Medical Neuroscience, Graduate Certificate

Program Details

The Michigan State University online Medical Neuroscience Certificate Program will provide post-baccalaureate credentials and career development for students seeking to improve their academic profile or employment qualifications. The graduate program is aimed at students interested in applying to graduate or professional school and individuals working in the pharmaceutical or medical device industries. The health care field is changing with new medical research advancing scientific knowledge at a rapid pace, and our program aims at helping students to navigate developments in the field of neuroscience.

Admission to graduate or professional schools has become a complex and highly competitive process. Changes to admission exams, like the MCAT, shifts focus from testing what the applicants know to testing how they apply and use what they know. Our program will give students the skills to think critically, work in teams, and communicate effectively, all important skills necessary for success in graduate school, professional school, or industry.

Program Outcomes

By obtaining the Medical Neuroscience graduate certificate, students will be able to do the following:

Obtain and apply knowledge of the following topics to solve novel problems
- General neuroscience principles
- Nervous system disorders
- Drug use, abuse, and interactions
- Development
Work successfully in team-based settings
Analyze and interpret data from published peer-reviewed papers
Assess ethical, legal, and social implications of neuroscientific research, tools, and discoveries
Effectively and accurately communicate scientific findings

Career Outlook

A graduate certificate in Medical Neuroscience from Michigan State University can impact your career advancement and professional development in multiple ways:

Strengthen applications to graduate or professional school
Compete for raises or promotions
Transition into a neuroscience-specific position
Apply new knowledge and skills to current job responsibilities
Grow your professional network

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

Course Information

Core Courses

NEU 848 Cellular and Molecular Medical Neuroscience (3 credits; Fall)
NEU 849 Medical Neuroscience Systems and Anatomy (3 credits; Spring)
NEU 846 Neurobiology of Nervous System Disorders (3 credits; Summer Session I)

Electives

NEU 842 Neuroethics (3 credits; Summer Session II)
NEU 845 Neuroscience of Drug Use and Human Disorders (3 credits; Summer Session II)
NEU 847 Development of the Nervous System (3 credits; Fall)
PHM 431 Pharmacology of Drug Addiction (3 credits; Summer)
PHM 817 Neurotoxicology (2 credits; Spring)
PHM 819 Principles of Drug-Tissue Interactions (2 credits; Summer, Spring)
PHM 829 Neuropharmacology (2 credits; Fall)

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

A bachelor’s or graduate degree in a biological science background or equivalent work experience
Completed coursework - a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or a graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
A written personal statement - write a reflective essay describing how the certificate will enhance your professional and personal development
Official transcripts from all previous schools

To apply to this program:

Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
Submit all required materials to the application portal.
Note: GRE scores are not required for admission

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$978.25

$1,222.25

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

Medical Neuroscience

Graduate Certificate

Online

Course Delivery

12

Total Credits

$978.25

Credit Hour

1 year

Minimum Duration

Dr. Casey Henley

Associate Professor and Director of Online Neuroscience Program