Preparing to Apply
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It takes an average of five years to complete the PhD program — two years of coursework and approximately three years of research and writing of the dissertation.
The MS program is a two-year program.
We do not offer online, distance learning or part-time options for the following programs:
- The PhD program
- MS in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
- MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- MS in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
- MS in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
We only admit for the fall semester every year.
No, we do not accept transfer students. Interested applicants are required to submit an application for consideration as a new student. Upon acceptance into the program, you may request that the department review your transcripts to determine if any units are transferable.
No, the graduate programs do not offer conditional admission.
Please visit the graduate admission website for a comprehensive overview of the admission processes, policies and procedures.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
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If you are admitted as a PhD student, both domestic and international students are eligible for financial aid in the form of a teaching assistantship, a research assistantship or a fellowship. A typical funding package covers students in good standing for five years. Students receive full tuition and fees, and a generous stipend for living expenses.
MS students are self-pay students. We do not offer any financial aid.
For information on graduate and professional financial aid, tuition and fees, visit the USC Cost of Attendance page.
The Graduate School and the Office of Academic Honors and Fellowships oversee a number of opportunities for master’s and professional doctorate students. Learn more about fellowships
If you are admitted as a PhD student, both domestic and international students are eligible for financial aid in the form of a teaching assistantship, a research assistantship or a fellowship. A typical funding package covers students in good standing for five years. Students receive full tuition and fees, and a generous stipend for living expenses.
With its global outlook and location in a dynamic world city, USC offers a warm welcome to international students. Our student body represents more than 130 countries around the world.
Applying to USC
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An account is required. The online application is accessible here.
Please contact us directly if you have questions about the program.
If you are experiencing technical issues with the application or the online portal, please use askUSC, or contact the USC Graduate Admissions team via email.
International Students
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The application requirements are the same for domestic and international students with one exception:
International graduate applicants are expected to demonstrate their proficiency in English as part of the application process and should carefully review the test score guidelines. USC accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge and PTE Academic. Learn more
International applicants are exempt from submitting English-proficiency scores under certain circumstances. Learn more
USC does not waive the English-proficiency requirement based on any other consideration such as work experience, ESL enrollment, amount of time spent in the U.S., etc. It also cannot be waived on the basis of programs taught in English in non-Anglophone countries.
Official Transcripts
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Applicants to USC graduate programs must submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions they have previously attended.
If you completed your previous studies outside the United States, check our country-specific requirements to determine if we need original-language copies of your academic records.
In these cases, we need transcripts issued in the original language of instruction, accompanied by a separate, word-for-word, English-language translation of all records.
The translation should be issued either directly from the school itself or by a professional, certified translator. It must contain all information shown on the original-language documents and “mirror” it as precisely as possible. Dual-language transcripts are also acceptable.
USC does not accept credential evaluation reports from outside agencies (e.g., WES, ECE, etc.) for the purposes of admission review. Only academic records issued directly by the school are acceptable.
Standardized Tests
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If the MS program specifically states that the GRE is not required, the USC Mann School does not waive the GRE test under any circumstances.
Please refer to individual program requirements for further information.
If the program requires it, you may not substitute any other test for the GRE. The test is mandatory for programs that require it. Please refer the individual program requirements for further information.
Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC (for example, no earlier than August 1 five years prior if applying for the fall term).