Molecular Biology (PhD) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The PhD in Molecular Biology is a 60-unit research doctorate in which students rotate through three laboratories in the first year before choosing a permanent research adviser. It includes screening, a written and oral qualifying examination by the fourth semester, teaching as an assistant for at least one semester, and a public dissertation defense.

Department: Biological Sciences | Duration: 60 units minimum | Intake: Application deadline: December 1 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

At least 24 of the 60 units are coursework, including Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry (BISC 502a/b), Practical Analysis of Biological Data in R, Hypothesis Design and Scientific Writing, Practicum in Teaching, research ethics, journal club, seminar, first-year laboratory techniques and a 4-unit elective. No foreign language examination is required.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Application deadline December 1. 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.

Intake: Application deadline: December 1

Duration: 60 units minimum

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