Neural Science

Degrees and Fields of Study

  • Ph.D. in Neural Science
  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Physiology (Vilcek Institute)
  • Ph.D.-J.D. in Neural Science/Law (Dual Degree)

Plese note: There is a single application and admissions committee for the neuroscience training program at NYU that is served by both administrative units. You will be eligible for admission to either program. Our goal is to streamline the application process and give you the opportunity to find the best match for your research interests at NYU.

See also Cognition and Perception.

Application Deadlines

  • December 1: Fall admission
    • Ph.D.-J.D. applicants must submit two separate applications — one to GSAS, and another to NYU Law. Please consult NYU Law Admissions for the J.D. application deadline.

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online by 5PM Eastern Time. If a listed deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. federal holiday, then the next business day will be the actual deadline.

Requirements

In addition to the general application requirements, the department specifically requires:

Test Scores

GRE
  • Please do not send GRE test scores — they will not be reviewed by our Admissions Committee. 
TOEFL/IELTS

Applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they:

  • Are a native English speaker; OR

  • Are a US citizen or permanent resident; OR

  • Have completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or master's degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

Statement of Academic Purpose

In a concisely written statement, please describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, your educational objectives, and your career goals. In addition, please include your intellectual and professional reasons for choosing your field of study and why your studies/research can best be done at the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU. The statement should not exceed two double-spaced pages.

Writing Sample

Writing sample not required.

Special Instructions

NYU's portal campus in Shanghai is recruiting doctoral students through the Shanghai track of the Doctoral Program in Neural Science. Students in the Shanghai track will spend one and half years at NYU in New York before joining a laboratory in Shanghai for thesis research. Applicants interested in applying to the Shanghai track in Neural Science should select the Shanghai campus on the first page of the application form.