There’s nothing simple about today’s research, manufacturing and health care environments. These arenas demand specialists with high-level competencies to meet the safety and leadership requirements in critical fields that can make or break a project.

The USC School of Pharmacy’s Regulatory Science Program is launching three specialized graduate certificate programs to meet the high-demand needs of industry. Each program is accredited and requires 12 units for completion.

The Certificate in Clinical Research Design and Management strengthens the statistical, research and project-management skills of clinical researchers. Individuals interested in clinical research in either a clinical site or in a medical products company will find this certificate particularly beneficial.

This fall, two classes are available that are part of the Clinical Research Design and Management program, including Structure and Management of Clinical Trials and Science, Research and Ethics.

The Certificate in Food Safety will equip individuals with a functional “toolkit” for working in the production, management and regulation of food in industry and government. This certificate is particularly helpful for regulatory and safety professionals working in the food and supplement industries.

During the fall semester, Risk Management Tools and Techniques is available for interested students.

The Certificate in Patient and Product Safety addresses the emerging field of safety and risk management in the health care and health product environment. This course prepares professionals to evaluate and mitigate medical errors and other safety problems in hospital and other patient-care settings. It also educates those who will oversee drug and device safety before and after the products are sold.

Three classes are available for the Patient and Product Safety certificate this fall. They include Risk Management for Health Care Products; Science, Research and Ethics; and Risk Management Tools and Techniques.

Certificate classes are open to students with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

For more information, visit the regulatory science Web site at http://regulatory.usc.edu or contact the program coordinator at (323) 442-3531 or regsci@usc.edu.