Frequently
Asked Questions - Regarding the Program
Q1:
What is Regulatory Science?
Q2: What is included in the graduate level curriculum?
Q3: Am I eligible to apply to the program?
Q4: I am interested in applying to the program, what do
I need to do next?
Q5: Can I take a course or two before applying to see if
the program is right for me?
Q6: Can I work while earning my MS degree at the same time?
Q7: How long will I typically take to earn a MS degree is
Regulatory Science?
Q8: Do you have distance learning courses available in your
program?
Q9: Do you offer a dual degree program with Regulatory Science?
Q10: What is the cost of tuition for the master’s
program?
Q11: Who do I speak to in regards to financial-aid or scholarships?
Q12: How do I register?
Q13: Who can I contact for further information?
Q1: What is Regulatory Science?
A: Regulatory Science relates the regulatory and legal requirements of
biomedical product development to the scientific research needed to ensure
the safety and efficacy of those products. It is an emerging profession
experiencing tremendous growth. The rapid expansion of the biomedical
industry has resulted in a particularly large and unmet demand for regulatory
professionals. The Master of Science in Regulatory Science is an intensive,
interdisciplinary program within the School of Pharmacy designed to produce
graduates whose backgrounds in biological, pharmaceutical, and biomedical
sciences are enhanced by the knowledge and skills needed to manage regulated
biomedical products.
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Q2:
What is included in the graduate level curriculum?
A: Our curriculum provides a unique combination of in-class training and
industry experience. Students in the program are required to complete
36 units. Thirty credits are obtained from classroom work and six credits
come from the internship. Core courses cover six areas: regulation of
foods and medical products, quality assurance, clinical research, statistics,
law, and business. Students are able to transfer credits from graduate
work that they have done in the past towards their degree. Other credits
can be taken from a list of our optional courses or from any area of interest
that bears on regulatory science; these alternative courses must be pre-approved.
The six unit internship is personalized to give the student in-depth exposure
to a subfield of interest. For those already working full-time the internship
requirement can be replaced by additional coursework.
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Q3:
Am I eligible to apply to the program?
A: The Master’s Program in Regulatory Science is designed for participants
with strong science or industry backgrounds. Preference will be given
to candidates who have completed previous graduate study in science, engineering
or business, although students with particularly strong undergraduate
transcripts and leadership qualities will also be considered for admission.
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Q4:
I am interested in applying to the program, what do I need to do next?
A: Applicants have the option to apply to any of the three terms: fall, spring, or summer. Applications can be submitted at any time, preferably at least three months before the beginning of the semester term. Application information and materials may be obtained through several different means. Potential students may wish to browse our website for further information on application processes and required materials at http://regulatory.usc.edu/ . Or you may prefer to contact the program coordinator directly with questions. You may contact us at (323) 442-3102 or fax information to (323) 442-2333. We welcome applicants to come in and meet with us in-person and speak with our coordinator; this may be done during the appropriate business hours from 8:00am-5:00pm (PCT) Monday through Friday. Please note, when sending in your application materials, address them as follows:
ATTN: PROGRAM MANAGER
Regulatory Science Program
University of Southern California
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP G32
Los Angeles, CA 90089
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Q5:
Can I take a course or two before applying to see if the program is right
for me?
A: Prospective students may opt to enroll in a course or two as a limited
student prior to applying/being accepted to our program. This is a unique
opportunity which allows potential applicants to see if they would like
to pursue a future MS degree in Regulatory Science. Limited enrolled students
should be aware that they are only allowed to take up to 12 units before
applying and being admitted to the program. Be sure to ask our program
coordinator about the “Limited Student Enrollment Form” and
status if you are interested in taking courses as a limited enrolled student.
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Q6:
Can I work while earning my MS degree at the same time?
A: The majority of our students work either part-time, full-time or as
an intern. Our program offers students a professional advantage by having
courses primarily on Fridays, Saturdays, and/or Sundays; occasionally
courses will be held on the weekdays. Each course usually meets for a
total of five days from 9:00am-5:00pm; the schedule varies from term to
term. With this distinctive course set-up, most of our students are able
to work and earn their MS degree simultaneously.
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Q7:
How long will I typically take to earn a MS degree is Regulatory Science?
A: The time period to earn a MS in Regulatory Science degree depends on
the individual. On average, most students obtain their degree within a
year or two of enrollment, but three years may be needed if you take a
single course each term. For participants without industry experience,
the full-time MS program has four terms: three terms of course work and
one term of internship in industry or government. Part-time studies are
possible and encouraged. Talk to our counselor to develop an individualized
program that meets your special needs.
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Q8:
Do you have distance learning courses available in your program?
A: We are introducing distance-learning courses each term so that all of our core courses are available in this format. Selected optional courses will also be given on-line. It should be possible to earn a degree on-line. However, we suggest that students may want to combine on-line and classroom based courses where possible.
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Q9:
Do you offer a dual degree program with Regulatory Science?
A: The School of Pharmacy offers an innovative dual degree program for
students currently enrolled in PharmD studies. In this dual program, twelve
credits of coursework in the PharmD program are counted toward the requirements
for the MS in Regulatory Science, which greatly shortens the coursework
component. Students wishing to take the dual program should identify their
interests early, because the program is best started at the end of the
first or second year of studies. Contact the program coordinator if you
are interested in the dual PharmD/MS or PhD/MS degree.
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Q10:
What is the cost of tuition for the master’s program?
A: The estimated tuition fee per unit is $1271.00 for the 2008-2009 academic school year. Typically one course is 3 units. Tuition is the same for resident and non-resident students. Registration and settlement of tuition and fees can be dealt with the School of Pharmacy on the Health Sciences Campus (HSC) located at PSC 206-A or call (323) 442-1466. Note: The tuition rates suggested are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees of the university. The university reserves the right to change without notice any of the terms stated.
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Q11:
Who do I speak to in regards to financial-aid or scholarships?
A: Students may contact the Financial Advisors for the USC School of Pharmacy
(Allison Bryant or Jesse Stasher) at (323) 442-1466 located on the Health
Science Campus at 1985 Zonal Avenue, PSC 206, Los Angeles, California
90033-1086. For more information on Financial Aid materials/forms please
refer to http://www.usc.edu/schools/pharmacy/pharmd/fa/materials.html
or for Financial Aid deadlines refer to http://www.usc.edu/schools/pharmacy/pharmd/fa/deadlines.html.
We advise you to contact a financial advisor in the School of Pharmacy
if you intend on applying or already have applied for financial aid for
the M.S. Regulatory Science Program at USC.
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Q12:
How do I register?
A: Details for School of Pharmacy registration procedures will be included
in the orientation program prior to the first day of class for all newly
admitted students. Students are advised to add or drop courses using web
registration on the USC website: https://camel.usc.edu/webreg/Login.asp . After you have been d-cleared to register by the program coordinator
for each MPTX course, and you still have problems registering, feel free
to contact USC’s Academic Records and Registrar’s Office at
(213) 740-8500. If you are registering for a course as a limited enrolled
student, please contact the Regulatory Science program coordinator at
least a week prior to the first day of class.
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Q13: Who can I contact for further information?
A: We welcome any questions, concerns, or requests for information about
the Regulatory Science Program in the School of Pharmacy at USC. Feel
free to contact us at:
Regulatory Science
Program
School of Pharmacy
University of Southern California
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP G32
Los Angeles, CA. 90089
On-Campus Mail Code: 9014
Ph: (323) 442-3102
Fax: (323) 442-2333
Email: regsci@usc.edu
Web: http://regulatory.usc.edu/
