COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior is available only through the accelerated B.S. to M.S. program and is designed to provide advanced interdisciplinary training in neuroscience research, behavioral science, and scientific communication. Students admitted to the accelerated master’s program may apply up to 12 credits of approved upper-level University of New Hampshire coursework toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, although these credits count only as electives and not toward undergraduate core requirements. The program requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits and combines coursework, research training, seminars, and thesis work to prepare students for doctoral study, medical school, and careers in neuroscience-related industries and research settings. Required components include Responsible Conduct of Research training, BIOL 950 Scientific Communication, advanced statistics coursework, and research methods training through courses such as NSB 903 Neuroscience and Behavior Research Methods or MCBS 901 Introduction to Research in the Life Sciences. Students mentored by psychology faculty may satisfy statistics and research introduction requirements through a three-semester psychology research methods sequence. Students must also participate in at least two semesters of graduate seminar courses and teaching assistants are required to complete GRAD 950 Issues in College Teaching. Elective coursework allows students to specialize in areas such as pharmacology, endocrinology, immunology, behavioral analysis, neuropsychology, genomics, bioinformatics, communication disorders, neurology, health data science, and applied physiology. A major component of the program is the master’s thesis, supported by a multidisciplinary Thesis Guidance Committee representing at least two academic departments. Students develop a formal research proposal modeled after major scientific fellowship formats such as NIH or NSF proposals, including sections on specific aims, background, innovation, methodology, and project timeline. The committee evaluates the originality, feasibility, and scientific merit of the proposed work before approving the student to proceed with research. Students are expected to conduct independent thesis research, produce a manuscript considered publishable in quality, present their findings in public seminars, and successfully complete a formal thesis defense. The program combines advanced coursework, interdisciplinary collaboration, research training, scientific writing, and professional development to prepare graduates for leadership roles in neuroscience, behavioral science, biotechnology, healthcare research, and advanced academic study.