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: Francesca Mariani, PhD

Master of Science in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

The one-year program offers courses in cutting-edge biomedical science, including developmental biology, human embryology, regenerative medicine, and the translational and therapeutic aspects of stem cell technology. The program also provides practical hands-on laboratory experience with the growth and differentiation of stem cells. Although not required, students are encouraged to engage in laboratory research during the year, with one of the 80+ lab groups that constitute USC Stem Cell. At the completion of the MS program, students may informally continue to conduct research in their labs, or may continue research with a guided and structured optional second research year.

After completing this program, students will be poised to apply to medical or PhD programs, enter the growing stem cell pharmaceutical domain, or engage in other academic, clinical or business efforts. Students will possess a unique understanding of how the body’s own developmental and repair mechanisms can restore damaged cells, tissues and organs — providing new opportunities to treat conditions ranging from blindness to cancer, from organ failure to HIV/AIDS.

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. 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 five years old may also be submitted in lieu of GRE scores.) Applicants not meeting Graduate School requirements for regular standing may be admitted, with the approval of the Graduate School, 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 recommended preparation 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

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (MS)

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Certificate

Courses

Development, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine