Two professionals or scientists interacting in a laboratory setting
Ph.D.

Neuroscience

Advance Scientific Discovery Through Graduate Research

The interdisciplinary graduate program prepares students for advanced careers in biomedical research and academic leadership. By integrating rigorous laboratory training with comprehensive coursework, students investigate the complex mechanisms of the nervous system. Graduates from WSU Vancouver develop the expertise required to address critical questions in cellular, molecular, behavioral, and clinical neuroscience.

Students in the doctoral program work alongside faculty mentors to contribute to vital scientific breakthroughs. Research areas focus on understanding how brain cells function, how neurobiological systems adapt, and how the nervous system is altered by complex disorders. The curriculum prepares individuals for professional placement in higher education, biotechnology, and specialized clinical research environments.

Program Highlights

The doctoral curriculum emphasizes independent research and collaborative science. Students combine advanced biological techniques with psychological principles to evaluate neurobiological systems at all levels. Key aspects of the program include:

  • Immersive biomedical research opportunities in professional laboratory settings.
  • Direct mentorship from faculty experts across scientific disciplines.
  • Training in the preparation of oral and written reports for standard scientific publication.
  • Development of ethical conduct guidelines in advanced scientific inquiry.
How to apply
More information

Prospective Students

Find your personal admission counselor
Email Address van.admissions@wsu.edu
Phone (360) 546-9788

Current Students

Email Address van.casadvising@wsu.edu
LocationCollege of Arts and Sciences
Phone (360) 546-9620

The Three-Step Application Process

  1. Contact: You must line up a faculty mentor prior to applying. Review the faculty research pages to explore current labs and contact a mentor to discuss your goals.
  2. Notify: Once a mentor invites you to join their lab, email the natural sciences graduate programs coordinator with your name, contact information, the specific degree program you want to join and the name of your faculty mentor.
  3. Apply: Complete the online application. Select WSU Pullman when prompted for the program location, and explicitly name your WSU Vancouver faculty mentor in your statement of purpose to ensure your materials are routed to the Vancouver campus for review. Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences applicants should select Vancouver Campus as their designation.

Required Materials

  • Three letters of recommendation: Submitted online through the graduate school application system.
  • Transcripts: Official electronic transcripts from U.S. institutions can be routed directly to grad.sch.transcript@wsu.edu. Unofficial copies can be used during the review process.
  • Statement of Purpose: Identifying your target faculty mentor.
  • Current CV or Resume
  • TOEFL scores: Required for international applicants only. Scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service using Institutional Code 4705.

To speed up the evaluation process, applicants can email or mail a copy of all application materials, including PDF copies of transcripts, test scores, the completed application, CV and statement of purpose, directly to the coordinator.

Mailing Address:

Natural Sciences Graduate Programs Coordinator
College of Arts and Sciences
Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686

Frequently Asked Questions

You must secure a faculty mentor before submitting your application. Review the faculty research pages to find a lab aligned with your goals, then contact the faculty member directly.

Email your contact details, targeted degree program and faculty mentor name to the natural sciences graduate programs coordinator. After notifying the coordinator, complete the online application.

While you will complete your degree on the Vancouver campus, you must select WSU Pullman on the application form and list your intended Vancouver faculty mentor in your statement of purpose to route the application correctly. Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences majors should select Vancouver Campus as their designation.

References are automatically contacted by the online system once you enter their details. They submit recommendations electronically, so no paper copies are needed.

Yes, unofficial copies of transcripts and test scores are accepted during the initial review process. However, official versions must be on file with the Graduate School if you are accepted into the program.