Pharmacology and Drug Development University of Southern California

Overview

The Pharmacology and Drug Development programme at the University of Southern California offers a comprehensive scientific foundation in the lifecycle of medicinal products. This interdisciplinary degree combines rigorous academic training with practical insights into how pharmaceutical innovations move from the laboratory to the global healthcare market.

This unique course is a cooperative initiative between the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Students benefit from the combined expertise of two prestigious institutions, ensuring a curriculum that balances liberal arts with specialised professional knowledge.

The curriculum focuses on the chemical and physical properties of drugs alongside their biological effects on the human body.

Why Pharmacology and Drug Development at the University of Southern California?

Students have access to world-class facilities and expert faculty through the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between basic science and the commercial pharmaceutical sector, providing a distinct advantage in the competitive job market.

The degree offers an optional undergraduate honours track for high-achieving students. This pathway involves a senior capstone project, allowing individuals to conduct original research or develop a professional portfolio. Such opportunities foster advanced skills in documentation, research, and public speaking, distinguishing graduates as future leaders.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 73260 per year
• National fee: USD 73260 per year
• Local fee: USD 73260 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Approaches to Pharmacology and Drug Development
• Human Pharmacology: Challenge of Therapeutics in Society
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Globalization of the Biomedical Industry
• Mysterious Deaths: From Poisons in Literature and History to Forensic Toxicology
• Neuropharmacology in Health and Disease
• Discovery, Development and Marketing of Medicines
• Arming the Immune System for Novel Therapies
• Innovations in Medical Product Development
• Ethics, Drugs and Society
• Buzzed: Modern Substances of Abuse and Addiction
• Medical Products: From Idea to Market
• Management and Operation of Clinical Trials
• Pharmacology of Addiction
• Clinical Pharmacology and Medication Management
• Cancer Biology and Pharmacotherapy
• Food Safety: The Good, The Bad and The Deadly
• Plant Medicines in Modern Medicine
• Regulation, Guidance and Control of Medical Products
• Directed Research
• Organ Systems Physiology, Drug Delivery and Drug Action
• Targeted and Precision Medicines
• Rigor, Resources and Reproducibility
• Pharmacoethics

Careers with Pharmacology and Drug Development

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles within industrial, academic, and research environments. The programme serves as a springboard for careers focused on drug discovery, clinical trial management, and the commercialisation of new medical products. Many alumni pursue paths in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for advanced professional or graduate studies. Students often progress into medical school, pharmaceutical sciences, or biomedical engineering. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of the course supports future careers in business, finance, and law within the healthcare industry.