Work With World-Class Faculty
Our student and faculty researchers are addressing current gaps in our understanding of a variety of disorders with the goal of directly impacting patient care. With your degree in hand, you’ll be prepared to pursue a variety of career paths.
Choose Your Track
Our master’s program is designed with the student in mind, allowing you to find the path which will help you achieve your ultimate career goal.
We offer three tracks:
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Thesis
The research-based thesis track is perfect for the student who isn’t sure if they want to pursue a doctoral degree, but knows that their career goals will require more than a bachelor’s. This track offers students the option to work with a research mentor to complete either a lab-based or a library-based thesis. -
Non-Thesis
When you choose the non-thesis track, you'll be able to focus on the academic aspect of the program as opposed to the research aspect. You won't be required to work in a lab environment in this track, making it a perfect option for someone interested in going on to a non-research career. -
Applied Biotechnology
If you want to get a more in-depth experience with equipment and technologies, this track is for you. Instead of focusing on a single type of research that may only use a few types of equipment, you'll have the option to broaden your horizons. You'll have access to the types of equipment found in the medical school and in colleges and schools on the larger USC campus, which will give you a breadth of experience you might not be able to get elsewhere. Students interested in this track generally go on to work in industry, education or government labs.
Choose a Mentor
Our program allows students to carry out world-class research with School of Medicine faculty in Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy and Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. Our goal is to ensure you are matched with a faculty member and lab where you can pursue the research that matters to you.
How to Apply
You can apply to our program through the Graduate School and by submitting your supplementary materials. The deadline for admissions is February 1 and decisions are made on a rolling basis.