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The application receipt deadline is March 31st preceding the year of entry. For example, applications for the 2009-10 class must be received by March 31, 2009 for full consideration. The Graduate School's December 31st deadline does not apply to this program.

Entrance Requirements:
The MS in Neurobiology and Physiology is an accelerated program, designed to be completed in one year. As such, this rigorous schedule demands that students have the appropriate academic and research background.

The following minimum coursework requirements must be met prior to enrollment in the program:

• One year of Chemistry
• One year of Biology
• One semester of Organic Chemistry
• One semester of Physics
• One semester of Calculus or advanced math

It is also strongly recommended that applicants have prior research experience, more than just a lab course or a two-week research project. It has been found that applicants who do not have significant prior research experience tend to have a difficult time completing the program. Please include a description about your research experience in your application in the Personal Statement section.

Standardized test scores, such as the GRE and MCAT, are not required. However, if you have taken one of these tests, we ask that you send in your scores.

The Application Process:
The Graduate School requires that all applicants submit their materials online through the Graduate School Website. The application fee for 2009-2010 is $75 for both domestic and international applications. At this time, the program does not accept non-degree seeking students.

Completed applications should contain the following materials:

1. Completed Graduate School application form

2. Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended

3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with     your academic and research achievements

4. A personal statement outlining the following:

    - career goals and how the MS degree fits in with them

    - past research experience

    - labs in which you would like to do your MS research project

Transcripts should be sent to:

Tasneem Nomanbhai - Program Assistant
Department of Neurobiology & Physiology
Northwestern University
2205 Tech Drive, Hogan 2-160
Evanston, IL 60208-3520

Letters of recommendation must be submitted online through The Graduate School application website.

Application Decisions:
The application deadline for the Fall Quarter is March 31st. It is imperative to get all application materials (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) submitted before 5:00 p.m. on March 31st. Any application or relevant documents received after the deadline will be considered a "Late Applicant," which means applicants who submitted on time will be given first priority from the Admissions Committee. Late Applicants may or may not be reviewed by the Committee. The department begins reviewing applications on April 1st and applicants can expect a reply from the Graduate School by mid-May. The MS program only admits students for Fall Quarter of each academic year.

Tuition and Financial Aid:
Information regarding tuition rates and fees can be found by visiting the Graduate School Tuition website.

The master's program does not provide financial aid in the form of academic scholarships, assistantships, TA opportunities, or stipends. The only financial aid offered is through student loans or external funding. The Graduate School's Financial Aid website can assist with any questions regarding aid.