Study Options

Part-time Studies
We understand the importance of flexibility for capable people with busy lives. We have many students who work full-time and are taking our program part-time on the weekends and evenings. We wish to assist these individuals specifically by scheduling many classes in a way that will meet their needs. Thus most classes are held on weekends (often including a Friday or monday), and evenings. We are developing a couple of our courses so that you can learn the basics via long-distance learning modules. After completing assignments based on the modules, you come to class to expand upon what you have learn. Class hours are shortened but students still benefit from the experience of interacting with other students and speakers.

Part-time students must take a minimum of six credits per year, and normally should plan on completing the degree within five-years after enrollment. Talk to our counselors to develop an individualized program that meets your needs.

Full-time Studies
It is possible to complete our program in 4 terms or less. USC has three terms - Fall, Spring and Summer. If you wish to take the fast track, we suggest that you start in the summer term. Because of our scheduling, this provides the best sequencing of classes.

A suggested plan of study *:

In the Summer term (begins in mid-May) we start with the Introduction to Regulation course (MPTX 511) and continue on with 5 other courses offered by our department. It is thus possible to complete 6 courses (18 units) by the end of the summer term. By the end of the summer you will have learnt abut the regulation of medical devices, pharmaceutical and biological products, dietary supplements and functional foods in a series of intensive course modules. By the end of this term, you should have a good appreciation of the principals underlying regulations and quality assurance.

In the Fall term you can then expand your understanding of the principals underlying regulations by studying policy development, law and business in a range of USC schools. By the end of this term, you should know how and why regulations are developed and how to influence this process.

In the Spring term you will have some freedom to develop specific strengths and prepare for your research project. You can take courses in other departments at USC that cater to your specific interests. All courses must be pre-approved by our department.

Now you are ready to begin your internship component. Your internship is personalized to give you in-depth exposure to your field of interest. Internships can be at any company in Southern California or elsewhere. All internship sites will be visited by Program staff to assess the suitability of the company/position as a learning experience.

*It is not necessary to follow this schedule, we just suggest this as a good path to follow, particularly for students who wish to complete the program quickly. We will offer several, if not all, of the summer courses in other terms within the same year.

Still unsure.. ?
You may want to "try us out" by taking a class or two first before applying to the program. These credits can be transferred towards the MS degree if you apply and are accepted into the program.