The Graduate School of Business Administration offers the following degree programs: Master of Business Administration, full-time, evening, executive and international programs; Master of Science in Business Administration; Master of Science in Information and Operations Management; dual degrees with the schools of Urban Planning and Development, Gerontology, Engineering, Dentistry, Pharmacy, the Law School and the Department of Nursing; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School).

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

The USC Graduate School of Business Administration prepares men and women to become leaders at all levels of organizations, in private, public or nonprofit settings. The goal is to produce graduates with analytic tools and people skills that will earn them immediate recognition as "high-impact contributors."

Full-Time M.B.A. Program

At the program's beginning, each USC M.B.A. student undertakes comprehensive analysis of his or her personal leadership potential and learns to frame the responsibilities of leadership in terms of both the organization and the greater society. Over the first year's course of study, a "hands-on" approach to business education combines case analysis, management simulations and executive seminars with traditional methods for establishing a conceptual understanding of the general management role.

In year two, students chart their own course of study, selecting a concentration in a specific business field or continuing to pursue a broad-based management education. USC 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.

M.B.A.-PM Program

The M.B.A. program for professionals and managers (M.B.A.-PM) allows fully employed individuals to pursue an M.B.A. degree while continuing their career development. Students can pursue their degrees at the University Park Campus or at the USC Orange County Center in Irvine. The curriculum, offered in the evening and on Saturday, resembles that offered to full-time M.B.A. students but is modified to allow completion of the program in 33 months.

Full-time and M.B.A.-PM Admission

In their review of applications, an appointed admissions committee takes into consideration all of the applicant's completed academic work, the Graduate Management Admission 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. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (regardless of field or major) is required for admission to any degree program of the school.

Admission Procedures 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 term 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 the bachelor's degree.

The completed application must include the following: (1) the application (the current GSBA application form); (2) responses to required essay questions; (3) a $90 application fee for domestic applicants or a $125 application fee for international applicants; (4) 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; (5) two letters of recommendation; these letters should relate to the student's academic and work performance; (6) history of full- and part-time work experience; (7) the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. Applicants for all programs are required to submit a score on the GMAT. (Scores should be from tests taken within the last five years.) Applications will not be reviewed without an official copy of the test. Test score reports are sent directly from the Educational Testing Service and should be received by the Graduate School of Business Administration four to five weeks after each test administration. Additional score reports can later be sent within two weeks upon written request and payment of a fee; and (8) all international students who did not graduate from an American, British, Canadian or Australian college or university must submit a recent TOEFL score. Test scores are sent by the Educational Testing Service to USC.

Interviews Applicants living in the U.S. are required to schedule an admissions interview with an admissions representative or a designated alumnus of the school. International applicants are strongly encouraged to arrange an interview on campus if visiting Los Angeles. If the interview is arranged on campus, the applicant may take the opportunity to visit classes and tour the school. Arrangements can be made by contacting the Admissions Office at (213) 740-7846, Bridge Hall, Room 101; FAX: (213) 749-8520; or E-mail: uscmba@sba.usc.edu.

Application Deadlines: Fall Semester Entrance Admissions decisions for fall semester will be made on a rolling basis until the programs are closed. Applicants are urged to file a completed application as early as possible, since applications received early will be the first evaluated. Applications received late in the evaluation process may not receive a decision for the semester requested. Applicants for admission to the M.B.A.-PM program must file a completed application no later than June 3. Applicants for admission to full-time programs must file a completed application no later than April 15.

Application Deadlines: Spring Semester Entrance Admissions decisions for spring semester will be made on a rolling basis until programs are closed. Only applications for the M.B.A.-PM program are considered for spring admission. The application deadline for evening students is October 1. Applications received late in the evaluation process may not receive a decision for the semester requested.

Executive M.B.A. Program

The Executive M.B.A. program is designed to allow working professionals to obtain an M.B.A. degree without interrupting their careers. Mid- to senior-level professionals who have high potential as business and industry leaders are encouraged to apply.

This program uses a non-traditional, interdisciplinary approach to executive and management education. There are no separate courses. Themes that integrate various functional areas are presented to 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 will 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 an executive speaker series, a program for spouses and a required international residential program.

The program begins the last week of August with a six-day domestic residential session. Thereafter, the 21-month M.B.A. program meets on the University Park Campus on alternating Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year with a 10-week summer break. The eight-day international trip begins the second year of the program. This class schedule permits participants to maintain their professional responsibilities on a full-time basis.

