Who should apply to the Online Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience?

This program is designed to appeal to professional and pre-professional individuals who have a strong science background and would benefit from increased neuroscientific knowledge. Specific positions include laboratory technicians, sales and marketing positions, hospital management, healthcare support, science communication, or those involved with biology or medical patents or intellectual property. There is also an opportunity for nursing students, or physical and occupational therapists who would benefit from understanding brain function and disease to apply who have not already had extensive training in the neuro area.

This certificate offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are seeking a neuroscience education outside of the typical concentrated degree in neuroscience. It is designed for those who want to expand their current subject understanding, working capacity or move into a neuroscience-related position. As an online program, it is perfect for individuals with busy schedules and are unable to attend traditional in-person courses.

Prerequisites/Requirements

When applying to this program you are applying to the Ohio State University Graduate School. Your application package will be evaluated by certificate program faculty. We will consider all aspects of your package when making our decision. You must have completed a BA or BS degree.

Candidates with a strong background in biology, chemistry, neuroscience or physics or have demonstrated professional experience in a neuroscience-related field are best suited for this program.

Your cumulative undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or higher. In special circumstances a lower GPA but strong relevant work or professional experience will be considered. We will evaluate strength of your personal statement and your overall goals for this program during application review. Certificate participants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the program in order to be awarded the certificate by the OSU Graduate School.

Curriculum

The Online Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience takes 3 semesters for completion part time, but can be completed in 2 semesters full-time. All classes will be offered asynchronously to offer learners maximum flexibility. Optional sessions with instructors will be offered online and are at the discretion of each individual course instructor. The curriculum aims to achieve three major outcomes upon completion:

1. Provide a detailed foundational understanding of key neuroscience concepts.

2. Provide a framework for understanding how neuroscience research and discovery are achieved and utilized.

3. Provide a tool kit for self-driven, continued learning of relevant contemporary neuroscience.

Example courses within the program:

NEUROSC5503 – Neurobiology of Disease - An expert clinical and research dive into the biological basis for neurological diseases.

NEUROSC5601 – Neuroscience in Society – Learners will focus on the ethical and societal implications of neuroscience and examine situations where neuroscientific discovery, outside of a laboratory, can change human lives.

NEUROSC5603 – Neurotrauma – An introduction to neurotrauma, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive care for individuals experiencing traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke.

NEUROSC5606 – Neuroimaging – An introduction to basic principles of neuroimaging methods and technologies as applied to human subject research.

NEUROSC5605 - Research Techniques in Neuroscience – Learners will be introduced to how scientific discovery occurs through learning to contemporary and popular research techniques, how to develop a solid research question, and creating a solid hypothesis.

NEUROSC5604 - Paradigms Then and Now: The History of Neuroscience - Learners will apply historical context to understanding how today’s neuroscience research is influenced/driven by society and how it will be recorded in history. 

Application instructions and information

• Be sure to visit the Ohio State Online for an overview about how online classes work, the benefits of joining an online program, and resources about readiness for online learning
• Complete the OSU Graduate School Application. Begin by creating an account if you are a new student to OSU, or use your name.# login if you are already a student with OSU.
• Under Select Application, select “New Application” and choose “Graduate Certificate and Licensure Programs”
• Under Select Term and Campus, use the search function to search “neuro” and choose “Neuroscience Graduate Certificate – Online”
• Proceed with the application prompts as listed.
• On the Final Steps / Submit page of the application you will be asked to attached your resume or CV as well as a statement of purpose.
• The Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement is a very important part of your application. It should explain your purpose for wanting to take part in this program and how this program will help you achieve your overall personal and/or professional goals. This is also a place to discuss your specific interests in neuroscience and highlight any relevant experience or skills that will make you a successful participant in this program. Your statement can be no more than 2 single-spaced pages (less is acceptable).
• GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required.
• Official transcripts for prior degrees are required.

For more information about graduate school admission, you may visit the OSU’s Graduate and Professional Admissions website https://gpadmissions.osu.edu/grad/steps-to-apply.html.

Application Review Begins: March 1, 2025
Application Deadline for Fall Enrollment: July 1, 2025