# Selecting a Multidisciplinary Training Areas (MTA)

Students matriculate in the PhD program without a formal commitment to a particular training area, unless interested in the neuroscience program. While students affiliate closely with a group of researchers in an initial area of interest, they are encouraged to consider new combinations or interests during the first year. Students pursue a series of rotations through diverse research laboratories before formally [choosing a PhD research mentor and one of seven multidisciplinary training areas by the end of the second semester](https://mountsinai.formstack.com/workflows/gs_dissertation_advisor_mta_declaration). See detailed chapter on MTAs [here](https://ismms-gs.gitbook.io/graduate-student-handbook/chapter-on-multidisciplinary-training-areas/multidisciplinary-training-areas).