Graduate Degrees

The School of Pharmacy, through the Graduate School, offers curricula leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in pharmaceutical sciences and in molecular pharmacology and toxicology. The Ph.D. degree in pharmaceutical economics and policy is offered jointly with the Department of Economics. The M.S. degree in pharmaceutical economics and policy is offered jointly with the School of Public Administration and the Department of Economics. Instructions given in the Admissions section of this catalogue are to be followed, but the application and the supplemental information requested should first be submitted to: Graduate Programs Office, USC School of Pharmacy, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Additional information may be obtained by calling (213) 342-1474.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) in the verbal and quantitative tests are required. In addition to excellent communication skills, applicants should possess knowledge and competence equivalent to one year of acceptable course work in at least three of the following disciplines: mathematics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. In addition to the application for admission, three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests must be submitted.

Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment. See the Graduate School section of this catalogue.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology

All applicants must possess a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or better and must have qualifying scores on the Graduate Record Examinations. Students who have strong backgrounds in biology and/or chemistry are best suited for this program. Proficiency in English is essential. Whenever possible, students will be selected for admission on the basis of interviews with one or more members of the faculty.

Both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs emphasize research in molecular and neuropharmacology, receptor pharmacology, biochemical and oxidant toxicology. Applications for admission are reviewed by the Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Committee of the School of Pharmacy and are evaluated on the basis of academic excellence and commitment to scientific research.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy

Applicants for admission must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate or professional school and adequate scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). In addition, applicants will be required to have completed upper division courses in statistical methods, calculus and microeconomics.

Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy

Candidates with a bachelor's, master's or Pharm.D. degree are invited to apply. Applicants must have demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written English and aptitude in economics, mathematics, statistics and computer science. Deficiencies in economics and statistical background can be addressed through preliminary course work after admission to the program.

A minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required. Special attention is given to the grades achieved in economics, statistics and mathematics courses relevant to the program. A qualifying score on the GRE in verbal and quantitative areas is required. Students with GRE scores of 1200 or better will be given priority for financial aid support.

Admission of International Students to Graduate Degree Programs

All requirements described in this section are also applicable to the admission of international students. In addition, special application and admission procedures are required of international students. Refer to the section on Admission of International Students in this catalogue.

Degree Requirements

These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Requirements for Graduation section, and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

A Master of Science degree in the pharmaceutical sciences will be granted on the basis of completion of at least 24 units of formal course work and presentation of an acceptable thesis (PSCI 594ab, 4 units) based on the results of an original investigation.

Master of Science in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology

A minimum of 32 units is required including BIOC 551 or 561; MPTX 500, 501, 602; 603 or 605 or 606; MPTX 700 (4 units) and MPTX 594ab (4 units); PM 510; PSCI 661L. An acceptable thesis based on laboratory investigation is required. The candidate will defend an approved draft of the thesis in an oral examination.

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy

The Department of Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy offers a program of study leading to the M.S. degree. Applicants must apply to the Graduate School and meet the admissions requirements of the program. This program requires students to demonstrate skills in the analysis of pharmaceutical and health technology innovations, as well as an understanding of contemporary health policy issues. A minimum of 35 units of graduate level courses is required.

Grade Point Average

A grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be achieved on graduate course work at USC.

Course Requirements

The student is required to complete the following 35 units of graduate level course work: ECON 511 (4 units), ECON 500 (4 units), PM 512 (3 units), PUAD 559 (4 units), PUAD 570 (4 units), PMEP 538 (4 units), PMEP 539 (4 units), PMEP 540 (4 units).

Students must complete all requirements for the degree within five years of entry into the program.

Additional Degree Requirements

The student must satisfactorily complete the specified courses in economics, preventive medicine and public administration prior to enrolling in PMEP 538 or 539. Upon successful completion of all other course work, the student may enroll in PMEP 540. The student is also required to complete a research/policy paper on a topic relevant to pharmaceutical economics and policy while completing PMEP 540.

Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
David Henriquez
univpub@stuaff.usc.edu