USC Catalogue: The Schools: Keck School of Medicine of USC: Department of Preventive Medicine

Department of Preventive Medicine

Biostatistics Division
Center for Health Professions 218
1540 Alcazar Street
Los Angeles 90089-9010
Codirectors: Stanley P. Azen, Duncan Thomas
(323) 442-1810
FAX: (323) 442-2993
Email: mtrujill@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/medicine/biostats

Health Behavior Research Division
c/o USC/IPR
1000 S. Fremont Avenue, Box #8
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 457-6600
FAX: (626) 457-4012
Director: C. Anderson Johnson
(626) 457-6648
Email: barovich@hsc.usc.edu
www.usc.edu/medicine/hbrphd

Environmental Health Division
Center for Health Professions 236
1540 Alcazar Street
Los Angeles 90089-9013
Director: John M. Peters
(323) 442-1096
FAX: (323) 442-3272

Master of Public Health Program
1000 S. Fremont Avenue, Box #8
Alhambra, CA 91803
Director: Thomas W. Valente, Ph.D.
(626) 457-6676
FAX: (626) 457-6699
Email: mphusc@usc.edu

Faculty

Ronald K. Ross, Chair and Professor

John M. Peters, Vice Chair and Hastings Professor

AFLAC Chair in Cancer Research: Leslie Bernstein, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professor

Catherine and Joseph Aresty Chair in Urologic Research: Ronald K. Ross

Sidney R. Garfield Chair in Health Sciences: C. Anderson Johnson

Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Chair in Epidemiology: Brian E. Henderson

Verna R. Richter Chair in Cancer Research: Duncan Thomas

Flora L. Thornton Chair in Preventive Medicine: Ronald K. Ross

Harry J. Bauer and Dorothy Bauer Rawlins Professorship in Cardiology: Howard N. Hodis

Professors: S.P. Azen (Biomedical Engineering, Ophthalmology, Occupational Science); L. Bernstein; P. Clarke (Communication); J. Dwyer; F.D. Gilliland; H. Gong (Medicine); M. Goran (Physiology and Biophysics); R. Haile; B.E. Henderson; C.A. Johnson (Psychology); T.M. Mack (Pathology); B. Meyerowitz (Psychology); M.A. Pentz; J.M. Peters; M.C. Pike; B. Portnoy (Pediatrics); S. Preston-Martin; J. Richardson; R.K. Ross; S. Sussman; S. Tavare (Mathematics); D.C. Thomas; A. Wu; M.C. Yu

Associate Professors: G. Coetzee (Urology, Microbiology); W.J. Gauderman; H. Hodis (Medicine); N. Kuenzli; W. Mack; R.S. McConnell; K. Reynolds; H.N. Sather; T. Seeman (Gerontology); J. Sobell; A. Stacy; D. Stram; J. Unger; G. Ursin; T. Valente

Assistant Professors: L. Baezconde-Garbanati; K. Berhane; D. Conti; V. Cortessis; S. Ingles; K. Siegmund; M. Stern; J. Van Tornout (Pediatrics); R. Watanabe

Professors of Clinical: E.L. Avol; D. Deapen; R.K. Peters (Family Medicine)

Associate Professors of Clinical: A. Hricko; E. Nezami

Assistant Professors of Clinical: W. Cozen; A. Hamilton; C. Koprowski; P. Palmer

Clinical Associate Professors: J.T. Casagrande; W.S. Linn; J.N. Weitzel

Clinical Assistant Professors: C.B. Tang; H. Tang

Clinical Instructor: P.M. Rideout

Professors of Research: J.D. Buckley (Pediatrics); S. Groshen; A. Paganini Hill; M. Krailo; B. Langholz; F. Stanczyk (Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Associate Professors of Research: C.-P. Chou; C.W. Dent; L. Rohrbach; R. Sposto

Assistant Professors of Research: T. Alonzo; M. Cockburn; M. Cruz; T. Cruz; P. Marjoram; R. McKean-Cowdin; D. Spruijt-Metz; P. Sun; J. Van Tornout (Pediatrics); A. Xiang; J-M Yuan; T. Zhou

Adjunct Associate Professors: C.N. Bailey-Merz; M.R. Calderon; A. Forsythe; G. Marks; T. Maryon; S. Nessim; J. Niland; G. Wolde-Tzadik

Adjunct Assistant Professors: B. Dietsch; S. Donaldson; D. Ikle; J.A. Longmate; S.V. McKane; S. Montgomery

The Department of Preventive Medicine is responsible for training medical and graduate students in the areas of biostatistics, epidemiology, health behavior research, public health, and preventive medicine. Faculty from the department also perform research in the areas of biostatistics, epidemiology of acute and chronic diseases, and environmental health.

The undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the department are noteworthy for the extensive opportunities offered to the students for involvement in faculty research. It is not uncommon for students to begin working closely with faculty members on research projects as early as their first or second year of study.

Degree Programs

The Department of Preventive Medicine offers the following degree programs:

B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies
B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention/Master of Public Health
Minor in Health Communication
Minor in Public Health
Minor in Nutrition and Health Promotion
Minor in Substance Abuse Prevention
M.S. in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology
M.S. in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations
M.S. in Molecular Epidemiology
Master of Public Health
Master of Public Health/Doctor of Medicine
Master of Public Health (Health Promotion)/Ph.D. in Psychology (Clinical)
Master of Public Health/Pharm.D.
Master of Public Health/Doctor of Physical Therapy
Ph.D. in Biostatistics
Ph.D. in Epidemiology
Ph.D. in Molecular Epidemiology
Ph.D. in Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research)
Ph.D. in Statistical Genetics and Genetic Epidemiology

Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies

3375 S. Hoover Street
University Village, Suite E 210
Los Angeles, CA 90089-7798
Director: Elahe Nezami, Ph.D.
(213) 821-1600
FAX: (213) 821-1733
Email: nezami@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/medicine/hp

The undergraduate program in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies (HP) provides a well-rounded, yet professionally-focused, education leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. The program is concerned with the sociocultural, behavioral, psychological, and biological factors contributing to wellness and disease. It is an ideal major for students pursuing careers in medicine, public health, health promotion and disease prevention and prepares students for advanced study in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, epidemiology, health psychology, and health behavior research. Areas of study include: (1) substance abuse prevention and program planning, (2) nutrition and fitness, (3) health promotion of minority and underserved populations, and (4) general public health issues (e.g., HIV/AIDS, violence, health promotion in the workplace and behavioral medicine).

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded after students successfully complete 128 units, consisting of 66 units for the major and fulfillment of USC general education requirements including third semester equivalency in a foreign language.

General Education Requirements

The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program requires six courses plus writing and diversity requirements, which together comprise the USC Core. Click here and here for more information.

Requirements for the Major (66 units)

The program is divided into core and elective components. Students are required to complete 20 elective units (at least 12 out of the 20 must be HP courses).

The following core component (46 units) is required of all students.

Non-hp courses (24 units) units

BISC 120L General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution, or

BISC 121L Advanced General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution 4

BISC 220L General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology, or

BISC 221L Advanced General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology 4

CHEM 105aL General Chemistry, or

CHEM 115aL Advanced General Chemistry 4

MATH 116 Mathematics for the Social Sciences, or

MATH 125* Calculus I 4

PPD 230 Introduction to Health Policy and Management 4

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 4

Non-hp courses (24 units)	units
BISC 120L	General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution, or
BISC 121L	Advanced General Biology: Organismal Biology and Evolution	4
BISC 220L	General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology, or
BISC 221L	Advanced General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology	4
CHEM 105aL	General Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aL	Advanced General Chemistry	4
MATH 116	Mathematics for the Social Sciences, or
MATH 125*	Calculus I	4
PPD 230	Introduction to Health Policy and Management	4
PSYC 100	Introduction to Psychology	4

*MATH 125 allows students who have placed out of MATH 116 to take a higher-level math class; it also satisfies the math requirement for premedical students.

HP Courses (22 units) units

HP 200 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 4

HP 300 Theoretical Principles of Health Behavior 4

HP 320 Biological and Behavioral Basis of Disease 4

HP 340L Health Behavior Statistical Methods 4

HP 350L Health Behavior Research Methods 4

HP 480 Internship in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, or 2-4

HP 490x Directed Research 2-8

HP Courses (22 units)	units
HP 200	Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
HP 300	Theoretical Principles of Health Behavior	4
HP 320	Biological and Behavioral Basis of Disease	4
HP 340L	Health Behavior Statistical Methods	4
HP 350L	Health Behavior Research Methods	4
HP 480	Internship in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, or	2-4
HP 490x	Directed Research	2-8

Advanced HP and Health Profession Preparatory Courses

A total of 20 units of electives are required of all students (at least 12 of the 20 must be HP courses).

electives (20 units) units

BISC 212Lx Human Anatomy 4

BISC 320L Molecular Biology 4

BISC 330L Biochemistry 4

CHEM 105bL General Chemistry, or

CHEM 115bL Advanced General Chemistry 4

CHEM 322abL Organic Chemistry 4-4

EXSC 300L Physiology of Exercise 4

EXSC 407aL Advanced Exercise Physiology 4

HP 290 Introduction to Research Apprenticeship 2-8, max 8

HP 400 Culture, Lifestyle, and Health 4

HP 401 Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities 4

HP 402 Maternal and Child Health 4

HP 403 Behavioral Medicine 4

HP 404 Religion and Health 4

HP 405 Sexually Transmitted Disease: A Global Public Health Priority 4

HP 410 Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse 4

HP 411 Drug Intervention Program Design and Evaluation 4

HP 412 Health Promotion and Prevention Policy 4

HP 420 Gender and Minority Health Issues 4

HP 421 Violence as a Public Health Issue 4

HP 422 AIDS in Society 4

HP 430 Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology (Prerequisite: EXSC 200L) 4

