ADMISSIONS
BioMed Expo: October 20 - 23, 2025
Learn more about the Neuroscience PhD program as well as other basic and biomedical science PhD programs at the 2025 BioMed Expo! Programs will provide an overview and answer all of your questions about student life, research, admissions, and more.
Are you eligible for an application fee waiver? Please reach out to [email protected] to check your eligibility. |
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Neuroscience Graduate Program is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.
If you are an applicant with a disability who would like to engage in a confidential consultation about disability access at CU Anschutz, or who requires accommodations to complete the application or interview process, please contact The Office of Disability, Access & Inclusion.
Paths of Entry into the Neuroscience Program
Direct entry
The Neuroscience Graduate Program (NSP) admits 7-11 students each fall who apply directly to NSP. Incoming students select one of two training tracks:
- Rotation Track – Incoming students will do 3 rotations in Neuroscience labs and select a thesis lab at the end of their first year. This is the default track and the significant majority of students are expected to enter through this track.
- Thesis Lab Track – A limited number of incoming students will skip rotations and join the lab of a thesis advisor with whom they have a strong prior working relationship. Applicants interested in the Thesis Lab Track should contact NSP’s Program Directors Nidia Quillinan and Gidon Felsen for further information.
Entry via an Umbrella Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) MD/PhD – Applicants wishing to pursue their PhD in Neuroscience as part of the dual MD/PhD program requirements must apply directly to MSTP and select Neuroscience for their PhD training. Learn more about MSTP.
- Biomedical Sciences Program (BSP) – Applicants wishing to pursue a PhD but desiring the freedom to rotate in labs of Neuroscience and non-Neuroscience faculty may apply to BSP. Learn more about BSP.
Students who enter NSP through BSP or MSTP are granted second-year status, having already chosen a thesis laboratory and conducted laboratory rotations. Applicants may apply to multiple PhD programs simultaneously (e.g., BSP and NSP).
How to Apply
Applications to the Neuroscience Program received by December 1 will be given first consideration for admission to the Fall Semester of the following year, but applications received subsequently may also be considered. Fall Semester classes begin in late August
An application for admission for persons interested in both the rotation- and thesis lab-tracks of entry into NSP must include the following:
- Graduate School on-line application
- A $50 (domestic) or $75 (international) non-refundable application fee. An application will not be processed without payment. Fee waivers are available for qualified applicants.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Valid work authorization documentation to work in the United States.
- TOEFL scores and financial support verification (international students)
- One (1) unofficial or official transcript of all academic work completed to date. An official transcript will be required following acceptance to matriculate into our program and must come from the issuing institution directly and sent either electronically or mailed to:
Electronic Transcripts should be sent to: [email protected]
If sending a physical transcript, please mail to:
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
Fitzsimons Building, C5000
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045
Applicants for the thesis lab-track of entry into NSP are subject to additional application requirements. They should contact NSP Program Directors Nidia Quillinan and Gidon Felsen for additional information.
Work Authorization | Students in some doctoral programs receive coverage of stipend, tuition, and fees (including health insurance). To be eligible for such coverage, a student needs to be authorized to work in the United States. The application will have questions for which you need to document that you currently possess valid work authorization documentation. International students (those who would reside in the US with a visa) may apply with the understanding that they will obtain the required sponsored student visa. For any questions, please contact your program before submitting the application.
AI Guidance | The use of AI tools is not prohibited; however, excessive reliance on them often results in generalized statements that are difficult to distinguish across applications. This may limit the review committee’s ability to accurately assess your individual strengths. Applicants who choose to use AI must disclose and cite its use.
International Applicants
PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS IS NOVEMBER 1.
Since additional processing is required for international applications, the application may not be complete even if submitted on December 1. Submission by November 1 will ensure time to complete administrative processing before December 1.
Applications submitted between November 1 and December 1 will only be considered if all application components have been received and processed.
International students must meet ALL of the requirements above and those required by International Admissions.
Questions?
Please email the Neuroscience Graduate Program office with any questions at [email protected]