Graduate & Professional Degrees

The Human Resources Law and Compliance Certificate is structured for working professionals who wish to take one or two courses per term in an online or on-campus format.  Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is complete.

USC Gould School of Law students who select the Human Resources Law and Compliance Certificate as part of our online or on campus LLM, MDR, or MSL programs will take each of their courses in the corresponding modality.

Both the online and on-campus 12-unit Human Resources Law and Compliance Certificate program require the following mandatory and elective courses to earn the certificate.

Admissions

Applicants to the standalone certificate program must have earned an undergraduate degree, which can be in any field of study, prior to the time they begin the certificate program. Prior exposure to or experience in law is not required. The Admissions Committee will consider applicants' grades, course work, work experience and reasons for pursuing the certificate program when determining admission.

Candidates pursuing the on-campus certificate as part of their MSL or MDR degrees must take certificate courses concurrent with their degrees.

Allen Hancock Foundation Building B55
(213) 740-5910
FAX: (213) 740-9687
Email: spatialsciences@dornsife.usc.edu

Director: John P. Wilson, PhD

The online and residential MS in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence requires 34 units of graduate work and provides interdisciplinary understanding for graduate-level planning and leadership on future human security and GEOINT work within the United States Department of Defense, State Department, related U.S. support and non-governmental agencies, and within comparable international organizations. The program provides workforce-focused leadership, management, and technical knowledge that gives graduates the skills and expertise to lead and manage new initiatives in the rapidly shifting landscape of GEOINT applications, data collection systems, analytic methods, and mission support.

The Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. This program enhances the technical capabilities of the industrial engineer. The program is available via distance education.

The MS program is for students who want to become technical leaders in the field of industrial and systems engineering. Applicants to the program are expected to have a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline with undergraduate coursework in computing, probability and statistics, and engineering economy. Admitted students who do not meet prerequisites will be assigned courses to complete the deficiencies.

A total of 28 units is required for the degree.  If course substitutions are contemplated, at least 24 units must be completed in the Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Of the 28 units, at least 20 units must be at the 500 level or above.

The degree Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Systems Engineering is also offered. See general requirements for graduate degrees.

The objective of the PhD program in Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Pathogenesis (IDIP) is to educate investigators to develop strategies to translate and implement knowledge from cellular, molecular and genetic advances into studies of normal human organ system function as well as mechanisms of human organ system dysfunction in disease and how to reverse this dysfunction by medical treatment. Animal disease models as well as clinical trials in patients are frequently used to advance this field.

The program applies multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the human organism as a whole. Breadth of medically related interests and training are major features of this track and wide and varied skills in many research areas characterize the faculty. To facilitate application of multidisciplinary approaches, close and regular contact between participating faculty and students is a major theme of this PhD program.

The IDIP program caters to MD/PhD students, clinician scientists and PIBBS students interested in but not limited to the following fields: immunology (including cancer immunology), virology (including cancer virology), microbiology, physiology and pathology (for example: diabetes, obesity, autoimmunity, infectious diseases, gastro-intestinal and liver diseases, heart and lung diseases, hypertension, central nervous system diseases, etc.)

Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Pathogenesis (IDIP) students are required to complete 8 units from the following courses: INTD 504, INTD 522, INTD 549, INTD 550, INTD 551, INTD 572, INTD 573 or other courses approved by the faculty adviser. In the second and subsequent years, students are required to register in INTD 574 every fall and spring semester. In addition, students are required to complete at least 4 units of MEDB 794a Doctoral Dissertation,  MEDB 794b Doctoral Dissertation.

PhD students must supplement course work by registering for MEDB 790 Research during the fall, spring and summer semesters as needed to complete the minimum 60 units required for the PhD program.

As part of the requirements for the PhD degree in Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Pathogenesis (IDIP), students must adhere to the unit/course requirements, guidance committee and dissertation committee guidelines and must complete the qualifying examination, annual research appraisal, and dissertation and oral defense as outlined in the sections following the descriptions of the PhD programs.

