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Graduate Degrees
The Marshall School of Business prepares men and women to become leaders at every level of management. Today’s successful businesses demand flexibility, innovation, creativity, teamwork and leadership from their employees. The Marshall School’s goal is to help students meet those demands through a rigorous grounding in all functional areas of business and the honing of analytical and interpersonal skills required to address real business problems.The more than 185 faculty members at the school include authorities recognized around the world for their contributions to business theory and practice. They are also distinguished by their dedication to teaching excellence.
The Marshall School of Business offers five graduate degrees: The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), the Master of Science in Business Administration (M.S.), the Master of Management (M.M.), the Master of Medical Management (M.M.M.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The Marshall School jointly offers a Master of Long Term Care Administration. The Graduate Certificate in Management Principles and Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization are also offered.
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
M.B.A. students gain an understanding of the forces confronting business across the globe and are encouraged to take an active role in making a difference — to seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth and to empower others in the pursuit of shared goals. The Master of Business Administration is offered through six distinct programs.While the six programs are designed to meet the needs of different types of students, all programs have the same goals: providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders; developing a thorough understanding of business fundamentals such as economics, accounting, finance, marketing and operations; and refining basic skills, such as use of information systems and statistical analysis. Each student is challenged to develop self-understanding and an appreciation for the complexities of organizations.
The Marshall M.B.A. Program
The Marshall M.B.A. program is designed for individuals who can leave the world of work and immerse themselves “full time” in two years of graduate education. It provides a foundation for success that balances theory with real-world application.Over the first year’s course of study, a “hands-on” approach to leadership and business education combines case analysis, management simulations and executive seminars with traditional methods for establishing a conceptual understanding of the general management role in a global context. An elective option in the second semester allows students to complement the core curriculum with individualized interests. Summer internships help students apply their knowledge in practice and prepare for the job market.
In year two, students continue to chart their own course of study. A wide array of elective courses offers students immersion in specific functional areas, disciplines and industries. The selection allows students to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular subject or to continue to pursue a broad-based management education.
The M.B.A. Program for Professionals and Managers
The M.B.A. Program for Professionals and Managers (MBA.PM) allows fully employed individuals to pursue an M.B.A. degree while continuing their career development. Students can pursue the first year of study at the University Park campus or at the USC Orange County Center in Irvine. Elective course work is completed on the University Park campus. The curriculum, offered in the evening, is the same curriculum offered to full-time M.B.A. students but is modified to allow completion of the program in 33 months.
Executive M.B.A. Program
The Executive M.B.A. program provides those with significant work experience, particularly mid- to senior-level professionals who have high potential as business and industry leaders, a chance to complete an M.B.A. on Fridays and Saturdays over a two-year period without interrupting their careers. The program is offered on the University Park campus in downtown Los Angeles and in San Diego. The San Diego program is subject to the approval of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).This program uses a non-traditional, interdisciplinary approach to executive and management education through “themes” that integrate various functional areas and address classic, yet dynamic business issues.
Through the integrated curriculum, participants develop a complete understanding of decision-making, a focus on the future and the international context of business as well as strong interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills. More specifically, participants achieve advanced skills in corporate and international finance, marketing, environmental and strategic analysis, information technology, organizational leadership, managerial communication and corporate relations.
Core faculty include the school’s most senior, experienced members as well as nationally renowned academic and business specialists. The program includes three residential off-site experiences — two domestic and one international.
International M.B.A. Program (IBEAR M.B.A.)
The IBEAR M.B.A. is a mid-career international M.B.A. emphasizing trade and investment in and between the Americas and Asia in particular. Participants complete the equivalent of two years of intensive M.B.A. study and return to their careers in 12 months.In addition to an internationalized set of core courses, the program includes elective course offerings on international management, international financial management, global e-business, global marketing strategy, international trade, politics for global management and global strategy.
The program features a two-term international business consulting project, a cross-cultural team-building retreat, a visiting international expert speaker series and participation in Marshall’s annual Asia/Pacific Business Outlook Conference.
IBEAR M.B.A. graduates join a network of well-placed alumni in more than 50 nations.
Global Executive M.B.A. Program
The Global Executive M.B.A. program in Shanghai is designed for middle managers with high potential and senior managers who are currently engaged in joint ventures, operations of foreign multinational companies, and government in Pacific Rim countries who seek a U.S.-style business education with an international perspective. It provides a unique opportunity for networking and provides personal development within the framework of an increasingly competitive Asian market.The program is offered in partnership with the Antai School of Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. Because classes meet in both Shanghai and Los Angeles, students must be able to participate fully in the travel requirements of the program. Classes are taught in English.
