Catalogue 2014/15

Master of Science in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Program Director: Henry Sucov, PhD

Stem cell biology is one of the newest and most powerful approaches in biomedical science; it offers the opportunity to experimentally approach previously intractable biological questions, create models of human disease and develop cell-based therapeutics.

This intensive one-year program (with an optional second year) will give students a deep understanding of the scientific and clinical underpinnings of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The program includes three didactic lecture courses that address developmental cell biology and human embryology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and translational and therapeutic aspects of stem cell technology; the program also includes two laboratory modules that provide guided hands-on experience with stem cells and stem cell laboratory approaches, and several different faculty-led discussion-based courses that allow detailed investigation of specific aspects of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Students completing this program will be well-positioned to proceed to medical or Ph.D. programs, find laboratory or administrative employment in the growing stem cell pharmaceutical domain, or engage in public policy or regulatory administration of academic, clinical or business efforts in this expanding discipline.

California is globally recognized as the worldwide center of stem cell science, and USC has invested significantly in building the new Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, within which this M.S. program is based and administered.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must supply a completed application for graduate studies including: transcripts from all institutions previously attended, standardized test scores, a personal statement describing scientific and career interests, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are generally anticipated for fall enrollment, but applications for spring enrollment will also be considered. Applicants to the program must apply to the USC Graduate School and must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Students are required to have a 3.0 or better overall GPA (or equivalent) and have achieved graduation with a B.S. or B.A. degree (or equivalent) before matriculation. Students are expected to have taken the general portion of the GRE exam before application and to have met or exceeded university score requirements. (MCAT scores that are less than five years old may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores by physicians and MD students with a 3.0 LCME-accredited medical school GPA or higher, or by medical school-bound students with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher. DAT scores that are no more than three years old and that reflect a minimum score of 15 in each area may also be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.) Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with the approval of the Graduate School, be conditionally admitted. International students from non-English speaking home countries are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency or take remedial English language courses, according to Graduate School policy. Specific prerequisites for this program include completed course work with a B or better grade (or equivalent) in Cell Biology and in Molecular Biology.

Advisement

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

Satisfactory Academic Progress

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

Degree Requirements

Graduation requires completion of 25 units, according to the required Year 1 course schedule outlined below. None of these courses may be substituted or waived.

This program is intended to be completed within one academic year, and does not include a requirement for independent laboratory research or a thesis. Students may request approval to undertake laboratory research and continuing course work during a second year research option; students must already be matriculated into the program before making this request, and not all students will be granted this opportunity (selection will be based on academic performance and student research interests, and on availability of laboratory space). During this optional second year, students must enroll in the required Year 2 courses listed below; none of these courses may be substituted or waived.

PDF version of the Keck School of Medicine of USC section