Admission Requirements

The Admission Committee evaluates each candidate's potential by using both quantitative and qualitative criteria that include managerial accomplishments, academic ability and leadership potential. Specifically, the Committee considers:

1. Potential for increased management responsibility.

Only high-potential employees of proven ability from food industry companies are eligible for admission into the program. Each application for admission must include a recommendation from the candidate's employer company indicating the candidate's past accomplishments and evaluating his or her immediate and future management potential; and

2. Previous college work

Candidates who have earned at least a Bachelor's Degree are admitted into the Marshall School of Business on a post-graduate status. All other candidates must have completed at least 60 semester units of college credit which are transferable to the University of Southern California with a minimum 2.75 grade point average. Official transcripts of all previous college work must be submitted to the program office.

Candidates from non-English speaking countries must be able to pass USC's oral and written English proficiency examinations.

How to Apply

• Candidates can download an application from this web site or ask for an application from their company's Human Resource office. The application must be completed and returned to the candidate's employer.
• Employers should then forward the application along with the company's written recommendation directly to the Food Industry Management Program office for evaluation.
• Upon admission into the program, the program office will assist participants in providing the additional information necessary for admission into the University of Southern California and the Marshall School of Business.

Full-Tuition Scholarship Support

A full-tuition scholarship is awarded to each participant admitted into the program. The scholarships are provided by the Western Association of Food Chains' Educational Fund, which is supported by contributions from food industry supplier companies.