ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Graduate Program in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary PhD and MD/PhD program. There is no associated military commitment for civilians. Courses and research training are provided by over 60 Neuroscience Faculty members holding appointments in a wide range of basic science and clinical departments within the School of Medicine. The interdisciplinary nature of the program permits a choice of courses and research areas; training programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. The program of study is divided into coursework in fundamental and advanced areas of neuroscience, and laboratory dissertation research. During the first year, students take courses and participate in rotations in three laboratories. Additional advanced courses are taken in the second year along with a qualifying exam prior to advancing to candidacy. In addition to coursework, formal and informal training is designed to develop a wide range of skills required for diverse career opportunities.
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED JUly 1 - DECEMBER 1
For more information: neuroscienceprogram-ggg@usuhs.edu
DEPARTMENTS
Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics
Pharmacology
Neurology
Psychiatry
Radiology
Military and Emergency Medicine
Pathology
Medicine
Microbiology
Biochemistry
OB/GYN
RESOURCES
Leadership
Program Faculty
Alumni
Program Seminars
Graduate Admissions
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Virtual Open House
- September 2026
- October 2026
- November 2026
Winter symposium
- We cordially invite your students to submit an abstract for the upcoming USU Neuroscience Winter Symposium, an event bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, high school, undergraduates, post-bacs, postdocs and graduate students in the field of neuroscience. This symposium aims to foster collaboration, share groundbreaking discoveries, and discuss future directions in neuroscience research.
- Thursday, December 3, 2026
- 3:00pm
- USU, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814
- Abstract Deadline - November 23, 2026
- Notice of Abstract Acceptance - November 27, 2026
- Registration Deadline - November 30, 2026
- Thursday, December 3, 2026
- For more information - netina.finley@usuhs.edu
Summer in-person Open House
- Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- 10:00am - 2:00pm
- USU, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814
- Building A, Lecture Hall A-3
- geosummeropenhouse-ggg@usuhs.edu
Areas of research emphasis among the faculty are relatively diverse and approached from an interdisciplinary perspective. Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, including subsequent posttraumatic epilepsy, are a specific focus relative to the military population and traumatic events in the civilian sector. Neural stem cells and neural progenitor cell responses are being addressed in both a developmental context and in the adult CNS as applicable to neuroplasticity and regeneration. Neuroprotection and remyelination studies address potential basic and translational efforts to protect and repair the CNS to restore function, not only from trauma, but also from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, leukoencephalopathies, toxic insults, vascular lesions, and spinal cord injury. More behaviorally oriented studies include neurobiological aspects of fear, stress, and addiction to alcohol and tobacco.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kimberly Byrnes, PhD, Program Director
kimberly.byrnes@usuhs.edu, (301) 295-3217
Tina Finley, Program Administrative Officer
netina.finley@usuhs.edu, (301) 295-3642
Program Specific Questions
neuroscienceprogram-ggg@usuhs.edu
"The small program size is great, every faculty knows you and is familiar with your work. The financial stability is ideal - you’re never required to TA and are never at risk of lacking funding, so you’re able to focus completely on your research goals. If you are interested in injury research, there is no better place to be!”