PhD in Neuroscience

Focus on the study of the brain and addresses the challenge of developing an integrative understanding of cognition and higher brain function.

In response to this challenge, the rapidly developing field of neuroscience has produced an exponential increase in the amount of data available to investigators as they develop new theories of brain function and new hypotheses to test.

The main objective of the program is to prepare students to participate at the cutting edge of this exciting field in academia, industry, and government. The program provides students with a rich interdisciplinary intellectual environment that fosters the development of the skills they will need to successfully pursue research careers.

Current faculty research focuses on the broad areas of behavior, anatomy, physiology, neuropharmacology, molecular biology, computational modeling, and informatics. External research collaborations exist with federal agencies, private and not-for-profit corporations, and other universities. The scope of research ranges from the subcellular and molecular level (in the context of such phenomena as drug addiction and the biological basis of schizophrenia) to the systems and behavioral level.

Program Highlights

Current research projects include plasticity mechanisms supporting development, network formation, and information processing, cellular and subcellular models of associative learning, biochemical dynamics in disorders of the basal ganglia, computational methods for simulation of complex biological systems, the role of metals in memory, and Alzheimer's disease, and dynamical behavior of neurons and networks of neurons, and identifying and characterizing protein interactions for the dopamine and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain.

Welcome to the College of Science

The college offers 19 undergraduate degrees, 27 graduate degrees, 11 minors, 3 undergraduate certificates, and 13 graduate certificates. The college also offers 25 bachelor's/accelerated master's programs, allowing students to earn their bachelor's and master's degrees in a shorter amount of time.

Understand. Innovate. Succeed.

The College of Science at George Mason University blends traditional science education with sought-after programs in molecular medicine, climate dynamics, planetary science, forensic science, environmental studies, and geoinformation science to prepare students for exciting careers at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary scientific domains.

While serving as a vital community and regional resource for teaching and learning through hands-on programming for kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12) students, teacher training, and outreach programs, the college also undertakes pioneering research endeavors that offer insight and solutions to the complex issues that challenge today’s world. Academic and research programs are housed at both the Fairfax and Science and Technology Campuses and other specialty locations throughout Northern Virginia. Facilities feature the latest in classroom technologies, state-of-the-art laboratories, and ample space for student and faculty interaction and study.

The College of Science fuels George Mason University’s spirit of innovation.

With cutting-edge research, world-renowned faculty, and a highly diverse student body, Mason offers an unmatched environment to cultivate scientific curiosity and learning.

Why science at Mason?

The College of Science at George Mason University blends traditional science education with sought-after programs to prepare students for exciting careers at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary scientific domains.

Specializing in:

• Molecular medicine
• Climate dynamics
• Planetary science
• Forensic science
• Environmental studies
• Geo-information science
• Data science and scientific analysis

While serving as a vital community and regional resource for teaching and learning through hands-on programming for kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12) students, teacher training, and outreach programs, the college also undertakes pioneering research endeavors that offer insight and solutions to the complex issues that challenge today’s world.

The College of Science offers you opportunities for internships, cooperative work experience, and other personalized training options that will enhance your education and potential. Our research centers, science labs, and location close to the nation’s capital allow our students to explore more with internships and careers right outside our doors.

This broad regional presence, combined with strategic national and international connections, reinforces the college’s mission to provide world-class scientific leadership in a wide variety of areas important to modern society.

Just minutes from the nation's capital

Just minutes from the nation’s capital, the College of Science is well-positioned to partner with numerous governments, academic, and private organizations to investigate unique concepts in research and education. These partnerships enhance students’ educational experiences through internships, cooperative work experiences, and other personalized training options, and capture broader exposure and exclusive opportunities for college research efforts.

A faculty of world-class scientists and educators with exemplary qualifications and progressive experience attract new research opportunities; recruits highly qualified and motivated students from across the country and abroad; and provides unparalleled insight and expertise toward the development of marketable academic programs. Their outstanding achievements are often acknowledged by a variety of highly reputable national and international agencies and foundations.

Research Strengths

• Medical proteomics, biomedical research, and personalized medicine
• Climate science, atmospheric processes, and earth observation
• Conservation, biodiversity, sustainability, and aquatic ecology
• Simulation, modeling, and data sciences
• Geospatial intelligence and geo-information science
• Astrophysics and planetary science