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Master of Science in Business Administration
The Master of Science in Business Administration (MS BUSAD) is designed to provide those who have completed a traditional M.B.A.* with an opportunity to pursue further study in an area of specialization subsequent to successfully completing the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). The degree is only available to those holding an M.B.A. degree.
Successful applicants are proven leaders who have a clear vision of their educational needs and how earning the MS BUSAD will contribute to the further development of their career.
* Anyone holding a traditional M.B.A. is welcome to apply to the MS BUSAD program at USC. Please note that applicants from programs not accredited by the AACSB, EQUIS, ACBSP, AOCTE, IACBE or AMBA are generally considered less well prepared than those from accredited institutions.
For additional information EMAIL or call (213) 740-3198.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
KEYS TO SUCCESS
PERSONALIZED PROGRAMS
The program is tailored to the specific needs of each student and is especially valuable for graduates who are employed and desire additional knowledge in a unique combination of subjects not thoroughly explored during the course of their M.B.A.
FLEXIBILITY
The degree may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Classes applicable to the degree are offered during both daytime and evening hours.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Learning Goal #1: Develop Personal Strengths
Our graduates will develop a global and entrepreneurial mindset, lead with integrity, purpose and ethical perspective, and draw value from diversity and inclusion.
1.1 Possess personal integrity and a commitment to an organization’s purpose and core values.
1.2 Expand awareness with a global and entrepreneurial mindset, drawing value from diversity and inclusion.
1.3 Exhibit awareness of ethical dimensions and professional standards in decision-making.
Learning Goal #2: Gain Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will develop a deep understanding of the key functions of business enterprises and will be able to identify and take advantage of opportunities in a complex, uncertain and dynamic business environment using critical and analytical thinking skills.
2.1 Gain knowledge of the key functions of business enterprises.
2.2 Acquire advanced skills to understand and analyze significant business opportunities, which can be complex, uncertain and dynamic.
2.3 Use critical and analytical thinking to identify viable options that can create short-term and long-term value for organizations and their stakeholders.
Learning Goal #3: Motivate and Build High-Performing Teams
Our graduates will achieve results by fostering collaboration, communication and adaptability on individual, team, and organization levels.
3.1 Motivate and work with colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders to achieve organizational purposes.
3.2 Help build and sustain high-performing teams by infusing teams with a variety of perspectives, talents, and skills and aligning individual success with team success and with overall organizational success.
3.3 Foster collaboration, communication and adaptability in helping organizations excel in a changing business landscape.
APPLYING TO THE MS BUSAD PROGRAM
DATES + DEADLINES
For early registration:February 1 for fall semesterSeptember 1 for spring semesterFinal Deadline for non-USC students:May 15 for fall semester (April 1 for international students)November 1 for spring semester (October 1 for international students)
ADMISSIONS CONTACT
EMAILPhone: 213-740-3198
Curriculum
Completion of the master of science degree requires a minimum of 24 graduate units for all candidates.
None of the GSBA prefixed classes required for completion of a Marshall M.B.A. program may be applied toward the Master of Science in Business Administration unless they are required to update prior work and are added to the 24-unit total.
No courses numbered lower than 500 may be included in this program. No more than two courses or 8 units may be taken in graduate course work outside the Marshall School of Business.
At the time of application submission, applicants must identify one area of interest, specifically naming one of Marshall’s academic departments as the focus of their studies. Marshall’s academic departments include: Business Communication, Business Entrepreneurship, Data Sciences and Operations, Finance and Business Economics, Management and Organization, and Marketing. It’s recommended applicants access the USC SCHEDULE OF CLASSES for recent and current class offerings.
Applications are reviewed by faculty from the academic department responsible for teaching the subject matter in the individual's area of interest, and a faculty advisor is appointed by the department. Final determination of coursework requirements is made under the guidance of, and subject to approval by, the faculty advisor. Applicants may later recruit a different faculty advisor from among the faculty of the Marshall School of Business.
Partnership Program with KAIST
Current students and recent (within the last three years) alumni of the KAIST Information and Media Management M.B.A., the Techno M.B.A. or the IMBA are eligible for admission to the MS BUSAD program. Current students apply for admission during their final term at KAIST.
Admissions: Under a partnership agreement between KAIST and USC Marshall, Information and Media Management M.B.A., Techno M.B.A. and IMBA applicants are not required to have work experience or to submit GMAT or GRE test scores. One letter of recommendation from the KAIST screening committee is required. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or PTE scores) is required of all non-US citizens who did not graduate from an American, British, Canadian or Australian college or university. All other parts of the application are required.
Curriculum: KAIST Information and Media Management M.B.A. graduates are provided a special curriculum suited to their M.B.A. background. For a copy of that curriculum EMAIL. Students from KAIST are not exempt from course prerequisite requirements. Prerequisite waivers will be issued upon confirmation that coursework equivalent to the stated prerequisite(s) has been completed. KAIST students may apply to the MS BUSAD up to 12 units of business-related non-Marshall coursework from other USC programs, subject to approval by the student’s faculty advisor.
FAQs
How long does it take to complete the program?
The length of time it takes to complete the program depends on how many classes the student takes each semester. Full-time students take 3 – 5 classes each semester, completing the program in two or three terms. Working students take 1-2 classes each semester. International students are expected to complete the program in one academic year (two semesters).
Application of prior coursework or M.B.A. courses to the M.S. BUSAD requirements
The MS BUSAD degree is intended to provide individuals with an opportunity to expand their knowledge base in areas not covered during their MBA studies. Applying old coursework to the degree would not contribute to achieving this goal. In other words, no courses completed prior to matriculation in the MS BUSAD program can be applied toward the Master of Science in Business Administration. USC MBA students may not pursue both degrees simultaneously or apply MBA coursework to the MS BUSAD.
Career Development and Placement Services
It is expected that MS BUSAD students have received career development training as part of their M.B.A. program and will have access to career placement services as alumni of their M.B.A. institution. As a result, MS BUSAD students are not provided with personalized career transition services afforded Marshall MBA such as personal coaching, training in prospective employer relationship development, interview scheduling, or employer advocacy.
Housing
The University of Southern California provides a wide range of housing opportunities on and around campus. For more information about University-owned and managed facilities visit HOUSING.USC.EDU. Additionally, a great number of non-university housing opportunities are available around campus. For more information about those visit OIS.USC.EDU.