PDF version of this chapterMaster's Degree Programs
Admission Requirements
A bachelor's degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (regardless of field or major) is required for admission to any master's degree program at the Marshall School of Business.
Successful performance in Marshall master's programs requires computer proficiency in word processing, database management, electronic spreadsheets and business graphics. Following admission, Marshall Instructional Technology Services is available for additional preparation. Knowledge of calculus is a prerequisite to some of the courses offered by the Marshall School of Business.
All applicants are required to submit the following documents: (1) Completed application form; (2) A nonrefundable application fee (a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. currency and made payable to the University of Southern California); (3) Responses to required essay questions; (4) History of full- and part-time work experience or resume; (5) One official transcript from the registrar of each college or university attended (undergraduate and postgraduate, if applicable) whether the degree was completed or not. If all college or postgraduate work has not been completed, transcripts must be sent again when work in progress is completed and the degree posted. Transcripts written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation; (6) Letters of recommendation; (7) Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. (Scores should be from tests taken within the last five years.) Test score reports are sent directly from the Educational Testing Service and should be received by the Marshall School of Business within 10 days of each test administration. Additional score reports can be sent from the ETS within two weeks upon written request and payment of a fee; (8) All international students who did not graduate from an American, British, Canadian or Australian college or university must submit a recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. Test scores are sent by the Educational Testing Service to USC.
To ensure a place in a program and adequate time to receive an admission decision, it is important to send completed application materials well in advance of the semester for which the applicant wishes to register. For the non-traditional student, if work is still in progress to complete a bachelor's degree, the applicant must state specifically what courses are in progress, what must be done to finish and the estimated date of completion. Admission is contingent upon official verification of a bachelor's degree.
In their review of applications, admissions committees consider all the applicant's completed academic work, test score, evidence of leadership and motivation, letters of recommendation, level of job responsibility and work history, and unique talents and contributions. Applicants are reviewed on their potential for successful performance in graduate business studies and their competitiveness within the current applicant pool.
Additional program-specific admission criteria are detailed below.