Neuroscience PhD training has been a component of graduate student training at Wake Forest University since 1991. The goal of our Neuroscience training program is to provide students with:

  • A fundamental understanding of all levels of nervous system organization, from genetics, molecular, and cellular to systems and behavioral,
  • A skill set that includes extensive training in experimental design and interpretation, statistical and quantitative methodology,
  • Hands-on experience in state of the art laboratories that carry out meaningful and significant research in all areas of modern neuroscience, and
  • A “bench to bedside” appreciation of how basic neuroscience research supports and translates into treatments for neurobehavioral pathologies 

Why Wake Forest

In order to achieve these goals, the program’s first two years balance a broad-based, interdisciplinary curriculum with hands-on training in research laboratories that use a variety of cutting-edge techniques. With this foundation, students move forward using the next few years to develop a thesis project in a specific neuroscience subdiscipline such as memory and cognition, addiction and motivated behaviors, sensory processing and integration, or nervous system changes following injury or in disease. Our program’s success is facilitated by a robust advisory structure for student guidance and mentorship, and an outstanding collaborative environment maintained by our diverse faculty.

Outcomes for PhD students over the past 10 years

  • 91 students (80% TGE; 63% F; 18% URM) matriculated into our PhD program. 
  • 31 students have earned their PhD and 17 students withdrew, transferred to the MS program or were dismissed (all but one within the first two years).  Our attrition rate is below the national average. We believe this reflects the quality of our recruitment pool and our robust advisory structure that guides students early and often on the path that will serve them best.
  • 50% of our eligible students were supported on a T32 and/or obtained individual funding (3 F99/K00; 1 R36; 15 NRSA).  In addition, our students regularly win personal awards from a variety of non-profit, scientific, and industry sources. Our students are highly valued and recognized nationally and internationally even before graduation. 
  • Average time to PhD:  5.0 years
  • Average publications: 4 (2 as first author)
  • 97% of students who earned PhDs obtained postdoctoral training positions or are employed in research-intensive positions. 72% moved onto postdoctoral positions (e.g., Chicago, Vanderbilt, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Northwestern).  The vast majority of students had positions arranged prior to defense of their dissertation.