Neuroscience and Education MS

Master of Science in Neuroscience and Education

Neuroscience and Education FAQ Section

What do graduates of the program do?

Our Neuroscience and Education program graduates pursue a wide range of exciting career paths or pursue further educational opportunities. Many continue in doctoral programs at top universities, deepening their expertise in the field. Others apply their knowledge in professional settings, bringing a neuroscience-informed approach to teaching, clinical settings, and industry.

Our alums have found success in cutting-edge research labs, educational consulting, and ed-tech innovation, contributing to advancements in learning sciences. Whether you envision a future in research, education, technology, or policy, this program provides a strong foundation in neuroscience, cognition, and emerging research methods—equipping you with the skills to explore new frontiers in understanding the brain and learning.

Is the GRE required for admission?

No, but scores may be submitted if they are available. Other application materials like the personal statement, recommendation letters, and previous academic and professional experience are weighed more heavily in the admission process.

What level of neuroscience training / knowledge is required?

Most students, regardless of their prior training in neuroscience, will take Foundations of Neuroscience I: Neuroanatomy & Physiology & Foundations II: Systems Neuroscience. Additionally, we require the Neuroscience Research Methods course. These courses provide the necessary knowledge and training to succeed in the program.

Foundations of Neuroscience I and Neuroscience Research Methods are offered in the Fall term.
Foundations of Neuroscience II is offered in the Spring term.

Students with a degree in neuroscience may request a waiver exam to potentially test out of the Foundations courses. Substantial evidence of prior relevant coursework is required to waive the Neuroscience Research Methods requirement.

How many credits do I have to take per semester?

"Full-time'' status is accorded to students registered for 9 or more semester points per term. Students enrolled for fewer than 9 semester points (0-8 semester points) are considered "part-time.'' The Thesis Course carries full time equivalency, so this course may be taken alone in your final semester.

How can I maintain full-time status, with less than 9 points per semester?

Students taking fewer than 9 semester points in a term may be certified as full-time if they can present an approved Certificate of Equivalency (COE) form. Students must consult and get approval for COEs from an advisor and the Registrar's office. Students in their final semester who are registered in the Thesis Course are considered full time, and no COE is needed.

Is it possible to work full-time and obtain my degree?

Yes, it is possible to work during the program. Many of our Master’s students currently have full or part time jobs. However, working during the Master’s program may slow your progression through the program, and can present scheduling challenges, since not all of our courses are offered outside normal working hours.

When are classes held?

Many classes take place in the evening from 5:10 PM -- 6:50 PM, or from 7:20 PM -- 9:00 PM (Monday till Thursday; no classes on Friday). However, some classes take place during afternoons (typically, 1:00pm - 2:40pm or 3:00 - 4:40pm). Students working full-time may be able to arrange alternative options for required courses with instructor approval. We also have select courses that are offered on-line. Typically, during the Spring and Fall semesters, one class (of 1 hour 40 minutes) a week is held for a 3-points course. In addition, each class requires self-study time (e.g., 6 -- 8 hours a week, or more, for a 3-points course). Summer courses meet twice a week (M,W or T,R) for 2 hours and 10 minutes each. These courses last for 6 weeks.

How long does it take to complete the program if I study part-time vs. full-time?

Our students follow many different timelines.

International students typically complete the program within two years as full-time students, as required by their visas.

For other students, completion depends on the number of courses taken each semester. The Master's degree requires a minimum of 32 credit hours and the completion of a Master's Thesis. The Master's Thesis is usually completed during a student's final semester, and carries full-time equivalent status at the College. This means that students will typically only register for the Thesis course during their final semester. It also means, importantly, students are expected to work full-time on the research and writing activities that will support the thesis development.

Part-time students typically take 3–6 credits per semester and have the option to take courses during the summer, which has two sessions available.
Full-time students, including summer coursework, can complete the program in approximately 18 months.

