The USC MS in Management of Drug Development degree requires satisfactory completion of 32 units beyond the baccalaureate degree. The core curriculum includes courses that focus on basic regulatory frameworks, translational science, quality assurance, clinical research, statistics, and business, as well as elective options. Hands-on experience is encouraged through the participation in academic and industry internships, or the Team-Based Regulatory and Quality Sciences (TRAQS) Experiential Projects program.
Required Courses
All of the courses offered by the Department of Regulatory and Quality Science can be taken either in-person or online (within the United States). Upon admission we will work with you to develop a course plan that fits your needs.
Introductory Regulatory (choose at least one)
RSCI 511: Introduction to Medical Product Regulation
RSCI 512: Regulation of Pharmaceutical & Biologic Products
Advanced Translation (choose at least two)
RSCI 531: Industrial Approaches to Drug Discovery (required)
RSCI 532: Early Stage Drug Development
RSCI 533: Safety Evaluation During Drug Development
Quality Assurance (choose at least one)
RSCI 508: Quality Assurance for Drugs and Biologics
RSCI 515: Quality Systems & Standards
RSCI 526: Chemistry Manufacturing and Control
Clinical Research
RSCI 517: Structure & Management of Clinical Trials
Statistics (choose at least one)
RSCI 507: Quality Systems & Statistical Process Control
RSCI 522: Introduction to Clinical Trial Design & Statistics
Business
RSCI 601: Biomedical Commerce
Electives
Any remaining units can be filled with elective coursework chosen from the courses offered by the Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate with a Master of Science degree in Management of Drug Development, you must have completed:
- At least 32 units of required and elective courses
- Obtained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Maintain continuous enrollment during all fall and spring semesters
- Complete the degree within five years
Team-Based Regulatory and Quality Sciences (TRAQS) Experiential Projects
TRAQS projects are cooperative ventures with industry sponsors, designed to permit a small team of interdisciplinary students to work on projects defined by specific needs and objectives in collaboration with a corporate sponsor.
On-Site / Distance Program
On-Site Program
Courses can be taken onsite and our program offices and classrooms are located on the USC Health Sciences Campus in downtown Los Angeles, California. Onsite courses are typically held on the weekends so that working professionals can attend courses while working full-time during weekdays. Students attending class onsite have the chance to interact with the speakers, faculty and fellow students. Coming to class is a great networking experience that allows the formation of important relationships with those with similar backgrounds in the field of Regulatory Science. Breakfast and lunch are served each day.
In-person classes take place at CHP (Center for Health Professions), 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, Calif. 90089.
Distance Program
USC Distance Courses were created for busy professionals who wish to further their education but cannot travel to traditional classrooms. We have successfully delivered programs to students across the US for more than 15 years.
Our online courses are taught by the same academic experts who teach in the traditional classroom and students participate in the same classes as students who attend onsite. Online coursework allows students to work independently and absorb new concepts at their own pace. At the same time, there is a great deal of personal contact with fellow classmates and with professors. Lectures can be viewed in “real time” or at another time that may be more convenient.