Applicants should have at least a bachelor's degree in any field of study from an accredited university and eight to 10 years of business experience that includes substantial managerial responsibilities. The Executive M.B.A. office is located in Hoffman Hall, Room 801-F, (213) 740-6410; FAX: (213) 740-9090, or E-mail: uscemba@sba.usc.edu.

International Business Education and Research (IBEAR) M.B.A. Program

Richard Drobnick, Ph.D., Executive Director

Jack G. Lewis, Ph.D., Director

IBEAR offers a one-year M.B.A. program for managers pursuing international and Pacific Rim-related careers. The program begins in mid-August and ends in late July. It begins with a two-week orientation program that enhances skills in cross-cultural communications, computers, accounting and statistics. This is followed by four, 11-week terms during which 18 graduate courses are completed. The program includes international business consulting projects, a team-building retreat, a visiting expert speaker series, and participation in IBEAR's annual Asia/Pacific Business Outlook Conference. The nineteenth year of the program begins in August 1996.

IBEAR M.B.A. graduates join a network of 650 well-placed alumni in 40 nations. Participants average 10 years of work experience and 33 years of age. As many as 15 countries are represented each year.

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of six years of full-time work or military experience. Approximately 60 percent of the participants are sponsored by their firms, while the balance are self-sponsored. Enrollment is limited to 48 participants. For more information, contact the IBEAR M.B.A. Program, ACC 215, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1421, (213) 740-7140; FAX: (213) 740-7559; or E-mail: ibear@usc.edu.

Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBEAR)

The University of Southern California was selected in October 1990 by the U.S. Department of Education as one of its 25 national Centers for International Business Education and Research. Between 1990 and 1996, the Department of Education is providing approximately $2,300,000, which is matched by USC, to support 40 projects that are helping to internationalize teaching and research programs throughout the School of Business Administration and USC. CIBEAR Director Richard Drobnick, Associate Director John Windler and USC faculty coordinate and direct the projects. Phone (213) 740-6893; FAX: (213) 740-9964; or E-mail: ibear@usc.edu.

Change of Degree Program

Students who are currently enrolled in one degree program who wish to change their degree status to another program must formally reapply through the GSBA Admissions Office. Details concerning individual student requirements for reapplication may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office, Bridge Hall 101.

Change of Status

Continuing students who need to change from full-time enrollment to part-time, or from part-time to full-time status must petition the Graduate Registration and Advisement Office, Bridge Hall 101A.

Leave of Absence/Withdrawal

If for military, medical, religious or job-related reasons a student is forced to take a leave of absence, the Graduate Registration and Advisement Office must be notified of the situation and the student's intentions. A leave of absence form must be submitted in advance.

Upon completion of the leave, the student should re-enroll for the next semester. If a leave exceeds one academic year, the student must apply for readmission. Students must notify both the Graduate Registration and Advisement Office and the University Office of Academic Records and Registrar of withdrawal from the program. Leave of Absence forms are available in Bridge Hall 101A, (213) 740-0673.

Limited Status

The Graduate School of Business Administration does not allow students to take classes on any conditional or special status basis prior to application and an official admission decision except under the following condition: students completing a Master of Business Administration program at another accredited university outside of the Los Angeles area may take up to 12 units in the Graduate School of Business Administration to complete their degree, provided that a letter from the associate dean at the student's university states the classes which will be accepted for credit transfer back to the university granting the degree.

Dual Degree Programs

Applicants for the Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (J.D./M.B.A.) program should apply either simultaneously to both programs or during the first year in the Law School. Certification of eligibility for the dual degree program must be provided by the Law School prior to admission to the dual degree program. Admission criteria for the J.D./M.B.A. degree program are the same as those for the Master of Business Administration. Applicants for the Pharm.D./M.B.A. program should apply during their first year of Pharmacy School. Applicants for the M.B.A./Master of Real Estate Development program should apply to both programs simultaneously.

Retention of Files

Application files for enrolled students will be retained for five years after they leave the M.B.A. program.

Doctoral Program

Students who wish to apply for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program should consult the Graduate School section of this catalogue for applicable admissions information. Additionally, applicants should contact the doctoral office in the Graduate School of Business Administration for specific admission procedures. The doctoral office is located in Hoffman Hall 700, (213) 740-0676.

Executive Education

The Office of Executive Education offers programs that are not part of the regular degree programs. The Executive Education Office is located in the Davidson Conference Center 107, (213) 740-8990; FAX: (213) 749-3689.

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