HP 431 Behavior and Education Strategies for Nutrition and Fitness 4

HP 432 Clinical Nutrition 4

HP 433 Advanced Topics in Nutrition 4

HP 441 Health Promotion in the Workplace 4

HP 442 Chronic Disease Epidemiology 4

HP 443 Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation 4

HP 450 Traditional Eastern Medicine and Modern Health 4

HP 460 Adolescent Health 4

PHYS 135abL Physics for the Life Sciences, or 4-4

PHYS 151L Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics, and 4

PHYS 152L Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 4

PPD 330 Introduction to Health Care Systems 4

PSYC 336L Developmental Psychology 4

PSYC 338 Adolescent Development 4

PSYC 355 Social Psychology 4

SOCI 350 Deviant Behavior 4

SOCI 475 Medical Sociology 4

electives (20 units)	units
BISC 212Lx	Human Anatomy	4
BISC 320L	Molecular Biology	4
BISC 330L	Biochemistry	4
CHEM 105bL	General Chemistry, or
CHEM 115bL	Advanced General Chemistry	4
CHEM 322abL	Organic Chemistry	4-4
EXSC 300L	Physiology of Exercise	4
EXSC 407aL	Advanced Exercise Physiology	4
HP 290	Introduction to Research Apprenticeship 2-8, max 8
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle, and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 404	Religion and Health	4
HP 405	Sexually Transmitted Disease: A Global Public Health Priority	4
HP 410	Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse	4
HP 411	Drug Intervention Program Design and Evaluation	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 422	AIDS in Society	4
HP 430	Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology (Prerequisite: EXSC 200L)	4
HP 431	Behavior and Education Strategies for Nutrition and Fitness	4
HP 432	Clinical Nutrition	4
HP 433	Advanced Topics in Nutrition	4
HP 441	Health Promotion in the Workplace	4
HP 442	Chronic Disease Epidemiology	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
HP 450	Traditional Eastern Medicine and Modern Health	4
HP 460	Adolescent Health 4
PHYS 135abL	Physics for the Life Sciences, or	4-4
PHYS 151L	Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics, and	4
PHYS 152L	Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism	4
PPD 330	Introduction to Health Care Systems	4
PSYC 336L	Developmental Psychology	4
PSYC 338	Adolescent Development	4
PSYC 355	Social Psychology	4
SOCI 350	Deviant Behavior	4
SOCI 475	Medical Sociology	4

Dual Degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (B.S.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

This program is a dual accelerated degree program requiring at least 163 units for completion of both B.S. and M.P.H. degrees. The program allows superior students to complete all of their B.S. and M.P.H. requirements in five years.

Admission

Admission to this program for current USC students enrolled in the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention major may take place at the junior level. For transfer students, an application for this accelerated program should be filed with the department at the time of transfer. Students must demonstrate the minimum requirements for admission to this accelerated program: minimum 3.5 overall GPA; minimum GRE score of 1100; and outstanding scholarship and dedication to the field of public health as evidenced by a personal statement.

Curriculum Requirements

University requirements for the B.S. and the M.P.H. in Health Promotion (health promotion and disease prevention track) must be satisfied. Students will fulfill program requirements of both degrees by completing three 500-level courses (PM 525, PM 526 and PM 528) during their fourth year. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to remain in this accelerated program.

In addition to required course work, all B.S./M.P.H. students conduct a directed research project (HP 490x) and participate in an internship rotation through an area of public practice (PM 593).

Additional information and sample curricula are available from the department.

Minor in Cultural Competence in Medicine

This minor is designed for students who plan to enter careers or professional programs in medicine after graduation and are interested in using cultural knowledge to provide more effective health care. The minor focuses on cultural differences in the understanding of health, disease, health care and risk factors unique to specific populations. The minor will provide a foundation for students who want to be able to function as effective health care providers in our increasingly diverse society. It complements major programs such as biological sciences, chemistry, exercise science and environmental studies.

Required courses (20 units) Units

HP 200 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 4

HP 400 Culture, Lifestyle and Health 4

HP 401 Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities 4

HP 420 Gender and Minority Health Issues 4

one of the following:

HP 402 Maternal and Child Health 4

HP 410 Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse 4

HP 421 Violence as a Public Health Issue 4

HP 422 AIDS in Society 4

HP 442 Chronic Disease Epidemiology 4

HP 443 Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation 4

HP 450 Traditional Eastern Medicine and Modern Health 4

HP 460 Adolescent Health 4

PSYC 462 Minority Mental Health 4

Required courses (20 units)	Units
HP 200	Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
one of the following:
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 410	Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 422	AIDS in Society	4
HP 442	Chronic Disease Epidemiology	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
HP 450	Traditional Eastern Medicine and Modern Health	4
HP 460	Adolescent Health	4
PSYC 462	Minority Mental Health	4

Minor in Health Communication

This minor is designed to appeal to students with a wide range of interests, including those with a general interest in promoting healthy lifestyle practices through communication. These students will be prepared to seek future job opportunities from various areas including the managed care industry, hospitals, wellness programs, broadcast and cable companies, private and governmental agencies as well as other organizations looking for experts with demonstrated knowledge in health-related fields.

Required courses (20 units) units

COMM 302 Persuasion 4

COMM 385 Survey of Organizational Communication 4

HP 200 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 4

HP 443 Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation 4

one of the following:

COMM 304 Interpersonal Communication 4

COMM 308 Communication and Conflict 4

COMM 315 Health Communication 4

COMM 324 Intercultural Communication 4

COMM 375 Business and Professional Communication 4

COMM 402 Public Communication Campaigns 4

COMM 480 Nonverbal Communication 4

COMM 486 Human and Technological Systems in Organizations (Recommended preparation: COMM 385) 4

HP 400 Culture, Lifestyle, and Health 4

HP 401 Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities 4

HP 402 Maternal and Child Health 4

HP 403 Behavioral Medicine 4

HP 412 Health Promotion and Prevention Policy 4

HP 420 Gender and Minority Health Issues 4

HP 421 Violence as a Public Health Issue 4

HP 422 AIDS in Society 4

HP 430 Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology 4

HP 442 Chronic Disease Epidemiology 4

Required courses (20 units)	units
COMM 302	Persuasion	4
COMM 385	Survey of Organizational Communication	4
HP 200	Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
one of the following:
COMM 304	Interpersonal Communication	4
COMM 308	Communication and Conflict	4
COMM 315	Health Communication	4
COMM 324	Intercultural Communication	4
COMM 375	Business and Professional Communication	4
COMM 402	Public Communication Campaigns	4
COMM 480	Nonverbal Communication	4
COMM 486	Human and Technological Systems in Organizations (Recommended preparation: COMM 385)	4
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle, and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 422	AIDS in Society	4
HP 430	Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology	4
HP 442	Chronic Disease Epidemiology	4

Minor in Public Health

This minor is designed for students interested in a broad array of health issues. The focus of the minor is on reducing disability and mortality from avoidable injuries and chronic disease, educating the community about healthy lifestyles, assuring access to health care, and measuring changes using various indicators over time. This minor offers students an opportunity to acquire insight for meeting the challenges of the changing environment of the health care system. It complements a number of majors including psychology, sociology, American studies and ethnicity, biological sciences, economics, environmental studies, exercise science, gender studies, international relations, philosophy, religion, gerontology, education and political science.

Required courses (*20-24 units) units

HP 200 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 4

PPD 330 Introduction to Health Care Systems 4

three of the following:

HP 400 Culture, Lifestyle and Health 4

HP 401 Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities 4

HP 402 Maternal and Child Health 4

HP 403 Behavioral Medicine 4

HP 410 Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse (recommended preparation: HP 300) 4

HP 412 Health Promotion and Prevention Policy 4

HP 420 Gender and Minority Health Issues 4

HP 421 Violence as a Public Health Issue 4

HP 422 AIDS in Society 4

HP 430 Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology 4

HP 441 Health Promotion in the Workplace 4

HP 442 Chronic Disease Epidemiology (recommended preparation: HP 320) 4

HP 443 Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation 4

HP 460 Adolescent Health (prerequisite: HP 200, PSYC 100) 4

Required courses (*20-24 units)	units
HP 200	Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
PPD 330	Introduction to Health Care Systems	4
three of the following:
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 410	Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse (recommended preparation: HP 300)	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 422	AIDS in Society	4
HP 430	Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology	4
HP 441	Health Promotion in the Workplace	4
HP 442	Chronic Disease Epidemiology (recommended preparation: HP 320)	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
HP 460	Adolescent Health (prerequisite: HP 200, PSYC 100)	4

*Prerequisite required.

Minor in Nutrition and Health Promotion

This minor is designed to appeal to students interested in nutrition, especially in preparation for graduate study in health-related fields (e.g., medicine, public health) or to enter health-related fields of employment. The focus of the minor is on assessing, planning and evaluating dietary intake of individuals or groups under various conditions of health and disease based upon principles of nutrition and behavioral science. Students in this minor will study factors associated with dietary habits so that effective interventions at individual and group levels can be developed. It complements a number of majors including psychology, gerontology, biological sciences, chemistry, exercise science and environmental studies.

