Our program is one of eight Ph.D. programs that comprise the Emory Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (GDBBS). There are over 260 faculty members in the Division, and graduate students of any program in the Division face no departmental barriers. They can do laboratory rotations and research with any of the Division Faculty. The can also switch to one of the other programs, have an advisor from another program and take any course offered by the Division. This structure gives students tremendous flexibility in choosing coursework, advisors and research plans. There are currently 91 students enrolled in the program (38% male, 62% female), and the average time to finish the degree is about 5.5 years.

Admission

On-line applications and further information can be found at the GDBBS admissions website. Five criteria are considered in the initial evaluation. The most important variable is demonstrated success (GPA) in a variety of undergraduate courses in the natural sciences that provide the necessary foundation for graduate study of the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the nervous system. Also very important are past research experience and letters of recommendation (especially from a research mentor). We also look at a statement of goals letter written by the applicant, as well as GRE scores for the General Test (Advanced GRE is not required). Promising applicants are invited for an interview, which is very influential in the final decision regarding admissions. Historically, we receive ~140 applications of which we invite 25-30 applicants for interviews, we accept 60-70% of those we interview, and we are accepted by 50-60% of those we accept.

Joint Degree Programs

• Neuroscience/Biomedical Engineering
  In 1997, Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology joined forces to create a joint Biomedical Engineering Department, which includes 15 Emory faculty members (4 from Neuroscience), and over 25 faculty members from Georgia Tech. The collaboration provides enormous opportunity and intellectual resources for students interested in neuroengineering, neuronal modeling, computational neuroscience and other cutting-edge challenges. Emory has eleven faculty that participate in this joint effort. The Chairman of the new department, Dr. Don Giddens, headed the Johns Hopkins College of Engineering before coming to Emory.
• MD/PhD
  Approximately 10-15% of Neuroscience graduate students are working towards an M.D. degree or already have one. MD/PhD students are admitted through the MD/PhD Program.