Graduate programs in neuropsychology can appear under the title of neuroscience or cognitive neuroscience. Neuropsychology is typically studied at the doctoral level, or as a graduate certificate for those who have already done research in other areas of psychology. Here, you can learn about some of the schools that offer programs in this field along with the common admission requirements.
Schools in Florida Offering Graduate Programs in Neuropsychology
Florida Institute of Technology
Clinical neuropsychology is one of the specialties available to students admitted at FIT's Doctor of Psychology program. You'll be able to train in the East Central Florida Memory Disorder Clinic and Florida Tech's Sports Concussion Management Program. The entire program combines research, traditional courses, and a practicum experience. By the time you have finished, you will also go through an internship. Your training will expose you to entire neuropsychological assessments in a variety of patients.
Florida State University
FSU offers an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Neuroscience. As part of your graduate curriculum, you will study the biology and psychology of the brain. Your seminars will include guest speakers who are invited to give lectures, and first-year graduate students will lead their own discussions during the summer. Upon starting the program, you will conduct research in a lab with your program advisor. Some of the topics you will explore as part of this program can include molecular biology, neuroanatomy in vertebrates, as well as design and analysis in research.
Florida International University
In FIU, you can enter a Ph.D. program in Cognitive Neuroscience. You can pick from a few different methodology options for your research, such as TMS, EEG, and MRI. Throughout your time as a student, you can explore the other branches of neuroscience that intersect with FIU's Developmental Science and Clinical Science in Child and Adolescent Psychology programs. Before being able to complete your Ph.D. degree, you will have to finish a Master's Project as part of FIU's graduation requirements. FIU allows you to research with primates and birds during your time in the lab. If you are looking to further add to your list of credentials, FIU also offers a Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Neuroscience. This certificate is 15 credits long, and focuses on the same theories and methodologies you would find in the Ph.D. program.
Miami University
Miami University has many key focal areas of research inside its Neuroscience Ph.D. program. If you are curious about the causes of dementia or the development of the nervous system, this might be the program you should apply to. You can also learn about strategies for brain repair and the ways that addiction alters brain chemistry after repeated exposure to and abuse of drugs and alcohol. You can take advantage of modern technology at Miami University, using light sheet microscopes and optogenetics as part of your research. All three of Miami University's campuses are utilized for the doctoral program in neuroscience.
University of South Florida
Studying neuroscience in the University of South Florida can be done through a specialization. In the Ph.D. program, you will earn your doctorate in Psychology, and choose a focus area in Neuroscience. You'll combine teaching, classroom learning, and lab research to hone your ability to develop independent and individual research interests. You'll be studying EEG measurement and the stress and memory patterns of animals. Seminars and specific methodology courses are available as you spend years in the program. Faculty members specialize in areas such as visual information processing, learning behavior, and addiction development.
Admissions Requirements for Neuropsychology Graduate Programs in Florida
Before you begin to study neuroscience at the graduate level, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree. Ideally, you will have majored in psychology or a closely-related field. While GRE scores are commonly required, you may not need to take the subject test in Psychology depending on the specific program you are applying for. Generally, GRE scores should be no more than five years old at the time of your application. Schools also typically require three letters of recommendation sent by your professors/instructors who are most familiar with your ability to do research at the graduate level. You might need to provide more than one writing sample, which could come from a final paper from one of your classes, or a conference presentation.
In Florida, graduate programs in neuropsychology are commonly offered at the doctoral level and allow students to pursue research in various areas such as neuroanatomy and addictive substances. You may find that entrance requirements may vary depending on the institution, but most programs expect prospective students to have some background in the field and show competence in writing and research.