Required courses (20 units) units

HP 230 Nutrition and Health 4

HP 430 Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology (Prerequisite: EXSC 200L) 4

HP 431 Behavior and Education Strategies for Nutrition and Fitness 4

two of the following:

HP 400 Culture, Lifestyle, and Health 4

HP 401 Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities 4

HP 402 Maternal and Child Health 4

HP 403 Behavioral Medicine 4

HP 412 Health Promotion and Prevention Policy 4

HP 420 Gender and Minority Health Issues 4

HP 432 Clinical Nutrition 4

HP 433 Advanced Topics in Nutrition 4

HP 443 Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation 4

HP 460 Adolescent Health 4

HP 480 Internship in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 2-4, max 4

HP 490x Directed Research 2-8, max 8

Required courses (20 units)	units
HP 230	Nutrition and Health	4
HP 430	Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology (Prerequisite: EXSC 200L)	4
HP 431	Behavior and Education Strategies for Nutrition and Fitness	4
two of the following:
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle, and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
HP 432	Clinical Nutrition	4
HP 433	Advanced Topics in Nutrition	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
HP 460	Adolescent Health	4
HP 480	Internship in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	2-4, max 4
HP 490x	Directed Research	2-8, max 8

Minor in Substance Abuse Prevention

This minor offers students an opportunity to gain an overall understanding of substance abuse as a major modifiable risk factor for illness. It allows students to learn theories of behavior change, to understand the issues in prevention and cessation of drug abuse, and to develop, implement, and evaluate intervention strategies. It complements a number of majors including psychology, sociology, American studies and ethnicity, biological science, gerontology and education.

Required courses (24 units) units

HP 200 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 4

HP 300 Theoretical Principles of Health Behavior (Prerequisite: PSYC 100; recommended preparation: HP 200) 4

HP 410 Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse (Recommended preparation: HP 300) 4

HP 411 Drug Intervention Program Design and Evaluation (Recommended preparation: HP 410) 4

one of the following:

HP 400 Culture, Lifestyle, and Health 4

HP 401 Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities 4

HP 402 Maternal and Child Health 4

HP 403 Behavioral Medicine 4

HP 412 Health Promotion and Prevention Policy 4

HP 421 Violence as a Public Health Issue 4

HP 443 Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation 4

Required courses (24 units)	units
HP 200	Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
HP 300	Theoretical Principles of Health Behavior (Prerequisite: PSYC 100; recommended preparation: HP 200)	4
HP 410	Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse (Recommended preparation: HP 300)	4
HP 411	Drug Intervention Program Design and Evaluation (Recommended preparation: HP 410)	4
one of the following:
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle, and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4

Graduate Programs-Admissions

Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology

The department encourages applicants with undergraduate degrees in allied health, pharmacology, public health, medicine, biological and clinical sciences or other related fields. Undergraduate preparation should have included applied statistics, college algebra, an introductory course in calculus and basic computer programming. Applicants should also meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is essential. With approval of the Graduate School, applicants not meeting these requirements may be conditionally admitted contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.5 for the first 12 units of graduate study.

Master of Science in Biostatistics

The department encourages applicants with undergraduate degrees in mathematics, statistics or biostatistics, computer science or other related fields. Undergraduate preparation should have included differential and integral calculus, introduction to mathematical statistics, and basic computer programming. Applicants should also meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is essential. With approval of the Graduate School, applicants not meeting these requirements may be conditionally admitted contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.5 for the first 12 units of graduate study.

Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations

The program will consider applicants who satisfy all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. MCAT scores may be substituted for the GRE. Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted. Regular standing is contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in the first 12 units of graduate studies. All graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout their graduate studies.

Master of Science, Molecular Epidemiology

Students with a bachelor's degree in quantitative biological sciences will be eligible for admission. In addition, the B.A. students must have completed at least one year of general biology, one semester of biochemistry and one semester of statistics to be admitted into the Graduate School. Under unusual circumstances, conditional acceptance will be offered to students who do not meet these requirements -- allowing them to complete the missing undergraduate courses prior to their full admission into the Graduate School. An introductory biochemistry class is also available in the School of Pharmacy which may satisfy the biochemistry prerequisite. A joint departmental admission committee will review all applicants.

Master of Public Health

The M.P.H. program has four tracks: Health Promotion, Biostatistics/Epidemiology, Health Communication and Nutrition. The curriculum includes a set of core courses for each track and electives. The program also includes an internship placement that integrates academic and practical experiences and prepares individuals to work in governmental and non-governmental organizations in health-related fields.

The department encourages applicants from the USC undergraduate program in health promotion and disease prevention and throughout the campus, as well as health professionals seeking advanced degrees, medical students who are interested in pursuing an M.P.H. along with their medical degree, nurses who desire a more public health focus, pharmacists and dentists. Applicants should meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is essential. With approval of the Graduate School, applicants not meeting these requirements may be conditionally admitted contingent upon maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) in PM 501, PM 510L and PM 512 (12 units).

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

The department encourages applicants with undergraduate degrees in mathematics, statistics or biostatistics, or other related fields. Undergraduate preparation should have included differential and integral calculus, introduction to mathematical statistics and basic computer programming. Applicants should also meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is essential. With approval of the Graduate School, applicants not meeting these requirements may be conditionally admitted contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.0 for the first 12 units of graduate study.

Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology

The department encourages applicants who have undergraduate degrees in allied health, public health, biological sciences or other related fields. Applicants not meeting these requirements may, with approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.5 in the first 12 units of graduate studies. Applicants should also meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. An MCAT score of 30 may be substituted for the GRE requirement.

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Epidemiology

The department encourages applicants who have undergraduate or master's degrees in quantitative biological sciences or other related fields. Undergraduate preparation should include at least one year of general biology, one semester of biochemistry and molecular biology, and one semester of applied statistics. The Ph.D. program is designed to train students for future independent research careers in an academic, government or private sector setting. The objective of the Ph.D. program is to produce a molecular epidemiologist with in-depth laboratory, statistical and analytic skills in both epidemiology and the molecular biosciences. To meet this objective, the program introduces students to molecular/laboratory science and research early in their training.

The program will consider applicants who satisfy all requirements for admission to the Graduate School and demonstrate proficiency in the English language. MCAT scores may be substituted for the GRE. Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted. Regular standing is contingent upon maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in the first 12 units of graduate credit.

A student in one of the division's master's programs in biostatistics, epidemiology or molecular epidemiology may be considered for either the Ph.D. in biostatistics, epidemiology or molecular epidemiology prior to completing the M.S. degree, providing he or she has met the requirements for admission to the Ph.D. program, obtained approval of the department's Admission Committee, demonstrated research and writing ability, and passed the doctoral-level screening examination. For further information contact: Mary Trujillo, Program Coordinator, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Center for Health Professions 218, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9010, (323) 442-1810, FAX: (323) 442-2993.

Doctor of Philosophy in Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research)

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; students entering with an advanced degree may be eligible to transfer course credit. Applicants should also meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School.

Applicants must supply a completed application to the Graduate School, including transcripts from all institutions previously attended, a curriculum vitae (if available), a statement of interest, and three letters of recommendation. For further information contact: Director for Graduate Studies, USC Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, 1000 S. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803, (626) 457-6600, FAX: (626) 457-4012.

Doctor of Philosophy in Statistical Genetics and Genetic Epidemiology

This program is designed to train students for future independent research careers in an academic, government or private sector setting. The department encourages applicants who have undergraduate or master's degrees in mathematics, statistics or biostatistics; statistical genetics or quantitative biological sciences; or other related fields. The program will consider applicants who satisfy all requirements for admission to the Graduate School and demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Course Requirements

General requirements include at least 37 units of required courses as follows: 24 units of core courses and at least 9 units of elective courses. In addition, each student must register for four units of 594ab Thesis and write a master's thesis.

Core courses (24 units) Units

PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics 4

PM 511aL Data Analysis 4

PM 512 Principles of Epidemiology 4

PM 517a Research Methods in Epidemiology 3

PM 518a Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies 3

PM 523 Design of Clinical Studies 3

PM 527 Epidemiology of Infectious Disease 3

Core courses (24 units)	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 511aL	Data Analysis	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 517a	Research Methods in Epidemiology	3
PM 518a	Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies	3
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3
PM 527	Epidemiology of Infectious Disease	3

Electives (at least 9 units) units

PM 511bL Data Analysis 4

PM 515 Behavioral Epidemiology 3

PM 516ab Statistical Problem Solving 1-1

PM 517b Research Methods in Epidemiology 3

PM 529 Environmental Health 3

PM 530 Biological Basis of Disease 4

PM 533 Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology 3

PM 590 Directed Research 1-12

PM 611 Advanced Topics in Epidemiology 3

Electives (at least 9 units)	units
PM 511bL	Data Analysis	4
PM 515	Behavioral Epidemiology	3
PM 516ab	Statistical Problem Solving	1-1
PM 517b	Research Methods in Epidemiology	3
PM 529	Environmental Health	3
PM 530	Biological Basis of Disease	4
PM 533	Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology	3
PM 590	Directed Research	1-12
PM 611	Advanced Topics in Epidemiology	3

Thesis (4 units)

PM 594ab Thesis 2-2

Thesis (4 units)
PM 594ab	Thesis	2-2

Electives will be determined by the student's needs and interests and will be approved by the student's advisor. When appropriate, courses not listed above may be chosen with approval of the student's advisor. Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.

