“Our graduates will conduct research across clinical and basic science disciplines, integrating basic investigations and clinical observations in applied research to better understand disease processes, advance drug development and evaluate efficacy and toxicity or therapeutic regimens.”
The Progressive MS in Clinical & Experimental Therapeutics program will enable top eligible USC undergraduates to begin work on the MS in Clinical & Experimental Therapeutics degree while completing requirements for the bachelor’s degree. The master’s degree can be obtained in as little as one additional year after the bachelor’s degree. This pathway allows taking graduate-level courses during the senior year and will benefit from reduced number of units (24 vs 28) required to earn the degree.
- Undergraduates in their Junior year may apply for this pathway. Seniors graduating in the fall may also apply; must complete all undergraduate coursework by fall.
- Open to all majors; basic biology and chemistry knowledge preferred
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at time of application
- Completed at least 64 units but has not exceeded 96 total units of undergraduate course work (excludes AP, IB, or transfer units earned prior to graduation from high school)
- No GRE requirement
- Note: financial aid eligibility differs for students in Progressive Degree programs. Please visit Financial Aid Enrollment in a Progressive Degree Program for more details.
The application for Admission to a Progressive Master’s Program should include:
- Application form
- STARS report (Office of Academic Records and Registrar)
- Transfer Credit Report
- Proposed Course Plan: Constructed with advisors for both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Must include all remaining undergraduate course requirements and at least two-thirds of the graduate program requirements
- Juniors: Two letters of recommendation from USC faculty.
- Graduating seniors: One letter of recommendation from a faculty member in their major field of study for students with a cumulative GPA of 3.2-3.49. No letter for students with a cumulative GPA above 3.5.
- Application and Proposed Course Plan should be approved by:
– Undergraduate program department chair and dean
– Master’s program department chair and dean - Please visit Progressive Degree Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about applying.
- Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.
- Application deadlines vary depending on the applicant’s status and anticipated term of enrollment.
The approved application and course plan will be submitted to Degree Progress by the master’s program and added to the student’s academic record.
- Students must complete all degree requirements for both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees.
- A minimum of 24 MS course units is required for the Progressive Degree MS program.
- All MS coursework must be completed at the 500 level or above. Students may pursue either the thesis or non-thesis option.
- For detailed course requirements, see the MS in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics Degree Requirements page.