The Master of Science in Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR) program will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to address the economic and regulatory complexities of industries that are typically characterized by innovation in big-data and machine-learning and/or place a heavy emphasis on intellectual property. Examples of these industries include digital services, hardware and biotech.

A minimum of 32 units is required.

The Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology provides a uniquely integrated learning experience at the intersection of professional and educational disciplines central to our changing world. The program develops leaders with diverse and creative ways of thinking and doing – trained to recognize and cultivate innovation, catalyze meaningful change, and leverage new opportunities to not only support, but also shape and build our rapidly evolving economy.

In collaboration with USC faculty and industry experts, students develop a powerful decision-making framework, problem-solving methodologies, and communication strategies to effectively launch impactful products and ventures, enhance or pivot careers, or develop a corporate culture for collaborative innovation.

With the Academy’s Challenge-Based Learning approach at its core, the program equips students with the ability to think critically and creatively and to solve complex problems at the intersection of technology, business, human-centered design, and communication across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors.

Admission decisions are made based on the following materials:

• Application form
• Transcripts for all institutions attended
• Resume
• Responses to essay prompts
• Portfolio (optional)
• Letters of recommendation (optional)

The MSIDBT degree will be granted upon completion of at least 38 units of approved coursework, including 10 units from Challenge-Based Learning courses, 18 units from Domain-Specific and Intersectional Skills courses and an additional 10 units of electives.

The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the Keck School of Medicine of USC offer a continuous 72-month integrated course of study leading to a medical degree in addition to a certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery that prepares the graduate for the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The program is fully integrated and will include advanced placement into the established medical school curriculum.

During the first three years, the student will function in the capacity of a medical student as well as a resident in the oral and maxillofacial surgery program. After the completion of the medical school curriculum, the MD degree will be awarded. This is required before the student can continue in the general surgery internship portion of the program. At the completion of the surgical internship, the student is qualified for medical licensure. During the fourth through sixth year, all required rotations and surgical training will be completed to fulfill the educational requirements of the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

The program is conducted at the Schools of Dentistry and Medicine and at the Los Angeles General Medical Center. The course of study provides the graduates with the necessary background for certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgery certificates are awarded upon successful completion of the entire 72-month course.

Program Director: Kristi L. Lewton, PhD

The Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences provides training in the basic medical sciences to health professional students. It also prepares graduate students as future teachers and researchers in the human anatomical sciences and functional morphology. The graduate-level course of study includes in-depth training in core anatomical disciplines: gross anatomy, histology and neuroanatomy, including cadaveric dissection and microscopic study of tissues. In addition, students receive an intensive introduction to fundamentals of bone and dental biology, human anatomical variation and clinical anatomical correlations. Interested students may receive training in laboratory teaching for gross anatomy or research training in functional and evolutionary morphology. 

Admission

The Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences selects highly qualified students for admission into its Master of Science program in Human Anatomical Sciences. The prerequisite for applicants to the MS program is a bachelor's degree with a science major or equivalent. Applicants should have a superior undergraduate record at an accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Generally required courses include at least one year of college-level biology, one year of college-level physics, and mathematics through calculus. College-level courses in cell biology, developmental biology, organismal biology and physiology are recommended.

The IAS MS Program does not require the results of standardized tests (for example, GRE) for admission.

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required. Foreign applicants are expected to provide results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Results from Internet-based, computer-based, or paper-based tests are acceptable. However, candidates with special circumstances may be considered for conditional admission.

Progressive Degree Applicants: Current undergraduates at USC may apply to the IAS Masters Program as a Progressive Degree. 

Special Admission Considerations: Special considerations may be given to students who experienced extenuating circumstances and to applicants with limited English proficiency that could be corrected by language courses offered by the University's American Language Institute.

