Ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report for its PharmD program, the USC School of Pharmacy uniquely covers the full spectrum of pharmaceutical care. At the annual White Coat ceremony, students begin their professional journey and take a “selfie” with their new classmates.
Department
Founded in 1905, the USC School of Pharmacy is the oldest and foremost pharmacy school in Southern California. The school is a national leader known for its progressive curriculum and research excellence. Approximately 50 percent of the practicing pharmacists in Southern California are graduates of USC. The school has an average student body of 735 full-time students in the PharmD program and 250 students pursuing MS, PhD, and DRSc degrees in pharmacology and toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, health economics, regulatory science and healthcare decision analysis. There are 73 full-time faculty and more than 400 part-time and volunteer faculty at the school.
The school occupies state-of-the-art facilities on the USC Health Sciences Campus in metropolitan Los Angeles, adjacent to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center (one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country), the USC Norris Cancer Hospital and the Keck Hospital of USC. USC pharmacy students receive clinical training at these facilities and many other affiliated hospitals, health care clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health care agencies and pharmacies in the Southern California region.
Recognized as one of the most innovative schools of pharmacy, the USC School of Pharmacy serves as a model for other progressive schools. In 1950, USC was the first to establish a Doctor of Pharmacy program. Additional national “firsts” that distinguish the school include: first clinical pharmacy program and first MS in radiopharmacy (both in 1968); first PharmD/MBA dual degree program (1988); first MS and PhD programs in pharmaceutical economics and policy (1994) and first professional doctorate in regulatory science (2008).
Consistently the top private pharmacy school nationwide, the school is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and the PharmD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Health Sciences Campus
John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center
1985 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121
(323) 442-1369
FAX: (323) 442-1681
Office of Admission and Student Affairs
(323) 442-1466
Email: pharmadm@usc.edu
Email: pharmfa@usc.edu
pharmacyschool.usc.edu
Administration
Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD, Dean
Sarah F. Hamm-Alvarez, PhD, Executive Vice Dean and Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs
Scott Evans, PharmD, Associate Dean, Academic Health Center Programs
Fred G. Weissman, PharmD, JD, Associate Dean, Student/Faculty Affairs and Admission
Michael Z. Wincor, PharmD, Associate Dean, Global Initiatives and Technology
Kathleen H. Besinque, PharmD, MSEd, Assistant Dean, Curriculum and Assessment
Steven Chen, PharmD, Chair, Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics & Policy
Curtis Okamoto, PhD, Interim Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Faculty
John Stauffer Dean’s Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD
University Professor and Boyd P. and Elsie D. Welin Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Jean Chen Shih, PhD
Hygeia Centennial Chair in Clinical Pharmacy: Steven Chen, PharmD
Quintiles Chair in Pharmaceutical Development and Regulatory Innovation: Darius Lakdawalla, PhD
R. Pete Vanderveen Endowed Chair in Therapeutic Discovery and Development: Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD
John A. Biles Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Wei-Chiang Shen, PhD
Charles Krown/Pharmacy Alumni Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Enrique Cadenas, MD, PhD
Provost Professor of Cell and Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Psychology: Pat Levitt, PhD
Provost Professor of Medicine and Pharmacy: Michael Kahn, PhD
Professors: Enrique Cadenas, MD, PhD; Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD; Dana Goldman, PhD; Sarah F. Hamm-Alvarez, PhD; Joel W. Hay, PhD; Darius N. Lakdawalla, PhD; Michael B. Nichol, PhD; Wei-Chiang Shen, PhD; Jean C. Shih, PhD; Rajindar Sohal, PhD; R. Pete Vanderveen, PhD; Clay C.C. Wang, PhD
Associate Professors: James D. Adams, Jr., PhD; Julio A. Camarero, PhD; Jason N. Doctor, PhD; Roger F. Duncan, PhD; Ian S. Haworth, PhD; Geoffrey Joyce, PhD; Jeffrey S. McCombs, PhD; Curtis T. Okamoto, PhD; Kathleen Rodgers, PhD; Neeraj Sood, PhD; Bangyan Stiles, PhD
Assistant Professors: J. Andrew MacKay, PhD; Bogdan Z. Olenyuk, PhD; Jianming Xie, PhD; Yong (Tiger) Zhang
Lecturer: Rebecca Romero, PhD
Research Associate Professor: Chuanqing Ding, MD, PhD
Research Assistant Professors: Liana Asatryan, PhD; Julianna Hwang, PharmD, PhD; Jennica Zaro, PhD
Professors of Pharmacy: Julie A. Dopheide, PharmD; Frances Richmond, PhD; Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD; Bradley R. Williams, PharmD; Annie Wong-Beringer, PharmD
