The USC MS in Regulatory Science degree requires satisfactory completion of 36 units beyond the baccalaureate degree. The core curriculum includes courses that focus on basic regulatory frameworks, advanced regulatory frameworks, quality assurance, clinical research, statistics, medical product law, and project management, 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 Regulation
RSCI 511: Introduction to Medical Product Regulation
Advanced Regulation
RSCI 512: Regulation of Pharmaceutical & Biological Products
RSCI 513: Regulation of Medical Devices & Diagnostics
Quality Assurance (choose one course)
RSCI 508: Quality Assurance for Drugs and Biologics
RSCI 509: Quality Assurance for Medical Devices & Combination Products
RSCI 515: Quality Systems & Standards
Clinical Research
RSCI 517: Structure & Management of Clinical Trials
Statistics (choose at least one)
RSCI 510: Statistical Process Control and Lean Manufacturing
RSCI 522: Introduction to Clinical Trial Design & Statistics
Medical Product Law
RSCI 516: Medical Products & the Law
Global Strategy & Policy
RSCI 519: Global Regulation of Medical Products
Product Lifecycle
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 Regulatory Science, you must have completed:
- At least 36 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 on-site, and the program offices and classrooms are located on the USC Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles, California. On-site courses are typically held on the weekends so that working professionals can attend courses while working full-time during weekdays. Students attending class on-site have the chance to interact with the speakers, faculty and fellow students. Attending class is a great networking opportunity that allows the formation of important relationships with those with similar backgrounds in 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, CA.
Distance Program
Distance courses offered by the USC Mann School’s Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences were created with busy professionals in mind. Domestics students, who want to advance their education but cannot attend classes at the USC Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles, can participate synchronously in an online learning environment that closely mirrors the on-campus classroom experience. For more than 15 years, the department has successfully delivered this program to students across the United States.
Online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and distance students participate in the same classes as their on-campus peers. While the flexible format allows students to learn independently and absorb new concepts at their own pace, it also provides meaningful interaction with classmates and instructors through live class participation.