The college is the ‘Graduate School of Arts and Sciences’
and the campus is ‘Queens’.

You’ll find the courses for neuroscience in the following departments: Biology (BIO), Psychology (PSY), Communication Sciences (CSD), Pharmacy/Health Sciences (PHS). If you want a description of the courses go to:
https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/academic-resources-and-programs/bulletins/graduate-bulletin (https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/academic-resources-and-programs/bulletins/graduate-bulletin)

Look at the courses and design your schedule. When you are ready to register you can find the grad registration form at the following link:
https://SJUIT.formstack.com/forms/registration (https://SJUIT.formstack.com/forms/registration)

If you would like you can email me the courses that you chose prior to submitting the form and I’ll see if there are any issues with your selections. I’ll also see them once you submit the grad form. You can also book a meeting with me below my signature

Once you begin to fill out the registration form, and list the courses you want to take, put me as your advisor and I’ll submit the form to grad dept. You’ll get your priority # once you submit the form or if you are a first-year student you’ll be registered by the Dean’s office. You can take as many courses as you want per semester, I recommend no more than 3 per semester.

Attached below is a document containting the courses for the neuroscience program and the departments you’ll find them in:

Question 6

What is the difference between the thesis – nonthesis track options?

Accepted Answer

If you go to the SJU webpage for the neuroscience program (https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/programs/neuroscience-master-science)(https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/programs/neuroscience-master-science), it lists the thesis-related course, you need to take to satisfy either track. Keep in mind that if you are interested in pursuing a research career upon completion of the program, a thesis track will make you a more desirable candidate for future employment.

Question 7

If I am applying to the program from another country, is there a department at SJU I can reach out to for assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SJU’s office of International Student and Scholar Services, can assist with any questions or concerns you may have.
 https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/international-admission/international-student-and-scholar-services(https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/international-admission/international-student-and-scholar-services)

Question 8

How do I register for classes if I am already in the program?

Accepted Answer

Similar to first time registration, there are 2 SJU websites that you need to use to register successfully. 
You can find courses offered each semester here:
https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/university-course-offerings(https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/university-course-offerings)
 You can find the grad registration form at the following link:
https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/schools/st-johns-college-liberal-arts-and-sciences/about/school-forms(https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/schools/st-johns-college-liberal-arts-and-sciences/about/school-forms)

The only difference is that after your first semester you will be given a priority number that you will need to add to your registration application. Once you submit your application and I approve it, I will add your priority number to your registration application. Once the Dean’s office approves your application, you will be notified that you are able to register.

Question 9

What is the master’s comprehensive examination?

Accepted Answer

Students in the program must pass a comprehensive examination or submit a master’s thesis. This examination may not be taken earlier than the last semester or session of coursework and must be taken within one year of the completion of all coursework. Students must be in good academic standing (3.0 or better) before their applications to sit for comprehensive examinations will be approved. Students may not sit for the comprehensive examination with a grade of incomplete (INC). This examination may cover general concepts as well as the whole area of the candidate’s field of study. Students must register for the appropriate comprehensive examination section as set forth by their departments. The department chair or program director reports the results of this examination by assigning the student a Pass (P) or Fail (X) grade in the appropriate course section. Failing a comprehensive examination will result in review of academic standing by the department and Dean’s Office.

Question 10

How long should the program take to complete?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 2 years.

Question 11

What makes the SJU master’s in neuroscience such a unique program?

Accepted Answer

While many universities around the country offer their own neuroscience programs, the strength of our program is the breadth of research and expertise of our faculty here at SJU.  Research areas range from computational work focusing on understanding Huntington's Disease to investigating the cognitive aspects of music performance by using behavioral and electroencephalographic measures. The Speech-Language Pathology faculty investigates a wide range of areas including the intersection of auditory neuroscience, auditory assessment, and management with a focus on technological applications. They are developing research which aims to uncover brain mechanisms that allow spoken words to be recognized within the auditory cortex for comprehension; and how language and music experiences interact with brain development. The faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences address issues in neuroscience through working to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating protein-RNA networks that control alternative splicing, and how they relate to neuron biology, and to diseases of the nervous system; characterizing cell death pathways in degenerating motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease) models;  studying the molecular mechanism of the function and regulation of ion channels in physiological and pathologic conditions; and focusing on Parkinson's disease to define molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with disease onset and progression.

Question 12

What are the BA/MS psychology-neuroscience and the BS/MS biology-neuroscience programs?

Accepted Answer

St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a number of pathways that allow students to streamline their study between undergraduate and graduate programs and complete their undergraduate and graduate studies in 5 years. The neuroscience program offers 2 programs: the BA/MS psychology-neuroscience and the BS/MS biology-neuroscience. In these programs, undergraduate students pursuing a pathway may take up to 12 graduate credits as part of their undergraduate degrees, upon consultation with an advisor. Assuming good academic standing, matriculation into the appropriate graduate program is seamless upon completion of the undergraduate degree. Students in pathways receive their bachelor’s degrees once they complete their undergraduate requirements and receive their master’s degrees once the graduate requirements are completed. By completing all necessary undergraduate requirements, students are assured of the bachelor’s degree if for any reason they decide not to complete the master’s degree. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate their ability to meet the following entrance requirements: an overall 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and at least twelve major credits completed at St. John's with a major GPA of 3.0. Eligibility to participate and continue in a pathway is determined by the Dean’s Office. Undergraduate students participating in pathways choose their graduate coursework in consultation with the academic department, and the Dean’s Office provides final approval. Undergraduate students may not take more than six credits of graduate coursework in a semester. Your 5th year will be entirely made up of graduate coursework.