USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
BS in Pharmacology and Drug Development
Los Angeles, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 2,354 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The BS in Pharmacology and Drug Development at a school founded in 1905 combines coursework and research to teach pharmacology, toxicology, medical product development. It prepares you for graduate study in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry and healthcare fields. Students can pursue an undergraduate honors capstone project to research drug discovery, regulatory science, or translational pharmacology.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, clinical research, regulatory affairs, drug safety, pharmacovigilance, or healthcare policy roles. Also work in academia, government, or pursue professional degrees (PharmD, MD, DDS). Career opportunities include R&D scientist, clinical research associate, regulatory affairs specialist, toxicologist, health policy analyst.
Our undergraduate program in Pharmacology and Drug Development prepares you for graduate work in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, and other healthcare-related fields as well as careers within biotechnology research and development. Through innovative coursework and independent research opportunities, the program instills you with skills in pharmacology, toxicology, and medical product development and use. Graduates are positioned for employment at leading research universities and in industry, government, or any research-centric arena.
Undergraduate Honors
Students in the Pharmacology and Drug Development major are eligible to graduate with honors by participating in a capstone project.
Scholarship Application
Deadlines:
- December 13, 2024: Early Action applicants
Applications received by this date will be prioritized for review.
- February 5, 2025: Regular Decision applicants
Application Requirements
- U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: FAFSA and CSS Profile
- Undocumented and DACA Students: CSS Profile and if eligible, California Dream Act (CADAA)
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA determines your eligibility for low-interest Federal Direct Loans, as well as federal and state grants. Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA online:
- Any contributors to the FAFSA (including the student and parents) will need to consent to having their 2023 tax return information imported directly from the IRS.
- Enter USC’s Federal School Code (OPEID): 001328.
Submit your application as soon as the FAFSA becomes available but no later than the appropriate deadline listed above.
NOTE: The document request will remain on your FAST portal until we receive your FAFSA data from the Department of Education. We appreciate your patience.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to apply for state grants. California students who meet the eligibility requirements should complete the CADAA (instead of the FAFSA) if they are undocumented, have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or if they hold a U visa. CADAA online:
- Enter USC’s Federal School Code (OPEID): 001328.
Submit your application as soon as the CADAA becomes available but no later than the appropriate deadline listed above. Students should not submit both the CADAA and FAFSA.
CSS Profile Application
The Profile, along with your FAFSA or CADAA information, will help determine your eligibility for USC student aid funds. Complete the 2025-2026 CSS Profile online:
- Use your 2023 parent and student income.
- Be sure to include your Social Security number (if you have one).
- Enter USC’s CSS School Code: 4852.
Submit your application as soon as October 1 but no later than the appropriate deadline listed above.
NOTE: USC does not participate in the CSS IDOC program.
Please note that the USC Financial Aid Office does not start processing applications until November. Your information may not be reflected in the “Required Information and Forms” page of your FAST portal until early November.
Sample Courses
- Breaking Brains: Pharmacology of the Addicted Brain
- Buzzed: Modern Substances of Abuse and Addiction
- Ethics, Drugs and Society
- Food Safety: The Good, the Bad and the Deadly
- Globalization of the Biomedical Industry
- Management and Operation of Clinical Trials
- Medical Products: From Idea to Market
- Mysterious Deaths: From Poisons in Literature and History to Forensic Toxicology
- Apply real-world knowledge to problems arising within pharmacology, toxicology, and medical product development and use
- Compare and contrast laboratory, social, and clinical research methods to facilitate optimum translational research.
- Construct and implement research designs across a variety of technologies
- Produce and interpret research outputs with relevance to pharmaceutical, medical, and healthcare projects
- Develop professional and ethical skills related to research and application of pharmacology