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Recently, a rise has been noticed in neurological conditions and disorders worldwide, especially in America. As a result, more psychology students are inclined toward a specialization in neuroscience. However, not many students can bear the high fees and tuition. That’s where an online master’s degree comes in handy. We’ve rounded up a list of the best online master’s in neuroscience colleges that can help you excel.
Best Online Master’s in Neuroscience
Whether you’re a student who wants to continue your education or a professional looking to upskill without experiencing financial strain, an online master’s can help. Since there are many schools and colleges available, including bogus ones, that offer online master’s in neuroscience, choosing the best one can be tricky and challenging.
Listed below are the top four colleges students can consider for online master’s in neuroscience:
University Of Florida
The University of Florida offers an online Master’s in Biomedical Neuroscience. This 30-credit program is entirely online, enabling students to complete it while staying in their current location.
Most students finish the degree within two to three years; however, there’s a flexible seven-year completion window that can accommodate individual circumstances. Being among the top-notch online programs, it offers a robust curriculum that includes theoretical and practical aspects of biomedical neuroscience.
Although the tuition costs are slightly higher, students can leverage financial aid and scholarships. You won’t even need the GRE. Also, the program allows credit transfers with college approval, providing a personalized academic experience.
Key Features:
- Tuition – $16,500
- State – Florida
- Acceptance – 31.13%
- Program Length – 24 Months
- Credit Hours – 30
- Cost per credit – $550
Tabor College
The Tabor College offers an online Master of Education in Neuroscience and Trauma program designed to help students learn how to support people who have gone through trauma and acute stress. You can easily complete the program in 24 months or so with 30 credits.
This M.Ed. program is for anyone who works with kids and teens dealing with stress or trauma, such as teachers, police officers, social workers, foster parents, clergy, adoptive parents, and therapists. The program is special because it’s the country’s only fully online neuroscience and trauma program.
It gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace with both live and recorded classes. The courses cover everything from how the brain works to understanding behavior and gaining trauma-informed skills. You can even customize your final projects to fit your job.
Key Features:
- Tuition – $18,000
- State – Kansas
- Acceptance – 46.39%
- Program Length – 24 Months
- Credit Hours – 30
- Cost per credit – $600
University Of South Florida
The University of South Florida – a public university – provides students and professionals with an online MS in Medical Sciences, Aging & Neuroscience. Offered by Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology), the program gives students a deep understanding of medical physics.
It’s a 31-credit program and can be completed in 24 months or so. The curricula are for students who want to go into biomedical sciences and aging studies.
If you want, you can join a research project led by USF faculty or related institutes. Students can also customize their education with elective courses and lab work.
Key Features:
- Tuition – $27,187
- State – Florida
- Acceptance – 49.24%
- Program Length – 24 Months
- Credit Hours – 31
- Cost per credit – $877
Parker University
Parker University’s Master of Science in Clinical Neuroscience program gives students a deep understanding of how the human brain works and how to manage specific neurological illnesses. This online program is perfect for people with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
It’s a 36-credit program that students can complete entirely online. The program includes coursework in harm prevention, human neurobiology, professional communications, and emerging trends in clinical neurosciences. Experts with PhDs will teach you these courses.
This master’s program also includes a final project or dissertation where students can showcase what they’ve learned and demonstrate their skills in the field. Students who graduate with this degree program can serve in various job roles in the healthcare and education field.
Key Features:
- Tuition – $27,900
- State – Texas
- Acceptance – 100%
- Program Length – 24 Months
- Credit Hours – 36
- Cost per credit – $775
Comparing Different Online Master’s in Neuroscience
Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field, and a master’s in neuroscience can vary in structure and form. Here are a few common types of online master’s in neuroscience you can study:
Master of Science in Neuroscience
In many colleges and universities, the graduate neuroscience program is multi-disciplinary, with faculty from various departments such as biology, chemistry, psychology, biochemistry, and computer science.
This program covers a wide spectrum as it tackles numerous sub-fields like behavioral, integrative, and molecular neuroscience. To qualify, students usually need a strong academic record (around a 3.4 GPA and specified GRE scores), a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or psychology, and prior research experience.
Students are expected to enhance their neuroscience expertise, refine laboratory research skills, and gain proficiency in analyzing scientific articles. Graduates with 30 credit units can pursue opportunities in research and academia.
Master of Science in Neurobiology
A master’s in neurobiology tackles the brain’s anatomy and related biological principles. These programs prepare applicants for a slew of careers in academia, healthcare, or industry and can serve as a stepping stone to medical college or PhD programs.
You’ll need a strong academic background and prior research experience. The program covers medical anatomy, biostatistics, neuroscience, and research methodologies.
Students can typically take one or two years (around 32 credit units) to complete the degree through coursework and thesis projects.
Master of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience
A subfield of neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience helps students learn the biological processes within the brain responsible for decision-making, cognition, and social interactions.
Coursework and lectures cover neural activities, attention and perception, executive control, and memory. Since these programs are heavily research-driven, students have to conduct experiments and produce a thesis.
