Program Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Explain and apply core concepts across basic, translational, and clinical sciences.
- Design and conduct interdisciplinary research using contemporary methods and technologies relevant to their area of emphasis.
- Synthesize, analyze and critically evaluate data from diverse sources using appropriate statistical, bioinformatics, and data science approaches.
- Conduct faculty-mentored research with increasing independence, culminating in a thesis or other scholarly product, as applicable.
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Communicate scientific methods, findings, and implications effectively through written work, oral presentations, and professional scientific forums.
Degree Requirements
The MS in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics degree requires the completion of 28 units. Students may apply a maximum of four units of upper-division undergraduate 400-level courses toward the degree requirements. By the end of the first year of study, students must select either the thesis or non-thesis option.
CXPT Courses (12 units from the following recommended courses)
- CXPT 609 Preclinical Experimental Therapeutic Drug Development (4 units)
- CXPT 501 Biomedical Data Science (4 units)
- CXPT 608 Clinical Pharmacology for Drug Development (2 units)
- CXPT 607 Model Informed Drug Development (4 units)
- CXPT 664 Clinical Problem Solving (4 units)
Elective Units
The remaining units are completed through elective coursework offered by the USC Mann School or related disciplines outside the school, subject to approval by the CXPT Program Director.
Thesis Option (four units)
Students pursuing the thesis option complete 4 units of thesis research, typically during the second year of the program:
- CXPT 594a Master’s Thesis (2 units)
- CXPT 495b Master’s Thesis (2 units)
Non-Thesis Option
Students pursuing the non-thesis option complete all required units through coursework. Students may also elect to complete an independent project or scholarly review under faculty supervision, as approved by the program.