“The rigorous training I received through the USC Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program equipped me with a strong foundation in natural product chemistry, microbial genetics and analytical chemistry. This comprehensive background has proven invaluable in my research on unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying microbe-host interactions.”
The USC Mann School’s Pharmaceutical & Translational Sciences Program brings together three laboratory-based PhD programs—Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, promoting a more cohesive interdisciplinary experience advancing education and offering opportunities to sample the entire range of innovative research options.
The doctoral training program prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, academia and advanced scientific research in a broad range of settings. The training encompasses a unique scientific framework from drug discovery, delivery and development to application of genetics and genomics to experimental and clinical translational research.
Meet Our Faculty
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USC Advantages
- Cutting-edge research opportunities covering the entire pharmaceutical continuum
- Top-notch research faculty with interdisciplinary and collaborative projects
- Ample course options provide flexibility to accommodate a variety of research interests
- Opportunity to enroll in a variety of MS programs with no additional tuition
- Strong mentoring, career development and travel support to ensure individual success
Three Unique Tracks
During your first year, you’ll take courses, attend seminars, and rotate through labs across programs. This shared experience encourages collaboration among students and faculty from different disciplines, and gives you time to explore research areas, meet potential mentors, and identify the track you want to pursue.
At the end of your first year, you’ll choose one of the three areas of study listed below. That’s where you’ll focus your research and earn your PhD. Learn more about the PhD curriculum
Accordion Content
The PhD in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology program provides training in molecular mechanisms of disease and in disease and drug interactions. Coursework emphasizes molecular pharmacology and the interaction of drugs with cell physiology. Research areas are laboratory-based and include drug design and development, receptor pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, medicinal chemistry, cancer biology and pharmacology, immunology, metabolism and biochemistry, molecular- and neuro-pharmacology, and oxidant and environmental toxicology.
The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences program provides training that emphasizes both basic and applied research through advanced coursework in contemporary pharmaceutical sciences. Independent laboratory research areas include drug design, development, targeting and delivery, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunology and molecular and cell biology.
The PhD in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics program provides cross-training between clinical and basic sciences, focusing on the investigation of disease processes, drug development, and the efficacy and toxicity of therapeutic regimens. Course requirements and research opportunities offer both experimental (basic) and disease-focused experiences. The emphasis in this track is on clinical translational research, using molecular and translational science techniques to address clinically relevant research questions.
How did your time at the USC Mann School impact you?
Chun-Jun (CJ) Guo
PhD Pharmaceutical Sciences '14
Assistant Professor, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences
Why did you choose USC Mann?
“One of the appealing factors that sold me was the famous USC alumni network, the focus on translational science at various levels, and the option to earn a masters in either regulatory science or drug development. Taken together I believe they contribute to making me more competitive in the job market after my PhD.”
Hugo Avila
PhD Pharmaceutical and Translational Sciences ’21
Senior Advisor, Eli Lilly and Company
What inspired you to pursue a PharmD/PhD at USC?
“I only applied to pharmacy schools that advertised a dual degree program; plus USC is the number-one private pharmacy school in the country. While it was a struggle to take PharmD and PhD classes at the same time, the School’s dual degree program allowed me to complete my clinical and research training two years faster than if I had pursued the degrees separately.”
Anh Truong
PharmD ’17, PhD Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology ’21
Field Application Scientist at Agilent Technologies
Why was USC a good fit for you?
“USC was a good fit for me because it had provided me with opportunities to develop necessary scientific skills and grow a professional network for a postgrad career in the pharmaceutical industry.”