Thesis Requirement

A master's thesis is required of all students. This thesis consists of a research project approved by the faculty and chosen from problems encountered within the department, in other departments of the Keck School of Medicine or university or elsewhere in the community.

Master of Science in Biostatistics

Course Requirements

General requirements include at least 37 units of required courses as follows: 26 units of core courses and at least 7 units of elective courses. Each student must also register for four units of 594ab Thesis and write a master's thesis.

Core Courses (26 units) Units

PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics 4

PM 511abL Data Analysis 4-4

PM 512 Principles of Epidemiology 4

PM 513 Experimental Designs 3

PM 518a Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies 3

PM 522a Introduction to the Theory of Biostatistics 4

Core Courses (26 units)	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 511abL	Data Analysis	4-4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 513	Experimental Designs	3
PM 518a	Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies	3
PM 522a	Introduction to the Theory of Biostatistics	4

Electives (at least 7 units) units

PM 516ab Statistical Problem Solving 1-1

PM 518b Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies 3

PM 520 Advanced Statistical Computing 3

PM 522b Introduction to the Theory of Biostatistics 4

PM 523 Design of Clinical Studies 3

PM 534 Statistical Genetics 3

PM 544L Multivariate Analysis 3

PM 552 Survival Methods in Clinical Trials 3

PM 590 Directed Research 1-12

PM 603 Factor Analysis 4

PM 604 Health Behavior Research Methods (or MATH 506, MATH 542, MATH 543, MATH 545L, MATH 547, MATH 548, MATH 549, MATH 550, MATH 551L) 4

Electives (at least 7 units)	units
PM 516ab	Statistical Problem Solving	1-1
PM 518b	Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies	3
PM 520	Advanced Statistical Computing	3
PM 522b	Introduction to the Theory of Biostatistics	4
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3
PM 534	Statistical Genetics	3
PM 544L	Multivariate Analysis	3
PM 552	Survival Methods in Clinical Trials	3
PM 590	Directed Research	1-12
PM 603	Factor Analysis	4
PM 604	Health Behavior Research Methods (or MATH 506, MATH 542, MATH 543, MATH 545L, MATH 547, MATH 548, MATH 549, MATH 550, MATH 551L) 4

Thesis (4 units)

PM 594ab Thesis 2-2

Thesis (4 units)
PM 594ab	Thesis	2-2

The student's choice of elective courses will be directed by needs and interests and must be approved by the student's graduate advisor. When appropriate, elective courses not listed above may be substituted with approval of the advisor. Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.

Thesis Requirement

Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations

The Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations is a joint effort to train medical students, fellows or other health professionals, including faculty in clinical research methods, to translate clinical, biomedical and technological discoveries into advances in population-based, clinical or basic science research. The M.S. in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations is specifically tailored to medical students who have completed their second year of medical school, as well as MDs doing their fellowships and faculty interested in advancing their research career at USC. Various tracks are proposed, depending on research interest of applicant. Tracks include: 1) patient-oriented translational research, 2) community-based intervention trials, 3) design, conduct and analysis of clinical studies, 4) epidemiology and disease etiology, 5) molecular biology, 6) cell biology, 7) health outcomes research and 8) vision science.

The Departments of Preventive Medicine, Cell and Neurobiology, Family Medicine and the General Clinical Research Center jointly administer the program. The program oversight committee consists of faculty members representing these departments.

The M.S. in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations is designed to train students for future independent research careers in academic, government or private sector settings. The program gives students a solid background in the methodological aspects of research and in statistical thinking as applied to molecular epidemiology, as well as a solid grounding in biostatistical, epidemiological methods.

General Requirements

Graduation requires the completion of 29 units, of which a maximum of 15 units are research track core courses taken in the first year (including summer sessions), with the remaining being directed to: 590 Directed Research (1-10 units) in an approved graduate-degree granting department for which research is being conducted and 594ab Thesis (2-2 units) in the same approved department taken in the second year. The equivalent of one year of full-time effort must be devoted to research leading to a master's thesis.

Because the background and interests of applicants vary widely, one to two members of the program oversight committee will consult with each student prior to the first year to design a schedule of recommended courses. The direction of research will also be facilitated by mandatory attendance in the Recent Advances Journal Club workshop. At the end of the first year, the student must submit a final program plan to the full oversight committee. At the end of the first year, the student must submit a final program to the full oversight committee. This will summarize the courses taken, the proposed thesis title and the names and credentials of the thesis committee. One of the members of the thesis committee will be the student's research advisor and will serve as the committee chair. For faculty, at least two members of the thesis committee must be from outside the student's department.

Certificate Program

Students who do not wish to pursue an M.S. degree may earn a University Certificate in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations. The certificate program requires 12 credits and a minimum of six months of practical experience working on a research project approved by the oversight committee.

Recommended Core Courses for Each Research Track

Patient-Oriented Translational Research		Units
MPTX 517	Structure and Management of Clinical Trials	4
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3
PM 570	Statistical Methods in Human Genetics, or
BIOC 543	Human Molecular Genetics 4
		19

Community-Based Intervention Trials Units

PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics 4

PM 512 Principles of Epidemiology 4

PM 526 Communications in Public Health 4

PM 528 Program Design and Evaluation 4

16

Community-Based Intervention Trials	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 526	Communications in Public Health	4
PM 528	Program Design and Evaluation	4
		16

Design, conduct and analysis of clinical studies Units

PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics 4

PM 511a Data Analysis 4

PM 523 Design of Clinical Studies 3

PM 538 Introduction to Biomedical Informatics 3

PM 570 Statistical Methods in Human Genetics 4

18

Design, conduct and analysis of clinical studies	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 511a	Data Analysis	4
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3
PM 538	Introduction to Biomedical Informatics	3
PM 570	Statistical Methods in Human Genetics	4
		18

Epidemiology and Disease Etiology Units

PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics 4

PM 512 Principles of Epidemiology 4

PM 517a Research Methods in Epidemiology 3

PM 518a Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies I 3

PM 527 Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, or

PM 529 Environmental and Occupational Health: An Epidemiological Approach, or

PM 533 Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology 3

17

Epidemiology and Disease Etiology	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 517a	Research Methods in Epidemiology	3
PM 518a	Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies I	3
PM 527	Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, or
PM 529	Environmental and Occupational Health: An Epidemiological Approach, or
PM 533	Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology	3
		17

Health Outcomes Research Units

PM 511a Data Analysis 4

PMEP 538 Pharmaceutical Economics 4

PMEP 539 Economic Assessment of Medical Care 4

PMEP 540ab Seminar in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy 2-2

16

Health Outcomes Research	Units
PM 511a	Data Analysis	4
PMEP 538	Pharmaceutical Economics	4
PMEP 539	Economic Assessment of Medical Care	4
PMEP 540ab	Seminar in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy	2-2
		16

Molecular Biology Units

BIOC 543 Human Molecular Genetics, or

INTD 504 Molecular Biology of Cancer, or

INTD 555 Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease, or

MICB 551 Procaryotic Molecular Genetics 4

INTD 531 Cell Biology 4

INTD 561 Molecular Genetics 4

INTD 571 Biochemistry 4

16

Molecular Biology	Units
BIOC 543	Human Molecular Genetics, or
INTD 504	Molecular Biology of Cancer, or
INTD 555	Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease, or
MICB 551	Procaryotic Molecular Genetics	4
INTD 531	Cell Biology	4
INTD 561	Molecular Genetics	4
INTD 571	Biochemistry	4
		16

Cell Biology Units

INTD 504 Molecular Biology of Cancer, or

INTD 555 Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease 4

INTD 531 Cell Biology 4

INTD 571 Biochemistry 4

PATH 552a Methods in Experimental Pathology 3

15

Cell Biology	Units
INTD 504	Molecular Biology of Cancer, or
INTD 555	Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease	4
INTD 531	Cell Biology	4
INTD 571	Biochemistry	4
PATH 552a	Methods in Experimental Pathology	3
		15

Vision Science Units

BME 670 Early Visual Processing 4

CNB 590 Directed Research 1-12

Vision Science	Units
BME 670	Early Visual Processing	4
CNB 590	Directed Research	1-12

Minor in Cultural Competence in Medicine

Required courses (20 units)	Units
HP 200	Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
one of the following:
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 410	Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 422	AIDS in Society	4
HP 442	Chronic Disease Epidemiology	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
HP 450	Traditional Eastern Medicine and Modern Health	4
HP 460	Adolescent Health	4
PSYC 462	Minority Mental Health	4

Minor in Health Communication

Required courses (20 units) units

COMM 302 Persuasion 4

COMM 385 Survey of Organizational Communication 4

HP 200 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 4

HP 443 Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation 4

one of the following:

COMM 304 Interpersonal Communication 4

COMM 308 Communication and Conflict 4

COMM 315 Health Communication 4

COMM 324 Intercultural Communication 4

COMM 375 Business and Professional Communication 4

COMM 402 Public Communication Campaigns 4

COMM 480 Nonverbal Communication 4

COMM 486 COMM 486 Human and Technological Systems in Organizations 4

HP 400 Culture, Lifestyle, and Health 4

HP 401 Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities 4

HP 402 Maternal and Child Health 4

HP 403 Behavioral Medicine 4

HP 412 Health Promotion and Prevention Policy 4

HP 420 Gender and Minority Health Issues 4

HP 421 Violence as a Public Health Issue 4

HP 422 AIDS in Society 4

HP 430 Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology 4

HP 442 Chronic Disease Epidemiology 4

Required courses (20 units)	units
COMM 302	Persuasion	4
COMM 385	Survey of Organizational Communication	4
HP 200	Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
one of the following:
COMM 304	Interpersonal Communication	4
COMM 308	Communication and Conflict	4
COMM 315	Health Communication	4
COMM 324	Intercultural Communication	4
COMM 375	Business and Professional Communication	4
COMM 402	Public Communication Campaigns	4
COMM 480	Nonverbal Communication	4
COMM 486	COMM 486 Human and Technological Systems in Organizations	4
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle, and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 422	AIDS in Society	4
HP 430	Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology	4
HP 442	Chronic Disease Epidemiology	4

Minor in Public Health

This minor is designed for students interested in a broad array of health issues. The focus of the minor is on reducing disability and mortality from avoidable injuries and chronic disease, educating the community about healthy lifestyles, assuring access to health care and measuring changes using various indicators over time. This minor offers students an opportunity to acquire insight for meeting the challenges of the changing environment of the health care system. It complements a number of majors including psychology, sociology, American studies and ethnicity, biological sciences, economics, environmental studies, exercise science, gender studies, international relations, philosophy, religion, gerontology, education and political science.

