If you’re not looking to seek a graduate neuroscience degree, but want official recognition for having specific training and instruction in neuroscience, you may be able receive a Certificate in Neuroscience.

To receive the certificate, you will be required to successfully complete 12-16 credits of neuroscience coursework including NEU 503: Introduction to the Neurosciences. See approved neuroscience elective coursework here.

Graduate Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will have an advanced knowledge of interdisciplinary neuroscience to integrate information effectively from multiple disciplines.
2. Graduates will conduct original research integrating ethical research practices using appropriate applications of quantitative and qualitative methods in interdisciplinary neuroscience.

Admission Requirements

Graduate students currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree at URI are eligible to apply; however, must apply through the GradCAS system. The application fee will be waived. We do ask that you provide an unofficial transcript with your application.

Applicants who are URI senior undergraduate students and only applying to the program through GradCAS, do not need to provide official transcripts to GradCAS. The Graduate School can verify these applicants at the time of admission as long as their degree conferral is posted on an eCampus transcript. If it isn’t posted applicants will need to inform the Graduate School so any transcript hold can be removed.

Students may pursue the certificate program only (i.e., they need not be enrolled in another graduate program).

A competitive applicant will have the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
• A personal statement describing:
  • Your interest in neuroscience
  • Your relevant research/work experience
  • Why you chose to apply the INP at URI
• Letters (2) of recommendation from references familiar with your potential for success in graduate study.

*NOTE: Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores.

Admission Deadlines

Applicants for the Certificate may be considered for fall or spring admission. The completed application package including supporting material is due by April 1 for fall admission; The completed package for spring admission is due by November 15.

The INP does not offer application waivers to external applicants. 

How to Apply

1. Go to the Apply page on the Graduate School’s website, select GradCAS, and select the semester for which you want to apply
2. If you already have a GradCAS account, log in using your credentials
   If you don’t have an account, follow these steps:
   • Select ‘Create an Account’ from the login screen, and fill in all necessary information requested, then select ‘Create my account’
   • You will then be prompted to answer questions about the necessity of a student visa to complete your education
3. Filter the search by institution by selecting the University of Rhode Island
4. Scroll until the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Certificate is found and select the ‘+’ next to the program, then press continue
5. Review that the correct program has been chosen before selecting ‘Continue to my Application’
6. Proceed to fill out application as directed

Upon Acceptance

1. Once accepted into the program, you must enroll in NEU 503 and take 12-16 credits of neuroscience coursework
2. This information must be filed on a program of study and submitted to the graduate school
   • To do this, submit the form using a program called ‘airSlate’.
   • The ‘Program of Study’ form is linked on the Graduate School Forms page, under the ‘Certificate’ tab
3. A ‘Nomination for Graduation Form – Certificate Program’ must also be filed. This is done through the same program. This form is also found on the Graduate School Forms page, under the ‘Certificate’ tab.