The Cell & Neurobiology Department selects the most highly qualified students for admission into its Doctoral and Master of Science programs. Most admission requirements are the same for both degree programs, and the initial application process is identical.

Ph.D. & M.S. Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of admission to the USC Graduate School, as well as these additional ones:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences.
  
• A superior undergraduate record at an accredited college or university.
  
• Satisfactory performance on the general and advanced (biology or chemistry) portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
  
• Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is normally required. Under some circumstances, students with limited English skills may be considered for conditional admission.
  

Language Requirement

International students are required to submit their TOEFL score earned within the last two years. If the score is lower than 600 and the student is admitted, the student will be required to take the International Student English Placement Exam (ISE) and will be placed in a class to improve language skills in the first semester.

Application Process

Students are normally admitted for the academic year beginning in the fall; however admission to the Master's program can begin in the spring semester with approval from the Graduate Admission Committee.

Applicants for the Master's program, and doctoral candidates interested in the Medical Education program in Human Gross Anatomy should apply directly to the department (323) 442-1881. Doctoral candidates interested in working with CNB faculty in the areas of neural, computational, cognitive and behavioral science should apply through either of the two university wide interdisciplinary graduate programs at USC: the Neuroscience Graduate program or the Program in Biomedical and Biological Science (PIBBS). Applicants interested in working with CNB faculty as part of the MD/Ph.D program should apply directly to the Keck School of Medicine.

Application Deadlines:

Master's program in Cell & Neurobiology - March 1st

Medical Education Program in Human Gross Anatomy - March 1st

MD/Ph.D program - AMCAS (November 1st) Supplemental (December 1st)

Neuroscience Graduate Program - December 15th

PIBBS - December 15th

Applicants must submit a formal application to the USC Graduate School for admission. In addition, applicants must apply directly to the department.

Graduate School Admission »

The department application includes:

• A copy of a completed Graduate School application.
  
• At least three letters of recommendation from past professors or employers who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate work and independent research.
  
• Complete undergraduate transcripts
  
• Official copies of GRE scores (general and advanced)
  
• TOEFL scores (if applicable)
  

Return the completed application with transcripts, GRE scores and three letters of recommendation to:

Director, Graduate Admissions
Department of Cell and Neurobiology
Keck School of Medicine
University of Southern California
1333 San Pablo Street, BMT 401
Los Angeles 90089-9112

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