Degree Requirements
Masters of Science (M.S.)
The program of study for the M.S. in Neuro-science and Education offers a systematic sequence of courses within the neurosciences.
• Basic courses provide a thorough introduction to the neural bases of behavior.
• Advanced courses explore implications of brain-behavior research for educational and clinical practice.
• Supervised practica enable students to engage in ongoing research projects in neuroscience-related fields or to be involved in neuropsychological assessments and interventions.
Course Requirements:
Psychological processes underlying development, learning, and cognition.
At least one course is required of the areas of developmental psychology and cognitive psychology. Possible courses fulfilling these requirements are listed below, but other courses in these areas or courses taken previously are also acceptable.
Developmental Psychology
• HUDK 4021 Developmental psychology: Infancy (2-3)
• HUDK 4022 Developmental psychology: Childhood (2-3)
• HUDK 4023 Developmental psychology: Adolescence (2-3)
• HUDK 4024 Developmental psychology: Adulthood and the lifespan (2-3)
• HUDK 5023 Cognitive development (3)
• HUDK 5024 Language development (2-3)
Learning and Cognition
• HUDK 4029 Human cognition and learning
• HUDK 4820 Education for thinking
• HUDK 4015 Psychology of thinking
• HUDK 5025 Spatial thinking
Psychological Evaluation and Assessment
Two courses in statistics, measurement, or assessment are required. These could include the following:
• HUDM 4050 Introduction to measurement (2-3)
• HUDM 4120 Basic concepts in statistics (3)
• HUDM 4122 Probability and statistical inference (3)
• HUDM 5122 Applied regression analysis (3)
• HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design (3)
Educational or Clinical Specialization
A set of courses representing a cohesive sequence of study in such areas as: audiology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, elementary education, motor learning, nursing, science education, speech pathology or special education.
Neurobiological Bases of Behavior and Educational Applications
Core Courses
The courses indicated below are for students with little or no prior background in
Neuroscience. With consultation and approval of the advisor, three to four courses are required unless equivalent preparation can be demonstrated.
• BBS 4032 Neuroscience of human speech and language (2)
• BBS 5068 Brain and behavior I: Communication in the nervous system (2)
• BBS 5069 Brain and behavior II: Perception, emotion, memory, and cognition (1-2)
• BBSQ 4040 Speech and language disorders (3)
• BBSN 5070 Neural bases for language and cognitive development (3)
Advanced Courses
Students who wish to develop more advanced knowledge within the neurosciences may register for up to 12 points of advanced courses in neuroscience offered outside of TC
at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Seminars
All students are required to register for:
• BBSN 5575 Integrative seminar in neurosciences and education (3)
Practicum and Research Experience
Students find placements in research or clinical settings either at TC or throughout the city in order to provide an experience that will become the basis for their thesis project. Students may register for research credit or independent study during this period.
Master’s Integrative Project
Opportunities for student participation in research are available. Preparation of a master’s integrative project is required for the degree. The integrative project involves either a research project, a practicum report, or an integrative review. It requires a committee of one advisor in the Neuroscience and Education program and another faculty member.
