Master of Business Taxation (MBT) Admissions
Master of Business Taxation (MBT) Admissions
Master of Business Taxation (MBT) Admissions
Dates and Deadlines
Application Opens: September 15, 2024
International Applicants: January 15, 2025
Domestic Applicants (Non- Accounting Majors, Summer Start): March 15, 2025
Domestic Applicants (Accounting Majors, Fall Start): May 1, 2025
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed once all documents are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure space and scholarship opportunities.
Summer Start (Summer Intensive Program)
Fall Start
The Summer Intensive Program is designed for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting or the required prerequisites. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited international institution may apply directly for the fall semester. Students are encouraged to contact us with any questions or for clarification.
GMAT/GRE
GMAT/GRE scores are optional, although applicants are welcome to submit scores. All applications will be reviewed holistically.
English Proficiency Requirements
International graduate applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.
Transcript requirements are set forth by the Office of Graduate Admission.
Transcript submission is a 2-step process:
Step 1) Upload an unofficial copy of your official transcripts to your online application. Include all courses currently in progress. You must upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions you have previously attended.
Step 2) After you submit your application and have received your 10-digit USC ID number, you must also submit (by mail, courier, or electronic service) official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions you have previously attended.
Official transcript:
A transcript is considered official when it is received in the sealed envelope provided by the school, or when it is electronically transmitted (not emailed) from the institution. Even if it is mailed by the applicant, it can be considered official as long as the envelope has not been opened.
E-transcripts:
USC accepts official electronic transcripts from all countries, provided that the transcript originates from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution. Please instruct the vendor to email the transcript to etrans@usc.edu. Do not send any other materials or correspondence to this email. Electronic transcripts e-mailed to any other address will not be downloaded, delaying review of your file and adding an extra expense because the transcript will need to be re-sent.
Transcripts in original language of issuance:
International students who have earned their degree outside the United States must check the country-specific requirements to determine if original-language copies of their academic records are needed. In such cases, a separate, word-for-word, English-language translation of all academic records must also be submitted. The translation should either be issued directly from the school itself or by a professional, certified translator. It must contain all information shown on the original-language documents and “mirror” them as precisely as possible. Dual-language transcripts are also acceptable.
USC alumni or current students:
USC degree holders do not need to submit USC transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admission. Please be sure to include your USC enrollment in the “Academic Background” section so that we may match your application to the academic records already on file.
Credential evaluation:
Please note that USC does not accept or recognize credential evaluation reports from outside agencies (e.g. WES, ECE, etc.) for the purposes of admission review.
Mailing Instructions:
If sending your transcripts via regular mail, please use the following address:
University of Southern California
USC Office of Graduate Admission
3601 South Flower Street, Room 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
If sending your transcripts via courier service, such as DHL or FedEx, please use the following address:
University of Southern California
USC Office of Graduate Admission and Financial Aid
3601 South Flower Street, Tyler 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
Phone: (213) 740-1111
Essay #1 (required): What brought you to apply to USC Leventhal? What are your professional short-term goals and how do you believe Leventhal will help you achieve your goals? (word limit: 250)
Essay #2 (required): Explain how your personal and professional experiences have shaped your decision to pursue a master’s degree. Also, share how you can contribute to fostering a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, learn, and thrive together. (word limit: 300)
Submit a professional resume. Please include any pending internships.
Submit a 1-minute introductory video. The video should include the applicant's name, hometown, university name, major, and an interesting fact about themselves. Be sure your video link is accessible.
Admission to USC is based on merit rather than ability to pay. The U.S. government, however, requires that all international applicants provide proof of adequate financial support for the first year of study and passport copies for you and any applicable dependents before a formal letter of admission and an I-20 (or DS-2019) can be issued.
It is unnecessary to submit financial documents or a copy of a valid passport for your application to be reviewed or for an admission decision to be rendered.
Please read carefully through USC GRADUATE ADMISSION GUIDELINES FOR FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION, particularly the Financial Statement Expense Figures and the detailed guidelines for submitting proof of financial support.
Tuition
To see the most recent tuition and fees, visit USC Schedule of Classes. Please refer to the “Tuition and Fees” > “Graduate Students” and 15-18 units (for MAcc and MBT full-time) and Unit basis (for MBT Working Professionals).
Living expenses vary based on the type of housing and lifestyle of the student. If you want to calculate your estimated cost of attendance, please visit USC Financial Aid.
Leventhal Scholarships:
Currently, scholarships are reserved for MAcc and MBT full-time students.
Admitted Students Deposit
A nonrefundable $500 deposit secures the student's space in the class. Once enrolled, the $500 deposit will be credited as payment to your tuition and fees. Please note, once you have paid your deposit, you will not be granted a refund. Payment of your deposit secures your seat in the program and is non-refundable.
Student Financial Services
All tuition and fee payments are processed through Student Financial Services. For more information on billing cycles, methods of payment, and more, please visit their website or contact their department directly.
*Summer Intensive Program
Total cost: $14,000
Application fee is $90. The fee is waived for current USC students and alumni. For additional information on fee waivers, please visit Graduate Admission Fee Waivers.
PROGRESSIVE DEGREE PROGRAM
The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) enables USC undergraduate students to accelerate the completion of a USC master’s degree. Visit the USC Progressive Degree Program Website for USC requirements, student classification, and Financial Aid.
The Master of Accounting (MAcc) and Master of Business Taxation (MBT) require 45 units for students without an accounting background and 30 units for students with an accounting background. Leventhal undergraduate accounting majors may qualify to have up to 9 units of MAcc or MBT graduate electives count toward their undergraduate major Upper Division Electives. Marshall undergraduate business administration majors may qualify to have up to 6 units of MAcc or MBT graduate electives count toward their undergraduate major Upper Division Electives.
The programs start in the summer term for those without an accounting background and fall term for those with an accounting background (no spring term). MAcc students are eligible to choose between three different tracks: Professional Accountancy, Data & Analytics, or Strategic Finance. Both the MAcc and MBT programs are STEM designated.
Note: The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) is only available to current USC undergraduate students. Students should plan to enroll in only one Progressive Degree Program.
Applicants to the MAcc or MBT progressive degree program must meet the following qualifications below:
Applicants to the MAcc or MBT progressive degree program must complete the following pre-requisites in order to be considered for admission:
NON-ACCT or NON-BUAD Majors – waive Summer Intensive by taking:
*Please note: Non-ACCT/Non-BUAD majors may enroll in up to three (3) courses in Marshall.
o Intro to Financial Accounting
- BUAD 280 or ACCT 410
OR
- *BUAD 305 (will satisfy both financial and managerial accounting)
( *Only available to community college transfer students)
o Managerial or Cost Accounting
- BUAD 281 (pre-requisite BUAD 280)
OR
- *BUAD 305 (will satisfy both financial and managerial accounting)
( *Only available to community college transfer students)
o Intermediate Accounting 1 & 2
- ACCT 370 (pre-requisite BUAD 280)
o Tax
- ACCT 451 (pre-requisite BUAD 280 or BUAD 305 or ACCT 410)
Application Opens Application Closes
Summer or Fall Admission October 1st March 1st
*Minimum required units must be completed before application submission. In progress units will not be considered for total unit count.
MASTER OF ACCOUNTING
FALL TERM ONLY
SPRING TERM ONLY
MASTER OF BUSINESS TAXATION
FALL TERM ONLY
SPRING TERM ONLY
STAY CONNECTED
Contact Us
MAcc & MBT Admissions
USC Leventhal School of Accounting
3660 Trousdale Parkway, ACC 101
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0441
Speak to an Admissions Represenative