Oct 06, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (MS)


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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 within 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.

Degree Requirements


Graduation requires completion of 27 units, according to the required Year One course schedule outlined below. None of these courses may be substituted or waived.

This program is intended to be completed within one academic year and does not include a requirement for independent laboratory research nor a thesis. Students may request approval to undertake laboratory research and continuing course work during a second-year research option; students must already be matriculated into the program before making this request, and not all students will be granted this opportunity. (Selection will be based on academic performance and student research interests, and on availability of laboratory space.) During this optional second year, students must enroll in the required Year Two courses listed below; none of these courses may be substituted or waived.

Year One, Spring Semester


Required Courses (7 units), two hands-on courses (4 units), and one required elective (2 Units) for a total of 13 units.

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