Admissions

Applicants may apply for admission to begin the program in the summer term or the fall or spring semesters.

The M.S.B.A. is a very selective program. In addition to holding an M.B.A. from a reputable institution, successful applicants will have earned a GPA of 3.3 or higher in their M.B.A. course work, will have scored at least 650 on the GMAT, and will have at least five years of full-time work experience in positions of significant responsibility. International applicants must have achieved a TOEFL score of at least 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based version, or 100 on the Internet-based examination with no less than 20 on each of the four test components. Marshall will accept the PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic) as an alternative to the TOEFL. We expect that a minimum score of 70 will be required to avoid having to sit for the ISE prior to registering for classes.

Applicants are also evaluated in terms of their competitiveness within the current Marshall M.B.A. applicant pool. In their review of applications, admissions committees consider all the applicant's completed academic work, test scores, evidence of leadership and motivation, work history and level of job responsibility, letters of recommendation, and unique talents and contributions. Additionally, it is absolutely critical that the applicant present a clear picture of his/her goals and a coherent, cohesive discussion of how the program will help achieve those goals.

Note: applicants interested in accounting or a strong accounting focus should apply for admission to either the Master of Accounting program or the Master of Business Taxation program.

Preparation

A complete application includes the following:

• Completed on-line application
• Official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or GRE scores no more than 5 years old.
• Resume.
• Responses to required essay questions.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A nonrefundable application fee (waived for current USC students, USC staff, and USC alumni).
• One official transcript from the registrar of each college or university attended. If all college or postgraduate work has not been completed, transcripts must be sent again when work in progress is completed and the degree is posted. Transcripts written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
• International applicants must also submit TOEFL or PTE scores no more than 2 years old and verification of sufficient financial support. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for International Students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Application Booklet.

To ensure adequate time to receive an admission decision, it is important to send completed application materials well in advance of the semester for which the applicant wishes to register.

The Application Process

Submit an on-line application to the M.S.B.A. program (code 45) through the Marshall School of Business Admissions web site at http://www.marshall.usc.edu/admissions/applyonline. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Application Booklet.

• Current USC students and USC MBA alumni are not required to submit an application fee, new GMAT scores, or transcripts to verify degrees earned prior to their attendance at USC.
• Applicants who completed the MBA at an institution other than USC must submit all application documentation identified in the instructions including the $150 application fee, official test scores and transcripts.

GMAT scores must be issued directly to USC by the GMAT testing service using the Marshall MBA school code - 389-9C-23. The GRE code for USC Marshall is 4852. Scores must be from tests taken within the last five years.

TOEFL test scores must be sent by the Educational Testing Service directly to USC school code 4852

The following items must be submitted in the "Essays and Documents" section of the on-line application as one or more uploaded documents.

• A copy of your resume
• Your responses to the following:
  • Why do you want to pursue a Master of Science in Business Administration? What are your reasons for pursuing this advanced degree and how will the Marshall M.S.B.A. assist you in achieving these goals?
  • The M.S.B.A. program allows you to build your own curriculum in order to develop your knowledge of an area of specialization. Provide a proposed course of study (tentative list of courses that you plan to take). (Note: this is for admissions review purposes only and does not constitute an official program of study.)
  • Do you plan to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis?

Two letters of recommendation are required. These should be processed through the electronic "Recommendations" section of the on-line application system, but may be sent to MSBA Admissions directly via email (MSBA.Program@marshall.usc.edu). Hard copy letters may be sent to the address below.

Unofficial copies of transcripts may be submitted as uploaded attachments to the online application. Official transcripts should be sent to

MSBA Admissions
c/o Susan Hunt
RAN 313, USC
3716 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90089-7705

For application deadlines refer to the Dates and Deadlines page of this web site.

For additional information contact MSBA.Program@marshall.usc.edu or call (213) 740-0671.