Frequently Asked Questions

Majors
     Which curriculum?
     Curriculum: Catalogue years 2004-2009
     Curriculum: Catalogue years 2010 or later
Minors
Registration
 

General Questions about the Major

What are my chances of getting into the business school? What would make me a more competitive applicant? Where can I get application materials?
Please contact an admissions advisor in the Marshall Undergraduate Admissions Office in BRI 105 or call 213-740-8855 or email busadm@marshall.usc.edu for further information.

How many total units do I need to graduate with a B.S. in Business Administration?
128 units (for one degree)

What is a passing grade at Marshall?
A D- or above in a course is a passing grade at Marshall. However, in order to graduate, you will need to have a major GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Can I take ____ for P/NP?
You can take one GE, Diversity, and electives pass/no pass, but not to exceed more than 24 units. No required business classes may be taken pass/no pass and no minor courses or writing courses can be taken pass/no pass. Please see the USC Catalogue for more information.

What courses can I fulfill through a study abroad or exchange program?
If you participate in the Marshall International Exchange Program (IEP), you can fulfill your business concentration requirement or your Marshall upper division electives requirement. You may not fulfill business core, business minor, or general education requirements. If you study abroad through another program, including those offered by the Office of Overseas Studies, you will earn elective credit only. If you are participating in another program (such as pre-med, pre-law, a minor, or honors program) you may be eligible to fulfill some of those requirements abroad – please see an advisor for that department or program for more information.

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Which curriculum/degree requirements are for me?

I entered USC prior to Fall 2010, do I need to take the courses required by the 2010 curriculum?
No. The 2010 curriculum applies to students who enter USC in Fall 2010 or later.  If you entered USC prior to Fall 2010, you can continue to pursue the curriculum and degree requirements under which you were admitted.

I entered USC in Spring 2010.  Which curriculum do I need to complete?
Students who entered USC in Spring 2010 are part of the 2009-2010 catalogue year. You can continue to pursue the curriculum and degree requirements under which you were admitted or you can consider switching to the curriculum and degree requirements for the 2010-2011 catalogue year.

I entered USC in Fall 2010. Can I follow the 2004-2009 degree requirements?
No. Students may elect the follow the degree requirements in a subsequent catalogue as long as they are enrolled in that term, but they cannot follow degree requirements from terms prior to their first term of enrollment at USC.

How do I know my catalogue year?
Your catalogue year is listed on the top of your STARS report in OASIS.

I am a business minor.  Will the 2010 Curriculum changes affect me? 
No. None of the changes affect the Marshall minors.

Can I mix and match requirements for the two curricula?
No. You must choose one curriculum or the other.

What is the difference between the 2004-2009 curriculum and the 2010 curriculum? 
The 2010 curriculum requires two intermediate level economics courses (ECON 251x and ECON 252x), but does not require the introductory level ECON 203 and ECON 205.  The 2004-2009 curriculum requires two introductory level economics courses (ECON 203 and ECON 205) and one intermediate level economics course (BUAD 350 or BUAD 351).  The new curriculum does not require MATH 218, but it does require a new 2-unit integrative course (BUAD 425: Data Analysis for Decision Making).  The 2010 curriculum requires 6 units in Accounting (BUAD 280 and BUAD 281) and the 2004-2009 curriculum requires 8 units (BUAD 250a and BUAD 250b).  The 16 unit concentration requirement has been replaced by a 12 unit Marshall upper division elective requirement.  The 2010 curriculum is designed with the expectation that students will pursue a minor outside the Marshall School of Business.

2004 - 2009 Catalogue Year Curriculum	2010  Catalogue Year Curriculum
ECON 203 & 205; BUAD 350 or 351	ECON 251x & 252x
BUAD 250a & BUAD 250b	BUAD 280 & 281
MATH 218	BUAD 425
Business Concentration (16 units)	Upper Division Marshall Electives (12 units)

Can I switch to the 2010 curriculum?
Yes. Students can update their catalogue year to Fall 2010.  Prior to doing so, please consult your academic advisor regarding the ramifications of a catalogue year change.

Should I switch to the 2010 curriculum?
A small number of continuing students may be interested in switching to the 2010 curriculum. 

• Most students in BCA, BAIR, and BAES should continue with their current curriculum and degree requirements. 
• If you have completed BUAD 350 or BUAD 351, you should probably continue with your current curriculum. 
• If you have started or completed BUAD 250a and/or BUAD 250b, you should probably continue with your current curriculum. 
• If you have completed ECON 203 or ECON 205, you should probably continue with your current curriculum.

For the most part, the only students who should consider switching to the 2010 curriculum are those who have not completed the ECON 203, ECON 205, and MATH 218 requirements. If you have completed some of these requirements, it will likely make the most sense for you to continue with your current curriculum and degree requirements.