The program mirrors the long-standing Marshall Executive M.B.A. program, employing a nontraditional, interdisciplinary approach to executive and management education through “themes” that integrate various functional areas and address classic, yet dynamic business issues.
Through the integrated curriculum, participants develop a complete understanding of decision-making, a focus on the future and the international context of business as well as strong interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills. More specifically, participants achieve advanced skills in corporate and international finance, marketing, environmental and strategic analysis, information technology, organizational leadership, managerial communication and corporate relations.
M.B.A. Program for Japanese Managers
This program builds on USC non-credit course work completed in Japan through satellite broadcasting. Courses completed in Japan parallel the basic courses in the other M.B.A. programs (Business Economics, Macroeconomics for Managers, Marketing Management, Applied Managerial Statistics, Corporate Financial Reporting, Managerial Accounting, and Corporate Finance). Having completed these courses, students may apply to the M.B.A. Program for Japanese Managers. If accepted to the program, students complete the remaining degree requirements in 12 months at Marshall.
Dual Degree Programs
Dual degree programs offer graduate students the opportunity to complete concurrently the requirements for two degrees. The Marshall School offers the M.B.A. in conjunction with a number of other programs at USC:| • | Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (J.D./M.B.A.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in East Asian Area Studies (M.B.A./M.A.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Master of Planning (M.B.A./M.Pl.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Master of Real Estate Development (M.B.A./M.R.E.D.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Gerontology (M.B.A./M.S.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering (M.B.A./M.S.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Dental Surgery (M.B.A./D.D.S.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Education (M.B.A./Ed.D.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Medicine (M.B.A./M.D.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Pharmacy (M.B.A./Pharm.D.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service (M.B.A./M.A.) |
| • | Master of Business Administration/Master of Social Work (M.B.A./M.S.W.) |
Master of Digital Supply Chain Management
The Marshall School of Business jointly with the Viterbi School of Engineering offer individuals across the U.S. and around the world an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the rapidly expanding uses of technology in the management of global supply chains. The program focuses on teaching the necessary knowledge and skills in areas like product introduction; strategic procurement; outsourcing; logistics and distribution; information technology and its role in managing global supply chains; and supply chain optimization. The degree is offered only via distance learning technologies and can be completed through the Internet. In-person midterms and final exams may be required for some courses, in which case they will be administered in cities near student population concentrations.
Master of Science in Business Administration (M.S.)
Master of Science in Leadership and Organization
The Master of Science in Leadership and Organization focuses on the role of management and leadership in an organization. The program is well suited to mid- to senior-level professionals with significant work experience. It provides these individuals an opportunity to complete a master’s-level degree at night and on weekends over a two-year period without interrupting their careers.Through the curriculum, students develop skills in organizational leadership, ethical decision-making, managerial communication, corporate relations, interpersonal relationship development, environmental and strategic analysis, and visionary thinking.
Master of Medical Management
This program is designed for physicians and executives in the medical field. After earning the ACPE Certificate in Medical Management, students may choose to continue on for the M.M.M. degree. Significant project and course work is completed primarily through distance learning venues and three one-week intensive residential sessions.
Master of Long Term Care Administration
This program is designed to prepare competent individuals to administer the long term needs of America’s elderly population. It is jointly offered by the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, the Marshall School of Business, and the School of Policy, Planning, and Development. For information, see the School of Gerontology.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Doctor of Philosophy program in business administration is designed to produce research-oriented graduates who, from positions in academia, business or industry, can advance the state-of-the-art business practice and enhance the contributions that business can make to the larger community. These goals can be advanced through research contributions in theory, concepts, methods and practices, and education of the next generation of business leaders.
Graduate Certificates in Digital Supply Chain Management
Three 15-unit graduate certificate programs offer working professionals opportunities to study specific aspects of supply chain management without committing the time and resources required to earn a master’s degree. Certificates in information systems and supply chain management, optimization and supply chain management, and supply chain strategy are offered. These programs are offered via distance learning technologies and can be completed through the Internet. In-person midterms and final exams may be required for some courses, in which case they will be administered in cities near student population concentrations. See Master of Management for course requirements.