The ISPOR 2018 conference was the catalyst and pivoted my career path towards HEOR, which then brought me to the PhD program at USC. And I must thank Professor Ken Wong for making my dual enrollment in the BPMK program and the PhD program possible. These experiences continue to fuel my interest in this career path.
Master the Marketing of Healthcare Innovation
USC Master of Science in Biopharmaceutical Marketing is a specialized graduate program in precision marketing aimed at careers in the biopharmaceuticals, consulting, and medical technology industries.
Graduates will learn and use the practical tools, skills and methods to embrace the next wave of healthcare innovation to drive markets while improving health outcomes and product value.
All program courses emphasize project-based learning allowing active exploration of real-world healthcare business challenges and deeper proficiency in precision marketing.
Lectures from leading industry executives offered across all program courses provide unique access to critical insights from experts in their respective fields.
High Demand, Real Impact
A partnership between USC Mann and the Price School of Public Policy, the Schaeffer Center brings together health policy experts, seasoned pharmacoeconomics specialists and faculty across USC and other leading institutions to solve pressing challenges in healthcare.
Program Benefits
- Intensive and targeted instruction on how to evaluate and market biopharmaceuticals and other innovative healthcare products, showcase product attributes and value stories, and gain healthcare coverage and reimbursement
- Knowledge to become experts in growth sectors beyond the current healthcare and global biopharmaceutical industry, including newly emerging diagnostics and medical technology devices
- Innovative tools and skills to assess and maximize a product’s commercial opportunities by conducting market research and developing marketing strategies
- Learning-by-doing through team collaborations and scenario-based learning problem solving representing current real-world situations and critical decision pathways
Accordion Content
What is the difference between the healthcare decision analysis program and the biopharmaceutical marketing program?
BPMK students take a deep dive into the specialized areas of biopharmaceutical marketing, product development, and commercialization. HCDA has broader business applications with applied healthcare strategy, analytics, and policy.
Will I be required to take prerequisites or follow a rigid schedule?
There are no prerequisites for admission and students do not have to follow any pre-set course sequence. All classes are designed to allow individualized progress to learn from the material presented within each course.
Is the program designed to accommodate working professionals?
Yes, our schedule and courses are designed to take advantage of weekends and independent study using adult education principles. Students will have the choice of traditional or flexible classroom participation to allow for distance learning and time independent lectures. The BPMK program’s flexible options are designed to accommodate individual schedules and reduce travel requirements. For those active working professionals who cannot regularly travel to a traditional classroom there is also the Working Professional Cohort.
What is the Working Professional Cohort (WPC)?
The WPC is designed to accommodate working professionals who want to accelerate skills and expertise. Designed for flexibility, those eligible to opt-in to the WPC have the option to participate asynchronously due to professional work demands.
What if I have to miss a class or weekend?
All classroom lectures are recorded with Zoom and posted following the scheduled class. Students are able to access all materials presented, recorded lectures, and exercise resources via BrightSpace, the online Learning Management System.
Is financial aid available?
The USC Office of Financial Aid administers one of the largest financial aid programs in the United States, with many options available for graduate & professional students, international students, and those with special circumstances. Please contact the USC Office of Financial Aid for more information or reach out directly to Julie Andaya, associate director of financial aid at pharmfao@usc.edu.
Is there a minimum GRE score and/or GPA requirement?
There is no requirement to provide GRE/GMAT scores as part of the application. A minimum of a 3.0 GPA is generally needed to be competitive for entry into the programs.
Do I need a math or science degree to succeed in the program?
No, a math or science degree is not required to be successful in the program. The programs are designed to accommodate and educate students from a wide range of academic experiences and skill levels who are seeking to improve their technical skills and analytical abilities. The students should possess basic science and math competency.
How long does it typically take to earn a degree?
The time period to earn a degree depends on the individual and the enrolled degree program. The Division of Healthcare and Biopharmaceutical Business works to accommodate students, within reason, given the university’s administrative requirements. For individualized support or to explore the fit of our program with your unique needs, please contact Michelle Ton, Program Administrator at tonm@usc.edu.
- Graduate Certificates: The 12 unit program can easily be completed in two to four semesters.
- Master of Science: On average, most students complete degree requirements within 15 – 24 months.
- PharmD/MS Dual Degree: The program MUST be completed during the same 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. It is highly encouraged that current USC PharmD students explore this option with the support of advisors from both programs.
- PharmD/MS Concurrent Degree: The program can be completed up to 1 year after the completion of the PharmD.
What career paths are open to me after completing the program?
Our graduates have pursued business careers in healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, consulting, health insurance, medical technology and more.
Do you help us secure a job post graduation?
We can provide you with the career resources and coaching to support you in having a successful job search process.
You will have access to USC’s and our program’s individualized career services resources and support. This is available to all of our current students and alumni up to one year after graduation.
Can I take a course or two before applying to see if the program is right for me?
Yes, please contact Michelle Ton (tonm@usc.edu) to inquire about limited status enrollment.
What is the cost of the tuition for the program?
Detailed tuition and fee information can be found in the USC Catalog. Typically, one course is 3 units. Tuition is the same for resident and non-resident students. Note: Tuition rates are subject to change without notice.
Was there something or someone who inspired you to pursue your chosen career path?
Tony Yu
MS Biopharmaceutical Marketing '23
Doctoral Fellow, HEOR - AbbVie
What was your favorite class in the Biopharmaceutical Marketing program?
“One of my favorite classes that I’ve taken in the program was Biopharmaceutical Advertising and Communication. In that class, a lot of what I learned directly relates to what I’m doing now in my rotational program. It’s been really exciting getting to apply what I learned.”
Amy Li
MS Biopharmaceutical Marketing '23
Career Discovery Program Marketing Associate - Amgen
What makes the biopharmaceutical marketing program unique?
“Being a part-time student in the program while also working full-time has allowed me to translate what I have learned in my courses into the workforce. The program is centered around collaboration, offering scenario-based learning that is focused on enhancing students’ abilities to successfully market biopharmaceuticals and other innovative healthcare products. I recommend this program to anyone thinking of returning to school to either enhance their skills, pivot into something new, or be a leader in the ever-changing healthcare environment while having the flexibility to be a working professional.”
Shayan Langha
MS Biopharmaceutical Marketing ’23
Sr. Staff Regional Segment Marketing Manager, Oncology - Illumina
What stood out to you about this program?
“I was initially attracted to this program for the interdisciplinary curriculum and the hands-on approach. After graduating as a biochemistry major from UCLA, I wanted to find a program that would help me transition between science and business. This program was a perfect match.”
