USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute

Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC

2025 Zonal Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 44-BRAIN
Email: NIIN@ini.usc.edu
niin.usc.edu

NIIN Core Faculty

Professor of Neurology: Danny Wang, PhD

Associate Professors of Neurology: Hong-Wei Dong, PhD; John D. Van Horn, PhD (NIIN Program Director)

Assistant Professors of Neurology: Kristi Clark, PhD; Dominique Duncan, PhD; Neda Jahanshad, PhD; Hosung Kim, PhD; Judy Pa, PhD; Yonggang Shi, PhD

Assistant Professors of Research: Meredith Braskie, PhD; Houri Hintiryan, PhD; Kay Jann, PhD; Lirong Yan, PhD

Introduction

The Master of Science (MS) in Neuroimaging and Informatics (NIIN) program provides students with an understanding of the scientific and clinical underpinnings of neuroimaging science and how to leverage that knowledge to make new and important discoveries in biomedicine. Students who successfully complete the program will be ideally positioned to apply to formalized medical training programs, join PhD research training programs, obtain laboratory or administrative employment in the growing field of brain imaging neuroscience, or engage in public policy or regulatory administration of academic, clinical or business efforts in this expanding discipline.

The program comprises 10 courses (eight 3-unit and two 1-unit) to be taken in one academic year. Didactic lectures address the technology of neuroimaging, a detailed examination of brain anatomy and function, and the variety of data-type dependent as well as integrative computational processing approaches. Laboratory modules (1) provide guided, hands-on experience with neuroimaging data collection approaches for examining anatomy, connectivity and functional activity; and (2) examine and develop optimized data processing strategies. Finally, scholarship is enriched by several distinct faculty-guided, discussion-based courses that allow detailed examination of specific aspects of neuroimaging of elemental neurological processes and carefully selected applications in neurological and psychiatric medicine. Graduation requires completion of 26 course units.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must supply a completed application for graduate studies including: transcripts from all institutions previously attended, standardized test scores, a personal statement describing scientific and career interests, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are generally anticipated for fall enrollment. Applicants to the program must apply to the USC Graduate School and must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Students are required to have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (or equivalent) and have achieved graduation with a BS or BA degree (or equivalent) prior to matriculation. Students are expected to have taken the general portion of the GRE exam before application and to have met or exceeded university score requirements. Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with the approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted. International students from non-English speaking home countries are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency or take remedial English language courses, according to Graduate School policy. Specific prerequisites for this program include completed course work with a B or better grade (or equivalent) in neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, biology or a related field.

Advisement

The program recommends that students meet with the program director each semester prior to registration for courses.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the program is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be given written notification that they have been placed on academic probation. Students who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 in the second semester are academically disqualified.

Programs

Neuroimaging and Informatics (MS)

Courses

Neuroimaging and Informatics