Princeton "certificate" program...?

<p>I've always loved Princeton University, but after researching their academics, I noticed the only available program for neuroscience is a "certificate" program...which doesn't sound too great. What is the difference between receiving a certificate in neuroscience and majoring(concentrating) in neuroscience as an undergraduate at other schools? What difference does it make in the long run/when I'm trying to apply to medical school for neurology?</p>

<p>Majoring in molecular biology and pursuing the certificate in neuroscience would probably give you, at the very least, the same neuroscience-related preparation as someone majoring in simply neuroscience at most other schools. It should make zero difference in the long run.</p>

<p>I can’t speak to med school admissions, but from what I can tell a neuro certificate with either a molecular bio or psych concentration looks a lot (as far as courses are concerned) like a neurobiology/neuroscience major. For instance, Harvard’s neurobiology concentration has nearly identical requirements to Princeton’s MOL major + NEU certificate, and Dartmouth’s neuroscience major looks very similar to Princeton’s PSY major + NEU certificate. In addition, Princeton’s neuroscience certificate requires independent research, while research tends to be optional everywhere else. Also, Princeton does have a brand-new neuroscience facility in the works ([The</a> New Neuroscience Building – Princeton Neuroscience Institute](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/neuroscience/about-us/the-neuroscience-building/]The”>About Us | Neuroscience)).</p>

<p>Thank you for the helpful comments!</p>