PDF version of this chapterMaster's Degree Programs
Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization
The Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization is designed to let students experience the entire spectrum of the commercialization process -- invention, product development, technical and market feasibility analysis, intellectual property acquisition, business planning and venture funding.
To qualify for admission, current USC students should have completed the equivalent of one year of graduate study at USC (at least 12 units for part-time students) and earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Alumni holding graduate degrees from USC are welcome to apply. Non-matriculated individuals (e.g., visiting scholars and those applying for limited student status) are not eligible for the program.
There are two parts to the application process:
1) Submit an application through the USC Admission web site at www.usc.edu/admission. Current USC students and USC alumni do not have to pay an application fee.
2) Submit an application directly to the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, (213) 740-0505; BRI 1, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0801; (213) 740-2976 (fax); entrepreneur@marshall.usc.edu.
After the Lloyd Greif Center has received the complete application, it will contact the applicant to confirm receipt of the application and, if appropriate, to schedule an interview. In their review of applications, the admission committee members consider the applicant's completed academic work, evidence of potential business leadership, motivation, work experience and competitiveness within the current application pool.
Three required courses and one elective (12 units) must be completed to earn the certificate. The student must maintain both a certificate and overall GPA of at least 3.0 throughout the program.
| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| BAEP 556 | Technology Feasibility | 3 |
| BAEP 557 | Technology Commercialization | 3 |
| BAEP 559 | Investing in New Ventures | 3 |
| Electives -- Select one | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| BAEP 553 | Cases in New Venture Management | 3 |
| BAEP 555 | Management of Rapidly Growing Ventures | 3 |
| ISE 515 | Engineering Project Management | 3 |
| ISE 555 | Invention and Technology Development | 3 |
| ISE 585 | Strategic Management of Technology | 3 |
| MOR 561 | Strategies in High-Tech Businesses | 3 |
For current USC graduate students, courses credited to the Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization may be completed in conjunction with course work required for the program in which the student is already enrolled. Applicability of these courses to the student's primary degree program is determined by the student's home department. For USC alumni, courses completed in conjunction with the individual's prior degree may not be credited toward the certificate. Appropriate substitutions for required courses will be determined and documented by the program director.
Successful completion of the program is acknowledged by a certificate awarded by the university.