Required courses (*20-24 units) units

HP 200 HP 200 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 4

PPD 330 Introduction to HealthCare Systems 4

three of the following:

HP 400 Culture, Lifestyle and Health 4

HP 401 Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities 4

HP 402 Maternal and Child Health 4

HP 403 Behavioral Medicine 4

HP 410 Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse (recommended preparation: HP 300) 4

HP 412 Health Promotion and Prevention Policy 4

HP 420 Gender and Minority Health Issues 4

HP 421 Violence as a Public Health Issue 4

HP 422 AIDS in Society 4

HP 430 Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology 4

HP 441 Health Promotion inthe Workplace 4

HP 442 Chronic Disease Epidemiology (recommended preparation: HP 320) 4

HP 443 Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation 4

HP 460 Adolescent Health (prerequisite: HP 200, PSYC 100) 4

Required courses (*20-24 units)	units
HP 200	HP 200 Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
PPD 330	Introduction to HealthCare Systems	4
three of the following:
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 410	Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse (recommended preparation: HP 300)	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 422	AIDS in Society	4
HP 430	Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology	4
HP 441	Health Promotion inthe Workplace	4
HP 442	Chronic Disease Epidemiology (recommended preparation: HP 320)	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
HP 460	Adolescent Health (prerequisite: HP 200, PSYC 100)	4

*Prerequisite required.

Minor in Nutrition and Health Promotion

Required courses (20 units)	units
HP 230	Nutrition and Health	4
HP 430	Nutrition and Exercise Epidemiology (Prerequisite: EXSC 200L)	4
HP 431	Behavior and Education Strategies for Nutrition and Fitness	4
two of the following:
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle, and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 420	Gender and Minority Health Issues	4
HP 432	Clinical Nutrition	4
HP 433	Advanced Topics in Nutrition	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4
HP 460	Adolescent Health	4
HP 480	Internship in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	2-4, max 4
HP 490x	Directed Research	2-8, max 8

Minor in Substance Abuse Prevention

Required courses (24 units)	units
HP 200	Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	4
HP 300	Theoretical Principles of Health Behavior (Prerequisite: PSYC 100; recommended preparation: HP 200)	4
HP 410	Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Abuse (Recommended preparation: HP 300)	4
HP 411	Drug Intervention Program Design and Evaluation (Recommended preparation: HP 410)	4
one of the following:
HP 400	Culture, Lifestyle, and Health	4
HP 401	Cultural Competence: Promoting Health in Diverse Communities	4
HP 402	Maternal and Child Health	4
HP 403	Behavioral Medicine	4
HP 412	Health Promotion and Prevention Policy	4
HP 421	Violence as a Public Health Issue	4
HP 443	Health Communication Strategies and Evaluation	4

Graduate Programs -- Admissions

Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Master of Science in Biostatistics

Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations

Master of Science, Molecular Epidemiology

Master of Public Health

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Epidemiology

Doctor of Philosophy in Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research)

Doctor of Philosophy in Statistical Genetics and Genetic Epidemiology

Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Course Requirements

Core courses (24 units)	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 511aL	Data Analysis	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 517a	Research Methods in Epidemiology	3
PM 518a	Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies	3
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3
PM 527	Epidemiology of Infectious Disease	3

Electives (at least 9 units)	units
PM 511bL	Data Analysis	4
PM 515	Behavioral Epidemiology	3
PM 516ab	Statistical Problem Solving	1-1
PM 517b	Research Methods in Epidemiology	3
PM 529	Environmental Health	3
PM 530	Biological Basis of Disease	4
PM 533	Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology	3
PM 590	Directed Research	1-12
PM 611	Advanced Topics in Epidemiology	3

Thesis (4 units)

PM 594ab Thesis 2-2

Thesis (4 units)
PM 594ab	Thesis	2-2

Thesis Requirement

Master of Science in Biostatistics

Course Requirements

Core Courses (26 units)	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 511abL	Data Analysis	4-4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 513	Experimental Designs	3
PM 518a	Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies	3
PM 522a	Introduction to the Theory of Biostatistics	4

Electives (at least 7 units)	units
PM 516ab	Statistical Problem Solving	1-1
PM 518b	Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies	3
PM 520	Advanced Statistical Computing	3
PM 522b	Introduction to the Theory of Biostatistics	4
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3
PM 534	Statistical Genetics	3
PM 544L	Multivariate Analysis	3
PM 552	Survival Methods in Clinical Trials	3
PM 590	Directed Research	1-12
PM 603	Factor Analysis	4
PM 604	Health Behavior Research Methods (or MATH 506, MATH 542, MATH 543, MATH 545L, MATH 547, MATH 548, MATH 549, MATH 550, MATH 551L) 4

Thesis (4 units)

PM 594ab Thesis 2-2

Thesis (4 units)
PM 594ab	Thesis	2-2

Thesis Requirement

Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations

General Requirements

Certificate Program

Recommended Core Courses for Each Research Track

Patient-Oriented Translational Research		Units
MPTX 517	Structure and Management of Clinical Trials	4
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3
PM 570	Statistical Methods in Human Genetics, or
BIOC 543	Human Molecular Genetics 4
		19

Community-Based Intervention Trials	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 526	Communications in Public Health	4
PM 528	Program Design and Evaluation	4
		16

Design, conduct and analysis of clinical studies	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 511a	Data Analysis	4
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3
PM 538	Introduction to Biomedical Informatics	3
PM 570	Statistical Methods in Human Genetics	4
		18

Epidemiology and Disease Etiology	Units
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 517a	Research Methods in Epidemiology	3
PM 518a	Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies I	3
PM 527	Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, or
PM 529	Environmental and Occupational Health: An Epidemiological Approach, or
PM 533	Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology	3
		17

Health Outcomes Research	Units
PM 511a	Data Analysis	4
PMEP 538	Pharmaceutical Economics	4
PMEP 539	Economic Assessment of Medical Care	4
PMEP 540ab	Seminar in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy	2-2
		16

Molecular Biology	Units
BIOC 543	Human Molecular Genetics, or
INTD 504	Molecular Biology of Cancer, or
INTD 555	Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease, or
MICB 551	Procaryotic Molecular Genetics	4
INTD 531	Cell Biology	4
INTD 561	Molecular Genetics	4
INTD 571	Biochemistry	4
		16

Cell Biology	Units
INTD 504	Molecular Biology of Cancer, or
INTD 555	Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease	4
INTD 531	Cell Biology	4
INTD 571	Biochemistry	4
PATH 552a	Methods in Experimental Pathology	3
		15

Vision Science Units

BME 670 Early Visual Processing 4

CNB 590 Directed Research 1-12

CNB 594abz Master's Thesis 2-2-0

INTD 501 Recent Advances in Vision Science 1, max 4

INTD 531 Cell Biology 4

INTD 571 Biochemistry 4

PHBI 562 Systems and Integrative Physiology 4

PHBI 608a Advanced Cellular, Molecular and Systemic Physiology 2

PSCI 667 Intracellular Drug Delivery and Targeting 2

21-24

Vision Science	Units
BME 670	Early Visual Processing	4
CNB 590	Directed Research	1-12
CNB 594abz	Master's Thesis	2-2-0
INTD 501	Recent Advances in Vision Science	1, max 4
INTD 531	Cell Biology	4
INTD 571	Biochemistry	4
PHBI 562	Systems and Integrative Physiology	4
PHBI 608a	Advanced Cellular, Molecular and Systemic Physiology	2
PSCI 667	Intracellular Drug Delivery and Targeting	2
		21-24

Alternative Options Track (Minimum 15 units)

Courses are determined by mentor and student, based on research interests, with approval from the Oversight Committee.

Alternative Options Track (Minimum 15 units)
Courses are determined by mentor and student, based on research interests, with approval from the Oversight Committee.

Seminars/Workshops

Participation is required in a Recent Advances Journal Club to learn how to read papers critically and develop the speaking skills necessary to explain a research paper. Faculty members in the program rotate as course directors in order to emphasize new topics. Students are expected to attend the three-day workshop on NIH Proposal Development offered by Thomas Ogden, Ph.D., and a workshop on the principles of scientific manuscript preparation.

