Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology (PhD) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The PhD in Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology emphasizes basic and applied research in drug discovery and in molecular and behavioral mechanisms of drug action, from receptor activity and intracellular signaling to the molecular bases of disease and aging.

Faculty: School of Pharmacy | Department: Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Duration: 60 units minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

At least 24 units are coursework at the 500 level or above, including a minimum of 12 units from Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (eight from core 4-unit courses). Students pass a screening by the end of the second semester, a written and oral qualifying examination within three years, annual research appraisals from the third year, and defend a dissertation. Up to 12 units may transfer.

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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