Questions regarding program admission can be directed to: msanatomy@usc.edu

Degree requirements

The Master of Science (MS) degree is awarded for demonstrated competence in the anatomical sciences. This is a 12-month program that begins with intensive training in human gross anatomy in the summer term. Students must complete a minimum of 32 units of graduate-level courses (500 or higher) beyond the baccalaureate degree, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

This program is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in the Anatomical Sciences, including Human Gross Anatomy, Microanatomy and Neuroanatomy. Students will build on this foundation to develop detailed expertise in their chosen area of research under the guidance of the faculty in the Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences. Faculty research interests span a wide range of topics including Evolutionary Morphology, Comparative Biomechanics and Integrative Physiology. The core course work includes in-depth training in fundamental anatomical sciences including cadaveric dissection and microscopic study of tissues. This program is aimed at preparing students for tenure and non-tenure track teaching and research faculty positions in medical schools, allied health programs, universities and colleges, and research museums.

Admissions

The Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences selects highly qualified students for admission into the Integrative Anatomical Sciences PhD program. The prerequisite for applicants to the PhD program is a bachelor's degree with a science major or equivalent. Applicants should have a superior undergraduate record at an accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Applicants are expected to have a strong background in science and mathematics. College-level courses in evolutionary biology, developmental biology, organismal biology and physiology are recommended. All applications are expected to be supported by three strong letters of recommendation. 

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required. Foreign applicants are expected to provide results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or comparable test. Results from Internet-based, computer-based or paper-based tests are acceptable. However, candidates with special circumstances may be considered for conditional admission.

Degree and course requirements:

Course work

Each student must complete a minimum of 60 units of formal courses, seminars and research units while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. The core required courses include 16 units from courses in Human Gross Anatomy (IAS 501aL, IAS 501bL), Microscopic Anatomy (IAS 511aL, IAS 511bL) and Neuroanatomy (IAS 521), equivalent to medical school instruction. An additional 8 units of electives must be taken from course offered by the department. Relevant courses in other departments and schools can also be selected, but all course work must be approved by the student's dissertation committee. Following completion of the required course work, students must be continuously enrolled in IAS 794 abcdz (Doctoral Dissertation) each Fall and Spring semester until the PhD degree is conferred.

Screening Exam

After completion of the core anatomical sciences course work (IAS 501aL, IAS 501bL, IAS 511aL, IAS 511bL and IAS 521 ) during the first year, the student's degree progress will be evaluated by a screening committee composed of members of the IAS faculty as well as the student's major adviser. The purpose of this written and oral evaluation is to determine competence to continue graduate study and identify areas to be strengthened prior to the qualifying examination.

Qualifying Exam

Prior to the end of the third semester, the student must select a Qualifying Exam Committee to oversee the qualifying exam. The makeup of the committee must include five members, at least three of which must be from IAS, including the chair, and at least one member from outside IAS. All members of the committee must meet the requirements of the graduate school. The student should consult with all members of the committee for guidance on material to be covered on the exam.

The qualifying exam consists of a written and oral component and will be conducted following the requirements of the graduate school. The oral exam must be conducted within 60 days of the submission of the written exam, and the written exam must be reviewed and approved prior to moving forward with the oral exam. 

Dissertation Committee

Following completion of the Qualifying Exam, the student must select a Dissertation Committee to provide guidance on the student's dissertation research. The Dissertation Committee must be comprised of at least three, but no more than five members. The majority of the committee must be from IAS and include at least one member from outside IAS. The student's major advisor will serve as the chair of the committee and must be appointed in IAS.

Doctoral Dissertation

A doctoral dissertation comprising original, publishable research must be submitted to dissertation committee members no fewer than 60 days prior to the dissertation defense date. Dissertations must follow the requirements outlined by the graduate school.

Dissertation Defense

The student will deliver a 50-minute presentation of their PhD dissertation research that is open to the public. Following the presentation, the student must successfully defend their PhD dissertation before their dissertation committee in a closed-door setting.