Medical Biophysics (PhD) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The PhD in Medical Biophysics trains structural biologists and biophysicists in the chemical and physical principles of living organisms and in experimental and theoretical biophysical methods, with emphasis on structural biology applied to biomedical questions. It is an inter-campus programme drawing on faculty across USC.

Duration: 60 units minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Students complete one approved biophysics methods course (for example BIOC 522, CHEM 521, CHEM 544, PHBI 650 or PSCI 557), register for INTD 600 each fall and spring from the second year, and complete at least 4 units of dissertation. Research units bring the total to the 60-unit minimum, with a qualifying examination, annual research appraisal and oral dissertation defense.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

USC Graduate School (all graduate programmes): a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university. International applicants whose first language is not English demonstrate English proficiency; for PhD applicants, ISE-exam exemption scores are TOEFL iBT 100 with no less than 20 on each section (exams taken before 21 January 2026), IELTS Academic 7 with no less than 6 on each band, or PTE 68 with no less than 53 on each band. USC sets no university-wide minimum for admission and some departments set higher requirements.

Requirements published at program group level.

Duration: 60 units minimum

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