The University of Virginia is a public institution with an enrollment of just under 20,000. The psychology department offers a master's degree with a specialization in neuroscience and behavior. Research is conducted examining memory and learning, sensory systems and neuroendocrine hormones. Students are trained to apply techniques from a variety of disciplines to solve neuropsychological problems. They may be asked to use procedures from the study of physiology, anatomy, pharmacy and behavioral studies. Students work in collaboration with the departments of physiology, pharmacology, cell biology and biology.
An independent private school with a student population of about 7,400 students, the biology department offers a master of science in neuroscience. Interdisciplinary by nature, the program works closely with the departments of psychology, biology and other natural science departments. The program is designed for both full-time and part-time students, with most of the laboratories and classes held during the evenings. Students can choose either a thesis or non-thesis option. The thesis option is for students interested in research and continuing on to a doctoral program. The non-thesis option is designed for students interested non-researching careers.
George Washington University is a private school with an enrollment of nearly 25,000 located in Washington, D.C. The psychology department offers a master's degree in cognitive neuroscience. The degree is aimed at students who want to become independent scientists conducting research in a university setting. Most students are expected to continue their studies in a doctoral program. It is not a clinical program and does not train students to diagnose or treat illnesses. The major areas of research within the program are memory, attention and perception.
A private university with about 5,000 students in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis specializes in research. The program has three major areas of emphasis: behavior neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience and computational and integrative neuroscience. The program has 22 faculty members and a research facility within the Volen Center. It is an interdisciplinary program with faculty members from computer science, chemistry, physics, psychology, biochemistry and biology.