Marshall School of Business

Graduate Degree Overview

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 seven graduate degrees: The Master of Business Administration (MBA), the Master of Science in Business Administration (M.S.), the Master of Business for Veterans (MBV), the Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS), the Master of Management Studies (MMS), the Master of Medical Management (MMM) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The Marshall School jointly sponsors a Master of Long Term Care Administration. Graduate certificates in supply chain management, financial analysis and valuation, technology commercialization, management studies, and business fundamentals for non-business professionals are also offered.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA students gain an understanding of the forces confronting business around the world 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 five distinct programs.

While the five 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.

Full-time MBA Program

The Marshall MBA 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.

During the first year, a “hands-on” approach to leadership and business education combines case analysis, management simulations, executive seminars and international travel with traditional methods for establishing a conceptual understanding of the general management role in a global context. Elective options in the second semester allow 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. See here.

Part-time MBA Program for Professionals and Managers

The MBA Program for Professionals and Managers (MBA.PM) allows fully employed individuals to pursue an MBA 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 similar to the curriculum offered to full-time MBA students but is modified to allow completion of the program in 33 months. See here.

Executive MBA Program

The Executive MBA 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 MBA 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 as well as in San Diego.

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. See here.

International MBA Program (IBEAR MBA)

The IBEAR MBA is a mid-career international MBA emphasizing trade and investment in and between the Americas and Asia in particular. Participants complete the equivalent of two years of intensive MBA 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 MBA graduates join a network of well-placed alumni in more than 50 nations. See here.

Global Executive MBA Program (GEMBA)

The Global Executive MBA program (GEMBA) in Shanghai is designed for rising business leaders throughout East Asia and the Pacific Rim who seek a U.S.-style business education with a global perspective. GEMBA provides a unique opportunity for networking and personal development within the framework of an increasingly competitive Asian market.

GEMBA mirrors the long-standing Marshall Executive MBA program, employing a nontraditional, interdisciplinary and integrated approach to executive and management education through “themes” that integrate various functional areas and address classic, yet dynamic business issues.

Core faculty include the school’s most senior, experienced members as well as renowned academic and business specialists.

USC Marshall offers GEMBA in partnership with the Antai College of Economics and 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.

Dual MBA Degree Programs

Dual degree programs offer graduate students the opportunity to complete concurrently the requirements for two degrees. The Marshall School offers the MBA in conjunction with a number of other programs at USC:

Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (J.D./MBA)
Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in East Asian Area Studies (MBA/M.A.)
Master of Business Administration/Master of Planning (MBA/MPl)
Master of Business Administration/Master of Real Estate Development (MBA/MRED)
Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Gerontology (MBA/M.S.)
Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering (MBA/M.S.)
Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Education (MBA/Ed.D.)
Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Medicine (MBA/M.D.)
Master of Business Administration/Doctor of Pharmacy (MBA/Pharm.D.)
Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management (MBA/M.A.)
Master of Business Administration/Master of Social Work (MBA/MSW)

Master of Management Studies (MMS)

The Master of Management Studies is designed to provide students who have completed graduate business course work equivalent to the first year of a traditional two-year MBA program with an opportunity to pursue further studies at the USC Marshall School of Business. The program is especially valuable for those who have completed the first year of a traditional MBA at another institution and those who completed one-year MBA programs and wish to enhance their knowledge in specialized areas of business. The degree can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. See here.

Master of Science in Business Administration (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Business Administration is designed to provide students with an opportunity to pursue an area of specialization subsequent to successfully completing the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The program is especially valuable for those who wish to enhance their knowledge base in a specialized area of business. In cooperation with a faculty member, the student in this program designs a course of study to meet his or her individual needs. The degree can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. See here.

Master of Science in Business Research (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Business Research is designed to provide an alternative for Marshall Ph.D. students. Marshall does not accept applications for admission to this program. See here.

Master of Medical Management (MMM)

This program is designed for physicians in the medical field who wish to gain formal business knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. Significant project and course work is completed primarily through distance learning venues. The program consists of four one-week intensive residential sessions. See here.

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 USC Davis School of Gerontology, the Marshall School of Business, and the USC Price School of Public Policy. For information, see the Davis School of Gerontology.

Master of Digital Supply Chain Management

The Marshall School of Business, jointly with the Viterbi School of Engineering, offers individuals 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. See here.

Master of Science in Finance (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Finance is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become experts in finance and thus advance their careers in business. The program is exceptionally well suited to individuals completing a bachelor’s degree who are seeking an opportunity to continue their studies at USC for one year and earn a master’s degree in finance before entering the work force. It is also well suited to those who have earned or soon will earn a master’s degree and wish to earn a second master’s degree.

Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management (M.S.)

The Marshall School of Business offers individuals across the U.S. and around the world an opportunity to expand their knowledge of management of the ever-changing world of global supply chains. The program provides managers with tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in improving the performance of the global supply chains that they manage. Courses are broadcast via distance learning technologies so that, with the exception of two international travel experiences, the degree can be completed through the Internet. Additional in-person instructional activities are provided at partner institutions. Two international travel experiences to global distribution hubs are included in the program. 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 here.

Master of Business for Veterans (MBV)

This program is designed for veterans who wish to gain formal business knowledge and develop critical thinking skills to manage or grow a business. Significant project and course work is completed during the two-semester program. Class sessions meet over 16 full-day sessions each semester, offered on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles. See here.

Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS)

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science program is designed to educate professional librarians for leadership from every level of the organization in academic, urban and corporate environments. Graduates will identify and analyze critical issues and leverage resources and expertise to build community assets. The program is taught entirely online. See here.

Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals

The Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals is designed for individuals who hold undergraduate degrees in non-business fields and seek core business knowledge to support management responsibilities or relationships with business professionals but who are not likely to pursue an MBA. It is best suited to mid- and senior-level managers, professional and technical specialists assuming management responsibilities, those seeking improved career mobility, individuals returning to the work force and small business owners. The program provides a basic introduction to the major disciplines within the field of business, common business practices and effective business communication. Classes are offered primarily at night to accommodate the needs of working professionals. See here for course requirements.

Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation is designed to offer students the intensive instruction and training needed to successfully compete in rapidly developing global financial markets. Course work in the fundamental theories and practice of financial accounting, financial analysis, valuation, credit analysis, and financial instruments and markets expands analytical capacities to better understand and develop strategic financial decisions. See here for course requirements.

Graduate Certificate in Management Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Management Studies is designed to provide students who have completed graduate business course work equivalent to the first year of a traditional two-year MBA program with an opportunity to pursue further studies at the USC Marshall School of Business. The program is especially valuable for those who have completed the first year of a traditional MBA at another institution and those who completed a one-year MBA program and wish to enhance their knowledge in specialized areas of business. The certificate can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours.

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. See Master of Digital Supply Chain Management for course requirements.

Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization

The Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization, offered through the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, provides technology commercialization skills in an academic/real world environment that combines theory and practice. Through a living laboratory academic program, students experience the entire spectrum of the commercialization process: invention, product development, technical and market feasibility analysis, intellectual property acquisition, business development and venture funding. Working with USC scientists and engineers, students have the potential to become stakeholders in a new technology venture. They are also eligible to apply for summer internships sponsored by industry partners to give them additional experience in taking a new technology to market. The program is particularly well suited to those in science, engineering and business. See here for course requirements.

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, can advance business practice and enhance the contributions that businesses 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.

Catalogue 2013/14