You can complete a master of science in cognitive neuroscience in 2 years or less (about 32 credit units required). Students with this degree program can pursue careers in technology, health, business, education, or research.
Master of Science in Integrative Neuroscience
For a more comprehensive approach, students may opt for integrative neuroscience master’s degree programs. Ranging from one to two years (around 30 credit units), these programs help students explore neuroscience principles, bioinformatics, computation, imaging methods, and global health.
Applicants need a four-year bachelor’s degree to enroll in the program. Depending on the school, you can select between tracks like laboratory research or science policy.
Science policy track students can build a bedrock in public policy-making and learn about global problems in tech, health, and science, while ‘laboratory research’ students take research practicum coursework. This helps you prepare for diverse job opportunities in research, education, and government.
Master of Science in Neuroscience and Education
This master’s program combines neuroscience and education principles to apply cognitive and behavioral insights to address issues in schools and similar settings.
It doesn’t need a specific bachelor’s degree, provided applicants have 120 credited units. You’ll learn the fundamentals of neuroscience, its application in education, data analysis, and more.
The program typically takes two years (32 credit units) to finish and requires students to complete a thesis. Master of Science in Neuroscience and Education graduates are prepared for doctorate degrees or careers in consultancy and research.
What Admission Prerequisites Are Needed for Online Master’s in Neuroscience?
To apply for an online master’s in neuroscience, students generally need a bachelor’s degree – either a ‘Bachelor of Arts (BA)’ or a ‘Bachelor of Science (BS)’. However, some programs may require a science or allied health background for the bachelor’s degree.
While some master’s may not ask for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), others could require a minimum score in a particular percentile on the GMAT or GRE. Students can waive these exams if they have the required education and work experience. Also, you’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Besides a GPA, some colleges may require applicants who have completed coursework in subjects like anatomy, psychology, chemistry, biology, or neuroscience. If you don’t meet these standards, some programs may offer a provisional admissions process. It means you have to maintain a 3.0 GPA during prerequisite courses.
Some common application requirements you’ll need include:
- Official transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Personal statements.
- International students typically need to show English proficiency, usually through TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
Career Options: What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree In Neuroscience?
Neuroscience professionals often earn good salaries and make a positive difference in the lives and health of many people.
There are diverse career paths in neuroscience, each with specific responsibilities and qualifications. Here are some career choices you can make with an online master’s in neuroscience:
Neuroscience Researcher
Neuroscience researchers conduct brain experiments to comprehend its functions and mechanisms. They create experiments and examine data to validate or refute their hypotheses.
In addition to that, these medical experts document their experiments and discoveries in scientific journals, subjecting them to peer review by fellow specialists in the field.
If you become a neuroscience researcher after getting your online master’s, you can earn up to $81,264 per year.
Epidemiologists
Epidemiologists typically have a master’s degree like a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a master’s in other science and health-related fields like neuroscience.
These professionals study the origins and patterns of various diseases in humans. Their goal is to reduce the spread of diseases by developing health policies and educating the public on risk reduction.
Job duties may vary based on their specialization, such as mental health concentration for those with a neuroscience background. Generally, epidemiologists oversee public health studies, collect and review data, conduct interviews, create and track public health programs, and manage project staff.
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) need a license and can have a diploma, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Those with a master’s degree in nursing may specialize in areas such as neuroscience or advance to a nurse practitioner position.
Nurses with a neuroscience background may work as rehabilitation nurses and deal with patients who have neurological injuries or illnesses.
RNs perform various patient care duties, like observing patients, using medical equipment, recording medical data, analyzing diagnostic tests, and educating patients on continued treatment.
Recreational Therapists
Recreational therapists typically require a bachelor’s degree and certification from the “National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).” However, a master’s in neuroscience can help them better understand and assist patients with neurological issues.
These therapists design and oversee treatment programs using recreational activities such as swimming, art, games, music, and dance to improve the well-being of patients dealing with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities.
They may also help patients manage stress, depression, and anxiety. Other duties include personalizing interventions, training patients in social skills, documenting progress, and evaluating intervention effectiveness.
Related Questions
How Much Can You Make With A Master’s In Neuroscience?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for medical scientists, including neuroscientists, is $99,930. Individual salaries can vary based on factors like experience, employer, and location.
The specific area of neuroscience you focus on, such as cognitive neuroscience, may impact your income and potentially lead to higher salaries in some cases.
What You Should Look For In The Best Online Master’s Degree In Neuroscience College?
Where you decide to pursue your online master’s determines your career path, so choose wisely.
Although there are several factors, make sure to look for program and college accreditation, faculty quality, credit transferability, financial aid, student support, and services.
How Does a Master’s in Neuroscience Enhance Career Prospects in the Healthcare Industry?
A master’s in neuroscience positions you for advanced roles in healthcare, where you can contribute to patient care, therapy, and rehabilitation with a deeper understanding of neurological conditions.
Conclusion
Students who pursue online master’s in neuroscience will learn how the brain and nervous system work together. An online master’s program will not only help you advance your career but will also provide the flexibility you need.
Before enrolling, make sure the college you choose is accredited.
