Neuroscience: News and Discussions.
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How much does the major matter for grad school? (self.neuroscience)
submitted 11y ago by [deleted]
Since there seems to be some good advice about school going around here, I figured I would ask for some of my own. If there's a better place to ask this question let me know and I'll take it there.
I'm in the process of transferring to finish my undergrad, and one of my choices doesn't have an undergrad neuro program (but they do have a lot of neuro research). I plan to go on to grad school, so I am wondering, is there a real advantage to a B.S. in neuroscience as opposed to a B.S. in biology, assuming I want to go for a Ph.D in neuroscience? Thanks!
I'm in the process of transferring to finish my undergrad, and one of my choices doesn't have an undergrad neuro program (but they do have a lot of neuro research). I plan to go on to grad school, so I am wondering, is there a real advantage to a B.S. in neuroscience as opposed to a B.S. in biology, assuming I want to go for a Ph.D in neuroscience? Thanks!
hello_jessica 2 points
Not all schools have a neuro major so I can't imagine grad schools can count it against you. A girl I worked with in a neurospychology lab is now in a neuro Phd program and we both double majored in CogSci and Psych. My advice is to get involved in the neuro research as deeply and intensely as possible and start making those letter of rec connections. Good luck!
[deleted] [OP] 1 points
I'm just wondering if, all else being equal, they would look more favorably upon a neuroscience degree. It would be a big factor in deciding where I go to school, since one doesn't have an undergrad neuro program.
veils1de 2 points
shouldnt matter at all, in my opinion. what counts is research experience. the only thing a B.S in neuroscience shows is that youve learned neuroscience; doesnt necessarily prove that you'll bring more to the table
Grey_Matters 2 points
I wouldn't say it's a big factor (at least in the UK). The entry requirements I often see for neuroscience PhDs are often a good grade in "Medicine, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science or relevant field".
If you got good grades, I think your lab and research experience weights a lot more than what undergraduate degree you've done, and this is something colleagues in the US seem to agree with as well.
If you got good grades, I think your lab and research experience weights a lot more than what undergraduate degree you've done, and this is something colleagues in the US seem to agree with as well.
Qroid 1 points
It surprised me how little the name of my degree mattered.
What really counts is, as people have said, is research experience, publications, contacts (and their letters of recommendation), and grades. Don't worry at all about getting a neuro undergrad. Take the classes and the degree that interest you the most and that you'll engage with.
What really counts is, as people have said, is research experience, publications, contacts (and their letters of recommendation), and grades. Don't worry at all about getting a neuro undergrad. Take the classes and the degree that interest you the most and that you'll engage with.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points
Maybe but research experience, publications, and letters of rec are arguably more important.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points
[deleted]
NeuroscienceDC 0 points
Well I did a BS in biology and had a far greater upper hand over my classmates who started with either a psych or neuroscience undergrad. While there are some great neuroscience undergrad programs, a lot of them aren't as hardcore on bio and focus instead on cognitive neuroscience (psychology). But, although I believe someone with a Bio undergrad (molecular cell bio/or physiology option) will have the greatest prep, my program accepts BS degrees in Bio, Chem, Psych, Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. What do they care most about? Research experience and an independent student who is really ready to come in their program and get to work.
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