However, a slower pace can provide opportunities for deeper engagement in research, participation in lectures, events, and conferences, and stronger connections with faculty and peers. The flexibility of the program allows students to balance coursework with their professional and academic goals.

Is health insurance available?

Yes, health insurance is available. Full time students must prove they have health insurance or otherwise enroll in the university plan. Insurance is available to part-time students. During registration all students have the option to enroll. More information about the plans are available here.

Is housing available?

Teachers College does have limited subsidized housing. If housing is needed, apply as far in advance as possible, as space is limited. More information can be obtained from the Office of Residential Services.

When are new students accepted into the program?

Students are accepted for the Master’s of Neuroscience and Education program for the fall semester only. Our priority deadline is 01/15, and the final deadline is 05/15. It is recommended that prospective students apply as early as possible to be considered for financial aid and housing, if desired.

Can I park at Teachers College? Is there public transportation?

There are several parking lots near campus, but they are expensive. Street parking is available, but can be scarce. Meters are available on city streets and are subject to NYC parking rules and regulations. TC is easily accessible by bus M4 and M104 and subway (1). Students of Teachers College also have access to Columbia University’s intercampus shuttle system. For those who live in Westchester and Connecticut, MetroNorth stops at the 125th Harlem Station and from there you can take the M60 bus to 120th and Amsterdam.

A group of students converse in a study group at Teachers College.

Admission Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2026, Summer 2026, and Fall 2026 terms.

Master of Science

Points/Credits: 32
Entry Terms: Fall
Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based

Application Deadlines

Entry Term Available	Priority Deadlines	Final Deadlines	Extended Deadlines
Spring	N/A	N/A	N/A
Summer	N/A	N/A	N/A
Fall	January 15, 2026	April 1, 2026	N/A

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

	Requirement
	Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
	Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
	Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
	$75 Application Fee
	Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

For admission-related inquiries, please contact BBSadmission@tc.columbia.edu.

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Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2025-2026)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 terms.

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Explore the connections between brain science, learning, and real-world impact.

Founded in 1979, our program was the first in the country to bring together neuroscience, education, and clinical practice. Today, that pioneering spirit continues. We offer a unique experience for students who want to understand how brain function relates to behavior, learning, and development – an area of study that requires integrating knowledge from neuroscience, psychology, education, and related fields. This understanding prepares them to make meaningful contributions in schools, research labs, clinical settings, industry, or policy work.

Students in our program learn to think across traditional boundaries. Through coursework, lab work, and applied experiences, they develop a deep foundation in brain-behavior relationships, with opportunities to specialize in areas that match their goals. Whether you're aiming for a career in research, preparing for medical or doctoral programs, or planning to return to teaching or clinical practice with stronger scientific grounding, this program offers a flexible and rigorous path.

The M.S. degree requires 32 credits of graduate study, with opportunities to engage in neuroscience research through affiliated labs. Students benefit from the rich educational resources available at Teachers College, with access to courses and mentorship in education, psychology, and related fields.

Graduates of our program go on to doctoral study, clinical training, teaching, educational leadership, industry positions, and research-focused careers. What they share is a strong ability to integrate neuroscience with applied disciplines and real-world practice, bringing scientific insights to complex questions about how people learn, grow, and thrive.

Core Competencies

Our program emphasizes four core areas of growth and training:

1. Interdisciplinary Knowledge and Skills
Students gain foundational knowledge in developmental and cognitive neuroscience at multiple levels: cellular, molecular, systems, and behavioral. They build a strong understanding of how neuroscience connects to real-world challenges in education, human development, and related domains, and how to think critically across disciplines.

2. Research and Inquiry
Students develop the skills to read, evaluate, and contribute to primary neuroscience literature. They learn to design and interpret experiments, understand clinical research, and frame scientific questions that matter in real-world settings.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Students explore how neuroscience can inform more inclusive, equitable approaches to learning. They consider how brain research can be used to address disparities and support all learners in varied educational and cultural contexts.

