The Department of Neuroscience is comprised of a world-class team of scientists and educators who focus their research activities in the dynamic field of Neuroscience, with nearly seven million dollars a year in grant and contract support for biomedical research on the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. Research strengths include the study of spinal cord and brain injury and repair, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, and circadian biology. Several faculty are affiliated with translational research centers, including the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), the Sanders Brown Center on Aging (SBCoA), the Center for Microelectrode Technology (CenMeT), the Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center (MRISC), the Center for Advanced Translational Stroke Science (CATSS), and the Epilepsy Center (EpiC).

The Neuroscience at University of Kentucky is a Full Time PhD program offered at the university's main campus in Lexington, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 21, 2027.
About PhD in Neuroscience
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Neuroscience at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern or Western Association of Colleges and Schools). A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a postsecondary, academic degree-granting institution.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School. Individual departments may require higher grade point averages.
- Submission of scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless their chosen program indicates otherwise. The Graduate School has no minimum GRE score requirement; individual programs may set specific score requirements and in some cases may require the advanced portion of the GRE.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required. Students may also use the Duolingo English Test (only tests taken after July 15, 2019 will be accepted. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. TOEFL essentials may also be used and the minimum overall score is 9.
- Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee; international applicants must pay a $75 fee. The application fee is non-refundable.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Neuroscience
Doctor of Philosophy
The Department of Neuroscience offers a multidisciplinary graduate program leading to the Ph.D. degree. Combined M.D./Ph.D. programs also are available. An energetic faculty and flexible curriculum are directed toward giving the graduate competitive research and teaching credentials. Research in the Department of Neuroscience is largely oriented toward study of the nervous system. State-of-the-art approaches to the structure and function of neural, neuroendocrine, and reproductive systems represent particular strengths of the department. Prospective students should closely examine the faculty research interests in order to determine whether the program fits their interests. Recent updates of the graduate program are designed to emphasize the development of independent research skills and entry into the research laboratory as soon as possible. Entering graduate students spend the first year in basic coursework of the IBS (Integrated Biomedical Sciences) curriculum and research laboratory rotations. Advanced coursework, teaching experiences, and examinations typically are completed by the end of the second year. Thereafter, the student is primarily engaged in research. An active seminar program and opportunities for student presentations at national and international scientific meetings contribute to a stimulating environment.
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Neuroscience at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for PhD in Neuroscience at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK Graduate Application
2. $75 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 79 iBT
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 115
Deadline to Apply
- April 15 for Fall semester
- August 22 for Spring semester
- Some programs have earlier deadlines

United States of America, Lexington