Cognitive Neuroscience help?

[microdactyl]

Hi all,

So I'm looking into programs for cognitive neuroscience; currently I'm rather certain that I'm only qualified for a master's program, but there don't even seem to be any schools that offer master's programs in neuroscience (most of the schools I've looked into only have PhD programs). Could anyone point me in the direction of schools that do?

Alternatively, do I have any chances of being admitted to a PhD program in Cognitive Neuroscience/neural science? (I do realize that I'm too late for this year, but I might consider applying next year ... oh, my life.) And if so, what schools might I be looking at?

Stats: GPA: 3.78, from a mid-tier UC (physics major)

GRE: 1510

Other: did research for a few quarters in cogsci lab, took 3 graduate-level cogsci courses (and received As in all these courses; top of the class in one)

Downsides: received an F in a math course because I forgot to drop it before deadline (I know, really sad) that I then retook for a B-, no research published, no undergrad psych courses taken. Letters of rec might not be as strong, either; I'm shy and awkward and don't make much of an impression on people.

Other points of interest: I'm female? Not sure if that factors in at all, though.

Any input would be highly appreciated; thank you! (Someone suggested that I do a post-bacc in psychology; is that worth it?)

*My apologies if this topic is inappropriate in this forum; please let me know if so and I'll repost.

[nessa]

microdactyl,

Your stats are good and I would not worry about one class you had problems with. You're right that you could use more background, but a Master's is not the best way to do that. My knowledge of post-bac psych programs is that you take all the classes you would have as a psych major, and I don't think you need to do that either. I would look at some programs that seem like what you're interested in and see what they have as their requirements, but I would think you don't need more coursework- but trust the programs, not me;)

The best way to prepare given your limited research experience is to work in a lab similar to what you're interested while you're figuring things out. I'm not sure what you're doing right now, but if getting an RA job is an option I would look into it. Then you will be able to get research experience, learn more about the field, and get some stronger recommendations. Good luck!

[laurend]

Most post-bacc programs (like the one I am in at NIH) are research programs. You go an work as a research fellow for 1-? years and gain some experience and maybe publications/conference presentations. Any neuro lab would benefit you greatly. Also, usually these are at research institutes or schools and you could take a few courses while you are there to beef up your neuro related coursework if you felt that was necessary. Once you get your research up, maybe a paper or two and some presentations you will be a much stronger applicant!

[LJK]

I agree with nessa, the thing you should work on this year preparing for next year's application season is getting more research experience. If you can get a job as a full-time research assistant that would be great, or you could volunteer in a lab. A master's isn't necessarily a bad choice but it depends on the type of program. Some masters degrees are all classwork and that would not be very helpful. Some masters degrees are research-based and that would be helpful, but those are tend to be 2 year programs, putting off starting the PhD even further. If you know you are interested in Cog. Neuroscience but don't know exactly what you are most interested in within Cog. Neuro. the research masters can help you get research experience and allow you to explore your interests a bit further before you commit to a sub-topic for your PhD. If you are looking for masters programs with Cog. Neuro. I would think that you are more likely to find MA/MS programs with ERP or eye-tracking than with fMRI or MEG, just because they are less expensive and top/well funded school usually only offer the PhD it seems. I believe that NYU has a master's program however and they have full access to all the fancy equipment. If you do know what you want to do, research professors you may want to work with and see if their labs are hiring this year. I don't think it would be unreasonable for you to email them and inquire if they think they will be needing a research assistant this coming year or if they will not, if they know of any labs that will be hiring and can give you cog. neuro. experience (maybe outside your sub-field of interest).

Oh! And getting paid to get research experience is always better than paying, so that might also weigh into your decision on how to go about getting more research experience. I believe the NYU masters in notoriously unfunded (they often offer MA slots to PhD hopefuls that didn't make the cut).

Edited December 8, 2010 by LJK

[onomatopoeia.]

Besides all that everyone has said, maybe you can consider taking the psychology subject test to demonstrate your knowledge in the field even though you majored in physics.

[neuropsych76]

I agree on what everyone else has said Getting a good score on the psych GRE could really help your lack of psych courses like the previous post said. I know several people who have done this.

I think if you gain some research over the next year or so and focus your interests you will be a strong applicant. Being a physics major will help. In the labs I've worked in, any sort of quantitative knowledge is looked upon very favorably. Even if its not a quantitatively focused lab.

Best of luck!!

[microdactyl]

@ everyone in this thread - thank you so much for your input! I've been out of school for half a year, so haven't been able to discuss this with other professors.

Definitely agree that my lack of research is a pretty glaring flaw. Unfortunately I'm working in a different country, so I'm not sure how likely it is that I can find a lab that might have relevance to schools back in the states; @Laurend, your program definitely sounds like something I'd be interested in!

And I will look into taking the Psychology GRE subject test as well.

Thank you all for your responses, they've been very helpful.