Pharmacology and Drug Development (BS) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Drug Development gives science and non-science majors grounding in pharmacology (the science of drugs, their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic uses and toxicology) and in drug development, the process of turning a new chemical entity into a safe and effective medication. The degree is conferred by the USC Mann School of Pharmacy.

Faculty: USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Duration: 128 units | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires at least 128 units: general education and writing, calculus, statistics, general chemistry and biology, RXRS 200 and RXRS 402, at least 32 upper-division units in RXRS/BPSI courses, and 8 upper-division Biological Sciences units. Every Mann undergraduate completes a practicum (RXRS 197), and an optional honors seminar is offered.

Career pathways

Preparation for advanced clinical training in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy and other clinical specialties, and for careers in biotech, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries and government.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Undergraduate first-year admission (university-wide): apply through the Common Application; SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional); official transcripts and a letter of recommendation are submitted, and fall grades are submitted when available. Deadlines: Early Decision and Early Action November 1; Regular Decision January 10 (December 1 for performing arts majors). USC does not conduct admission interviews. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English proficiency exam: TOEFL iBT recommended minimum 100 with at least 20 per section (exams before 21 January 2026) or 5 overall with at least 4 per section (exams on or after 21 January 2026), IELTS 7, PTE 68, Cambridge C1 Advanced 185, SAT EBRW 650, ACT English 27, or Duolingo 130 (with an on-arrival International Student Exam).

Requirements published at program group level.

USD 75,384 a year (2026-27). Estimated undergraduate tuition for two semesters (12-18 units per semester), the USC rate for full-time undergraduates; excludes fees ($1,952), housing, food, books and the $450 new student fee. The same tuition applies to in-state and out-of-state resid Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action or Regular Decision.

First-year deadlines for 2027 entry: Early Decision (most majors) November 1; Early Action (most majors) November 1; Regular Decision for performing arts majors (Dance, Dramatic Arts, Thornton Music) December 1; Regular Decision for most majors January 10. Early Decision applicants are notified by mid-December, Early Action in late January and Regular Decision by April 1.

Applications are made through the Common Application; the undergraduate application fee is $85 for all applicants, with fee waivers available except to international students. SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional); USC school code is SAT 4852 and ACT 0470.

Transfer applications for 2027-28: December 1, 2026 for selected programmes and February 15, 2027 for all other majors; SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.usc.edu/

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