If I want to switch to the 2010 curriculum, what do I need to do?
If you think it might make sense for you to switch to the 2010 curriculum, please schedule an appointment to see your advisor. At this appointment, you will review your remaining requirements, update your catalogue year, and obtain any necessary d-clearances for ECON 251x, ECON 252 x and/or BUAD 280.

How do I change my catalogue year?
Meet with your advisor and sign a form indicating that you request your catalogue year be changed to 2010.

I have already taken ECON 203 and/or ECON 205. If I switch to the 2010 curriculum, do I need to take ECON 251x and/or 252x?
Yes. All students in the 2010 curriculum must take both intermediate level ECON courses.

Can I use my AP, IB, or A-level scores or college credit from another institution to fulfill the ECON 251x and ECON 252x requirements?
No. ECON 251x and ECON 252x must be taken at USC.

I have already taken BUAD 350.  If I switch to the 2010 curriculum can I take ECON 251x in place of BUAD 351
No. If you have already taken BUAD 350, you must take BUAD 351.  You can substitute BUAD 351 and BUAD 350 for ECON 251x and ECON 252x, but you cannot substitute them individually.

I have taken ECON 303 and/or ECON 305.  If I switch to the 2010 curriculum, can I substitute them for ECON 251x and/or ECON 252x?
No. All Marshall students must take both ECON 251x and ECON 252x.

I have already taken BUAD 250a.  If I switch to the new curriculum, can I take BUAD 281?
No. You can substitute BUAD 250a and 250b for BUAD 280 and 281, but BUAD 280 and 281 cannot substitute for BUAD 250a and BUAD 250b.  Also, you cannot substitute BUAD 250a for BUAD 280 or BUAD 250b for BUAD 281.

If I switch to the 2010 curriculum, when can I take BUAD 425?
We expect that BUAD 425 will be offered for the first time in Fall 2011. Assuming you have the necessary pre-requisites completed, Fall 2011 is the first semester when students could take BUAD 425 and the first semester when a student with the 2010 catalogue year could graduate.

I am in a joint program (BCA, BAIR, BAES). How will the 2010 curriculum affect my courses?
Students in these joint programs will be required to complete the 12-unit upper division Marshall elective requirement in addition to those required courses offered by schools/departments outside of Marshall.  Please see the sample course sequences available here for more details.

I am pursuing a minor and/or another major. If I switch to the 2010 curriculum, will it impact my degree requirements?
It may. If your other major or minor department made changes to their curriculum after your original catalogue year, you will be required to follow their new requirements. You should speak with your other academic advisor(s) and/or consult the 2010 – 2011 USC Catalogue to determine any changes with that program(s).

 

Curriculum:  2004-2009 Catalogue Years

What can I take outside of USC and transfer? What about in the Fall or Spring?
Math 118, Econ 203, Econ 205, and Diversity are the only classes you can take at a community college in the summer and transfer to USC. Make sure to fill out an online Transfer Pre-Approval form on OASIS if you intend to take any of the above courses. Also, please note that none of these courses can be taken during the Fall or Spring semester of your enrollment at USC. No business core classes or General Education requirements may be completed at a community college once you are enrolled at USC.

Can I take MATH 218 at another university?
Students who have completed a business statistics course prior to transferring to USC must get the course reviewed by completing a MATH 218 Transfer Coursework Petition. Students cannot transfer the course once they are enrolled at USC.

How long will MATH 218 continue to be offered?
We anticipate that MATH 218 will be offered through Fall 2011. Please remember that MATH 218 is a prerequisite for BUAD 310 in the 2004-2009 curriculum; students in catalogue years 2004-2009 who take BUAD 310 prior to MATH 218 may not receive units or GPA credit for MATH 218.

I still need to take BUAD 250A/B.  Will it continue to be offered?
We anticipate that BUAD 250A will be offered for the last time in Fall 2010 and  BUAD 250B will be offered for the last time in Spring 2011. You cannot take BUAD 280 and BUAD 281 to fulfill the accounting requirements for the 2004-2009 curriculum.

I still need to take BUAD 350 or BUAD 351. Can I take ECON 251x or ECON 252x instead?
No. Students in Catalogue years 2004-2009 must take either BUAD 350 or BUAD 351.

I still need to take BUAD 350 or BUAD 351. Will they continue to be offered?
We expect BUAD 350 and BUAD 351 to be offered through Fall 2012.

For more information on Business Concentrations, please visit the Concentrations section.

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Curriculum:  Catalogue years 2010 or later

Can I take any courses outside of USC and transfer them?
Math 118 and Diversity are the only classes you can take at a community college in the summer and transfer to USC. Make sure to fill out an online Transfer Pre-Approval form on OASIS if you intend to take any of the above courses. Also, please note that none of these courses can be taken during the Fall or Spring semester of your enrollment at USC. No business core classes or General Education requirements may be completed at a community college once you are enrolled at USC.

Can I take ECON 251x or ECON 252x outside USC?
No. Both ECON 251x and ECON 252x must be taken at USC.

