Full-Time MBA (FTMBA) Admissions

You must upload scanned copies of official transcripts from all schools attended to avoid delays in reviewing and processing. Please note that these must be registrar generated official transcripts printed on university letterhead. Print-outs from online student portals, screenshots, and photographs of transcripts are not acceptable.

If your application is not complete by the published deadlines, we cannot guarantee a timely admission decision.

USC alumni or current students:

If you are a USC degree holder, you must still upload a copy of your official transcript into the online application. However, you 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:

Students who have earned their degree outside the United States must check our COUNTRY-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS to determine if we need original-language copies of their academic records. In such cases, a separate, word-for-word, English-language translation of all academic records must also be submitted. The translation should be issued directly by 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.

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.

Confidentiality and Document Submission Policy

Transcripts and all other materials submitted for admission consideration become the property of USC. The university does not return or duplicate materials for any reason whatsoever. The information and materials in your submitted application are made available only to the central Office of Admission and the admission committee of the academic department or professional school to which you have applied.

Essay Questions:

Essay #1 (Required) -What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from USC Marshall help you achieve those goals? Short-term career goals should be those you want to achieve within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term career goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations. (word limit: 400)

Essay #2 (Optional for New Applicants/Required for Reapplicants) - Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider when reviewing your candidacy for the MBA program. Reapplicants should provide any profile updates since your previous application. (word limit: 500)

All admissions decisions are based on test score reports you upload into the online application, as follows:GMAT or GRE Score Report – All candidates must upload at least one of these test score reports. The only exceptions are:

• USC medical students who are applying to the MD/MBA dual degree program
• Applicants who requesting a test waiver (if not approved, you will need to provide one after submission of application)

These tests must have been taken on or after August 1, 2021. Note: Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in a deny decision.At the time of application, please also have your official test scores sent to USC using the following institution codes:

• GMAT: 389-9C-23
• GRE: 4852
• TOEFL: 4852
• IELTS: Select “University of Southern California”

GMAT/GRE WAIVER 

Candidates to the Full-Time MBA program may request a GMAT/GRE Test Waiver through the online application for admission. When evaluating candidates for a GMAT/GRE test waiver, we assess whether your academic and professional background demonstrates the quantitative reasoning and analytical capabilities needed for success in the Marshall MBA program. 

When reviewing test waiver requests for eligibility, we will look closely at your past academic and professional accomplishments, including but not limited to:

1. Having earned a STEM, business, or analytical/quantitative- focused undergraduate or graduate degree, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, second class upper division honors, or international equivalent.

2. Hold a professional certification such as CPA or CFA or international equivalent (please include on resume). 

3. Post-undergraduate, full-time work experience in an analytical or quantitative function, demonstrated on resume.

4. Have completed a pre-MBA quantitative program like MBA Math or Harvard CORe Business Fundamentals course (please upload these transcripts or completion certificate to the additional materials section of the application).

Additional Guidelines:

• Waivers are granted case-by-case and decisions 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 the application is submitted. If declined for a test waiver, applicants who wish to continue in the admissions process must provide test scores by June 1, 2026.
• Test scores will not be considered in the admissions decision if a waiver is approved, and should not be submitted unless a test waiver request is declined.

GMAT/GRE WAIVER

Candidates to the Full-Time MBA program may request a GMAT/GRE Test Waiver through the online application for admission. When evaluating candidates for a GMAT/GRE test waiver, we assess whether your academic and professional background demonstrates the quantitative reasoning and analytical capabilities needed for success in the Marshall MBA program. When reviewing test waiver requests for eligibility, we will look closely at your past academic and professional accomplishments, including but not limited to:

1. Having earned a STEM, business, or analytical/quantitative- focused undergraduate or graduate degree, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, second class upper division honors, or international equivalent.
2. Hold a professional certification such as CPA or CFA or international equivalent (please include on resume).
3. Post-undergraduate, full-time work experience in an analytical or quantitative function, demonstrated on resume.
4. Have completed a pre-MBA quantitative program like MBA Math or Harvard CORe Business Fundamentals course (please upload these transcripts or completion certificate to the additional materials section of the application).

Additional Guidelines:

• Waivers are granted case-by-case and decisions 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 the application is submitted.
• Test scores will not be considered in the admissions decision if a waiver is approved, and should not be submitted unless a test waiver request is declined.

For information regarding tuition, fees, scholarships, and financial aid please visit THIS PAGE. 

English Language Proficiency

TOEFL or IELTS Score Report – (must be dated within 24 months of the date of application submission) All international applicants (non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. Permanent Residents) must upload at least one of these test score reports, except those who satisfy requirements listed under the GRADUATE ADMISSIONS ENGLISH-LANGUAGE TEST WAIVER POLICY.

Applicants to The Consortium must apply through The Consortium’s common application that allows candidates to apply to up to six member schools for both admission and a Consortium Fellowship that covers full tuition and mandatory fees. In order to learn more about eligibility and to access the application, please visit the Prospective Students section of the Consortium website.

To schedule an appointment, please contact gradadmissions@marshall.usc.edu

For Consortium applicants only: Please complete the Test Waiver Request Form to be considered for a test waiver. For the required essay, please submit a brief statement that summarizes why you believe you qualify for a test waiver.