4. Communication, Collaboration, and Leadership
Students learn how to communicate scientific findings to different audiences, across disciplines and beyond academia. They gain experience in writing, presenting, and translating neuroscience research in ways that make a difference for educators, clinicians, and communities.

Degree Requirements: M.S. in Neuroscience and Education

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree requires 32 graduate-level credits. These are typically completed through a mix of core coursework, electives, and a culminating thesis. Most students complete the program in 3-4 semesters of full-time study.

1. Core Courses (Required)

You must complete all courses in the core course sequence listed below. All core courses require a minimum grade of B to remain in good standing.

BBSN 4001 Foundations of Neuroscience I: Anatomy & Physiology (Fall only. Waiver exam available, permission required.)
BBSN 4002 Foundations of Neuroscience II: Systems (Spring only. Waiver exam available, permission required.)
BBSN 4005 Research Methods in Neuroscience (Fall only. Prior coursework may satisfy requirement if approved.)
BBSN 4007 Neuroscience Applications to Education (Offered Fall and Spring. Take after the Foundations sequence.)
BBSN 5500 Thesis and Professional Development (Take during your final Fall or Spring semester. Required for graduation.)

2. Cognitive / Psychological Neuroscience Cluster (minimum 3 credits)

Choose at least one course (3 credits) from the following group:

BBSN 5003 – Cognitive Neuroscience (Spring)
BBSN 5070 – Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (Fall)
BBSN 5080 – Social and Affective Neuroscience (Spring)
BBSN 5005 – Neuropsychological Assessment Tools (Fall)
BBSN 5010 – Neuroscience of Reading (Fall)
BBSN 5055 – Neuroscience of Adolescence (Fall)

These courses may also count as in-program electives if not applied for this requirement (courses may not count twice).

3. In-Program Electives (minimum 6 credits)

You’ll need at least 6 additional credits from elective courses within the Neuroscience and Education program. These change from time to time. Recent offerings have included:

4. Breadth Requirement (minimum 6 credits outside the program)

You must complete at least 6 credits from outside BBSN, typically in education, psychology, or data analysis. Recommended areas include:

Statistics and Data Handling

HUDM 4120 – Basic Statistics
HUDM 5026 – Intro to Data Analysis in R
HUDM 5122 – Applied Regression (advanced)

Psychology and Human Development

HUDK 5023 – Cognitive Development
HUDK 5024 – Language Development
HUDK 5029 – Personal and Social Development
HBSK 5096 – Psychology of Memory
HUDK 5040 – Developmental Psychopathology

Other options may include education policy, movement sciences, or nutrition. Always consult your advisor to ensure your selections meet program guidelines. Do not register for BBS 5068 or 5069, which are not designed for Neuroscience and Education students.

5. Additional Credits (to reach 32 total)

Most students meet the 32-credit requirement by exceeding the minimums above. Remaining credits can come from:

Additional in-program electives
Extra cognitive/psych cluster courses
Additional breadth courses
Research or independent study (see below)
Graduate-level courses at Columbia, Barnard, or Columbia Medical School

6. Thesis Requirement (3 credits, required for graduation)

All students must complete a thesis during their final regular semester (Fall or Spring) by enrolling in BBSN 5500. This course is Pass/Fail and carries full-time status.

Your thesis may take one of three forms:

Systematic literature review
Detailed experimental research proposal
Empirical research report (only in rare cases, with approval and prior data access)

The thesis serves as a culminating demonstration of your scientific learning and communication skills. You will receive detailed guidance and feedback from your instructor and, if needed, a second reader.

7. Optional: Research / Independent Study (BBSN 4904, 0–3 credits)

If you participate in significant experiential learning (e.g., lab work or applied projects), you may enroll in Independent Study for transcript credit. This option should be arranged in consultation with your advisor and your on-site supervisor.

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