Graduate & Professional Degrees

The Doctor of Education in Mental Health Leadership is designed for individuals seeking to be effective, social justice-minded managers and leaders in the delivery of mental health and related human services across a variety of organizational contexts. Graduates will employ an empirically grounded, evidence-based and critical approach to supporting organizational efforts in providing therapeutic services, and challenging systemic inequities in mental health systems. The program's competencies encompass directing the efforts of multidisciplinary professional staff in the delivery of mental health and other related human services, as well as engaging in a range of leadership roles from supervision and consultation to research, teaching and evaluation. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are equipped for roles such as mental health directors, clinical supervisors and health and wellness directors, as well as educators, applied researchers and consults in community mental health, higher education, K-12, private industry and independent practice. The EdD requires completion of 60 units of course work, including core courses, research methods and the dissertation in practice. Students admitted with Advanced Standing complete a minimum of 43 units.

This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on knowledge, skills and awareness to address the range of challenges in leading human service delivery systems from a social justice perspective. The coursework is delivered primarily online, supplemented by on-campus sessions.

The program prepares mental health and human services professionals to be effective in diverse roles as leaders and agents of social justice in the management and delivery of direct services. Focusing primarily on those who are licensed to practice at the master’s level, this doctoral degree equips aspiring professionals with the knowledge, skills and awareness to manage and lead organizations as well as engage in a broader array of leadership skills involving program development and evaluation, consulting, and teaching. A solid foundation in methods of inquiry and research literacy will be augmented by practical experiences to form a data-informed and holistic approach to meeting the diverse challenges of leading systems of direct service delivery in mental health and related human services.

The MS degree program in molecular and computational biology (MCB) is a terminal degree for students admitted into the MCB PhD program who cannot complete the PhD degree program for personal or medical reasons. The study of molecular biology places so many demands upon the student that it is difficult to attain any satisfactory level of competence in the time generally taken for a master's degree. Therefore, enrollment of graduate students as master's degree applicants is not encouraged and is reserved for special circumstances. The curriculum of the master's student is patterned after that of the doctorate up to and including the qualifying examination, but not including thesis research. The qualifying examination will serve as the comprehensive master's examination.

Application deadline: December 15

During the first year, most students rotate through three laboratories before determining their permanent research adviser. Thereafter, students determine their programs of study and dissertations through discussion with their advisers, as well as their qualifying exam and dissertation committees.

Screening Procedure

Screening is done through BISC 502a and BISC 502b. To advance beyond the second year, students must obtain at least a "B" (3.0) average in these two courses.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 24 of the 60 units required for the PhD degree must be in course work, exclusive of dissertation research. These units must include the core courses, BISC 502a (4 units) and BISC 502b (4 units), to be completed within the first year with no less than a "B" (3.0) average in these two courses. Students are also required to take BISC 544 Advanced Reading in Molecular Biology - a seminar and journal club course - for both semesters of the first and second years, though the journal club portion of the course is required for first year students only. In the second year, students will take BISC 444 Practical Analysis of Biological Data in R and BISC 546 Hypothesis Design and Scientific Writing. Participation in BISC 542 Seminar in Molecular Biology is required for two semesters, to be taken in the spring semester of the first and second year. BISC 593 Practicum in Teaching the Biological Sciences is also a required course and usually taken in the fall semester of the second year but must be taken before or concurrently with a first TA assignment. At some point during their degree, students must take an additional 4- units of elective coursework at the 400- or 500-level, selected in consultation with their adviser. To fulfill a requirement for training in research ethics, students must complete INTD 500 Ethics and Accountability in Biomedical Research at the Keck School of Medicine, a week-long, 1-unit course offered in the summer semester.

Language Requirement

Students in the graduate program in molecular biology are not required to pass a foreign language examination.

Student Teaching

Since most graduates in biological sciences will spend some part of their careers in academic work, teaching experience is considered an important part of graduate training. Each graduate student in the program is therefore required to serve at least one semester as a teaching assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Qualifying Examination

The examinations qualifying the student for candidacy for the PhD in molecular biology must be completed by the end of the fourth semester. The first part of the exam is a written proposal based on the student's work. The second part is an oral examination. This exam consists of general questions and the presentation and defense of a proposition outlining the student's proposed research program.

Doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation is based on original, publishable and significant research conducted independently by the student under the guidance of the dissertation committee.

Defense of the Dissertation

Prior to graduating, students are required to orally defend their dissertation in a public seminar.

