MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology or other related disciplines are invited to apply. Applicants must have demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written English and in fundamental scientific areas such as organic and physical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, mathematics, statistics and computer science.
Applications for admission are reviewed by the Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Master of Science Program Admissions Committee and are evaluated primarily on the basis of academic excellence.
Application Deadline
The application becomes available on September 1 and we admit for the Fall semester only. The application deadline for the Fall semester is April 15 at 11:59:59 pm PST. Applicants selected by the admission committee will be notified of acceptance between January 15 and June. Admissions decisions will continue to be made until the class is filled.
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Admissions Criteria
The Admissions Committee will consider applications based on the following factors:
1. Overall Grade Point Average (GPA)
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Special attention is given to the grades achieved in science courses relevant to our program (e.g., chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology and mathematics).
2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
The GRE test is not required.
3. Letters of Recommendation
Three letters from faculty knowledgeable about the student’s ability and capability are required. These letters should provide a thorough assessment of the student’s experience in laboratory research, ability to communicate in verbal and written English, motivation and creativity, and other qualities in the student’s academic performance.
4. English-Language Proficiency Test Scores for International Applicants
A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each section. An IELTS score of 6.5 is competitive, with no less than 6 on each band score. For exemption information, click here.
5. Research and Professional Experience
The student’s research and professional experience should be well described within the application. A personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests, published manuscripts and letters of reference should be included. These documents will help the admissions committee in their evaluation of the candidate’s background preparation for success in the MS program.
6. Official Transcripts
Official transcripts from all institutions attended. Upload copies of official transcripts to the online application system. Mail official transcripts to the USC Office of Graduate Admission. For instructions, click here.
Financial Aid
Students accepted into USC Mann Master of Science program are not eligible for institutional financial aid. Students are not permitted to be paid for working in a lab while enrolled in research or thesis units. During the summer, faculty advisors may provide a stipend, arranged on an individual basis.
For available external fellowships, please visit the Graduate School website.
For information on tuition and fees, please visit the Financial Aid website.