Dr. Larry Swanson

Professor

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Biography

Larry Swanson is a professor and the Appleman Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California. His research interests include the neurobiology of motivated behaviors, focusing on the organization of brain systems that mediate these behaviors. His work incorporates high-resolution structural analysis of the central nervous system and has led to significant insights into the hypothalamic organization and neuropeptide gene expression patterns related to ingestive and reproductive behaviors, as well as stress responses. He is recognized for generating detailed atlases of adult rat brain architecture and has contributed to understanding the biochemical mechanisms that affect information flow within neural networks. Swanson has received numerous accolades for his contributions to neuroscience, including being elected to the National Academy of Sciences and receiving the USC Endowed Professorship. He has authored several influential books and journal articles advancing the field of neuroanatomy and neuroinformatics, making him a prominent figure in the study of brain architecture and its implications for behavior.

Research Interests

Experience

Milo Don Lucille Appleman Professor of Biological Sciences

1995-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Tenured professor, conducting research and teaching in biological sciences.

Professor

1990-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Psychology, and Neurology.

Investigator

1985-01-01 — 1990-01-01

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • La Jolla, CA

Conducting research on brain connectivity and neurobiology.

Senior Member

1980-07-01 — 1990-06-01

Salk Institute for Biological Studies • La Jolla, CA

Engaged in research on neuroanatomy and brain architecture.

Assistant Professor of Neurobiology

1979-01-01 — 1980-01-01

Washington University School of Medicine • St. Louis, MO

Lectured and conducted research as an assistant professor.

Research Assistant Professor

1976-01-01 — 1979-01-01

Washington University • St. Louis, MO

Carried out independent research in neurobiology.

Awards

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Javits Investigator Award

2006-01-01
#

American Academy Arts and Sciences Fellow

2003-01-01
#

USC Raubenheimer Outstanding Senior Faculty Award

1996-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.