About the Program

Regulatory Science online courses offer convenient internet-based learning tools that feature:

• Lectures, live faculty real-time activities, flexible threaded discussions, and academic easy-to-use resources that are all available at the course web site or by distance module
• The ability to access coursework anytime – 24 hours a day
• Guidance and virtual office hours by our program coordinators and personal mentors
• Limited enrollment which allows students to get to know their instructors and fellow students personally
• Communication with instructors and fellow students through chat rooms, message boards and email
• Reading and writing assignments to expand knowledge of the Regulatory Sciences; these can be completed off line at the student’s convenience

Each week one hour of class activities also occur in real time, via live video and /or live chat in the online classroom. Students are able to interact with the professor as he or she moderates a thought provoking discussion from our learning studio. In addition, both the professor and the teaching assistant are available online for additional questions or academic support.

Online students receive administrative support, academic and career counseling from a personal Regulatory Science Advisor who is assigned to work with them. This individual is available through email or over the phone to answer questions, explore career alternatives, and recommend resources.

An important feature of our Online Regulatory Science courses is their use of online learning communities where interactivity is generated inside and outside of online classrooms. Regulatory Science students team up to learn with their cohort groups who are comprised of medical product professionals from diverse fields. Together these groups develop an interdisciplinary approach to medical product development.

Throughout their Regulatory Science online education, students complete a signature project, a Portfolio of Learning. The portfolio is comprised not just of classroom based materials, but instead, assembled from academic research and multiple real-life experiences. Portfolios graphically advertise areas of expertise to current and prospective employers.

In addition, to bring our students together for an informal learning experience, a highly interactive summer camp is offered in Los Angeles each year. The camp experience provides a forum for professional development and networking with peers, academic and industry experts.

What we currently offer:

MS In Regulatory Science:

The MS in Regulatory Science is an intensive, interdisciplinary program designed to produce graduates whose background in biological, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences are enhanced by the knowledge and skills needed to manage regulated biomedical products. Centered in the School of Pharmacy, the full-time or part-time program has an interdisciplinary, three-semester curriculum and relies on the participation of professionals from public and private sectors. The MS Regulatory Science program is highly selective. Thus, applicants demonstrating leadership potential typically rise to the top of our candidate pool in the admissions process. For more information check out our brochure: Or contact us directly.

• M.S. Information Brochure

Certificates:

The graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Design and Management is designed to strengthen the statistical, research and project-management skills of clinical researchers and their associated clinical team members. Students must complete at least 12 units of coursework including at least two courses in clinical design and trial management, one course in ethics and one course in a specialized aspect of design, management or statistics, subject to the approval of the program director.  The program will include coursework delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance capabilities to capture and web cast lectures and study materials.  Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination.  Students should confirm their specific coursework plan in consultation with the graduate advisors before beginning the program. Students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university must submit an application for graduate study through the Regulatory Science program of the School of Pharmacy. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program.  Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.

The graduate Certificate in Food Safety is a 12-unit program of coursework designed to strengthen the knowledge base and functional “toolkit” of individuals who deal with the production and management of food in industry and government.  Students are required to take an entry level course that focuses on regulatory requirements for foods and dietary supplements and two additional courses that focus on food science and food/ drug toxicology respectively.  A final course will be selected from a small grouping of electives that deal with quality systems or risk management.  The program will include coursework delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance capabilities to capture and web cast lectures and study materials.  Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination.  Students should confirm their specific coursework plan in consultation with the graduate advisors before beginning the program. Students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university must submit an application for graduate study through the Regulatory Science program of the School of Pharmacy. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program.  Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.

The graduate Certificate in Patient and Product Safety educates students in the emerging field of safety and risk management in the health care environment.  It is designed to produce graduates who have a particular expertise in the evaluation and mitigation of medical errors and health-care product problems. Participants in this highly focused program will take an introductory course in the basic principles of risk management, a second course in the use of risk management tools, and two additional courses in patient and product safety respectively.  Coursework is typically delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance capabilities to capture and web cast lectures and study materials.  Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination.  Students should confirm their specific coursework plan in consultation with the graduate advisors before beginning the program. Students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university must submit an application for graduate study through the Regulatory Science program of the School of Pharmacy. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program.  Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.

The graduate Certificate in Preclinical Drug Development is designed to provide advanced training for individuals interested in preclinical aspects of translational medicine and associated research. Students must complete at least 12 units of coursework including an introductory course, normally RSCI 530: Translational Medicine (2 units); two courses in drug discovery and development, normally RSCI 531 Drug Discovery (4 units) and RSCI 532 Early Stage Drug Development; and one course in a specialized aspect of development germane to translational science, such as RSCI 525 Introduction to Drug and Food Toxicology; MPTX 526 Chemistry and Manufacturing Controls, or MPTX 511, Introduction to Medical Product Regulation. The program will include coursework delivered in nontraditional formats such as intensive weekend sessions and will use distance capabilities to capture and webcast lectures and study materials.  Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination.  Students should confirm their specific coursework plan in consultation with the graduate advisors before beginning the program. Students who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university must submit an application for graduate study through the Regulatory Science program of the School of Pharmacy. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program.  Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.

For additional information on or about the program, please contact:

Kathy Knodel

Program Manager

Tel: 323.442.3102

Email: regsci@usc.edu