The KU-L/KUMC bicampus Neuroscience Graduate Program is designed to prepare the student for a research and/or teaching career with concentrations in neuroscience. The program emphasizes research and the skills and knowledge required to perform and communicate the results of research. Modern neuroscience researchers/educators must be versed in several areas of neurobiology research, spanning from molecular neuroscience to systems neuroscience. As such, the course of study in the program is broadly based; you are encouraged to enroll in courses offered by other programs or departments. The research opportunities in the program are widely varied and will accommodate many interests.
PhD students wanting to join the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the KU School of Medicine must first be admitted into the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences. During the first year in the IGPBS program, students perform at least three laboratory rotations in order to identify a research mentor. Students in the MD-PhD Physician Scientist Training Program can join the Neuroscience Graduate Program following completion of the ACE curriculum and identification of a research mentor.
Coursework for the Neuroscience Graduate Program is offered at the KU Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kansas as well as the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Several courses are available to both campuses via videoconferencing. Comprehensive Exams for all students are completed during the fall of their 2nd year in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. The program on the KUMC campus is directed by the KUMC Neuroscience Graduate Studies Committee consisting of the following faculty:
KUMC Graduate Studies Committee Members:
Julie Christianson, Ph.D. (Program Director)
Kyle Baumbauer, Ph.D.
Jill Morris, Ph.D.
Katie Waugh, Ph.D.
Heather Wilkins, Ph.D.
Applications may be made online at: Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGPBS). Inquiries related to the KUMC portion of the program may be directed to the Program Director:
Julie Christianson, Ph.D.
Professor, Cell Biology & Physiology
Director, Neuroscience Graduate Program, KUMC Campus
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, KS 66160
jchristianson@kumc.edu