Master of Science in Molecular Epidemiology

Course Requirements

The M.S. program requires 37 graduate-level units with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 including epidemiology core courses, 14 units; molecular biology core courses, 12 units; at least 3 elective units; laboratory research plus thesis, 8 units. Students must also complete a master's thesis.

Prerequisite: PM 510 Principles of Biostatistics

Epidemiology Core courses (14 units) Units

PM 511aL Data Analysis 4

PM 512 Principles of Epidemiology 4

PM 518a Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies 3

PM 533 Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology 3

Molecular Biology Core Courses (12 units) Units

BIOC 543 Human Molecular Genetics 4

INTD 504 Molecular Biology of Cancer, or

INTD 555 Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Disease 4

INTD 571 Biochemistry 4

Molecular Biology Core Courses (12 units)	Units
BIOC 543	Human Molecular Genetics	4
INTD 504	Molecular Biology of Cancer, or
INTD 555	Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Disease	4
INTD 571	Biochemistry	4

Electives (at least 3 units) Units

INTD 561 Molecular Genetics/Biology 4

PM 517a Research Methods in Epidemiology 3

PM 523 Design of Clinical Studies 3

Electives (at least 3 units)	Units
INTD 561	Molecular Genetics/Biology	4
PM 517a	Research Methods in Epidemiology	3
PM 523	Design of Clinical Studies	3

Laboratory research + thesis (8 units) units

DPT 590abcd Directed Research 1-1-1-1

DPT 594ab Thesis 2-2

(1) DPT refers to the department offering the laboratory/directed research experience and thesis supervision. DPT is one of the following departments (but not restricted to): PM, BIOC, PATH.

(2) Laboratories should expose students to: statistical and epidemiological methods, molecular techniques, human genetics, population-based studies.

Laboratory research + thesis (8 units)	units
DPT 590abcd	Directed Research	1-1-1-1
DPT 594ab	Thesis	2-2
(1) DPT refers to the department offering the laboratory/directed research experience and thesis supervision. DPT is one of the following departments (but not restricted to): PM, BIOC, PATH.
(2) Laboratories should expose students to: statistical and epidemiological methods, molecular techniques, human genetics, population-based studies.

Master of Public Health

Course Requirements

The master's degree program in public health (M.P.H.) requires a minimum of 42-46 semester units of required and elective graduate study.

Core Requirements Units

PM 501 Foundations in Health Education Behavior 4

PM 508 Health Service Delivery in the U.S. 4

PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics 4

PM 512 Principles of Epidemiology 4

PM 529 Environmental and Occupational Health: An Epidemiological Approach 3

Core Requirements	Units
PM 501	Foundations in Health Education Behavior	4
PM 508	Health Service Delivery in the U.S.	4
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology	4
PM 529	Environmental and Occupational Health: An Epidemiological Approach	3

In addition, at least another 23 to 27 units including the practicum must be completed in a selected track of either health promotion, biostatistics/epidemiology, nutrition or health communication.

Track 1: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Required Courses (12 units)		Units
PM 525	Culture and Health: An International Perspective	4
PM 526	Communications in Public Health	4
PM 528	Program Design and Evaluation	4

At least 4 units from: HP 410, HP 412, HP 420, HP 421, HP 422, HP 430, HP 450; PM 505, PM 514, PM 530 (4 unit courses)

At least 3 units from: PM 515, PM 523, PM 527, PM 537, PM 538 (3 unit courses); PM 511aL, PM 511bL, PM 519, PM 532, PM 536, PM 542, PM 546 (4 unit courses)

And, 8 units of a practicum (PM 593) ending in a final report.

Track 2: Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Required Courses (at least 10 units)		Units
PM 511aL	Data Analysis	4
Select two courses from the following:
PM 527*	Epidemiology of Infectious Disease	3
PM 536*	Program Evaluation and Research	4
PM 537*	Chronic Disease Epidemiology	3

At least 6 units from: PM 511bL, PM 514, PM 532, PM 536, PM 542, PM 546* (4 unit courses); PM 515, PM 518a, PM 523*, PM 527*, PM 537*, PM 538 (3 unit courses)

At least 3 units from: HP 410, HP 412, HP 420, HP 421, HP 422, HP 450; PM 505, PM 519, PM 525, PM 526, PM 528, PM 530 (4 unit courses)

And, 8 units of a practicum (PM 593) ending in a final report.

* May not receive credit for both track core and track elective category.

Track 3: Nutrition

Required Courses (12 units)		Units
PM 531	Research Methods in Nutrition	4
PM 535	Nutrition in Public Health	4
PM 540	Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition	4

At least 4 units from: PM 541 (4 unit course); PM 561 (3 unit course); PM 521ab, PM 539 (2 unit courses)

At least 3 units from: HP 410, HP 412, HP 420, HP 421, HP 422, HP 450 (4 unit courses); PM 523, PM 527, PM 537, PM 538 (3 unit courses); PM 505, PM 511aL, PM 511bL, PM 514, PM 525, PM 526, PM 532, PM 536, PM 542, PM 546 (4 unit courses)

And, 8 units of a practicum (PM 593) ending in a final report.

Track 4: Health Communication

Required Courses (8 units)		Units
COMM 581	Media and the Social Services: Design and Evaluation of Campaigns, or
PM 526	Communications in Public Health	4
PM 536	Program Evaluation and Research	4

At least 8 units from: COMM 510, COMM 520, COMM 528, COMM 530, COMM 575, COMM 582, COMM 583, COMM 587 (4 unit courses); PM 542 (4 unit course)

At least 3 units from: HP 410, HP 412, HP 420, HP 421, HP 422, HP 450 (4 unit courses); PM 515, PM 523, PM 527, PM 537, PM 538 (3 unit courses); PM 505, PM 511ab, PM 514, PM 519, PM 525, PM 528, PM 530, PM 532, PM 546 (4 unit courses)

And, 8 units of a practicum (PM 539) ending in a final report.

The elective courses will be directed by the student's needs and interests and must be approved by the student's graduate advisor. Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.

Practicum Requirement

A practicum, PM 593, is required of all students as part of the culminating experience to the master's program. It is provided by an internship rotation through an area of public health practice in a county, state, federal or community-based agency. The practicum offers students the opportunity to observe as well as participate in applying their newly acquired skills and tools. All students are expected to participate in at least one internship and attend a corresponding seminar. A final report and presentation describing the project and evaluating the outcomes completes the course requirement.

Criteria

Students entering the program with clinical training (e.g., M.D., R.N., R.D., O.T., P.T., D.D.S., clinical psychology, social work, veterinary medicine or R.Ph.) may apply for a waiver to complete 4 units of practicum (instead of 8 units) ending in a final report and presentation.

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Clinical)/Master of Public Health (Health Promotion)

The Ph.D./M.P.H. dual degree combines knowledge of clinical psychology research and practice with an understanding of health from a population perspective. The student enrolls primarily in the clinical psychology doctoral program and may apply to the M.P.H. program during the first year. During the second and subsequent years, course work is taken in both programs. The dissertation is undertaken through the Department of Psychology.

Pharm.D./Master of Public Health

The School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health program, in recognition of the rapidly changing health care environment and in response to the growing demand for pharmacists who are knowledgeable in both pharmacy and population-based health care issues, have developed a dual degree program. The joint Pharm.D./M.P.H. degree will enable graduates to be more responsive to today's health care needs and will provide training for pharmacists who seek to be agents of change within the profession and to assume leadership roles in the pharmacy field and in public health at the local, state and national levels.

The Pharm.D./M.P.H. program spans five years (four years of pharmacy school courses and one year of public health courses). Students begin the core M.P.H. courses following the successful completion of the first year of pharmacy school. The last three years of the program are devoted to the clinical rotations of the School of Pharmacy and to the completion of the elective courses and practicum (field experience) of the M.P.H. program. At the conclusion of the joint degree program, students will have completed 46 units in the Master of Public Health program and four years of courses in the School of Pharmacy.

All students in the Pharm.D./M.P.H. program must meet course requirements, grade point average requirements and program residency requirements of both programs. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the Pharm.D. curriculum and a 3.0 in the M.P.H. curriculum to meet graduation requirements.

The Pharm.D. and the M.P.H. degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of the School of Pharmacy and the Master of Public Health requirements.

Application and Admissions Requirements

Students may apply to the dual Pharm.D./M.P.H. degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their Pharm.D. application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the Pharm.D. and will be offered admission to the dual degree program contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the Pharm.D. with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students who are accepted only by one program may choose to attend that program but will not be eligible for the dual degree. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the M.P.H. program during their first year of enrollment in the Pharm.D. prior to the M.P.H. published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the M.P.H. program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the Pharm.D. with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Students accepted to the dual degree program must maintain a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in Public Health and Pharm.D. courses.

M.D./Master of Public Health

The joint M.D./M.P.H. program at the Keck School of Medicine is designed for individuals who envision a medical career that combines public health and medical disciplines. For further information about the joint program, refer to the Degrees and Requirements section.

