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    The Pharmaceutical & Translational Sciences (PHTS) Program brings together—under one umbrella—the school’s three laboratory-based PhD programs, allowing a more cohesive interdisciplinary experience advancing education and innovative research.

    This doctoral training program prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academia and advanced scientific research in a broad range of settings. The training encompasses a unique scientific framework from drug discovery, delivery and development to application of genetics and genomics to experimental and clinical translational research.

    PHTS Umbrella

    PPSI PhD Umbrella infograph

    The umbrella structure allows students to attend courses and seminars together, and rotate through laboratories across programs during their first year. This fosters interdisciplinary crosstalk among students and faculty, helping students find an ideal laboratory and faculty mentor as well as a specialized track of study they want to pursue. Upon successful completion of training, students will be conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in one of the following areas of study:

    The MPTX track provides training in molecular mechanisms of disease as well as disease and drug interaction. Coursework emphasizes cell biology and molecular pharmacology. Research areas are laboratory-based and include molecular and neuro-pharmacology, receptor pharmacology, cancer biology and pharmacology, metabolism and biochemistry, and oxidant toxicology.

    The PSCI track provides training that emphasizes basic as well as applied research through advanced coursework in contemporary pharmaceutical sciences. Independent laboratory research areas include drug design, development, targeting and delivery; medicinal chemistry; computational chemistry; pharmaceutics; pharmacokinetics; pharmacodynamics; immunology; and molecular and cell biology.

    The CXPT track provides cross-training between clinical and basic sciences—focusing on the investigation of disease processes, drug development, and the efficacy and toxicity of therapeutic regimens. Course requirements and research opportunities offer both experimental (basic) and disease-focused experiences. The emphasis in this track is clinical translational, using molecular and translational science techniques to address clinically relevant research questions.

    Letisha R. Wyatt

    What career possibilities exist for your degree?

    “During my graduate studies I learned to be very industrious; there is something about the culture of the School of Pharmacy at USC that motivates people to strike out and be creative in how things get done. Since graduating I’ve been a postdoctoral researcher contributing new and exciting lines of study to an existing research program, I’ve provided research support in fields outside of my primary training (e.g., cancer therapy and early detection), to now serving in leadership roles focused on enhancing institutional equity in graduate programs and training the next generation of scientists.”

    Letisha R. Wyatt

    PhD, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology ’13

    Assistant Professor of Neurology at Oregon Health and Science University
    Amy Tran-Guzman

    Why was USC a good fit for you?

    “USC was a good fit for me because it had provided me with opportunities to develop necessary scientific skills and grow a professional network for a postgrad career in the pharmaceutical industry.”

    Amy Tran-Guzman

    MS Regulatory Science ’17, PhD, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology ’22

    Timothy Bensman

    Why was this program attractive to you?

    “I chose the Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics program because it afforded me a foot in the biomedical research doors of both clinical and foundational science. It’s truly translational in that it involves going to the clinic and then pursuing solutions in the lab.”

    Timothy Bensman

    PharmD ’11, PhD Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics ’16

    Anh Truong

    You received your PharmD degree from the USC School of Pharmacy in 2017. Why did you then decide to pursue a PhD in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology at the School?

    “Before joining the PharmD program, I already knew I wanted to pursue a PhD. I only applied to pharmacy schools that advertised a dual degree program; plus USC was the number one private pharmacy school in the country. While it was a struggle to take PharmD and PhD classes at the same time, the School’s dual degree program allowed me to complete my clinical and research training two years faster than if I had pursued the degrees separately.”

    Anh Truong

    PharmD ’17, PhD Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology ’21

    Field Application Scientist at Agilent Technologies
    Hugo Avila

    Why did you choose the USC School of Pharmacy?

    “One of the appealing factors that sold me was the famous USC alumni network, the focus on translational science at various levels, and the option to earn a masters in either regulatory science or drug development. Taken together I believe they contribute to making me more competitive in the job market after my PhD.”

    Hugo Avila

    PhD Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences ’21

    Zhefu (Jeff) Dai

    What is your advice to new or prospective students?

    “The Pharmaceutical & Translational Sciences (PHTS) Program offers students a broad range of research labs. The school is constantly expanding its research capability in both personnel and hardware. If you intend to join the field of pharmaceutical and translational research, this is the program you will love.”

    Zhefu (Jeff) Dai

    PhD Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences ’21

    Scientist at IGM Biosciences, Inc.
    Ashutosh (Ash) Kulkarni

    What was your experience like at USC?

    “Overall, my experience at USC was excellent and it really did set me up for my career. The alumni connection was strong which helped my transition to the industry a smooth one. The ‘Trojan family’ is really a great one and I see that whenever I visit USC as an adjunct faculty or when I attend USC receptions at conferences or when I get in touch with faculty at USC who are always willing to listen and are always looking to get the alumni involved in bettering the various programs at the School of Pharmacy.”

    Ashutosh (Ash) Kulkarni

    PhD Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences ’04

    Head of Clinical Pharmacology and DMPK at Stealth Biotech Startup
    Alicia Warnecke

    Why did you choose USC School of Pharmacy?

    “I chose the USC School of Pharmacy because the program here is geared towards developing researchers who are prepared for highly competitive industry spots after graduation. PhD students are also eligible to enroll in a regulatory science masters degree program to compliment their research and coursework. This program is part of what helps PhD graduates from the USC School of Pharmacy to successfully move into industry positions.”

    Alicia Warnecke

    PhD Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics ’20

    Project Manager at Q² Solutions

    Information for USC students, staff and faculty about COVID-19