Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Neuroscience School?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

The best neuroscience school has four main items: accreditation, distinguished faculty, specialized programs, and research opportunities. Neuroscience school is organized as part of the Faculty of Medicine or Medical School, within a much larger university. Neuroscience is the in-depth study of the nervous system. This field looks at the cellular level of the nervous system, focusing on how neurons work to process emotion, thought processes and more. Neuroscience is a growing field, with an increased number of publications, journals, and other resources dedicated to keeping track of the progress and developments.

People who report the highest satisfaction when attending neuroscience school are detail-oriented, focused, and enjoy working independently. This field of study starts at the graduate level, with degrees available through both master's and doctoral programs. The main attraction to neuroscience is a deep curiosity about how signals are transmitted and acted upon in the body.

Scientist with beakers
Scientist with beakers

School accreditation is a process of independent review by a third party. The review investigates the academic and administrative policies of the school. These policies are compared against a minimum standard. Courses completed at an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary educational institutions. In addition, an accredited school can offer government student aid, which is a very important fee assistance program.

Look at the quality of faculty or instructors when looking for the best neuroscience school. Most schools post the biographies of their staff on their websites or in their promotional material. Review the academic credentials, published works, research work, and industry experience. All of these items are critical to their expertise in this field.

Schools with a specialist graduate program are able to attract a higher quality of faculty, due to the ability to practice research and teach courses at a more senior level. Specialist graduate programs should include sub-specialties, such as neurobiology and neurosurgery at both a master's and doctoral level. Explore the different types of sub-specialties available and the level of support provided by the school.

Research opportunities are critical when looking for the best neuroscience school. The ability to become involved in ongoing research into this field greatly increases your knowledge and your employment opportunities. Talk to the enrollment counselor and determine if you will have access to a research laboratory. Find out if all students are assigned a research adviser, or if you need to approach the faculty member independently. Research work is the main priority for graduate students and the more opportunities you have, the better.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Scientist with beakers
      Scientist with beakers