The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Master of Science (MS-ANB) is a two-year research-oriented program comprised of approximately one year of graduate coursework and one year of research supervised by a faculty mentor leading to a master’s thesis.
Curriculum
Students must pass all courses with a grade of B or better and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to continue in the program. Students who fail to achieve a B will be required to retake that course.
Fall Semester
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOC 503: 5 credits)
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (NEUS 609: 4 credits)
- Faculty Research Seminar (ANAT 690: 1 credit)
- Directed Research, Laboratory Rotations (ANAT 697: 5 credits)
Spring Semester
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOC 504: 5 credits)
- Systems Neuroscience (ANAT 610: 4 credits)
- Faculty Research Seminar (ANAT 690: 1 credit)
- Directed Research, Laboratory Rotations (ANAT 697: 5 credits)
Summer
- Directed Research (ANAT 697: 6 credits)
Fall Semester
- Scientific Integrity (OVPR 601: 1 credit)
- Faculty Research Seminar (ANAT 690: 1 credit)
- Directed Research (ANAT 697: 12 credits)
- Lab Safety (IBMS 600: 1 credit)
Spring Semester
- Seminar (ANAT 690: 1 credit)
- Directed Research (ANAT 697: 14 credits)
Two years of study are typically necessary to complete the program’s requirements. At the appropriate time in their research, the student will prepare a thesis and schedule a final oral defense of the thesis. The final oral examination (thesis defense) will cover the subject of the candidate’s dissertation and related basic science coursework.
Students must pass all courses with a grade of B or better. Students who fail to achieve a B will be required to re-take that course. The student must maintain a 3.0 overall cumulative grade point average to continue in the Master’s program.
Program Requirements
In addition to the general admissions requirement outlined by the VCU Graduate School, successful applicants will typically have the following credentials:
- Baccalaureate degree or its equivalent at the time of enrollment with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2
- Combined GRE scores of at least 300 verbal plus quantitative and 4.0 analytical score. Alternatively, an MCAT score of at least 500 or a DAT score of at least 17.
- TEFL minimum score of 100 (IBT), 250 (CBT) or 600 (PBT), or 6.5 on the IELTS for foreign applicants whose native language is not English
While there are no absolute course requirements for admission, the following are considered necessary to pursue a Master’s degree:
- Fundamental knowledge of general and organic chemistry and biology
- Upper-level courses in molecular and cellular biology are desirable
- Previous research experience or demonstration of a serious interest in a research-oriented career
Virginia Residents
- Graduate student tuition: $12,134
- Graduate student fees: $2,363
Non-Virginia Residents
- Graduate student tuition: $24,741
- Graduate student fees: $3,056
Rates vary based on student classification and enrollment. Read more about tuition and fees here.
To apply to the VCU Anatomy and Neurobiology Master’s Program, you must complete and submit an electronic application through the university's graduate admissions page. Learn more about the application process here.
Please see the International Students section in the FAQ for information on international student applications.
In addition to the general admissions requirement outlined by the VCU Graduate School, successful applicants will typically have the following credentials:
- Baccalaureate degree or its equivalent at the time of enrollment with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2
- Combined GRE scores of at least 300 verbal plus quantitative and 4.0 analytical score. Alternatively, an MCAT score of at least 500 or a DAT score of at least 17.
- TEFL minimum score of 100 (IBT), 250 (CBT) or 600 (PBT), or 6.5 on the IELTS for foreign applicants whose native language is not English
We also require the following supplemental materials:
- A personal statement describing your research experience and interests
- Letters of recommendation from previous supervisors
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate records
The admissions deadline for the VCU Anatomy and Neurobiology Master’s Program is May 15. New students are matriculated for the fall semester.
Please contact the program director for more details:
Kimberle Jacobs, Ph.D.
Anatomy and Neurobiology
Box 980709
804-827-2135
kimberle.jacobs@vcuhealth.org
A GRE or MCAT score is required for the program.
The VCU Graduate School requires one original official transcript for application to the program. If the transcript is not in English, an official English translation is also required. Please visit the International Admissions page for more information on what to do with transcripts and documents that are not in English.
The content of recommendation letters is strongly considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee, so recent letters are highly preferred. Please ensure your application includes the three required letters of recommendation.
Typically, candidates are notified within three weeks of submitting a completed application.
There is no expectation of the time required to complete the master’s degree. Usually two years of study are necessary to complete the requirements.
You can learn more about tuition, fees, and payment plans through VCU’s Student Accounting website.
Please contact VCU’s Financial Aid Office (MCV Campus) or visit the Financial Aid website for more information.
Currently our program doesn't offer scholarships or assistantships.
While there are no absolute course requirements for admission, the following are considered necessary to pursue a Master’s degree:
- Fundamental knowledge of general and organic chemistry and biology
- Upper-level courses in molecular and cellular biology are desirable
- Previous research experience or demonstration of a serious interest in a research-oriented career
Contact Us
For the M.S. Degree:
Kimberle M. Jacobs, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Kimberle M. Jacobs, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology
Phone: 804-827-2135