The Master of Science in Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry is designed to provide outstanding students in life science majors with a rigorous, quantitative experimental experience in molecular genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry (depending upon the research area selected). The program is intended to position and stimulate students for possible advanced study leading to a PhD in one of the areas stated above, and/or provide an important research experience to the background of a prospective medical student. The program will also provide fundamental tools and expertise for entry into master's level positions in academic, government or private sector research laboratories, including biotech, pharmaceuticals or diagnostics. This is a terminal degree. Students who wish to pursue their doctorate at USC should apply directly to the PhD program.

Applicants must be undergraduate majors in the life sciences, who possess a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or higher and have the following courses completed or in progress at the time of admission: one year of introductory biology (BISC 120Lg/BISC 220Lg or BISC 121Lg/BISC 221Lg, or equivalent), one semester of molecular biology (BISC 320Lg or equivalent), one year of general chemistry (CHEM 105aLg/CHEM 105bL or CHEM 115aLg/CHEM 115bL, or equivalent), and one year of organic chemistry (CHEM 322aL/CHEM 322bL or CHEM 325aL/CHEM 325bL or equivalent). All of the above must carry labs and be available for major credit in the natural sciences at a four-year college or university.

Because this degree is based on research, students must identify a faculty adviser prior to enrollment and submit a research proposal approved by that adviser to the master's degree committee. It is recommended that students have performed the equivalent of independent study or a research internship (equivalent to BISC 490x) in their laboratory of choice prior to admission. Students are expected to perform 6 units of research in both fall and spring semesters; alternatively, with the adviser's approval upon enrollment, they may choose to perform the research component in variable increments in summer, fall and spring semesters to equal 12 units. This may be the preferred schedule if students wish to take additional electives during the academic year.

This program requires 32 units, of which 24 must be at the graduate level.

The PhD program in Molecular Medicine is designed for students who desire a rigorous research training program to prepare them for scientific careers in academia or biotechnology. The program provides students with thorough theoretical and practical hands-on training in the broad area of molecular medicine-related research, as well as expertise in a highly focused area relevant to their PhD research topic. Research topics of faculty mentors in this program will include, but will not be limited to, topics such as cardiac, liver, kidney, lung, skeletal muscle, skin, bone, intestinal, vascular, brain and eye diseases; dissertation topics can focus on either the mechanistic aspects of the disease or the development of treatment options to reverse the pathogenic symptoms.

Molecular Medicine PhD students are required to take: BIOC 515, BIOC 573 (6 units), BIOC 581 and BIOC 582. In the second and subsequent years, students are required to register in BIOC 573 during the fall and spring semesters. In addition, students must complete at least 4 units of BIOC 794a Doctoral Dissertation, BIOC 794b Doctoral Dissertation. 

PhD students must supplement course work by registering for either elective courses or BIOC 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 Molecular Medicine, 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 with oral defense as outlined in the PhD Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS) section of the catalogue.

The primary objective of the Master of Science program is to prepare students for a career in the broad field of biomedical sciences with focus on, but not limited to, microbiology, virology, immunology and cancer research. This program provides extensive theoretical preparation in combination with hands-on research, where students are trained in research laboratories located on the Health Sciences Campus (HSC), comprising the Keck Medical School, the School of Pharmacy and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, or located at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

Goals of the program are to prepare students for employment opportunities in: academic research or teaching at universities, institutes or not-for-profit research centers; research and development in industry (biotech, pharma, petrol, dairies, breweries); health care (hospitals and health care providers, medical technology, diagnostic laboratories); law firms (patents, intellectual property rights, technology transfer, toxic torts); environmental organizations (advisory, management, planning); government (public health, waste management, EPA, FDA, NIH, etc.); publishing (journalism, journal editor).

Admission Requirements Applicants are expected to have a bachelor's degree in science (usually biology, chemistry or physics) from an accredited college or university. Generally required courses include: at least one year of college-level biology, chemistry through organic chemistry, mathematics through calculus, and one year of college-level physics. Students who do not meet all requirements may still apply, and admission will be decided on a case-by-case basis. In general, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected. Additionally, a student must take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and a minimum score of 1000 is expected. International applicants are expected to provide results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL; results from Internet-based, computer-based or paper-based tests are acceptable).

Course Requirements A total of 34 units is required. Students may pursue a thesis option, which requires completion of MICB 594a, MICB 594b, MICB 594z (2-2-0) plus 30 units of approved course work, no more than 8 of which can be MICB 590 Directed Research. Students pursuing a non-thesis option must complete 34 units of approved course work. Students must choose one of these options by the end of the first year of study.