Associate Professors of Pharmacy: Melvin F. Baron, PharmD, MPA; Paul M. Beringer, PharmD; Kathleen H. Besinque, PharmD, MSEd; Steven Chen, PharmD; Daryl L. Davies, PhD; Kevin L. Forrester, PharmD; William C. Gong, PharmD; Grant D. Lawless, MD, RPh; Cynthia L.L. Lieu, PharmD; Stanley G. Louie, PharmD; Gladys H. Mitani, PharmD; Tien Ng, PharmD; Susie H. Park, PharmD; Irving Steinberg, PharmD; Fred G. Weissman, PharmD, JD; Michael Z. Wincor, PharmD; Frances S. Wong, PharmD
Assistant Professors of Pharmacy: Betty Chan, PharmD; Vivian Chow, PharmD; Marc Cosep, PharmD; Jennifer H. Cupo-Abbott, PharmD; Melissa Durham, PharmD; Emily Han, PharmD; Michael Jamieson, DRSc; Jiwon Kim, PharmD; C. Benson Kuo, PhD; Kum Ja K. Lee, PharmD; May C. Mak, PharmD; Emi Minejima, PharmD; Edith Mirzaian, PharmD; Rory O’Callaghan, PharmD; Eunjoo Pacifici, PharmD, PhD; Paula Phongsamron, PharmD; Candace Tan, PharmD; Florence H. Wong-Yu, PharmD
Lecturers: Leah Amirian, PharmD; Sarah Sae Byul Ma, PharmD
Emeritus Professor and Dean: Timothy M. Chan, PhD
Emeritus Professor: Eric J. Lien, PhD
Programs
The School of Pharmacy offers curricula leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Doctor of Regulatory Science (DRSc) degrees and graduate degrees through the Graduate School including: Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in pharmaceutical sciences, Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in molecular pharmacology and toxicology, Master of Science (MS) in pharmaceutical economics and policy, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in health economics, Master of Science (MS) in Health Care Decision Analysis, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in clinical and experimental therapeutics, Master of Science (MS) in regulatory science, and Master of Science (MS) in management of drug development. Seven dual degree programs, one joint program and numerous certificate programs are also offered, including: PharmD/JD, PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH, PharmD/MS in regulatory science, PharmD/MS in gerontology, PharmD/MS in global medicine, PharmD/PhD, PharmD/graduate certificate in gerontology, PharmD/MS in health care decision analysis, and graduate certificates in clinical research design and management, food safety, preclinical drug development, and patient and product safety.
The USC School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603-4810, phone: (312) 664-3575, Fax (312) 664-4652 or (312) 664-7008.
Tuition and Fees (Estimated)
Tuition for School of Pharmacy degree programs (PharmD; MS and PhD in pharmaceutical sciences; MS and PhD in molecular pharmacology and toxicology; MS and PhD in health economics) is charged at a flat rate (which differs from standard USC tuition). See the Tuition and Fees section for fee information. These fees are subject to change.
Doctor of Pharmacy students must pay a $500 non-refundable acceptance deposit that is applicable toward tuition. For deposit information in other degree programs in the School of Pharmacy, please consult appropriate offices.
Honor Societies
Rho Chi
Theta chapter of Rho Chi, the academic honor society in pharmacy, was established at USC in 1925. Charters for chapters of this organization are granted only to student groups in those colleges that are members in good standing of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Eligibility for membership is based on high attainment in scholarship, character, personality and leadership. All candidates selected for membership must have completed three semesters of the pharmacy program, and they must be approved by the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
Phi Lambda Sigma
The Phi Lambda Sigma chapter was established at USC in 1988. This national pharmacy leadership society is devoted to identifying, supporting and recognizing the contribution of pharmacy students to their colleges, their classmates, their campuses, their communities and to their chosen profession.
Student Housing and Service Facility, Health Sciences Campus
There are limited university-managed accommodations on the Health Sciences Campus. The Blanche and Frank R. Seaver Student Residence, adjacent to the John Stauffer Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, provides dining facilities and a bookstore. For residence information, call (323) 442-1576; for bookstore information, call (323) 442-2674. Students may also live in student housing on the University Park Campus, located about eight miles from the Health Sciences Campus.
Student Health Services, Health Sciences Campus
Services of the Student Health Center, covered by the mandatory student health fee, include the ambulatory care health services provided by the Student Health Center nursing staff. The Student Health Center is located in the USC Health Care Consultation Center, 1500 San Pablo Street, Suite 104, adjacent to the USC University Hospital, one block northeast of the School of Pharmacy. The telephone number is (323) 442-5980. In addition to the student health fee, all PharmD students must have major medical insurance coverage from the USC Student Health Plan. A student may request a waiver of the USC Student Health Plan if covered by a personal medical plan that meets criteria established by the Health Insurance Office.
