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Full-Time MBA (FTMBA) Admissions

  • Two USC Marshall graduate students.

    Full-Time MBA Admissions

    A full-time two-year MBA program for early career professionals to sharpen business fundamentals, learn to leverage technology for business and societal impact, and empower leadership of global teams. Opportunities for networking and specialization enable students to use the MBA to transform their career.

The USC Marshall School of Business, ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report, is one of over 20 professional schools at the University of Southern California. Located in the city of Los Angeles, the Marshall School is part of one of the most vibrant global economies, providing valuable opportunities to its students for personal and professional success.

USC, founded in 1880, is the oldest private university on the west coast of the United States, a leader in funded research. USC has one of the country’s most diverse student populations, with scholars from over 110 countries, and is one of the top 5 universities in the U.S. enrolling international students (IIE Open Doors, 2024).

Application Criteria

The following materials are required to be included with your online application:

Four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an accredited institution. Applicants from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply

- A professional résumé demonstrating professional work experience

- Academic transcripts

- GMAT or GRE scores (if applicable) – All candidates must submit scores with the exception of applicants who have been granted a test waiver or applicants who are USC medical students applying to the MD/MBA dual degree program. See below for Test Waiver Request Option.

- Two required essays

- TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable). This applies to most international applicants (non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S permanent resident). Review the "Test Scores" section below to determine if this requirement applies to you.

How to Apply

- Complete an online application LINK

- Application fee of $155

- Upload copies of official transcripts into admissions application

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Important Dates & Deadlines (Fall 2025)

  Deadline Decision By
Round 1 October 1, 2024 December 15, 2024
Round 2 January 10, 2025 April 18, 2025
Round 3 April 15, 2025 June 15, 2025

Requirement Details

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

If you are not a United States national, and you will be entering, or have already entered, the United States with an F-1 or J-1 student visa, you should apply as an international student. Applicants who already reside in the United States and hold other non-immigrant visas (for example, E2, H2 or L2) are also considered international students.

Permanent residents of the United States, naturalized U.S. citizens, and U.S. citizens residing abroad and attending a university outside the United States are not considered international students.

Consortium Applicants

USC Marshall is a proud member of and the first business school on the west coast to join the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, a continually growing and evolving alliance of some of the world’s leading graduate business schools and business organizations, supported by the strength of an extended network of students and alumni. All prospective MBA students with a demonstrated commitment to The Consortium mission are encouraged to apply. The Consortium’s program is open to any and all applicants who are either U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents irrespective of an applicant’s race or ethnicity. Visit cgsm.org to learn more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ELIGIBILITY

Can I get feedback on my candidacy before applying?
USC Marshall is unable to provide pre-application feedback. We encourage you to review the Class Profile to see how your background compares to previously admitted students.

Is work experience required?
Most of our students have work experience, and we recommend a minimum of 2 years.

Are there any educational prerequisites or specific majors required?
Only a bachelor's degree is needed. All majors are welcome.

Can I apply if I already have an MBA degree?
Yes, but please explain why you are pursuing a 2nd MBA in the optional essay of the application.

I have been denied for the MBA program in a previous year, may I reapply?
You are welcome to reapply. Please use the optional essay to explain any aspects of your application that may have changed since your previous submission.


TRANSCRIPTS

Do transcripts need translation if not in English?
USC requires both the original transcript and a translated copy.

Should I mail official transcripts?
You must upload a copy of your official transcript with your application. Refer to instructions here.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
There is no minimum GPA required. View the Class Profile to see the average GPA based on a 4.0 scale. International applicants do not need to convert international GPAs to the 4.0 scale.


TEST SCORES

Is there a minimum GMAT/GRE score required?
No, there is no minimum GMAT/GRE score required. View the Class Profile to see average test scores.

Which test is preferred, GMAT or GRE?
We accept either and encourage you to take the exam you feel most comfortable with in your preparation.

When do I need to send official test scores?
During the application process, you must upload a copy of your official test score report to the online application.


TEST WAIVER REQUESTS

What is the USC Marshall MBA Test Waiver Policy?
We allow applicants to request a waiver for standardized tests (GMAT or GRE). To request a waiver, submit your application and explain your rationale using the Test Waiver Request Text Box. Test waiver requests will be evaluated based on academic performance, with a strong emphasis on achievement in quantitative coursework (business, economics, sciences, technology, engineering, math, etc.). Professional experience can be included in the waiver request but is secondary to academic achievement and quantitative coursework performance.

Additional Guidelines:

  • Transcripts must be uploaded into the application to be considered for a waiver.
  • Waivers are granted case-by-case and are final.
  • Approval of a waiver request does not guarantee admission.
  • Test waiver decisions will be emailed to applicants within 15 business days from the time application is submitted.
  • Test scores will not be considered in the admissions decision if a waiver is approved.

STAY CONNECTED

  • CONTACT US

    University of Southern California
    Marshall School of Business
    Popovich Hall, Suite 308
    Los Angeles, CA 90089-2633

    Phone: 213-740-7846

    CONTACT US

  • Speak to an Admissions Representative

    Nirav Mehta
    Graduate Admissions
    EMAIL | SCHEDULE A CALL

    Ben Greenfeld
    Graduate Admissions
    EMAIL | SCHEDULE A CALL

    Laura Hartman
    Graduate Admissions
    EMAIL | SCHEDULE A CALL

  • VISIT A FTMBA CLASS WITH AN AMBASSADOR

    A class visit is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the academic experience in the FTMBA Program. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus!

    SCHEDULE YOUR CLASS VISIT