Graduate & Professional Degrees

The graduate certificate in clinical research design and management is designed to strengthen the statistical, research and project management skills of clinical researchers and their associated clinical team members. Students must complete at least 12 units of course work including at least two courses in clinical design and trial management, one course in ethics and one course in a specialized aspect of design, management or statistics, subject to the approval of the program director. The program will include course work delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance learning tools, video streamed lectures, and study materials. Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination. Students should confirm their specific course work plan in consultation with the graduate advisers before beginning the program. Students who have bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges or universities must submit an application for graduate study through the regulatory science program of the Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed and must be finished within five years.

Students who do not wish to pursue an MS degree may earn a university certificate in Clinical Translational Research. The certificate program requires 12 didactic credits and a minimum of six months (PM 590 Directed Research, 3 units) of practical experience working on a research project approved by the faculty mentor and co-directors.

Soto Building I

Email: msclnbio@usc.edu

The Master of Science in Clinical Translational Research is a joint effort to train medical students, fellows or other health professionals, including faculty and other scientists conducting clinical related research, in clinical research methods to translate clinical, biomedical and technological discoveries into advances in population-based, clinical or basic science research. The MS program is available to medical students who have completed their second year of medical school, and pre-doctoral students who are interested in expanding their pre-doctoral training to include methodology associated with conducting translational research. Pre-doctoral students will earn a joint degree (PhD in their research area and an MS in Clinical Translational Research). In addition, the MS program is tailored to MDs doing fellowships at USC or Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), faculty interested in expanding their research careers, or are recipients of Young Investigator Awards, including Southern California Clinical Translational Science Institute's (SC CTSI) Center for Education, Training, and Career Development K and T Awardees. Tracks include: 1) Clinical Translational Research, 2) Community-based Intervention Trials, 3) Design, Conduct and Analysis of Clinical Studies, 4) Epidemiology and Disease Etiology, 5) Health Outcomes Research, 6) Environmental Epidemiology, 7) Molecular Biology, 8) Cell Biology, 9) Vision Science and 10) Alternative Options Track.

The MS program in Clinical Translational Research is designed to train students, fellows and faculty for future independent research careers in an academic, government or private sector setting. The objective of the MS program is to produce a clinical researcher with either an in-depth knowledge in laboratory methodologies or statistical and analytic skills in population-based, clinical studies or outcomes research. The program gives students a solid background in the methodological aspects of translational research, and in statistical thinking as applied to molecular epidemiology, as well as a solid grounding in biostatistical, epidemiological methods, and community based intervention strategies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must apply to the Graduate School and meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. The Department of Preventive Medicine administers the program through the MS Program Office.

The program will consider applicants who satisfy all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. For the MS program in Clinical Translational Research, MCAT scores may be substituted for the GREs. 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.

General Requirements

Graduation requires the completion of a minimum of 29 units, of which a minimum of 15 units are didactic course credits taken in the first year (including summer sessions), with the remaining units being directed to: a) PM 590 Directed Research (1–12 units ) and PM 594a Master's Thesis, PM 594b Master's Thesis (4 units) 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. The thesis provides a structure for the development of a plan to address a research problem and a suitable approach to the analysis and presentation of the results.

Because the background and interests of applicants varies widely, one of the co-directors will consult with each student prior to the first year in order to design an individualized schedule of recommended courses, or this may be negotiated with a student's faculty sponsor. At the end of the first year, the trainee must submit a final program plan to the co-directors. This will summarize the courses taken, the proposed thesis title, and the names and credentials of the MS thesis committee. One of the members of the MS thesis committee will be the trainee's research adviser and will serve as the chair of the committee. At least one member of the thesis committee must be from outside the student's department. For faculty, at least two members of the thesis committee must be from outside the student's department.

For those trainees or SC CTSI's CETCD K and T awardees who do not wish to pursue an MS degree, the school offers a certificate in Clinical Translational Research. The certificate program requires completion of 12 credits, and a minimum of six months of practical research experience working on a research project (PM 590) approved by either an Oversight Committee or the CETCD's K and T Award Committee Review Process.

Students are expected to attend the three-day workshop on NIH proposal development if offered by Thomas Ogden, MD, PhD, and a workshop on the principles of scientific manuscript preparation.

The Master of Science in Clinical Trial Management will harnesses the depth and breadth of Regulatory and Quality Science course content and focuses on foundational topics related to the successful management of clinical trials, including regulatory compliance, scientific writing, marketing, data management, project management and quality assurance. The field of clinical research is focused on developing cost-effective ways to treat disease and increase quality of life through successful development and launch of new biologics, devices and pharmaceuticals, and by incorporating the science of genomics or personalized genetic prescribing. Employment settings include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device companies, contract research, hospitals, educational institutions and independent contractors.

The program requires a minimum of 32 units.