Fourteen or more course units must be taken in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; 8 units may be pursued outside the department and, upon approval, a maximum of 8 units of directed research in molecular microbiology and immunology may be applied to the degree. No more than 4 units of course work taken outside of USC can be applied toward the MS degree requirements. Students considering such an action should submit a petition to the department and document a rigorous academic standard for the course (reading materials, tests and other performance criteria, lecture content, etc.). The graduate advisory committee will review the petition and inform the student of its decision.

Program Director: Cheng-Ming Chuong, MD, PhD

For more information about our program, please contact our program office: pathgrad@usc.edu

keck.usc.edu/pathology-program

The Department of Pathology offers a program for the Master of Science (MS) degree in Molecular Pathology and Experimental Medicine. The primary objectives of this program are to provide the necessary theoretical and practical training in experimental pathology that culminates with the master of science degree. The goal of the program is to train students in preparation for positions in various professions. Such professions include, but are not limited to, senior research staff/senior technician positions in academic or industrial institutions, further MD or PhD study, consultantships requiring multidisciplinary backgrounds or advanced teaching positions in community colleges.

Opportunities and Advantages for Graduates of the Master of Science Program

1. Advanced position as senior research staff or senior technician in biotechnology firms
2. Advanced position as research staff or senior technician in academic institutions
3. Teaching position at the community college level
4. Able to continue academic studies to pursue a PhD Degree
5. Increase chances for entering MD program
6. Use credentials in pathology along with other expertise (e.g., MBA) to gain a unique niche in health industry, journalism, financial institutions, public policy, etc.
7. Can be completed within two years
8. Research is optional; requirements may be fulfilled by course work only. Research-based and scholarly-based thesis options available

Goals and Objectives of the Program

The main goals of the program are to train students for positions as senior research staff or senior technicians in academic or industrial settings, to enable students to continue toward their MD or PhD degrees, to prepare graduates for multi-disciplinary consulting positions or teaching positions in community colleges. This program provides a flexible short-term objective to position students for many job markets and advanced studies.

Admission

The prerequisite for applicants to the graduate program in Pathology is a bachelor's degree with an undergraduate major in one of the natural sciences. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the natural sciences (including mathematics) is usually required. In addition, the department requires at least two letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate work. Demonstrated proficiency in English lan­guage is required. Special circumstances may provide consideration for conditional admission.

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

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students in the MS Program in Molecular Pathology and Experimental Medicine are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students who earn a GPA of below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must improve according to established terms if they are to remain in the school. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified.

Degree Requirements

At least 34 units of graduate study are required. Fourteen or more course units must be taken in the Department of Pathology, 8 units may be pursued outside the Department and upon approval, and a maximum of 8 units of directed research in Pathology may be applied to the degree. No more than 4 units of course work taken outside of USC may be applied toward the MS degree requirements. In some rare cases, up to 8 transfer credits may be approved (with departmental permission). Students considering such an action should submit a petition to the Department and document a rigorous academic standard for the course, which includes reading materials, lecture content, tests, and other performance criteria. The Pathology Graduate Committee would need to review the petition and inform the student of their decision. Students have the option of fulfilling their MS degree by either thesis (Experiment-based Thesis) or comprehensive examination (Scholarly-based Thesis). At the end of each academic year, all students' coursework progress will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee.

For Experiment-Based Thesis Option

• Year Two:  Fall Semester Admission
  • Add PATH 594a (2 units) Master's Thesis (Fall semester)
  • Add PATH 594b (2 units) Master's Thesis (Spring semester)
• Year Two:  Spring Semester Admission
  • Add PATH 594a (2 units) Master's Thesis (Spring semester)
  • Add PATH 594b (2 units) Master's Thesis (Fall semester)
• Must continue enrollment in PATH 594z (0 units) Master's Thesis if student does not complete degree after the second year.

For Scholarly-Based Thesis Option

Students should enroll in GRSC 810 (0 units) Studies for Master's Examination (fall/spring/summer) in the semester during which the comprehensive examination is to be taken if not otherwise enrolled.

A Master of Science in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology (28 units) will be granted on the basis of completion of at least 24 units of formal course work, in addition to four units earned by either completing and successfully presenting a thesis (MPTX 594a and MPTX 594b, both 2-unit courses based on the results of an original investigation), or by completing a non-thesis option. Students must choose one of these options by the end of the first year of study.

Three courses (12 units) are required from Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences: PSCI 501, PSCI 502 and PSCI 503. Additionally, four units are in a degree-specific required course: MPTX 500.

The remaining units will be taken from courses offered within the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences or in various related disciplines outside the department, if approved by the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Affairs Committee.

All 28 units must be at the 500 level or above. 

