MS Business Analytics (MSBA) Admissions

All applicants must have completed at least one statistics course at the undergraduate level or above, with no exceptions.

Eligible statistics courses must be taken for credit from an accredited college or university, and must cover all the following topics:

1. Basic probability

2. Probability distributions (normal, exponential, etc.)

3. Inferential statistics such t-tests, and Chi-square test, confidence intervals, and sampling

4.Intro to linear regression

If you have questions about whether a class you took qualifies as statistics after reviewing the above, you may email the syllabus to our office, msba@marshall.usc.edu. Note: Prior programing experience is not required.

Please find essays questions in the MSBA application here.

Please find video instruction in the MSBA application here.

A few years of work experience is preferred, but not required.

Letters of recommendation are neither required nor accepted. Please do not submit such letters at any point during the admissions cycle.

Join us on campus or connect with us online for a presentation of USC Marshall's Master of Science in Business Analytics program. We will discuss details about the program and what makes it unique, the program-specific application process, and answer any questions you may have. You will also hear from our MSBA career strategist to learn about the graduate career services and secrets of our graduates' employment success. Don't miss the opportunity to meet with the program director, career strategist, and other program representatives!

Coffee Chat/Admissions Q&A
Attended the information session but still have more questions? Join Associate Director of Admissions Yabin Zheng for a casual coffee chat to ask any questions you will have about your application and the admission process.

Is the MS in Business Analytics STEM-eligible?
Yes. Graduates of the MS in Business Analytics programare eligible to apply for a STEM OPT Extension.

Tuition
Tuition is calculated per unit based on the unit price of the given academic year. Tuition is subject to increase each academic year. For detailed information on tuition and mandatory fees please visit: HERE. Please keep in mind this information relates only to the listed academic year.
The MSBA program is a 33-unit program of Business Graduate (500 level and above) Coursework.

In addition, we ask students to budget for approximately $3000 in additional university and program fees. Students are also responsible for housing, food, transportation and student health insurance costs.

Admitted Students Deposit
A nonrefundable $2,000 deposit secures the student's space in the class. Once enrolled, the $2000 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 payment 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.

International Students Financial Statement
International students should visit here for further information.

Scholarships
The MSBA program offers a limited amount of scholarships to admitted students. Domestic and international students are eligible. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration. Candidates will be considered holistically and assessed based on merit, diversity, and need. Students who want to be considered for a scholarship must answer an additional essay question within the application for admission. There is no separate application for the scholarship.

To be in the program the applicant must have earned the equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA. Applicants in the process of finishing an undergraduate degree may apply, with acceptance contingent on finishing the undergraduate degree and ability to be physically present at the start of the program. Please see here for degree requirements by country.

Complete the online application and upload all required documents here. International applicants should also consult the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions website. When applying, we recommend using a personal email address that you will maintain access to for the foreseeable future rather than university or temporary accounts that you may lose access to. The program office is only able to communicate admissions decisions to the email address used at time of application.

Nonrefundable application fee: $155

USC students/staff/alumni, US military veterans, and select other groups qualify for an application fee waiver. For Fee Waiver Categories and instructions on how to apply for a waiver, click here.

Transcript requirements are set forth by the Office of Graduate Admission. Please view their website for details.

Transcript submission is a two-step process:

1.You must upload scanned copies of official transcripts from all institutions attended to the online application. These must be official transcripts printed on university letterhead. Print-outs from online student portals are not acceptable.

2. After you submit your application and receive your 10-digit USC ID number, you must submit the official transcripts by mail, courier, or electronic services 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.

Cover sheet:
We recommend that you fill out the “College/University Transcript CoverPage” and send it to the registrar’s office of each post-secondary institution you have attended. Although it is not mandatory, including it along with your USC ID number will help match your transcripts to your file as quickly as possible.

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

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 not necessary 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.

However, during application ‘busy season’ from February to May, students should be aware that processing time for these documents can take up to 8 weeks. For this reason, we strongly suggest you submit financial receipt of the I-20 document for admitted and certified students.

