The Department of Pathology offers a program leading to an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in pathobiology. The purpose of the program is to educate scientists who are capable of investigating mechanisms of disease and who will pursue careers in research and/or teaching in an academic or commercial environment. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches to the study of human disease. The members of the department devote a major portion of their time to research, employing a multi-disciplinary approach. Areas currently under investigation include tumor and stem cell biology, viral and chemical carcinogenesis, human retrovirology and AIDS, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, liver and pulmonary diseases, circulatory diseases, and ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases. Courses are offered in pathology, molecular genetics, neuropathology, viral oncology, and molecular biology of cancer. Other graduate courses offered include biochemistry, physiology, histology, microbiology and immunology.

Degree Programs

Ph.D. in Pathobiology
M.D./Ph.D. in Pathobiology
Master of Science in Experimental Molecular Pathology

Students learn to do independent research performing experiments in a fully-equipped laboratory. In addition, graduate students attend and participate in lectures, symposia, conferences, and poster sessions locally and nationally. By completion of their graduate studies, most Ph.D. students have participated in publications of several manuscripts.

USC Pathology Ph.D.'s are highly sought after by medical schools, research institutes, governmental agencies and biotechnology firms for research, teaching and consultation. Our graduates have gained positions as professors, medical researchers and corporate directors of research and development, and environmental toxicology. This program prepares the individual for a wide range of rewarding and challenging careers.