Philosophy, Linguistics and Psychology are important contributing disciplines to the interdisciplinary field of Cognitive Science. To become a cognitive scientist, one must have sufficient exposure to research and thought in at least these three areas. This certificate program provides a formal pathway for current PhD students to pursue this study and to receive recognition of it as part of their graduate training at USC. The program has been designed with students in Philosophy, Linguistics or Psychology in mind, but it is open to those from other disciplines if it fits within the constraints otherwise holding for their course of study. In all cases, PhD students will have to independently meet the prerequisites for any specific courses that they wish to take toward program completion.

The certificate requires a minimum of 22 units for completion, with at least five courses taken at the 500 level or above. 

The Master of Science in Communication Data Science Dual Degree with Tsinghua University School of Journalism and Communication leads to two Master degrees, one from each institution: a Master of Science in Communication Data Science (a cross-disciplinary joint degree offered by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism) and a Master of Journalism and Communication from the Tsinghua University (THU) School of Journalism and Communication. The two institutions, USC and THU, have a formal partnership to amplify cooperation between USC and THU and between the United States and China to capitalize on the synergies of the respective curricula and to provide students with the opportunity for a unique transcultural and cross-discipline experience that will position them to be global leaders in their field.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Communication Data Science Dual Degree will be experts in the emerging fields of data science for journalism and communication. In the course of their studies, students will learn about theories and principles underlying human communication and their integration into emerging communication technologies. They will also understand the technical underpinnings of a diverse range of emerging communication platforms, including digital newsrooms, social media, enterprise collaboration systems, and virtual and augmented reality. They will have the capability to build these technologies and effectively manage teams to create effective communication frameworks for a variety of goals. Finally, they will master powerful techniques for analyzing large volumes of data generated by digital communication platforms using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The dual degrees are subject to the following stipulations: 

1.     The requirements for both degrees must be satisfied to complete the dual degree.

2.     The program description for the Tsinghua University Master of Journalism and Communication is online at https://www.tsjc.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/info/1205/1320.htm.

3.     The general requirements for the MS in Communication Data Science (MS CMDS) in this dual degree program are the same as those for the USC general MS Communication Data Science except that at least 24 units (of the 32 required units) must be completed at USC, and up to 8 units of preapproved course work transferred from Tsinghua University may be counted toward the degree requirements at USC. This is due to a special partnership established by a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Universities. 

4.     Other requirements for the MS CMDS are the same as set forth in the general requirements for Viterbi School of Engineering Master of Science degrees.

5.     Students who elect to receive only the USC degree must change their degree objective from the USC-Tsinghua University dual degree to the general USC MS CMDS.

6.     Generally, students must take at USC the "Foundation" courses of the USC MS CMDS. There must be justification for the omission of a required course in either degree; for example, a certain course in one degree may provide comparable content to the omitted course in the other degree.

7.     The USC Data Science Program and the Annenberg School of Communication have identified a list of transferable THU courses that can be considered USC equivalents but are also willing to entertain transfer, on a case by case basis, of unique relevant THU courses for which no obvious mapping to a USC course exists.

Students with requisite programming knowledge may be allowed to test out of DSCI 510. An entrance exam will be held at three time periods: two weeks before the start of the semester, one week before the start of the semester and during the first week of the semester. Students who pass the exam will be allowed to replace DSCI 510 with an additional elective.

Program Director: Yolanda Gil, PhD

Program Co-Director: Jessica Neff, PhD

The Master of Science in Communication Data Science is a cross-disciplinary joint degree program offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Students must be admitted by both schools.

Students will be experts in the emerging field of data science for communication. Graduates will learn about theories and principles underlying human communication and the ways in which people utilize and engage with communication technologies. They will also understand the technical underpinnings of emerging communication platforms, ranging from social media to enterprise collaboration platforms to virtual and augmented reality. They will have the capability to build these technologies and effectively manage teams that do so. They will also master the theoretical and technical tools to investigate and analyze large volumes of data generated by digital communication platforms using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

There are many career opportunities for students completing the Master of Science in Communication Data Science degree. Traditional media outlets ranging from newspapers to network/cable news are hungry for individuals who understand the new technology-enabled social communication paradigms and can help translate this knowledge into new sources of information. An example is the coverage of natural disasters, where it is difficult for media to get on the ground, but where social media allows victims to relay experiences and provide accounts of these situations. How to collect, manage, distribute and capitalize from these news sources is a major challenge in current media.

