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Program Overview
The USC Master of Addiction Science (MAS) is designed for students interested in transdisciplinary and inter-professional approaches to the study of addiction. At the present time there are courses offered across multiple disciplines that allow students to gain a perspective in addiction from an array of science and policy aspects.
However, there is no singular unifying degree or course program solely focused on addiction studies. By interacting with instructors and peers from a variety of disciplines and professions, students in the MAS program will obtain a broader and deeper understanding and set of skills that considers addiction from the ‘cell to society perspective.’ As such, MAS graduates will be poised to take the knowledge and skills gained in the program back to their respective current or future professions to enhance interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration.
Want to learn more?
Below are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ
Admissions
When is the application deadline?
The final deadline to be considered for Fall 2024 admission is May 1, 2024.
Is there an early admission deadline?
Yes – the early admission deadline for Fall 2024 enrollment is February 1, 2024.
What is the application process/timeline (application materials, interview)?
Prospective students need to fill out a USC application on the USC Graduate Admissions website. The materials needed are: 3 letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a C.V./resume, and a personal statement. If you are an international student, we also require TOEFL/IELTS scores. Once your application is submitted, you may be contacted for an interview.
When will I know I was accepted?
Acceptance letters for Fall 2024 will be distributed some time in July 2024
When do classes begin?
Classes being 8/26/24. You can find out more about the USC class schedule here.
What are my financial aid options?
For information on financial aid, visit https://financialaid.usc.edu/graduates/prospective/students.html
What are the admissions requirements?
- A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts from each accredited college or institution attended
- A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation
- A Personal Statement of approximately 1,000 words
- Response to program prompts (approximately 250 words)
- A curriculum vitae (C.V.) or resume
- TOEFL/IELTS scores if you are an international student
Are students admitted in both the fall and spring semesters?
Students can only apply for the Fall semester at this time.
What is the academic profile of a competitive applicant for admission to your college?
We are looking for students with a strong academic record but most importantly, candidates must be passionate about addiction science. We accept students who want to apply the knowledge learned in this program to tackle the addiction problem in the real world. We strongly encourage candidates from various backgrounds and experiences in any field to apply. This is a multi-disciplinary degree, and we believe a diverse group of students enriches the program. Previous addiction science experience is not required.
What tests do you require for admission (GRE, GMAT, etc.)?
We do not require GRE scores or any additional tests. TOEFL/IELTS scores are required for international students only.
What additional experience (volunteer, internship, work) do I need to be competitive? How many years?
We value all backgrounds and all types of experience.
What types of funding are available (fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, loans)?
There are no scholarships available at this time. More information on financial aid can be found at https://financialaid.usc.edu/graduates/prospective/students.html
Do you reserve spaces for in-state residents?
No
Is on-campus housing available for graduate students?
Yes. There is first come first serve housing available. The closest housing to our program would be at the Hyatt House on the Health Sciences Campus. More information can be found here: https://gradwelcome.usc.edu/student-services/housing/
What advice would you give someone who wants to apply to your school/program? How can I improve my chances for admission?
We advise you take extra care to complete the Program Prompts in the application. They will be given the most consideration in the application process.
Program Curriculum and Completion
Is the program full-time or part-time? Is it possible to work full-time and complete the degree as a part-time student?
This is a full-time program. However, you can take fewer units per semester and delay your graduation date. It is important to note that all classes are held during regular business hours (9am-5pm).
Are there opportunities for students in the program to conduct research?
Absolutely! Students in the Research Track will be paired with a mentor and given hands-on research experience to conduct their own studies.
Are there opportunities for students in the program to teach?
Unfortunately, it is USC policy that Masters students are not permitted to teach or TA for this program.
Will I complete an internship as part of the program? How much choice will I have about where I do my internship?
Students in the Clinical Track will have real-world shadowing experience at a clinic in the community. Students will be able to choose from a list of organizations that they wish to shadow at.
How big is the department/program (faculty and students)?
We are a multidisciplinary program spanning across 11 different USC schools. There are about 80 USC faculty participating in IAS.
What is the projected size of the entering cohort?
We anticipate a cohort of about 30-50 students.
Could you tell me more about the facilities (labs, lecture rooms, etc.)?
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, USC is one of the world’s leading private research universities. Our classes span across multiple schools within USC so you will be using facilities in several locations.
Is a thesis, dissertation, or comprehensive examination(s) required for completion of the degree?
Yes, a thesis is required for degree completion. Students will take a thesis class as part of their program.
How long does it take a student to graduate from your program on average?
About 2 years.
Career Development
Will completion of the program meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification needed to enter a particular occupation?
Those who are interested in counseling licensure (ex: LMFT and LCSW) will NOT be able to use this degree to meet the educational or practicum requirements for licensure. Additional certification is currently in development.
Where can the graduates of the program be employed?
Graduates are expected to be employed in leadership positions at clinics, schools, hospitals, research institutions, and more.
What type of career/jobs and salaries are available to graduates of your program?
Positions and salaries range across a wide span of fields. Some possible job positions are:
- Clinical Director
- Program Manager
- Case Manager
- Staff Research Associate
- Director of Behavioral Sciences
- Research Scientist
- Prevention Outreach Specialist
- Substance Use Navigator
- Director of Addiction Research
- Site Director
- Clinical Implementation Manager
Do you offer career counseling and job placement assistance?
Yes. Contact Jillian Boelke at boelke@usc.edu for more information
Contact
Who may I contact from the department to learn more information about the program (faculty, student, alumni)?
Jillian Boelke, Academic Advisor
boelke@usc.edu or 323-442-2695
Would it be possible for me to arrange a campus visit in which I could meet with admissions representatives, current students, and faculty?
Yes! Please contact Jillian Boelke at boelke@usc.edu
Learning Objectives
The purpose of the MAS is to prepare graduate students for work in social work, public health, pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, other healthcare related fields, or professional careers within biotechnology research and development with a focus on addiction prevention, treatment, and research. The MAS will also aim to supplement the knowledge of professionals currently working in their field with skills in addiction science. The program aims to provide skills in public health, social work, psychology, pharmacology, toxicology, and policy, through coursework and independent research. MAS graduates might be employed at leading research universities, in industry, government, professional counseling, health care, or in any research-centric arena.
MAS graduate students enrolled in the program will be able to:
- Apply real world knowledge to problems arising within medicine, pharmacy, social work, psychology, neuroscience, public policy, population science, public health, and other health professions and academic disciplines
- Compare and contrast laboratory, social, and clinical research methods to facilitate optimum translational research
- Construct and implement research designs across a variety of technologies
- Produce and interpret research outputs with relevance to fields within addiction science
- Incorporate and advance current knowledge in Addiction Science
- Develop professional and ethical skills related to research and application of addiction science
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Deadlines to apply for Fall 2024:
Early Admission Deadline: February 1, 2024
Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Interested in USC Graduate Admissions?
Click here for more info on Graduate Admissions Requirements
The program will consider applicants who satisfy the following requirements for admission:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts from each accredited college or institution attended
- A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation
- A Personal Statement of approximately 1,000 words
- Response to program prompts (approximately 250 words)
- A curriculum vitae (C.V.) or resume
- TOEFL/IELTS scores if international student
Curriculum
The MAS can be completed in one or two years, depending on the number of courses taken each semester and what track you choose:
General
This track is intended for individuals who seek to learn more about addiction science, but who do not intend to pursue a career in research or clinical work. Internships in industry, public health and community service agencies, and other settings are available. This track has a required 32 units for graduation. (8 core units, 22 elective units, and 2 thesis units)
Research
Students on the research track will obtain additional skills in the design, development, and implementation of a research project, and in the analysis and preparation of findings from collected data. This track is intended for individuals who want to pursue a career in research or attend graduate school in a research-related field and involved mentored directed research from one of the Institute’s faculty. This track has a required 32 units for graduation. (16 core units, 12 elective units, and 4 thesis units)
Clinical
Students on the clinical track will develop additional skills in managing addiction in clinical settings, including hands on experience in a clinical setting of the student’s choice within the Keck healthcare system or one of USC’s community partners. This track is intended for individuals who are currently working in a clinical setting or who plan to do so in the future (e.g., those interested in attending medical, dental or pharmacy school, or who plan to obtain a graduate degree in a clinically related field such as social work or psychology). This track has a required 32 units for graduation. (19 core units, 5 elective units, and 4 thesis units)
General Track
CORE COURSEWORK
ADSC 501 (4 units): Foundations in Addiction Science
Addresses foundational concepts ad skills for conducting and applying addiction science. Examines the facets of addiction and apply these themes to the study of specific classes of substance and nonsubstance addiction.
RXRS 414 (4 units): Buzzed: Modern Substance Use and Addiction
Modern perspectives; discovery and use of legal and illicit drugs including alcohol and opioids. How drugs have helped, shaped, modified or changed individuals and society.
HP 410 (4 units): Issues in Prevention and Cessation of Drug Use
Examination of factors related to drug abuse behaviors; overview and assessment of drug abuse prevention and cessation programs; relapse prevention programs.
PAIN 701 (2 units): Pharmacotherapies for Pain
Introduction into the complex area of treatment with opioids and other pharmacological options.
PAIN 708 (1 unit): Opioids
Explores opioid therapeutics including proper use, dosing, side effects and its management, use in special populations, and legal/ethical considerations for prescribers and dispensers.
PM 500 (4 units): Foundations of Health Behavior
Overview of behavioral theory and research in disease prevention and health promotion and in adaptation of chronic disease, including an introduction to measures of outcomes.
PM 510 (4 units): Principles of biostatistics
Overview of behavioral theory and research in disease prevention and health promotion and in adaptation of chronic disease, including an introduction to measures of outcomes.
PM 511a (4 units): Data analysis
Major parametric and nonparametric statistical tools used in biomedical research, computer packages including SAS. Includes laboratory.
PM 511b (4 units): Data analysis
Statistical methods for analysis of categorical data including dichotomous, ordinal, multinomial and count data, using Stata package. Includes laboratory.
PM 512 (4 units): Principles of Epidemiology
Terminology/uses of epidemiology and demography; sources/uses of population data; types of epidemiologic studies; risk assessment; common sources of bias in population studies; principles of screening.
PM 526 (4 units): Communications in Public Health
Overview of behavioral theory and research in disease prevention and health promotion and in adaptation of chronic disease, including an introduction to measures of outcomes.
PM 547 (4 units): Public Health Policy and Politics
Examination of major policy issues in the U.S. health care delivery system to understand policy options in reforming health care and reducing health care disparities.
PM 587 (4 units): Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health
Introduction to common uses of qualitative research methods in public health research and application. Methods include ethnography, participant observation, open-ended interviewing, and focus groups.
PSYC 426 (4 units): Motivated Behaviors and Addiction
Social, environmental, and physiological influences on behaviors associated with aggression, eating, reproduction, and sleep. Will focus on behavioral disorders such as addiction.
RXRS 405 (4 units): Breaking Brains: The Pharmacology of Addiction
Neurological basis of addiction to drugs of abuse including alcohol, marijuana, opioids and sugar, focusing on neuropharmacology and challenges of current and future therapies.
RXRS 412 (4 units): Ethics, Drugs, and Society
Ethical and moral issues have arisen from responsibilities within different fields of pharmaceutical practice. Exploration of the broad solutions those responsibilities have presented.
SOWK 612 (3 units): Assessment and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders
Assessment of mental disorders, and the rationale and organization of the system for diagnosis. Emphasis is on developing differential diagnostic skills.
SOWK 617 (3 units): Substance Related and Behavioral Addictive Disorders and Recovery
Causal exploration of substance related and behavioral addictive disorders. Evidence-based and practice informed treatment models for vulnerable individuals, groups and families.
SOWK 618 (3 units): Systems of Recovery for Mental Illness in Adults
Focus on the multi-level impact of mental illness on adults and families. Evidence-based interventions promoting increased quality of life and stability are emphasized.
SOWK 637 (3 units): Assessing Wellness to Improve Recovery in Integrated Care
Assessing and promoting wellness and recovery, interacting systems of mind, brain, and body. Evidence-based integrated care interventions in a new era of health care reform.
SOWK 643 (3 units): Social Work Practice in Integrated Care Settings
Social work processes and skills required for the implementation of short-term interventions in medical, behavioral health and integrated care settings with individuals, families and groups.
SOWK 647 (3 units): Advanced Practice with Complex Social Work Cases
Introduction to advanced practice concepts essential to understanding engagement, assessment and diagnosis with complex social work cases from a meta-framework perspective.
ADSC 594: Master's Thesis
General Track: ADSC 594a (2 units)
Research Track: ADSC 594a (2 units) and ADSC 594b (2 units)
Clinical Track: ADSC 594a (2 units) and ADSC 594b (2 units)
Individual research, reading, writing and project development.
OR
SWK 590 (4 units): Directed Research
Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
Research Track
Students enrolled in the research track will follow the above schema for the General Track, and will be required to take the following electives as part of their Core Coursework:
ADSC 505a: Research Methods in Addiction Science A
This course introduces students to research in the addiction sciences including each phase of the research process through directed readings, lectures, and practical application of how to conduct a scientific research project.
ADSC 505b: Research Methods in Addiction Science B
This course builds upon the foundational and theoretical concepts in ADSC505a by providing the opportunity to apply that learning directly through the development and execution of an independent research project.
Clinical Track
Students enrolled in the clinical track will follow the above schema for the General Track, and will be required to take the following electives as part of their Core Coursework:
ADSC 506 (4 units): Considerations in Addiction Science for Practitioners
Introduces students to issues related to evidence-based approaches to substance abuse interventions in the context of the organizations in which they are commonly delivered.
SOWK 617 (3 units): Substance Related Behavioral Addictive Disorders and Recovery
Causal exploration of substance related and behavioral addictive disorders. Evidence-based and practice informed treatment models for vulnerable individuals, groups and families.
ADSC 505a (4 units): Research Methods in Addiction Science
Introduces research in addiction sciences through directed readings, live lectures and development of an independent research project.
Students enrolled in the clinical track will follow the above schema for the General Track, and will be required to take the following electives as part of their Core Coursework:
Master’s Thesis
General Track
The required master’s thesis will include two units of thesis work in the final semester of the program for the general track. Students will write a final term paper on a selected topic related to addiction science.
Research Track
The required master’s thesis will include eight units of thesis work culminating in a systematic scientific or clinical review paper, or empirical scientific paper.
Clinical Track
The required master’s thesis will include four units of thesis work including clinical observation during the final semesters of the program. Students will write a final term paper on a selected topic related to addiction science.
Requirements for Degree Completion
General, Research, and Clinical Tracks (32 units)
Degree completion can be accomplished in 4 semesters if the student enrolls in 8 units per semester.
Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to graduate. Students with a 2.9 GPA or lower will be placed on academic probation.
Progressive Degree Program
The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) enables junior and senior USC undergraduate students to apply undergraduate coursework toward the completion of a USC master’s degree. Pursuing a progressive degree can deepen your education and further prepare you for future career in as little as one additional year. For more information, visit the USC Progressive Degree Program page.
PDP Eligibility Requirements
The following are the USC-wide eligibility requirements for the progressive degree program:
– Applicants may apply only once they have completed at least 64 total units of undergraduate course work, excluding AP, IB, or transfer units earned prior to graduation from high school.
– Applicants may apply in their junior (recommended) or senior year but no later than the semester prior to beginning graduate course work.
– Applicants do not need to submit GRE, GMAT, or other graduate entrance exam scores, but should have at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA at the time of application.
Timeline and Deadlines
The MAS PDP only offers Fall admittance at this time. The early application deadline is February 1 and the final deadline is May 1 for the following Fall semester enrollment.
What You Need to Apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials to Jillian Boelke, MAS Academic Advisor after following the application steps outlined in the “How to Apply” section of this page:
– Progressive Degree Program Application form (your Academic Advisor will submit)
– STARS Report (your Academic Advisor will submit)
– Progressive Degree Proposed Course Plan (your Academic Advisor will submit), which must:
– include all remaining undergraduate course requirements and
– include at least two-thirds of the graduate program requirements and
– be based on the approved course plan templates listed on this website
– Your most up-to-date resume/CV
– Three letters of recommendation from professionals or professors familiar with your capabilities and achievements.
– A Personal Statement (approx. 1,000 words) that addresses your interest in the degree.
– Answers to 5 Program Prompts (approx. 250 words each) that will be provided to you once you are ready to complete your application.
How to Apply
1. Review the Progressive Degree Eligibility Requirements to confirm you are eligible to apply.
2. Review the Progressive Degree Program Requirements to ensure that you can feasibly complete the program.
3. Meet with your undergraduate major Academic Advisor to determine eligibility and create a Proposed Course Plan for completing your undergraduate and graduate coursework.
4. Once the Proposed Course Plan is completed, make an appointment with Jillian Boelke, MAS Academic Advisor to review the PDP application and MAS course requirements together.
5. Complete the Progressive Degree Program Application and send it to your undergraduate major Academic Advisor for their signature. Your undergraduate advisor will sign the application and send to Jillian Boelke, MAS Academic Advisor along with a copy of your STARS report and the Proposed Course Plan
6. Send all additional required materials to Jillian Boelke, MAS Academic Advisor
a. Your most up-to-date resume/CV
b. Three letters of recommendation from professionals or professors familiar with your capabilities and achievements.
c. A Personal Statement (approx. 1,000 words) that addresses your interest in the degree.
7. Answers to 5 Program Prompts (approx. 250 words each) that will be provided to you once you are ready to complete your application.
After Your Application is Submitted
Once all your completed application materials have been sent to the MAS Academic Advisor…
1. Your full application will be reviewed by the MAS admissions committee.
2. You will receive a decision letter some time in May/June if the application was submitted before the early admission deadline (February 1) or June/July if the application was submitted before the final admission deadline (May 1).
3. If you are admitted, the MAS admissions department will submit your application to Degree Progress and the MAS will be added to your academic records.
After You Are Admitted
Once you are admitted to the program, you must follow your approved course plan exactly as outlined. No changes can be made once you submit the application. This means you will not be able to take any additional courses, fewer courses, substitute a course, or change your chosen electives.
After you complete your undergraduate requirements, your bachelor’s degree may be awarded separately, but the master’s degree will not be awarded before the undergraduate degree.
Financial Aid for Progressive Degrees
Please note that financial aid eligibility differs for students in Progressive Degree programs. Please visit Financial Aid Enrollment in a Progressive Degree Program for more details.
Detailed tuition and fee information can be found in the USC Catalogue. The cost of the program is per unit.
You will want to factor in expenses for the classes that require additional materials as well as the cost of transportation and health insurance, if you do not already have it already.
Scholarships
Students can apply to an IAS scholarship for up to a $2,000 award. The scholarship will be announced some time in the summer. There are also scholarships you can apply for through USC Scholarship Universe and Awards and Fellowship Database.
Contact
Jillian Boelke, Academic Advisor
boelke@usc.edu or 323-442-2695
Career Outcomes
What Fields Do Addiction Scientists Work In?
EDUCATION
College/University Professor
Academic Counselor
Community Education Coordinator
BUSINESS
Addiction Science Consultant
Governmental Administrator
Training Standards Officer
Addiction-Related Project Manager
HEALTHCARE
Doctor of Medicine
Addiction Science Specialist
Clinical Psychologist
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist
Medical Consultant
RESEARCH
Biotechnologist
Research Pharmacist/Pharmacologist
Neuroscientist
Statistician
Anthropologist
… and more than a dozen other specialties in the physical, behavioral, biomedical, and social sciences.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The per credit hour rate is $2,244. For a 32 unit program, the total tuition cost is about $71,808.
Tuition costs are subject to change. Visit the USC Schedule of Classes page for the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees.
Click here for information on receiving Financial Aid.
Information Sessions
