Translational Biotechnology

Resources

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Career Opportunities for Graduates

Career options for graduates include, but are not limited to:

  • graduate studies in Ph.D. and other professional programs
  • research scientists in academic or industry settings
  • research, validation and field applications scientists
  • outcomes research, clinical trial managers, project coordinators
  • institution contract and licensing manager
  • educators: community college, primary and secondary schools, technical and specialty schools
  • consultants
  • medical science liaisons
  • marketing professionals
  • founders and executives of biotech firms
  • investor relations, analysts, investment banking, fund managers, business development (additional degreed or nondegreed business training required)
  • associates, attorneys, counsels (JD required) or technical specialists and patent agents in law firms
  • agents or officers in government agencies such as FDA, USPTO, NIH

Where Our Graduates Go

Graduates of the MS in Translational Biotechnology program pursue diverse and rewarding career paths across the biomedical ecosystem. The program has now 10 years (2016-2026) with 136 alumni. Among 77 alumni who reported placements, more than a third (36%) launch their careers in academic and research institutions — including USC, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, City of Hope, Duke, and Stanford-affiliated laboratories — while another 35% enter the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries at companies such as Illumina, Abbott, AbbVie, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and CSL Behring. An additional 16% continue their education in doctoral and professional programs, earning admission to PhD, MD, and DVM programs at institutions including UCLA, UC San Diego, and Ohio State University. Whether the goal is the research bench, industry leadership, or an advanced degree, our graduates leave prepared to translate scientific training into meaningful careers.

Graph pie with students placement

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid

Estimated budgets for tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, and other living expenses can be found in the university catalogue and here. Tuition is charged at the same rate for both in-state and out-of-state residents.

Students may apply for financial aid through USC Financial Aid Office, which provides additional information for federally backed student loans, private financing, and federal work-study program. Limited funding opportunities can be found at the Office of Academic Honors and Fellowships and USC Graduate School.

Additional Web Pages

Spring 2026 Virtual Information Session

Brief Summary of the Virtual Session (May 2026): The meeting was an orientation session for incoming students of the Master’s in Translational Biotechnology at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, led by Program Director Tirzah Petta with faculty Professors Llewellyn Cox and Ron King. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the program structure, emphasizing its practical, capstone-driven approach, the inclusion of entrepreneurship and commercialization tracks, and its STEM designation, which is particularly beneficial for international students seeking extended work authorization (OPT and STEM extension). Detailed explanations were given about the curriculum, including required core courses, electives, practicum placements, and the capstone defense process. Professors Cox and King elaborated on their elective courses, focusing on science communication, drug development, and the business aspects of biotechnology. Current students shared their experiences with balancing coursework, practicum placements, and the benefits of hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Administrative topics such as wellness resources, work authorization processes, and career outcomes for graduates were also covered. The Q&A addressed practical concerns about summer research, lab placements, practicum flexibility, and requirements for permanent residents. The meeting concluded with encouragement to utilize available resources and maintain communication with program staff for support throughout the program.