Can I use my AP, IB, or A-level scores or college credit from another institution to fulfill the ECON 251x and ECON 252x requirements?
No. ECON 251x and ECON 252x must be taken at USC.

Does the 2-unit BUAD 281 course last all semester?
No.You can take BUAD 281 in either the first or second half of the semester.

When will you begin to offer BUAD 425?
We expect that BUAD 425 will be offered for the first time in Fall 2011.

Does the 2010 curriculum have a concentration requirement?
The 2010 curriculum does not have a concentration requirement, but there is a 12-unit upper division Marshall elective requirement.

How can I satisfy the 12-unit upper division Marshall elective requirement?
Students can select 12 units from Marshall’s various academic departments (BAEP, BUCO, FBE, IOM, MOR, and MKT). Students can elect to take 12 units from the same department or from various departments.  Acceptable Marshall upper division elective courses are numbered 300-499 and must be taken for a Letter Grade.  BAEP 450X, FBE 400X, and any other 300-499 course marked with an “X” cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

What courses can I fulfill through a study abroad or exchange program?
If you participate in the Marshal International Exchange Program (IEP), you can fulfill your upper division Marshall elective requirements.  If you are pursuing another program (e.g., a minor), you may be eligible to fulfill some of those requirements abroad.  Please see an advisor for that department or program for more information.

I plan on doing the International Exchange Program (IEP), will I still need to complete 4 classes?
Unit values vary by location, but typically students need to complete 3-6 courses abroad in order to equal at least 12 USC units.
Registration

How can I add a class that is full?
There are no centralized wait lists for Marshall (BUAD, BAEP, BUCO, FBE, IOM, MOR, MKT) undergraduate courses.    However, the Undergraduate Advising Office provides a system by which students can indicate their interest in enrolling in courses (not sections) that are currently full in order to track demand and manage classroom space effectively.  To add your name to this list, please stop by BRI 104.  Marshall professors cannot add students to full courses.  For ACCT courses (including BUAD 250AB, 305, 280, 281), please contact the Leventhal School Office of Student Services in ACC 101 for information about wait lists and how to add a course.
 
How can I add a class once the semester begins?
Most Marshall undergraduate classes are open enrollment (R-clearance) through the first week of class.  In other words, students are freely able to add a class (if there is an open seat).
 
How many Marshall courses can I take prior to being admitted to a Marshall major or minor?
Students may enroll in up to three (3) courses prior to being admitted to a Marshall minor or Marshall major. Courses from the following academic departments are considered Marshall courses: ACCT, BAEP, BUAD, BUCO, FBE, IOM, MOR, and MKT.  Withdrawing from a Marshall course is considered enrollment and it will be counted as one of the three courses that students can enroll in prior to being admitted to a Marshall program.

I am not a Marshall student, but I am in a program that requires more than three Marshall courses (e.g., IRGB, MUIN, MATF, CSBA, ENBA). How can a register once I have already completed three Marshall classes?
Please submit a Non-Business Student Registration Request Form to the Undergraduate Advising Office in BRI 104. Forms should be submitted after your permit to register day and time; forms submitted during walk-in advising hours can usually be processed while you wait.

Can I be dropped from a class for non-attendance?
Registration in a class does not by itself guarantee a space in that class. An instructor may replace any student who without prior consent does not attend these class sessions:

(a) the first two class sessions, or

(b) the first class session of the semester for once-a-week classes

However, it is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially from the course.

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Minors

Can I substitute another course for the BUAD-200x (Econ Foundations for Business) requirement?
Students can satisfy the BUAD 200 requirement by earning a passing letter-grade (D- or higher) in ECON 203 or 205 at USC. Completing both ECON 203 and 205 is not required for this course substitution. Students can satisfy BUAD 200 with any of the following:

• AP Micro or AP Macro, with a score of 4 or 5
• IB Economics, with a score of 5, 6, or 7
• GCE Advanced Level Exam in Economics, with a grade of C or higher
• Complete a transferable Economics course (Micro or Macro) with a C- or higher at a different institution during a summer semester. Please use the "Pre-approval for transfer course work" tool in OASIS to confirm that the course will transfer back to USC as ECON 203 or 205.

To request a BUAD 200 course substitution, please contact Marshall's Office of Undergraduate Advising because an exception will need to be placed on your STARS report.

Can I substitute another Accounting course for the ACCT 410 (Foundations of Accounting) requirement?
To request this substitution, please contact Marshall's Office of Undergraduate Advising; an advisor will need to review the course.

Can Business Minor courses be taken Pass/ No-Pass?
No. All courses used to satisfy a Marshall minor requirement must be taken for a letter-grade. A letter-grade of D- or higher will satisfy a Marshall minor requirement.

Can Marshall Majors (BUAD, BAES, BAIR, BCA, ACCT) add a Marshall minor?
No.  With the exception of the Consumer Behavior minor, Marshall students cannot pursue a Marshall minor.