Research on the brain spans many levels, from molecules to behavior, and touches on many different fields of inquiry. Graduate students interested in neuroscience may work with faculty mentors by enrolling in one of several different PhD programs, depending on their precise interests.

The different programs focus on different levels of analysis of the nervous system, ranging from cellular and molecular to systems to cognitive and behavioral approaches. Training is coordinated and involves an overlapping set of coursework as well as common social events, colloquia, and retreats open to all students. The neuroscience graduate program at Duke is designed to educate the next generation of neuroscientists, poised to discover new and exciting aspects of brain function and behavior. The following DIBS programs provide an exceptional, immersive experience:

To supplement these unique graduate programs offerings, the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences sponsors the Entering Mentoring, Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) and Cognitive Neuroscience Research Internship (CNRI) programs. These programs, all inspired, created and led by our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, are not only designed to serve the community but also provide professional development opportunities for the neuroscience graduate student body.

In totality, participation in these training experiences over their academic journey will provide graduate students and other trainees with competencies in mentorship, conflict resolution, communication, organization, time management, and leadership. The Duke Institute for Brain Sciences is committed to continuing administering all three programs to provide graduate trainees in neuroscience with multiple didactic and experiential opportunities to develop their mentorship portfolio.

Related Graduate Academic Programs

DIBS attracts and supports graduate students from many departments across Duke. Many come from these two departments:

Others are in a variety of other graduate programs at Duke: