USC Program
Renowned USC professors personally teach the course—Direct Pathway to USC. Guaranteed 100% admission to USC learning experience.
The Health Policy Program at USC prepares future leaders at the intersection of health, economics, and public policy. With an interdisciplinary approach, the program equips students to analyze complex healthcare systems, evaluate policy outcomes, and contribute to solutions that improve public well-being.
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Guided by distinguished faculty from the USC Price School and the Schaeffer Center, students gain a strong academic foundation and practical insights into today’s most pressing health policy challenges. The program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that open pathways to careers in government, healthcare management, nonprofit organizations, and research, as well as graduate study in law, public health, and economics.
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USC’s global reputation, diverse alumni network, and location in Los Angeles provide students with unmatched opportunities for growth, connection, and impact.
John A. Romley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Public Policy
Dr. John Romley is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Pharmaceutical & Health Economics at the USC Price School and an economist at the USC Schaeffer Center. His research focuses on healthcare quality and costs, hospital markets, and environmental health disparities. Widely published in leading journals, his work informs evidence-based policy decisions and advances understanding of the challenges facing modern healthcare systems.
Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Garrett Endowed Chair in Health Policy, Economics & Law
Dr. Rosalie Pacula is the Elizabeth Garrett Endowed Chair in Health Policy, Economics & Law at the USC Price School and a senior fellow at the Schaeffer Center. With more than two decades of experience, including leadership roles at RAND, her research explores addiction economics, drug policy, and the financing of treatment systems. She is internationally recognized for her scholarship and policy leadership in addressing substance use and public health challenges
Application Process
The USC Health Policy Undergraduate Program accepts applications through the Common Application or the USC Application Portal. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores if applicable. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievements. USC offers both Early Action (November deadline) and Regular Decision (January deadline) options.
Timeline
Step 1
Initial Evaluation
Review of academic background, GPA, and completeness of documents.
Applicants are assessed for baseline eligibility and readiness for the program. Early evaluation ensures that required materials are identified and any gaps can be addressed before formal submission.
Step 2
Formal Application Submission
Submit through the Common Application.
Required materials include official transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement/essay, and standardized test scores (if applicable). This stage formally places the applicant into USC’s admissions review system.
Step 3
Application Review
Comprehensive, holistic review by USC admissions and program faculty.
Applications are evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, leadership potential, and alignment with program goals. Certain applicants may be invited for an interview.
Step 4
Admission Decision
USC issues admission decisions based on Early Action (November) or Regular Decision (January) timelines.
Successful applicants receive official admission offers and instructions on enrollment.
Step 5
Enrollment & Guarantee Confirmation
For students applying under the “Guaranteed Admission Pathway,” once all program conditions are met and fees are completed, admission is secured.
Parents and partners receive transparent communication about fees, deadlines, and next steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Contact
17138 Colima Rd. #A,
Hacienda heights, CA 91745
Hacienda Heights
Diamond Bar
(626)321 - 8518
(626)941 - 1181
