USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Doctorate in Regulatory Science
Los Angeles, USA
PhD
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 143,616 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* academic year 2023-24: $2,244/unit
Key Summary
The USC Doctorate in Regulatory Science (DRSc) program is the only doctoral program in regulatory science in the world. The program of study is designed to cultivate research, leadership, and inquiry skills for advanced students in the emerging profession of global regulatory science. It is designed to produce graduates who have particular expertise in strategic management, policy development, and research assessment and who will work in senior positions in the public sector, academia, and the medical products industry.
Participants in this program take a set of interdependent courses that extend from a strong core of basic regulatory science coursework and additionally focus on three main areas—global product strategy, product lifecycle strategy, and project and personnel management.
The program is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are already working full-time outside of the university in positions in which they have substantial leadership or managerial responsibilities. A typical student in the program has somewhere between 10 and 15 years of experience in the regulated product industry with several years of experience managing or directing regulatory or quality departments.
The USC Doctorate of Regulatory Science degree requires satisfactory completion of 64 units beyond the baccalaureate degree, 4 of which are devoted to the writing of a thesis. Students with a master’s degree may receive partial credit for coursework taken for a previous graduate degree.
Program Structure
The program is organized as a series of modules with different foci. Students must take a minimum number of credits in each focus, and then can add additional elective courses from a broader portfolio of appropriate offerings taught in the school and other Schools in the University. We encourage students to take at least a few courses in other Schools so that they develop a broader perspective and interdisciplinary appreciation, but aim to offer a sufficient richness of courses to meet the needs of our doctoral students within our School, should timetabling issues preclude the option of courses outside of the school that might be given only during the normal working week.
Foundational courses in Regulatory Science (minimum 15 units): These form the base and would typically be composed of core courses to the MS program or equivalent courses from graduate programs elsewhere.
Product Lifecycle Strategy (minimum 8 units): A number of courses in this grouping are offered by the school, either through Regulatory Science or through the Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy. Students are also encouraged to take courses outside of the Pharmacy School when more specialized courses fit their personal research or professional plans.
Project and Personnel Management (minimum 8 units): Relevant courses are available through the Regulatory Science program. Alternative options are available from other University of Southern California Schools including the Marshall School of Business and School of Policy, Planning and Development.
Global Regulatory Strategy and Policy (minimum 8 units): Globally-oriented courses. Two of these courses take students abroad, so that participants can meet global regulatory leaders and study global health-care systems in a challenging and immersive cultural experience.
Research and dissertation preparation and completion (10+ units): All students will complete a professional dissertation that starts with at least one course in research design. We currently offer two such courses, one in basic/social sciences methodology and the other in clinical study methodology. Students must take at least one of these courses in preparation for their dissertation research. Research will be concerned with specific aspects of regulatory science, such as policy, administration, best practices or ethics. The students will work in subgroups of 3-4 as they develop their research projects, and will meet regularly in this group with their advisory team to discuss progress and challenges. Each student will be mentored by two identified advisors, one from university graduate faculty and the other an industry or government supervisor/mentor who normally is appointed as an adjunct in the School. Each student must produce and defend an independent dissertation as a requirement of graduation.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and Dean Papadopoulos, the Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences offers multiple scholarships based on financial need, scholastic achievement, and leadership qualities.
Scholarships do not have to be repaid and are awarded in varying amounts to students who meet special criteria and qualifications outlined by a selection committee or donor. Unless otherwise indicated, all scholarships and merit awards can only be used toward tuition expenses.
If you are receiving financial aid, due to federal financial aid guidelines your award package may be affected through a reduction in your overall award amount. If you have any questions about the impact on your financial aid, please contact the School of Pharmacy Financial Aid Office at (323) 442-1466 or by email.
If you did not apply for financial aid this award could be considered taxable income. Please contact USC Student Financial Services to determine if this could apply to your personal situation; for general information visit the school website, or call (213) 740-4077 or by email.
Eligibility and Application Process
Students must be enrolled in one of our programs full-time at the time of disbursement unless otherwise noted. Students in our Progressive Degree Program are only eligible after completing their undergraduate program unless otherwise noted. International students are eligible for all departmental scholarships and are strongly encouraged to apply.
Scholarship applications will open June 28, 2024, and are due by July 14, 2024, at 11:30 pm PST
- Recipients are selected by a committee of reviewers comprised of faculty and staff.
- Candidates must submit one (1) essay application per scholarship demonstrating how they meet that specific criterion.
- Candidates who do not fulfill the following criteria will be disqualified:
- An up-to-date Resume/CV must be provided in addition to the essay.
- Essay must include the candidate’s program/major and why the program is relevant to the chosen scholarship.
- Essay must be no more than one (1) page in length.
- Essay must follow the formatting guidelines typical to Regulatory Science (i.e.: 12pt font in Times New Roman or Arial, 1.5 spacings, 1-inch margins).
Notification of Scholarship Award
Final decisions on awards are contingent upon acceptance into the program. We do not send notifications to those applicants not selected.
Please note, that scholarship awards may be impacted due to a change in program length or a leave of absence. We encourage you to submit a scholarship web contact form to confirm how your award may be impacted.
Not all scholarships may be awarded during the academic year.
On-site Program
Get to know more about the Regulatory Science on-site program
Courses can be taken onsite and our program offices and classrooms are located on the USC Health Sciences Campus in downtown Los Angeles, California. Onsite courses are typically held on the weekends so that working professionals can attend courses while working full time during weekdays. Students attending class onsite have the chance to interact with the speakers, faculty and fellow students. Coming to class is a great networking experience which allows the formation of important relationships with those with similar backgrounds in the field of Regulatory Science. Breakfast and lunch are served each day.
Our classes take place at:
University of Southern California
1540 Alcazar Street, CHP (Center for Health Professions)
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Distance Program
USC Distance Courses were created for busy professionals who wish to further their education but cannot travel to traditional classrooms. We have successfully delivered programs to students across the US for more than 15 years.
Our online courses are taught by the same academic experts who teach in the traditional classroom and students participate in the same classes as students who attend onsite. Online coursework allows students to work independently and absorb new concepts at their own pace. At the same time, there is a great deal of personal contact with fellow classmates and with professors. Lectures can be viewed in “real time” or at another time that may be more convenient.
Online students receive administrative support, academic and career services from the Regulatory Science staff and faculty.
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