Please read carefully through USC Graduate Admission Guidelines for Financial Documentation, particularly the Financial Statement Expense Figures as well as the detailed guidelines for submitting proof of financial support.

Spotlight: USC

The USC Office of Graduate Admission organizes Spotlight: USC programs, where you can learn how to successfully complete USC’s online Graduate Application, avoid common mistakes, ask general application-related questions, and take a tour of campus. Click here to see the schedule and register.

To support you in the admission process and help you learn more about the program, we host a series of events allowing you to connect with advisors, professors, and current USC students.

The MS in Business Administration program boasts a large enrollment of international students. We’ve developed the below to help answer some frequently asked questions.

Admissions & Eligibility
Who is considered an international applicant?
All applicants that are not United States nationals, and will be entering, or have already entered, the United States with an F-1 or J-1 student visa, 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 applicants. 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.

*For more information see here.

When is the application deadline for international students?
The final deadline for international students may be a bit earlier than for domestic students. This is to ensure time for visa processing. Review the Dates and Deadlines above for all updated deadlines.

What is the language requirement?
Review the Test Scores section for complete information.

How do I know if I am exempt from language testing?
International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement only under the circumstances outlined under “English-Language Test Waiver here.

What are the minimum scores for the TOEFL and IELTS?
Review the Testing Scores section for complete information.

I have a 3-year Bachelor's degree, can I apply?
Country specific requirements are listed here.

What are the transcript requirements for International Institutions?
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.

Please also review the Transcript section and be sure to submit all required documents as part of your initial application via the online portal. Transcripts regularly take up to 8 weeks to process. Requests for transcripts missing from the original application submitted can add significant processing time.

Does USC accept WES evaluated transcripts?
USC does NOT accept WES evaluated transcripts. If admitted, you will be required to submit your bachelor’s degree information to IERF for degree verification. Detailed information is available at www.ierf.org/usc.

What is the required International Degree Verification process?
Students who choose to attend USC should be aware that the USC Office of Degree Progress requires verification of international bachelor’s degrees from the International Education Research Foundation (IERF).

Students complete this process after admission to the program.

Detailed information about IERF services, including application forms, fees, and required documents are available at www.ierf.org/usc.

Please contact Degree Progress dprogss@usc.edu, 213.740.7070 if you have any questions, or need more information regarding prior degree verification.

Does USC provide answers to other Frequent Asked Questions about admissions for an International Student?
The Graduate Admissions Office website https://gradadm.usc.edu/is an amazing resource for international applicants and students to help address frequently asked questions and concerns. Visit their FAQ page for international students!

What is USC’s Office of International Service (OIS)?
USC's Office of International Services (OIS) is the primary resource for USC's international students. This office has the most updated information regarding visas, events specifically for international students, and employment. They also have great information on pre-arrival, arrival, and life in Los Angeles! All new students should sign up for their newsletter.

Financing Your Degree

For financial documentation, how much money do I need to have?
The cost of attendance at USC changes from year to year. The amount required for financial documentation is the estimated cost of living and studying in Los Angeles for one year, not the cost of tuition for the entire program. Please review the International Students only: Financial Documentation and Passport section for details.

What if I need help paying for school? Are there scholarships?
The USC Marshall School of Business offers a limited number of partial tuition scholarships for students. These awards are highly competitive and are determined at the time of admission.

Domestic and international students are eligible. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration. Please review our Program Cost and Scholarship section for more details.

Many of our students pay for their degrees using savings or loans. For more information on financial aid that is specific to international students, please see USC's Financial Aid Website.

English-Language proficiency — TOEFL/IELTS (International Students)
International graduate applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.

Minimum Requirement:
TOEFL: Total 100; each band 20
IELTS: Overall 7; each band 6

Exceptions: International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement only under the circumstances here.

Submitting Scores: To avoid delays in the processing of your application, please have your TOEFL or IELTS scores sent to USC Marshall when you pre-register for the examination. Upload electronic copies of your TOEFL or IELTS scores with your application in addition to sending official scores to USC Marshall through the testing service. Official scores must be received directly from the testing service and dated no earlier than 2 years (24 months) prior to the start of your intended first term at USC. Do not enter the name and contact information of your specific intended graduate department.

