USC.edu
Are You a Patient?
Translational Biotechnology

Admission Requirements

Apply Now!

Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an undergraduate major in biological sciences, or at least 6 bioscience courses in the molecular, cellular, genetics and biochemistry topics.

Formal application via USC Office of Graduate Admission’s online portal is required.

  • Completed USC online application: Apply here: gradadm.usc.edu. The application fee is $120.
  • Statement of purpose (approximately 500 words): Tell us where you came from, where you are going to, and how enrolling in the Translational Biotechnology Program may help you reach your academic or career goals.
  • Resume or CV: There is no specific format requirement for Resume or CV.
  • Letters of recommendation (minimum three for MS, two for certificate): We accept letters from both academic and professional evaluators.  At least two of the letters should address your bioscience aptitude.   All letters must be on the letterhead of the organization or department.
  • Digital (unofficial) transcripts should be uploaded with the application. All additional, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, sealed by the institution, should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Please refer to the Graduate Admissions page for specific instructions on how to send your transcripts: gradadm.usc.edu/lightboxes/us-students-transcript-requirements. (One copy attached to application, another copy sent to Graduate Admissions). Do NOT email transcripts to our department as we are not able to attach it to your application.
  • Standardized test score: None. GRE is not required.
  • International students whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of English Proficiency: TOEFL (iBT) 90, with no less than 20 on each section, or IELTS 6.5, with 6 or above on each band.
  • Students with strong bioscience preparation but with lower language proficiency scores could consider applying to USC’s International Academy Pre-master’s programs.
  • Applicants considered for admission may be interviewed (in person or via video conferencing) with program director and/or other faculty

Progressive Degree Plan (PDP)

The PDP allows you to begin working toward your master’s degree while you finish your bachelor’s. Unlike the standard graduate admissions track, the PDP application is handled entirely by email.

Eligibility: To apply, you must have earned a minimum of 64 units, excluding any units earned before high school graduation.

Once eligible, please prepare the following four documents:

  1. PDP plan — Complete the Progressive Master’s Degree Program Course Plan using the template provided (attached). This lays out the courses you intend to take and how they count toward the degree. When selecting courses, keep in mind that each course is offered only in specific terms — check the registration calendar to confirm a course is offered in the semester you plan to take it. The three experiential learning courses (TRGN 539, 540, and 541) are offered every semester: spring, summer, and fall.
  2. Statement of purpose — A one-page personal statement describing your background, your academic and career goals, and your reasons for pursuing the MS in Translational Biotechnology. There is no set template; write it in your own words.
  3. Two letters of recommendation — preferably from USC faculty members. Please ask each recommender to email their letter directly to the Program Director, Tirzah Petta, at tirzah.[email protected]. The letters must be sent by the faculty members themselves, not forwarded by you.
  4. Recent STARS transcript — An up-to-date STARS report reflecting your current coursework and grades.

Before you submit: Admission for PDP applicants is done on a rolling basis. Please reach out to us 6 months prior to the semester you plan to start. Please coordinate all of your application documents with your student advisor, Karina Recinos [[email protected]], who will help you assemble your materials and can answer any questions about the process.

 

Apply Now

Apply at Office of Graduate Admission starting September

Application deadline for Fall:

  • Master of Science in Translational Biotechnology: July 1
  • Graduate Certificate in Translational Biotechnology: July 1
  • International students requiring visa processing: June 1

Our application portal for admission to the Fall 2027 cohort will open October 5, 2026.

Would you like to know more about our program? Sign up HERE for an information session which will take place Friday, November 13, 1pm Pacific Time.

 

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Department of Cancer Biology operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Information Session

TLBT Fall Virtual Information Session

Please, join us to learn more about the program, meet with faculty and students.

 

Topic: TLBT Fall Information Session

Time: Nov 13, 2026 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://usc.zoom.us/j/94442171749?pwd=pI0casht3jaREpq6bkoXbxyIiC2lSE.1

Meeting ID: 944 4217 1749

Passcode: 034640

Join Zoom Meeting
Flyer with information