For more than 100 years, the USC School of Pharmacy has remained a leader in pharmacy education, research and clinical preparation. Following are a few highlights from the School’s history.
1880
Among the University of Southern California’s three founders is pharmacist John Gately Downey, who was the seventh governor of California.
1905
The USC College of Pharmacy is established, offering a two-year pharmacy graduate degree (PhG) with a mission to “create a means for higher pharmaceutical education, and supply a broader foundation for the student’s future professional career by providing systematic instruction, and special training in those subjects requisite for the successful practice of pharmacy.” Tuition and fees are $75 per year.
1918
USC creates the four-year bachelor of science in pharmacy degree program.
1950
USC establishes the nation’s first PharmD program.
1968
The School launches the nation’s first clinical pharmacy program and the first MS in radiopharmacy program.
1970
The School becomes the first to offer clinical clerkships.
1974
The School relocates to the Health Sciences Campus, providing faculty and student access to multidisciplinary medical facilities and the LAC+USC Medical Center, one of the world’s largest teaching hospitals.
1988
USC establishes the nation’s first PharmD/MBA dual-degree program, providing training in both science and business administration.
1990
The School launches the first PharmD/Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program, training students to pursue leadership roles in geriatric pharmacy.
1992
The School begins an annual series of international workshops to facilitate clinical education worldwide.
1993
The School launches the PhD in pharmaceutical economics and policy, the first of its kind to provide an education linking theoretical and practical applications in this growing field.
1996
The School establishes curriculum changes that integrate clinical and basic sciences.
2002
The School launches the MS in regulatory science degree program and the dual PharmD/JD. In addition, USC launches the Laboratory for Analytical Research and Services in Complementary Therapeutics, the premier university-based analytical resource for the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement and food ingredient industries.
2005
The USC School of Pharmacy celebrates its centennial.
2008
The School launches the nation’s first professional doctorate program in regulatory science – Doctor of Regulatory Science (DRSc).
The School launches a major Diversity Initiative in partnership with community leaders, educators and students with the goal of introducing more students of color to the pharmacy profession.
2009
The USC School of Pharmacy and the Price School of Public Policy create the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics to conduct innovative research that promotes both well-being and value in the delivery of health care.