Joint Degree Program

DEPARTMENT DISCIPLINE AND NEUROSCIENCE

In the majority of cases, students will enter GPN directly to receive the doctor of philosophy in neuroscience from the Graduate Program for Neuroscience.  In the event that students in a different discipline want to supplement their training with a background in neuroscience to complement their thesis research, they will be able to receive their degree from a BU department that is GPN affiliated to receive the joint degree (Department & Neuroscience).  In order to do this students will take the GPN “core” curriculum (8 to 10 credits dependent upon scientific background), a clinically relevant neuroscience offering, as well as a prescribed curriculum of study in the participating department.  A training faculty member of GPN will also serve on the student’s dissertation advisory committee.

Currently joint degrees in neuroscience are available in the following BUMC departments for students interested in biomedical neuroscience:

• Anatomy and Neurobiology
• Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics

The dual MD/PhD in neuroscience is also offered through GPN and students can receive their PhD directly from the program or through a participating department offering the joint degree.  At the Charles River Campus we are in discussions regarding the establishment of joint degree opportunities so please revisit the site for an update in the coming months.

In addition to the Ph.D. conferred by GPN, students can also receive a Ph.D. in neuroscience-related fields through CRC department based degree programs offered in:

• Biology
• Psychology
• Health Sciences
  

Please contact GPN for the most up-to-date information.