Graduate Degrees
The School of Pharmacy, through the Graduate School, offers curricula leading to the MS and PhD degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, in molecular pharmacology and toxicology, and in health economics, as well as a PhD in clinical and experimental therapeutics. The school also offers interdisciplinary MS degrees in regulatory science and in the management of drug development. The MS degree in pharmaceutical economics and policy is offered jointly with the USC Price School of Public Policy and the Department of Economics. In addition, the school offers dual degrees with the schools of law, business, gerontology and medicine as well as other programs. Instructions given in the Admission section of this catalogue are to be followed, but the application and the supplemental information requested should first be submitted to: Graduate Programs Office, USC School of Pharmacy, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Additional information may be obtained by calling (323) 442-1474 or sending email to pharmgrd@usc.edu.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in the verbal and quantitative tests are required. In addition to excellent communication skills, applicants should possess knowledge and competence equivalent to one year of acceptable course work in at least three of the following disciplines: mathematics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. In addition to the application for admission, three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests must be submitted.
Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment. See The Graduate School section of this catalogue.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in verbal and quantitative tests are required. In addition to excellent communication skills, applicants should possess knowledge and competence equivalent to one year of work in at least three of the following disciplines: mathematics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, pharmacology, economics, statistics and computer sciences. In addition to the application for admission, the candidate must submit three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing the candidate’s career objectives and research interests. Students will be selected for admission on the basis of their academic and scientific record, and, whenever possible, interviews (in person or by phone) with one or more members of the faculty.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
Applicants for admission must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate or professional school and adequate scores on the GRE. In addition, applicants will be required to have completed upper division courses in statistical methods, calculus and microeconomics.
Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in quantitative/biological sciences (or health profession) or an advanced health professional degree (i.e., PharmD, MD, DDS) from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE in the verbal and quantitative tests are required. A student currently enrolled in the Pharm.D. program may pursue a PharmD/PhD dual degree following the admission procedure in the Catalogue.
In addition to the application for admission, three letters of recommendation from faculty members who can evaluate the promise of the applicant for graduate study and a personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests must be submitted.
Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions, which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment. See The Graduate School section of this catalogue for further information.
Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Economics
Candidates with a bachelor’s, master’s or PharmD degree are invited to apply. Applicants must have demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written English and aptitude in economics, mathematics, statistics and computer science. Deficiencies in economics and statistical background can be addressed through preliminary course work after admission to the program.
A minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required. Special attention is given to the grades achieved in economics, statistics and mathematics courses relevant to the program. A qualifying score on the GRE in verbal and quantitative areas is required. Students with GRE scores of 1200 or better will be given priority for financial aid support.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Health Care Decision Analysis
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience. Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Additional requirements for international students are outlined by university regulations under Admission of International Students.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Regulatory Science
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience.
Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Students will be selected for admission, whenever possible, after interviews with one or more members of faculty.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Management of Drug Development
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or equivalent and qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students with work experience. Acceptance criteria for those individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Medical Product Quality
Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants with graduate or professional degrees are encouraged to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and qualifying scores on the GRE or equivalent examination are normally required. The program encourages the participation of part-time students who are already working in the industry as well as students who have recently completed or are about to complete an undergraduate program.
Acceptance criteria will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. English proficiency is essential. Applicants who do not meet all the specific requirements indicated above, but who show unique potential, may be considered for admission with conditions, which may be fulfilled during the first semester of enrollment.
Admission of International Students to Graduate Degree Programs
All requirements described in this section are also applicable to the admission of international students. In addition, special application and admission procedures are required of international students. Refer to the section on Admission of International Students in this catalogue.
Degree Requirements
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students should also refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and The Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
- Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Master of Science in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
Degree Requirements
These degrees are under the jurisdiction of the School of Pharmacy and/or jointly with the Graduate School.
- Master of Science in Health Care Decision Analysis
- Master of Science in Regulatory Science
- Master of Science in Management of Drug Development
- Master of Science in Medical Product Quality
- Doctor of Regulatory Science
- Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Health Economics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
- PharmD/Juris Doctor
- PharmD/MBA Dual Degree Program
- PharmD/MS, Gerontology
- PharmD/Master of Science, Global Medicine
- PharmD/Master of Science, Health Care Decision Analysis
- PharmD/Master of Public Health
- PharmD/MS, Regulatory Science
- PharmD/Doctor of Philosophy
- PharmD/Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Non-Degree Programs
Office of Continuing Professional Development
1985 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9121
(323) 442-2403
FAX: (323) 442-3600
Email: pharmce@usc.edu
http://pharmacyschool.usc.edu/programs/ce/
Continuing Education
The School of Pharmacy, Office of Continuing Professional Development, is a recognized provider of continuing pharmacy education accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and recognized by the California State Board of Pharmacy and throughout the United States.
The school serves as a primary educational resource for pharmacists in California and as a supplementary resource for other health professionals and pharmacists, nationally and internationally.
Programs are designed to educate pharmacists about current issues in pharmaceutical care, practice management, therapeutics and other topics of professional interest. Continuing education programs are held at the School of Pharmacy and other locations.
For information concerning continuing education programs contact: Office of Continuing Professional Development.
Master’s Degree
University Certificate
Dual Degree
Doctoral Degree
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