Doctor of Physical Therapy/Master of Public Health

The Post Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) and the Master of Public (M.P.H.) dual degree program offers the opportunity for physical therapy clinicians to pursue a doctoral-level education in combination with an integrated approach to health care. The program spans four years. Students begin the first one to two years completing M.P.H. core and elective course work in the Department of Preventive Medicine. The remaining two years are devoted to program requirements in physical therapy. At the conclusion of the program, students will have completed 68 units of course work, including a public health practicum.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

The department offers a degree program leading to the Ph.D. in biostatistics. The program is designed to produce biostatisticians who will have in-depth knowledge of statistical theory and methodology and the ability to apply this knowledge creatively to statistical problems in the biological and health sciences.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 60 units of graduate study is required for the Ph.D. degree; a maximum of 19 of these units may be from research and dissertation. In preparation for the screening examination, all students must take the required and elective courses for the M.S. in Biostatistics (33 units). In preparation for the qualifying examination, all students are required to take PM 610 (at least two semesters). The student is also required to take at least six units from the following sequence: PM 543L, PM 544L, PM 550 or PM 552.

Screening Procedure

A student failing the screening examination will either terminate or will terminate with the M.S. degree upon completion of an acceptable thesis.

Guidance Committee

A formal guidance committee consisting of five faculty members -- four from within the department (one of whom is designated as chair), and one from an outside department offering the Ph.D. degree -- will recommend courses in preparation for the qualifying examination.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination will test the student's integration of knowledge in biostatistics, mathematical statistics and the health sciences. An oral examination will ascertain the student's competence in orally communicating this knowledge. Students must pass the written portions and the oral portions in order to pass the qualifying examination.

Dissertation and Oral Defense

Upon passing the qualifying examination the Ph.D. candidate and his or her chair will recommend a three-member dissertation committee. The dissertation should be completed within two years and should be oriented toward a theoretical-methodological application to a problem area in the biological or health sciences. The oral defense is based on a rough draft or final version of the dissertation. The defense is administered by the dissertation committee, with other faculty invited to attend.

Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology

The department offers a degree leading to the Ph.D. in epidemiology. This program may be an extension of the applied biostatistics and epidemiology M.S. program and is especially aimed at persons with a strong background in medicine: in particular, students enrolled in the M.D. program of the Keck School of Medicine who wish to interrupt their M.D. studies after two years to complete a Ph.D. degree. This program is designed to produce an epidemiologist with in-depth statistical skills. The program requires a solid core of courses in methodological aspects of statistics and in statistical thinking as applied to medicine, as well as a solid grounding in epidemiological methods and in certain medical disciplines.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 60 course units with a maximum of 20 units of research and dissertation; passing of screening and qualifying examinations; and completion of dissertation and final oral are required. In preparation for the screening examination the student must take the required core course and elective 33 units of master's level applied biostatistics and epidemiology courses. A student failing the screening examination will either terminate or terminate with the M.S. degree upon satisfactory completion of a master's thesis. In preparation for the qualifying examination, the student is required to join an on-going research project under the direction of the chair of the guidance committee and directly participate in the conduct of that project. Credit will be given as PM 790 (4 units, two semesters). In addition, it is recommended that the student take PM 610 (at least two semesters) and PM 611. Electives may be selected with the approval of the chair of the guidance committee from courses in the biological sciences or from the medical school. For students in the M.D./Ph.D. program in epidemiology, satisfactory completion of the first two years of the M.D. program will be considered to provide 20 units toward the Ph.D. degree.

Guidance Committee

A formal guidance committee, consisting of five faculty members, with at least three from the Department of Preventive Medicine (one designated as chair) and one from a department offering a Ph.D. outside of the Department of Preventive Medicine, will recommend courses in preparation for the qualifying examination.

Qualifying Examination

The written portion of the qualifying examination will test the student's integration of knowledge in biostatistics and medicine. In general, the qualifying examination will present plans for implementation and completion of three components: an independent and complete data analysis arising from ongoing epidemiological study, a "review" paper on an area of epidemiological research, and a grant application for a new epidemiological study.

Dissertation

Upon passing the qualifying examination, the Ph.D. candidate and his or her chair will recommend a three-member dissertation committee. The dissertation should be completed within two years and should be oriented toward a methodological application to a problem area in the biological or health sciences.

The Oral Defense

This examination is based on a draft or final version of the dissertation and will be administered by the dissertation committee with other faculty invited to attend.

Language and Other Requirements

Proficiency in the English language is essential.

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Epidemiology

The Doctor of Philosophy in molecular epidemiology combines molecular and population-based research. The objective of the Ph.D. program is to produce a molecular epidemiologist with in-depth laboratory, statistical and analytical skills in both epidemiology and the molecular biosciences. Applicants who have undergraduate or master's degrees in quantitative biological sciences or other related fields and graduate students in the PIBBS program at USC are encouraged to apply. The program is jointly administered by the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Course Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 60 units, with a maximum of 20 units of research and dissertation; pass screening and qualifying examinations; complete the dissertation and the dissertation defense examination. In addition the student is required to join a research project under the direction of one or both of the chairs of the guidance committee and directly participate in the conduct of that project. Credit will be given by the department (DPT) conducting the research project DPT 790 Research (4 units, 2 semesters). In addition, at least two semesters of PM 610 is recommended.

Prerequisites: PM 510 Principles of Biostatistics or the equivalent. INTD 571 Biochemistry or the equivalent.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Core Courses (16 units): BIOC 543, INTD 531, INTD 561, INTD 504 or INTD 555.

Preventive Medicine Core Courses (17 units): PM 522aL, PM 512, PM 517a, PM 518a, PM 533.

Suggested Electives (at least 7 units) from: BIOC 602, MICB 551, PHBI 581, PM 511bL, PM 517b, PM 523, PM 527, PM 529 and PM 534.

Preparation for Screening Examination

The screening examination will be taken after two years in the program. Prior to the screening examination a mentor who will serve on the guidance committee must be identified. The screening examination will consist of a written component and an oral component. The written component will be drawn from the core courses. A student failing the screening examination may be given a second opportunity to retake either one or both portions. Students failing the examination for the second time will terminate with the M.S. degree upon satisfactory completion of 37 units and an acceptable master's thesis.

Annual Research Appraisal (ARA)

Beginning in the second year, each student must register for PM 610 (1 unit) and present an annual progress report to the program oversight committee. Once a dissertation topic has been selected, the annual progress report is presented to the student's guidance committee. Once the student has passed the qualifying examination and is appointed to candidacy, the annual progress report is presented to the student's dissertation committee. The student will meet annually with the dissertation committee, until he or she graduates from the program. The oral portion of the screening examination as well as the qualifying examination and the defense examination will count as ARAs.

Guidance Committee

A formal guidance committee will be formed, consisting of five faculty members: two from the Department of Preventive Medicine (one member designated as co-chair); two from the basic science departments (one designated as co-chair with an appointment in biochemistry and molecular biology) and one from an outside department offering a Ph.D. degree (neither preventive medicine or biochemistry and molecular biology). The guidance committee will recommend courses in preparation for the qualifying examination based on the student's research and dissertation topic.

Qualifying Examination

The dissertation topic should be both population-based and functional-based; the molecular/epidemiological nature of the dissertation topic must be agreed on by the guidance committee co-chairs.

Dissertation and Oral Defense

Upon passing the qualifying examination, the Ph.D. candidate and his or her chair will recommend a dissertation committee (typically all five members of the guidance committee). However, the university requires only three members; a three-member dissertation committee must consist of the co-chairs and the outside member. The dissertation should be completed within two years of the qualifying examination. The oral defense examination is based on the final version of the dissertation and will be administered by the dissertation committee and other invited faculty and students. The defense examination should contain a summary of the review article, the completed research and data analyses and the finalized grant proposal.

Doctor of Philosophy in Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research)

The Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Health Behavior Research, offers a degree program in preventive medicine (health behavior), leading to attainment of the Ph.D. The program is designed to train exceptional researchers and scholars in the multidisciplinary field of health behavior research. Students receive a thorough grounding in academic and research experience, encompassing theoretical and methodological training in such allied fields as communication, psychology, preventive medicine, biostatistics, public health and epidemiology. Students receive research experience by participating in projects conducted through the USC Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research (IPR). The doctoral program is full-time: students are expected to enroll for fall, spring and summer semesters.

Assistantships

Financial and educational support is provided to qualified doctoral students in health behavior research. Graduate (research and/or teaching) assistantships are half-time (20 hours per week) and provide tuition remission as well as a monthly stipend.

Computer Language Requirement

Sufficient familiarity in computer languages to operate major software packages for data management and analysis is required.

Course Requirements

The doctoral program in health behavior research is structured as a four to five year course of study for students entering with a bachelor's degree. Time requirements are subject to review and approval by the division's Graduate Program Committee and the Graduate School.

A total of 60 units of graduate study is required for the Ph.D. in health behavior research. Students are required to complete nine core courses: PM 500, PM 511abL, PM 515, PM 530, PM 601, PM 602, PM 604 and PM 756 (total of 37 units). Other requirements include: two elective PM courses, one not offered by health behavior faculty (minimum of 7 units); and a minimum of 4 units each in PM 590, PM 690abcdz, PM 790 and PM 794abcdz.

For students entering with a bachelor's degree, one of the directed research projects will be equivalent in scope to a master's thesis. All research experiences/projects must be completed before registering for 794abcdz Doctoral Dissertation.

Screening Procedure

The progress of each student is reviewed at the end of every academic year. At the end of the second year of study, students who have not made satisfactory progress are advised that they will be dropped from the program unless their progress improves during their second year.

Guidance Committee

Each student's guidance committee consists of five members, including: no more than three health behavior faculty members; one other member from the Department of Preventive Medicine; and one member from a doctorate-granting program outside the Department of Preventive Medicine, representing the student's minor field.

