Dr. Casey Henley
Associate Professor and Director of Online Neuroscience Program
Dr. Casey Henley is a neuroscience educator and education researcher. She received BS degrees in Human Biology and Zoology, PhD in Zoology, and postdoctoral training at MSU. She spends her time teaching, building online programs, and studying what makes course design work, particularly for students who are most often left behind by traditional approaches.
She wrote and illustrated Foundations for Neuroscience, a free, award-winning open textbook used by students and instructors around the world. She also coordinates neuroscience outreach, connecting MSU with K-12 students through events like the Brain Bee at MSU and Neuroscience Fair.
Program Overview
Are you looking to deepen your understanding of neuroscience and accelerate your career?
The Medical Neuroscience Master of Science is a fully online, 30-credit program designed for post-baccalaureate students, healthcare professionals, and career changers seeking graduate training in neuroscience. Coursework covers the cellular and molecular foundations of the nervous system through systems-level applications, including:
- Nervous system disorders
- Neuropharmacology
- Neural development
- Neuroethics
The program culminates in an integrative capstone project and is structured to be completed while working full-time.
Program Outcomes
The Medical Neuroscience M.S. offers specialized graduate training that goes beyond general biological sciences programs. The curriculum is built around the clinical neuroscience topics most relevant to careers in medicine, healthcare, industry, and research—nervous system disorders, neuropharmacology, development, and neuroethics. Graduates will be able to:
- Apply neuroscience principles to novel clinical problems
- Critically analyze primary scientific literature
- Work effectively in team-based settings
- Evaluate the ethical and social dimensions of medical neuroscience research
- Communicate scientific findings accurately
As a Big Ten research university, MSU offers connections to professional schools in medicine, osteopathic medicine, veterinary medicine, and research, creating meaningful pathways for graduates pursuing medical, doctoral, or professional programs alongside those entering industry.
Career Outlook
This online Masters of Science focuses directly on medical neuroscience, with an emphasis on the clinical implication of neuroscience knowledge and research. This program prepares students for further education in medicine and other health-related degrees, as well as for employment in medically-related fields.
Neuroscience-related roles are among the faster-growing areas in biomedicine. Clinical research positions represent the largest share of relevant openings, with median earnings around $125,400 annually and projected job growth of nearly 32%. Graduates are prepared for roles in clinical research, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, healthcare, science education, and doctoral or professional programs.
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
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$937.25
$937.25
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.