University of Southern California

Overview

The Master of Science (MSc) in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Southern California (USC) delves into the intricate interactions between drugs and biological targets, as well as the molecular processes involved in toxicology. This program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and research skills essential for drug discovery, development, and safety assessment.

What you'll study

Coursework and training

The MSc curriculum integrates advanced theoretical lectures with hands-on research training, enhancing your understanding of pharmacological mechanisms and toxicological processes. Students will engage in a blend of core and specialized courses that cover essential topics in pharmacology, toxicology, and drug discovery, alongside quantitative and laboratory-oriented subjects.

Indicative courses include:

• Pharmacogenomics
• Proteomics
• Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Structure–Activity Relationship & Drug Design
• Spectrometry in Biomedicine
• Computing Applications in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Immunopharmaceutics
• Advanced Pharmacokinetics
• Dosage Form Design & Evaluation
• Drug Discovery and Design
• Drug Transport and Delivery
• Molecular Structural Biology
• Intracellular Drug Delivery and Targeting
• Drug Metabolism

Research component

Alongside the coursework, students are encouraged to participate in research training that aligns with topics in molecular pharmacology and toxicology. The format of this research component, such as thesis or capstone projects, may vary based on individual student plans and departmental guidance, so it is advisable to confirm current degree requirements with the USC School of Pharmacy.

Entry requirements

Academic background

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field.

GPA

Your GPA will be considered as part of the overall application evaluation. It is advisable to check with USC for any minimum GPA requirements currently in place.

GRE

Scores from the GRE General Test are required, with specific minimum scores in Verbal and Quantitative sections.

English proficiency

• TOEFL iBT: minimum 90
• IELTS: minimum 6.5
• PTE Academic: minimum 61

Additional requirements

• Letters of recommendation
• Relevant research and/or professional experience
• Evidence of preparation in foundational scientific areas such as organic/physical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, mathematics, statistics, and computer science
• Application documents specified by USC graduate admissions, including transcripts and any program-specific forms

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology can pursue a variety of career paths in academia, industry, and regulatory agencies. Opportunities may include roles in pharmaceutical research and development, toxicological assessment, quality control, and clinical trials. The program also prepares students for further academic pursuits, including doctoral studies in related fields.