There are also careers in exploiting emerging communication platforms for marketing and communication. Many technology companies realize the value in employing experts who understand the reception of their products by the public. Communication is now so vital to the function of many products that success and failure are often determined by how well communication is performed, and how seamlessly it integrates into existing platforms. In the corporate world, the need to understand and capitalize on social media is pervasive, and the unique expertise this degree provides leaves graduates well positioned to design creative approaches to reach new audiences. In addition, as technology becomes ubiquitous in society, the role of the informed communicator has become very important in formal and informal formats. There is need for individuals who understand the basics of communication and have enough technology knowledge to provide analysis at a meaningful level. Finally, there are careers using data science to analyze online activities from a variety of contexts, including entertainment sites, online games, and mobile apps. Recommender systems, opinion mining, and social information diffusion are emerging technologies for the entertainment industry. Online games generate rich data about social interaction and individual behaviors. Many startups seek a combination of communication and data science skills to improve their products and reach new markets.

For admission requirements, refer to Viterbi Graduate Degrees and Requirements at USC Viterbi School of Engineering.

Additional Requirements

All master's degree candidates in the Annenberg School of Communication are required to complete the Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations training during their enrollment at USC. This non-credit, professional skills training is offered by USC Annenberg every fall, spring and summer term and is designed to foster students' ability to create, sustain and thrive within diverse work environments. Modules include: fostering connection and inclusive cultures; managing implicit biases and power; understanding the impact of technology on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA); creating representative and inclusive content; and developing habits and strategies to effect lasting change. To learn more about this training please visit the Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations website.

Students with requisite programming knowledge are allowed to test out of DSCI 510. An entrance exam will be held at three time periods: two weeks before the start of the semester, one week before the start of the semester, and during the first week of the semester. Students who pass the exam will be allowed to skip DSCI 510, and may replace that with an elective.

Requirements for completion (32 units minimum):

Individuals seeking the Master of Arts in Communication are expected to acquire and demonstrate a general knowledge of human communication, including humanistic and social scientific approaches.

Students must apply to the PhD program in Communication and complete all application requirements. The faculty admission committee determines candidates appropriate for the MA.

The program, arranged in consultation with the school's director of doctoral studies, provides two options: degree with comprehensive examination requires a total of 32 units (normally eight courses), including core courses COMM 525, COMM 526, COMM 550 and COMM 552 and four electives; or degree with thesis requires successful completion of core courses, three electives and 4 units of COMM 594a Master's Thesis, COMM 594b Master's Thesis.

Not more than two approved 400-level courses may be applied to a student's program and a maximum of 4 semester units with grades of B or better may be accepted by transfer from another institution of higher learning. The minimum acceptable GPA for successful completion of this program is 3.0.

The majority of students choose the comprehensive examination option. The examination consists of six hours of writing, taken on two different days. Permission to take an MA degree with thesis can be obtained only by application to the school screening committee.

Each student builds a program of study with faculty academic advisors, drawing on earlier academic and work experience in order to achieve desired professional goals.

Residence

Students may pursue the Master of Communication Management on either a full- or part-time basis. Full time, the degree can be finished in one year and four months (across four terms, including the summer session); parttime, all course work can be finished in two to three years. With permission from a School of Communication committee, a maximum of 4 graduate units may be transferred from another accredited institution.

Foreign Language Requirement

There are no foreign language requirements for this degree.

Course Requirements

Thirty-two units in approved graduate-level course work are required.

Students will take a required 4-unit research methods course in their first semester. In their second semester, students will take a required 4-unit core conceptual foundation course. During their course of study, students take 4 units from a list of approved theory-practice integration courses.

A maximum of two courses may be taken in the first semester. In the second and subsequent semesters, with approval from the director of the Master of Communication Management program, students may take up to three courses.

Among the remaining courses, at least 12 units must be from Communication Management elective areas of focus. Up to 8 may be taken at USC outside the Communication Management program; these courses must be approved by the director of the Master of Communication Management program, and may be selected from a variety of disciplines, depending upon academic and career interests.

Any given course may be taken at most three times, after which the student is no longer eligible to take the course.

Additional Requirements

All master's degree candidates in the Annenberg School of Communication are required to complete the Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations training during their enrollment at USC. This non-credit, professional skills training is offered online by USC Annenberg every fall, spring and summer term and is designed to foster students' ability to create, sustain and thrive within diverse work environments. Modules include: fostering connection and inclusive cultures; managing implicit biases and power; understanding the impact of technology on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA); creating representative and inclusive content; and developing habits and strategies to effect lasting change. To learn more about this training please visit our website.

Students in the doctoral program learn theories that guide research into communication processes and effects and into institutions and technologies that lend pattern to communication. Applicants for the PhD are expected to acquire and demonstrate humanistic and behavioral knowledge of communication while acquiring skills requisite to scholarly research in the discipline.

Screening Procedures

Student progress is carefully monitored by the School of Communication faculty. Students are normally screened at the end of their first year of graduate study. At that time they must have completed no fewer than 16 and no more than 24 units, including COMM 525, COMM 526, COMM 550 and COMM 552. Students are evaluated on subject matter competence, teaching potential and their ability to conduct independent research. Upon successful passage of the screening procedure, the student has 30 days in which to form a qualifying exam committee.