Mar 29, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2016-2017 
    
USC Catalogue 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine


Return to: Keck School of Medicine of USC  

Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC
1425 San Pablo St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 865-1266
FAX: (323) 442-8067
Email: scrm@usc.edu
scrm.usc.edu

Chair: Andrew P. McMahon, PhD

Program Director: Henry Sucov, PhD

Master of Science in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Stem cell biology is one of the newest and most powerful approaches in biomedical science; it offers the opportunity to experimentally approach previously intractable biological questions, create models of human disease and develop cell-based therapeutics.

This intensive one-year program (with an optional second year) will give students a deep understanding of the scientific and clinical underpinnings of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The program includes three didactic lecture courses that address developmental cell biology and human embryology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and translational and therapeutic aspects of stem cell technology; the program also includes two laboratory modules that provide guided hands-on experience with stem cells and stem cell laboratory approaches, and several different faculty-led discussion-based courses that allow detailed investigation of specific aspects of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Students completing this program will be well-positioned to proceed to medical or PhD programs, find laboratory or administrative employment in the growing stem cell pharmaceutical domain, or engage in public policy or regulatory administration of academic, clinical or business efforts in this expanding discipline.

California is globally recognized as the worldwide center of stem cell science, and USC has invested significantly in building the new Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, within which this MS program is based and administered.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must supply a completed application for graduate studies including: transcripts from all institutions previously attended, standardized test scores, a personal statement describing scientific and career interests, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are generally anticipated for fall enrollment, but applications for spring enrollment may also be considered. Applicants to the program must apply to the USC Graduate School and must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Students are required to have a 3.0 or better overall GPA (or equivalent) and have achieved graduation with a BS or BA degree (or equivalent) before matriculation. Students are expected to have taken the general portion of the GRE exam before application and to have met or exceeded university score requirements. (MCAT scores that are less than five years old may be submitted in lieu of GRE scores by physicians and MD students with a 3.0 LCME-accredited medical school GPA or higher, or by medical school-bound students with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher. DAT scores that are no more than three years old and that reflect a minimum score of 15 in each area may also be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.) Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may, with the approval of the Graduate School, be admitted with continuing registration requirements. International students from non-English speaking home countries are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency or take remedial English language courses, according to Graduate School policy. Specific prerequisites for this program include completed course work with a B or better grade (or equivalent) in Cell Biology and in Molecular Biology.

Advisement

The program recommends that students meet with the student services adviser each semester prior to registration.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be given written notification that they have been placed on academic probation. Students who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters on academic probation will be academically disqualified.

Programs

Master’s Degree

University Certificate

Courses

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine