USC School of Pharmacy

Pharmacy students at the White Coat ceremony.

Ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report for its PharmD program, the USC School of Pharmacy uniquely provides a broad spectrum of educational training opportunities for careers in pharmaceutical care, regulatory science and research in drug development. Here, students take part in the White Coat ceremony. Photo by David Sprague.

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 738 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 74 full-time faculty and more than 300 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

Office of Graduate Affairs (PhD, MS)
(323) 442-1474
FAX: (323) 442-2258
Email: pharmgrd@usc.edu
pharmgradprograms.usc.edu

Healthcare Decision Analysis
635 Downey Way
Verna & Peter Dauterive Hall, VPD 301
Los Angeles, CA 90089-3333
(213) 821-6478
Email: tonm@usc.edu
hcda.usc.edu

Regulatory and Quality Sciences
1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140
Los Angeles, CA 90089
(323) 442-3102
Email: regsci@usc.edu
regulatory.usc.edu

Administration

Vassilios Papadopoulos, DPharm, PhD, Dean

Steven Chen, PharmD, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

Susie H. Park, PharmD, Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Irving Steinberg, PharmD, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs

Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Michael Z. Wincor, PharmD, Associate Dean for Global Initiatives

Annie Wong-Beringer, PharmD, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education

Paul Beringer, PharmD, Interim Chair, Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy

Geoffrey Joyce, PhD, Chair, Pharmaceutical and Health Economics

Clay C.C. Wang, PhD, Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Frances J. Richmond, PhD, Chair, Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences

Faculty

John Stauffer Dean’s Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Vassilios Papadopoulos, DPharm, PhD

University Professor and Boyd P. and Elsie D. Welin Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Jean Chen Shih, PhD

Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy, Public Policy, and Economics and Leonard D. Schaeffer Director’s Chair: Dana Goldman, PhD

John A. Biles Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Wei-Chiang Shen, PhD

Gavin Herbert Professorship in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Andrew MacKay, PhD

William A. and Josephine A. Heeres, Endowed Chair in Community Pharmacy: Steven Chen, PharmD

Charles Krown/Pharmacy Alumni Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Enrique Cadenas, MD, PhD

Professors: Enrique Cadenas, MD, PhD; Julio A. Camarero, PhD; Sarah F. Hamm-Alvarez, PhD; Wei-Chiang Shen, PhD; Jean C. Shih, PhD; Bangyan Stiles, PhD; Clay C.C. Wang, PhD

Associate Professors: James D. Adams, Jr., PhD; Martine Culty, PhD; Jason N. Doctor, PhD; Roger F. Duncan, PhD; Ian S. Haworth, PhD; Geoffrey Joyce, PhD; Jeffrey S. McCombs, PhD; Curtis T. Okamoto, PhD; John Romley, PhD

Assistant Professors: Houda Alachkar, PharmD, PhD; Rebecca Myerson, PhD; Jianming Xie, PhD; Yong (Tiger) Zhang, PhD

Lecturers: Rebecca Romero, PhD; Angel Tabancay, PhD

Research Assistant Professors: Liana Asatryan, PhD; Julianna Hwang, PharmD, PhD

Professors of Clinical Pharmacy: Melvin F. Baron, PharmD, MPA; Daryl Davies, PhD; Julie A. Dopheide, PharmD; Frances Richmond, PhD; Glen L. Stimmel, PharmD; Bradley R. Williams, PharmD; Annie Wong-Beringer, PharmD

Associate Professors of Clinical Pharmacy: Paul M. Beringer, PharmD; Steven Chen, PharmD; Naomi Florea, PharmD; Kevin L. Forrester, PharmD; Lisa W. Goldstone, PharmD; William C. Gong, PharmD; Grant D. Lawless, MD, RPh; Cynthia L.L. Lieu, PharmD; Stanley G. Louie, PharmD; Edith Mirzaian, PharmD; Tien Ng, PharmD; Susie H. Park, PharmD; Irving Steinberg, PharmD; Fred G. Weissman, PharmD, JD; Michael Z. Wincor, PharmD

Assistant Professors of Clinical Pharmacy: Betty Chan, PharmD; Vivian Chow, PharmD; Michelle Chu, PharmD; Marc Cosep, PharmD; Jennifer H. Cupo-Abbott, PharmD; Richard Dang, PharmD; Melissa Durham, PharmD; Emily Han, PharmD; Michael Jamieson, DRSc; C. Benson Kuo, PhD; Kum Ja K. Lee, PharmD; May C. Mak, PharmD; Emi Minejima, PharmD; Rory O’Callaghan-Kim, PharmD; Eunjoo Pacifici, PharmD, PhD; Paula Phongsamran, PharmD; Nancy Pire-Smerkanich, DRSc; Patrick Tabon, PharmD; Paul J. Wong, PharmD; Florence H. Wong-Yu, PharmD

Professors of Pharmaceutical and Health Economics: Dana Goldman, PhD; Joel W. Hay, PhD; Darius N. Lakdawalla, PhD

Assistant Professor of Regulatory and Quality Sciences: Susan Bain, PhD

Research Assistant Professors: Etienne Gaudette, PhD; Steven Fox, MD, PhD

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, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in clinical and experimental therapeutics, Master of Science (MS) in pharmaceutical economics and policy, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in health economics, Master of Science (MS) in Healthcare Decision Analysis, Master of Science (MS) in regulatory science, and Master of Science (MS) in management of drug development and Master of Science (MS) in Medical Product Quality. The PhD Programs in Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences is a new one-year umbrella program after which students select a particular track to complete their degree with a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, molecular pharmacology and toxicology, or clinical and experimental therapeutics. 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 healthcare 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; PhD in clinical and experimental therapeutics; 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 and a doctorate in Regulatory Sciences (DRSc). The PhD Programs in Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences is a one-year umbrella program after which students select a particular track to complete their degree with a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, molecular pharmacology and toxicology, or clinical and experimental therapeutics. The school also offers interdisciplinary MS degrees in regulatory science, in the management of drug development, in healthcare decision analysis and in medical product quality. 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. An online application is required. See the Graduate Admission application page. Additional information may be obtained by calling (323) 442-1474 or sending email to pharmgrd@usc.edu.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology and Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Applicants should possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology or other related disciplines 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. Special attention is given to the grades achieved in science courses relevant to the program (e.g., chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology and mathematics).

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. 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.

Applications for admission are reviewed by the Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Admissions Committee of the School of Pharmacy and are evaluated primarily on the basis of academic excellence.

Admission Requirements for Programs in Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology and Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences

All prospective students will apply through the single umbrella program Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences and become enrolled in one of the three participating PhD programs after having successfully completed the first year’s course work and rotations. Application materials will be reviewed by a joint admission committee, with equal representation of faculty from each track, evaluating applications on the basis of academic excellence and scientific research commitment.

Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree in natural sciences, or sufficient courses in mathematics and the life sciences. This is required to provide a strong background for studies in biomedical and biological research. Appropriate undergraduate degrees include biology, physiology, engineering, chemistry or computer science.

For those interested in pursuing PhD training in the Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics track, special emphasis will be given to applicants with an advanced professional degree (e.g. PharmD, MD, DDS). A student currently enrolled in the PharmD program may pursue a PharmD/PhD dual degree by following the admission procedure in the Catalogue.

Applicants should have a strong record of academic achievement and satisfactory performance on the general and advanced portions of the GRE. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required and previous research experience is expected.

In addition to the application for admission, three letters of recommendation from faculty knowledgeable of 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, creativity and other qualities in the student’s academic performance. The student’s research and professional experience should be well described within the application and include a personal statement summarizing career objectives and research interests.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy

Applicants for admission must have achieved a minimum 3.0 GPA in an 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 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 Healthcare 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 Doctorate of Science in Regulatory Science

The program is designed for individuals with strong professional experience and demonstrated intellectual and leadership capabilities. Applicants are expected to have a GPA of 3.0 on university-level course work and five or more years of professional experience. Admission requirements include university transcripts, a résumé, at least three letters of reference, and a one-page personal statement that outlines the background and goals of the applicant. Students are encouraged even at this early stage to identify areas in which they are interested in conducting research. Additional requirements for international students are outlined by university regulations under Admission of International Students. (See Admission and Orientation .) Students are not required to provide GRE scores unless indicated by the program director.

Students with an appropriate graduate or professional degree may use some previous graduate courses as transfer units toward the overall credit requirements of the Doctor of Regulatory Science program with the approval of the program director and under the normal rules of the university. Students who have graduated from the MS program in Regulatory Science can apply all of the previously taken course work toward the doctoral degree. Students with graduate degrees from outside of the regulatory science program are required to take a minimum of 32 units of course work and 4 units of dissertation research to complete the requirements for graduation. The course work requirements will be determined on an individual basis in consultation with the program director and participant’s advisers.

Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Regulatory Science

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 School of Pharmacy and/or jointly with 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 Healthcare Decision Analysis
Master of Science in Management of Drug Development
Master of Science in Medical Product Quality
Master of Science in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Master of Science in Regulatory Science
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Economics
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy
Doctor of Regulatory Science
PharmD
PharmD/Juris Doctor
PharmD/MBA Dual Degree Program
PharmD/MS, Gerontology
PharmD/Master of Science, Global Medicine
PharmD/Master of Science, Healthcare Decision Analysis
PharmD/Master of Public Health
PharmD/MS, Regulatory Science
PharmD/Doctor of Philosophy

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
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 the Office of Continuing Professional Development.