Graduate Programs

Interdisciplinary Education Opportunities for Future Scientific Leaders

The robust graduate student population at Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute (ZNI) comes from a variety of USC programs and departments:

• Neuroscience
• Preventive Medicine
  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Behavior Research
• Physiology & Biophysics
• Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS)
  • Cancer Biology & Genomics (CBG)
  • Development, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (DSR)
  • Medical Biology (MEDB)
  • Molecular Structure and Signaling (MSS)

Collaboration and Community

Each graduate student works with a ZNI faculty mentor for up to 5 years. They participate in a culture that fosters collaboration and a strong sense of community. Although graduate students are busy with interdisciplinary coursework and lab research, they are encouraged to socialize with others during weekly seminars which feature world-renown scientists and participate in symposiums, dinner nights, tea times and other academic events.Our philosophy at ZNI is that any person in a lab — from the PI to the research technician — is capable of making important research discoveries. Thus, our graduate students are respected as young scientists and are given extensive support and mentorship.

• Learn how to apply to the Neurosciences Graduate Program 

For those students eager to explore graduate studies in the biomedical and biological sciences, explore the PIBBS website.

ZNI graduate students who have been requested to attend a scientific meeting or research training opportunity may apply for the Zach Hall Travel Award.