USC
University of Southern California
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Undergraduate Degrees

Progressive Degrees in the School of Policy, Planning, and Development

The School of Policy, Planning, and Development offers students who have demonstrated exceptional academic success the opportunity to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in a progressive degree program. This program allows students to earn both the Bachelor of Science and a master's degree in five years. Further details about progressive degrees can be found here.

Admission

Admission is available after the completion of 64 units of course work toward the undergraduate degree. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management, and Planning program must apply for admission to the progressive degree program after completing 64 units of applicable course work to their undergraduate program, but prior to the completion of 96 units of course work. The application for admission to the progressive degree plan must be accompanied by a course proposal plan and two letters of recommendation from Policy, Planning, and Development faculty.

Awarding of Degrees

The Bachelor of Science and master's degree may be awarded separately upon completion of all degree requirements, but the master's degree will not be awarded before the bachelor's degree. Students who elect not to complete the master's, must complete 128 units to earn the bachelor's degree, including 48 units of upper division PPD course work (including any graduate PPD classes).

Time Limits

All requirements for the progressive degree must be completed within 12 semesters. If not completed within that time, students will no longer be eligible for the master's degree but may still earn the bachelor's.

Transfer of Credits

Graduate courses will not be accepted for transfer credit. Undergraduate classes may be transferred in accordance with university guidelines.