Research participation is a major focus of the behavioral neuroscience program. Students are expected to be involved in scientific investigations throughout their graduate study; typically, the initial participation involves collaboration in a faculty research project. By the end of the first year students are expected to begin an M.A. thesis based on common interests with a faculty member/adviser. Students' developing research experiences, knowledge, and independence culminate in the dissertation, usually completed by the end of the fifth year.
All students are expected to enroll in "Brown Bag" seminars (research practica) and may participate in individual investigations with faculty members other than their major adviser. This aspect of the program is designed to give students experience with techniques and issues in several areas of behavioral neuroscience. A secondary benefit of the experience is to enhance research by encouraging cross-fertilization of techniques and ideas among laboratories with different research emphases.