This program emphasizes basic as well as applied research in various aspects of drug discovery and molecular and behavioral mechanisms of action. Research opportunities span investigations of fundamental molecular and cellular physiological mechanisms, including receptor activity, intracellular signaling and the regulation of gene expression, to the molecular bases of disease and aging, including avenues of pharmacological intervention.

A minimum of 60 units is required for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. At least 24 units of course work are required at the 500-level or above, exclusive of seminar and directed research. The Doctor of Philosophy candidate must select a minimum of 12 units from courses offered in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPSI), eight of which must be selected from the core 4-unit courses. The remainder of the 24 units may be taken from PPSI courses or from courses offered in other departments that are approved by the PPSI graduate affairs committee. The qualifying exam committee may require more than 24 units of course work. A maximum of 12 units can be transferred from graduate studies elsewhere.

Foreign Language Requirement

There is no formal language requirement. However, an individual qualifying exam committee can require competency in a foreign language or a computer language if it is relevant for the  student's area of research.

Qualifying Exam Committee

Upon admission, the student will be assigned to a member of the graduate faculty who will serve as his or her temporary adviser until a permanent adviser has been identified. The student's program of study will be under the direction of a qualifying exam committee composed of at least five members, one of whom must be from outside the department. The student should select a graduate adviser and qualifying exam committee no later than the third semester in residence. The graduate affairs committee will serve as the qualifying exam committee until one is selected.

Screening Procedure

The performance of each student will be evaluated no later than the end of the second semester of enrollment in the graduate program. This screening procedure is conducted by the student's qualifying exam committee or, if a student has not yet selected a qualifying exam committee, by the graduate affairs committee. The committee reviews the student's progress to date in various areas including course work, research interests and laboratory performance on his or her research project or laboratory rotations. If a performance deficiency is determined, specific goals will be established that the student must fulfill to continue in the program. Passing this screening procedure is prerequisite to continuation in the PhD program.

Qualifying Examination

Students will be required to pass a comprehensive qualifying examination in major areas of molecular pharmacology, including fundamental principals of molecular and cellular biology. The examination is administered by the qualifying exam committee and consists of two parts: a written examination administered to all students at the end of their second year of study and a written proposal outlining the dissertation goals, and its oral presentation and defense by the student to the qualifying exam committee. The examination process is conducted by the student's advisory committee with oversight by the graduate affairs committee. The qualifying examination must be completed within three years after admission, unless an extension is obtained from the qualifying exam committee.

Annual Research Appraisal (ARA)

Beginning in the third year, each graduate student will meet with the qualifying exam committee and present a progress report on his or her research. Prior to the meeting the student will present a short written document describing significant experiments during the past year, problems and projected studies. This document is distributed to the committee members and is included in the student's file. The oral ARA meeting is intended to be a working session between the student and the qualifying exam committee. Experimental results and problems are discussed in this context, as well as a research plan for the next year of work. A satisfactory ARA is required for each year in the graduate program.

Dissertation

A dissertation based on original investigation in a relevant scientific area is required for the PhD The dissertation research should demonstrate the student's ability to undertake independent research through planning, conducting and evaluating experiments. The dissertation research must represent a significant contribution to knowledge. A public oral defense of the dissertation will be held after the candidate submits the final draft of the dissertation to the dissertation committee, and it is approved by the graduate adviser and dissertation committee. For additional details, see Theses and Dissertations.

Student Teaching

Teaching experience is considered an integral part of the training of graduate students. As part of the general requirements for the PhD degree, each student is required to participate in the teaching program of the School of Pharmacy.

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree prepares Teacher Candidates to pursue careers as teachers. Subject Matter Concentrations of the program are offered at the Elementary (Multiple Subjects) and Secondary (English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science) levels. The curriculum focuses on preparing teachers to work with diverse K-12 populations. Teacher Candidates enrolled in the MAT Program will engage in supervised field experiences throughout the curriculum. MAT course work provides Teacher Candidates with theoretical foundations, teaching strategies and practical field-based experiences necessary to make a difference in schools across the State of California, the United States and the world. The Gifted Education Certificate may be obtained for additional course work. 

The Education Specialist Mild/Moderate credential recommendation may also be earned by completing the Special Education pathway in EDUC 677.  Bilingual authorization in Spanish is available through the completion of the MAT program and passage of additional exams and fieldwork requirements.

Multiple Subject

The MAT Multiple Subject is designed for those interested in teaching at the elementary level. The MAT Multiple Subject program requires a minimum of 28 units.

The Multiple Subject emphasis is available online.

As a California-based licensure program, candidates enrolled in the MAT Multiple Subject program must satisfy requirements in addition to the courses listed below. Please refer to the information about these requirements here.