Qualifying Examination

Following course work and prior to beginning the dissertation, students must demonstrate written and oral mastery of the general field of health behavior research as well as of their chosen area of specialization. The qualifying process includes a written examination on theory and literature relevant to a selected content area. The examination is administered by the student's guidance committee.

In addition to the qualifying examination, each student is expected to produce the following as evidence of qualification to conduct dissertation research: an academic dossier consisting of a summary of the student's academic record, teaching and research experience, and professional presentations and publications; at least one original empirical research paper of publishable quality, produced in connection with one of the student's courses or research experiences or developed independently; a dissertation proposal; and an oral defense of all the preceding materials.

Doctor of Philosophy in Statistical Genetics and Genetic Epidemiology

The program gives students a solid background in the methodological aspects of biostatistics and statistical genetics as well as solid grounding in molecular/laboratory science. The objective of the Ph.D. program is to produce a statistical geneticist or genetic epidemiologist with in-depth statistical and analytic skills in biostatistics, computational methods and the molecular biosciences. The program combines biostatistics, epidemiology, statistical and molecular genetics and computational methods in order to develop new and cutting-edge statistical methodology appropriate for human genomic studies.

Course Requirements

Graduation requires the completion of a minimum of 60 units, with a maximum of 20 units of research and dissertation, passing of screening and qualifying examinations, completion of the dissertation and the dissertation defense examination. Because the background of applicants varies widely, the program oversight committee consults with each student to design an individualized schedule of recommended courses. Electives may be selected (with the approval of the chair) from courses in preventive medicine, biological sciences, mathematics, and computational biology. For students in the M.D./Ph.D. program in statistical genetics and genetic epidemiology, satisfactory completion of the first two years of the M.D. program will be considered to provide 20 units toward the Ph.D. degree. After passing the screening examination, each student should register for at least two semesters of PM 610. Prior to passing the qualifying exam, each student must present an annual progress report (the Annual Research Appraisal, ARA) to the program oversight committee.

Core Courses (25-26 units)

PM 511abL Data Analysis 4-4

PM 518a Statistical Methods for Epidemiological Studies I 3

PM 534 Statistical Genetics 4

PM 522a Introduction to Theory of Biostatistics (E), or 4

MATH 541a Introduction to Mathe-matical Statistics (S) 3

PM 533 Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology 3

PM 570 Statistical Methods in Human Genetics 4

Recommended Elective Courses

BISC 478 Computational Genome Analysis (S, E) 4

BISC 505 Genomics and Molecular Genetics (S, E) 4

BIOC 543 Human Molecular Genetics (S, E) 4

BIOC 602 Current Topics in Human Molecular Genetics (E) 2

INTD 504 Molecular Biology of Cancer (E) 4

INTD 531 Cell Biology (E) 4

INTD 555 Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease (E) 4

INTD 561 Molecular Genetics (E) 4

INTD 571 Biochemistry (E) 4

MATH 505a Applied Probability (S) 3

MATH 541ab Introduction to Mathe-matical Statistics (S) 3-3

MATH 577ab Computational Molecular Biology Laboratory (S) 2-2

MATH 578 DNA and Protein Sequence Analysis (S) 3

PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics (S, E) 4

PM 512 Principles of Epidemiology (S, E) 4

PM 517ab Research Methods in Epidemiology (E) 3-3

PM 520L Advanced Statistical Computing (S) 3

PM 538 Introduction to Biomedical Informatics (S, E) 3

PM 544L Multivariate Analysis (S) 3

PM 610 Seminar in Biostatistics/ Epidemiology (S, E) 1, max 4

PM 611 Advanced Topics in Epidemiology (S, E) 3

(S) Statistical genetics track;
(E) Genetic epidemiology track

Screening Procedure

The screening examination will be taken after two years in the program. Prior to the screening examination, a mentor who will serve on the guidance committee must be identified. The screening examination will consist of a written and oral component. The written component is a two-day examination that tests the student's knowledge of both theory and applications, drawn from the core courses. The oral portion comprises a one-hour presentation of a research plan that encompasses the student's own ideas and will constitute the annual research appraisal. A student failing the screening examination may be given a second opportunity to retake either one or both portions of the screening examination. Students failing the examination for the second time will terminate with the M.S. in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology upon satisfactory completion of 37 units (33 course units and 4 units of PM 594ab) and an acceptable master's thesis.

Guidance Committee

A formal guidance committee will be formed, consisting of five faculty members; at least one member from the Department of Preventive Medicine designated as chair, and one from an outside department offering a Ph.D. degree. The guidance committee will recommend courses in preparation for the qualifying examination based on the student's research and dissertation topic.

Qualifying Examination

Prior to the qualifying examination, a written draft of the dissertation proposal must be submitted to the Guidance Committee. The dissertation topic should be both population-based and functionally-based. The dissertation for the statistical genetics track will typically consist of (a) a "review" paper on current statistical genetic methods, (b) a proposal for a new methodological approach, (c) evaluation of the new methodological approach from a theoretical and/or computational perspective, and (d) application to real data arising from genetic research. Typically, the dissertation proposal should contain a near-completed draft of (a) and (b) and preliminary results from (c) and (d).

The dissertation for the genetic epidemiology track will typically consist of: (a) a "review" paper on an area of genetic epidemiological research, (b) an independent and complete data analysis arising from an ongoing genetic epidemiological study and (c) a grant application for a new genetic epidemiological study. The review paper (a) typically will provide the rationale and context for the data analysis (b). Typically, the dissertation proposal should contain a nearly completed draft of (a), preliminary results from (b) and preliminary plans for (c).

Dissertation and Oral Defense

Upon passing the qualifying examination, the Ph.D. candidate and his or her chair will recommend a dissertation committee (typically all five members of the guidance committee; however, the university requires only three members. (A three-member dissertation committee must consist of the chair and the outside members). The dissertation should be completed within two years of the qualifying examination. The oral defense examination is based on the final version of the dissertation and will be administered by the dissertation committee and other invited faculty and students.

Recommended Elective Courses
BISC 478	Computational Genome Analysis (S, E)	4
BISC 505	Genomics and Molecular Genetics (S, E)	4
BIOC 543	Human Molecular Genetics (S, E)	4
BIOC 602	Current Topics in Human Molecular Genetics (E)	2
INTD 504	Molecular Biology of Cancer (E)	4
INTD 531	Cell Biology (E)	4
INTD 555	Biochemical and Molecular Bases of Disease (E)	4
INTD 561	Molecular Genetics (E)	4
INTD 571	Biochemistry (E)	4
MATH 505a	Applied Probability (S)	3
MATH 541ab	Introduction to Mathe-matical Statistics (S)	3-3
MATH 577ab	Computational Molecular Biology Laboratory (S)	2-2
MATH 578	DNA and Protein Sequence Analysis (S)	3
PM 510L	Principles of Biostatistics (S, E)	4
PM 512	Principles of Epidemiology (S, E)	4
PM 517ab	Research Methods in Epidemiology (E)	3-3
PM 520L	Advanced Statistical Computing (S)	3
PM 538	Introduction to Biomedical Informatics (S, E)	3
PM 544L	Multivariate Analysis (S)	3
PM 610	Seminar in Biostatistics/ Epidemiology (S, E)	1, max 4
PM 611	Advanced Topics in Epidemiology (S, E)	3

Catalogue 2005-06

Department of Preventive Medicine

Faculty

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements

Requirements for the Major (66 units)

Advanced HP and Health Profession Preparatory Courses

Dual Degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (B.S.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Admission

Curriculum Requirements

Minor in Cultural Competence in Medicine

Minor in Health Communication

Minor in Public Health

Minor in Nutrition and Health Promotion

Minor in Substance Abuse Prevention

Graduate Programs-Admissions

Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Master of Science in Biostatistics

Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations

Master of Science, Molecular Epidemiology

Master of Public Health

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Epidemiology

Doctor of Philosophy in Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research)

Doctor of Philosophy in Statistical Genetics and Genetic Epidemiology

Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Course Requirements

Thesis Requirement

Master of Science in Biostatistics

Course Requirements

Thesis Requirement

Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations

General Requirements

Certificate Program

Recommended Core Courses for Each Research Track

Minor in Cultural Competence in Medicine

Minor in Health Communication

Minor in Public Health

Minor in Nutrition and Health Promotion

Minor in Substance Abuse Prevention

Graduate Programs -- Admissions

Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Master of Science in Biostatistics

Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations

Master of Science, Molecular Epidemiology

Master of Public Health

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Epidemiology

Doctor of Philosophy in Preventive Medicine (Health Behavior Research)

Doctor of Philosophy in Statistical Genetics and Genetic Epidemiology

Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Course Requirements

Thesis Requirement

Master of Science in Biostatistics

Course Requirements

Thesis Requirement

Master of Science in Clinical and Biomedical Investigations

General Requirements

Certificate Program

Recommended Core Courses for Each Research Track

Seminars/Workshops

Master of Science in Molecular Epidemiology

Course Requirements

Master of Public Health

Course Requirements

Track 1: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Track 2: Biostatistics/Epidemiology

Track 3: Nutrition

Track 4: Health Communication

Practicum Requirement

Criteria

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Clinical)/Master of Public Health (Health Promotion)

Pharm.D./Master of Public Health

Application and Admissions Requirements

M.D./Master of Public Health

Doctor of Physical Therapy/Master of Public Health