The Department of Pathology offers a program leading to a master’s degree, as well as a combined BS/MS degree. The purpose of the program is to educate scientists who will become capable of investigating mechanisms of disease and who will pursue careers in research and/or teaching in an academic or commercial environment. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches to the study of human disease.

Areas currently under investigation include tumor and stem cell biology, viral and chemical carcinogenesis, human retrovirology and AIDS, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, liver and pulmonary diseases, circulatory diseases, ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases.

In our graduate program, students learn to do independent research performing experiments in fully equipped laboratories. Our students have the opportunity to participate in lectures, symposia, conferences and poster sessions locally, nationally and internationally. At the completion of their graduate studies, master’s students may participate in projects that result in publications.

USC Pathology master’s students are highly sought after by medical schools, research institutes, governmental agencies and biotechnology firms for research, teaching and consultation. This program prepares the individual for a wide range of rewarding and challenging careers.

Examples of career paths of previous graduates:
PhD, MD, medical residence, DDS, Biotech, Pharma, MBA, Patent Attorney, college teacher, science writer, public policy administrator

Unique aspects of the program:
The pathology graduate program takes advantage of our broad spectrum of expertise, ranging from basic sciences to clinical medicine.

Advantages:

• Small class size
• One-on-one teaching
• Outstanding mentors
• Strong research programs

Faculty research interests:
Cancer biology, therapeutics & diagnostics, stem cell biology, wound regeneration, personalized medicine, organ-specific diseases (eg: brain, eye, gut, liver, skin, blood)