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University of Southern California
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Master's Degree Programs

M.B.A. Program for Professionals and Managers

The M.B.A. Program for Professionals and Managers (MBA.PM) is a part-time, comprehensive M.B.A. program that allows fully employed individuals to pursue their M.B.A. degree. The program offers flexibility and a rich array of elective courses. Students in the MBA.PM program complete the degree in 33 months attending classes in fall and spring semesters and summer sessions.

The MBA.PM offers the following advantages:

  • the scheduling design allows students to complete the degree in a timely way, while continuing to work full time;
  • program flexibility allows students to tailor their selection of elective courses to their individual interests;
  • PM.Globe, a course which includes an international trip, gives all MBA.PM students first-hand exposure to international markets;
  • a cohesive group of student colleagues proceeds through the core together, providing opportunities for building relationships with other talented and ambitious individuals;
  • special academic and social activities enhance the richness of the M.B.A. experience; and
  • interaction between faculty and students enhances the overall learning experience.

The first year of the MBA.PM program is also offered at the Orange County Center in Irvine. All students take their elective courses at the University Park campus in Los Angeles.

Students attend core classes two nights per week for 12 months. Students must complete the core courses in the prescribed sequence and within the prescribed time frame. Elective courses are offered on a semester basis during the remaining portion of the program, including summer session.

During the elective portion of the program, M.B.A. students are encouraged to pursue a course of study that meets their professional goals. Students design their course of study by taking electives offered in the Marshall School and by sometimes taking courses in other areas of the university. Up to 9 units of graduate-level electives may be taken at USC outside the Marshall School of Business for elective credit provided the student shows sufficient reason why a selected course is relevant to the Marshall School of Business program. Permission to take courses outside the Marshall School must be requested via petition to the MBA.PM Program Office in Popovich Hall 106.

Application

Applicants should have significant full-time work experience. Letters of recommendation submitted with the application should relate to the student's work performance (resume).

The program enrolls students one time per year in the fall. For more information, contact the Marshall M.B.A. Admission Office in Popovich Hall (JKP), room 308; (213) 740-7846; Fax (213) 749-8520; www.marshall.usc.edu. Apply online at www.marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline.

Sample Program

A total of 63 units is required for the program. The following outlines the typical MBA.PM student's schedule:

First Year "Core" Required Courses -- Fall termUnits
GSBA 510Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting3
GSBA 511Managerial Economics3
GSBA 519aStrategic Formulation for Competitive Advantage1.5
GSBA 542Communication for Management1.5
9

Winter term A&BUnits
GSBA 506abApplied Managerial Statistics3
GSBA 522abManagerial Perspectives3
GSBA 581Information Management1.5
7.5

Spring termUnits
GSBA 528Marketing Management3
GSBA 544The Firm in the National Economy1.5
GSBA 548Corporate Finance3
7.5

First Year "Core" Required Courses -Summer SessionUnits
GSBA 518Accounting Control Systems3
GSBA 519bStrategic Formulation for Competitive Advantage1.5
GSBA 534Operations Management3
7.5

Second Year -- Fall SemesterUnits
GSBA 586Current Trends in Business 1.5
Graduate business electives (2)6
7.5

Spring SemesterUnits
GSBA 582Business Environment and Management Practices in the Pacific Rim3
Graduate business elective3
6

Summer SessionUnits
Graduate business electives (2)6

Third Year -- Fall SemesterUnits
Graduate business electives (2)6

Spring SemesterUnits
Graduate business electives (2)6

Total units required for degree: 63

Note: USC reserves the right to change, add or delete its course offerings and programs without notice.