Code:
TOEFL: 4852 (no department code is required)

IELTS: choose “University of Southern California, Graduate Programs” from the list of available institutions on the day you sit for the exam.

Applicants to the MSBA progressive degree program must meet the following qualifications:

• Have completed at least 64 total units of undergraduate coursework, excluding AP, IB, or transfer units earned prior to graduation from high school
• Have at least one full semester remaining before completion of their undergraduate degree
• Have completed an undergraduate statistics course
• Have at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA
• Plan to begin the MSBA Progressive Degree Program in Fall 2024
• Students may apply in their junior or senior year, but no later than the semester prior to beginning graduate coursework (students graduating in May must apply by the January 15th deadline).
• Be able to enroll in a minimum of 10.5 units of MSBA coursework in the Fall 2024 semester and 6 units of MSBA coursework in the Spring 2025 semester. Be ready to complete 30-33 units over at least three semesters.
• Plan to enroll in only one Progressive Degree Program. Students who are currently enrolled in a PDP cannot apply for another one.
• Senior international students who wish to pursue a PDP are not allowed to apply for OPT for the summer between the completion of the Bachelor’s degree in May and the start of the Master’s program in August.

If you meet the qualifications mentioned above, you may apply to the MSBA Progressive Degree Program for Fall 2024. A completed application includes:

- MSBA Online PDP Application (Opens: October 1, 2023)
- STARS report
- Professional Resume
- Most recent undergraduate course plan from your undergraduate advisor
- USC Progressive Degree Application and Proposed Course Plan Form (no signatures required)

Decisions are released approximately 8 weeks after each round deadline.

If the MSBA admissions committee recommends you move forward with the process, you will meet with an MSBA advisor to discuss the next steps in the admission process. For Marshall Undergraduate students, the MSBA advisor will also discuss options to count some 500-level MSBA electives toward Marshall Upper Division Elective units.

Application Opens: October 1, 2023

Welcome Week: August 19-23, 2024

Classes begins: August 26, 2024

Deadlines:

• Round 1 - November 15, 2023
• Round 2 - January 15, 2024*
• Round 3 - March 15, 2024
• Round 4 - April 15, 2024

*Students graduating in May 2024 must apply by the January 15 deadline.

PDP Proposed Course Plan Instructions

Please do your best to prepare the first draft of the USC Progressive Degree Application and Proposed Course Plan Form based on the instructions below and submit it with your MSBA Online PDP Application.

Your proposed course plan will not impact your admission decision. If you are recommended by the MSBA committee to move forward after your MSBA application is reviewed, the MSBA Advisor will work with you to revise and customize your plan.

• Refer to the MSBA PDP Course Plan on the Undergraduate Education Progressive Degree Program website for detailed information about course plan requirements
• Fill out the USC Progressive Degree Application and Proposed Course Plan Form starting with the current semester (i.e. Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, even though you are not taking any MSBA courses yet)
• Enter the MSBA courses along with any remaining undergraduate coursework (see intended terms for the MSBA core classes below)
• Enter all MSBA electives as “Graduate Degree Elective.” Do not enter the course title
• Feel free to add more lines to the semesters if there’s no room
• Do NOT get any signatures on the form since this is a first draft
• Do not fill in your total number of units until after you meet with the MSBA advisor
• The Recommendation Forms are not required

For your reference, please note the intended terms for all MSBA core classes:

FIRST FALL TERM
GSBA 542: Communication for Management (1.5 units)
GSBA 545: Data Driven Decision Making (1.5 units)
DSO 545: Statistical Computing and Data Visualization (3 units)
DSO 510: Business Analytics (1.5 units)
DSO 570: The Analytics Edge: Data, Models, and Effective Decisions (3 units)

SPRING TERM
DSO 552: SQL Databases for Business Analysts (1.5 units)
DSO 553: NoSQL Databases in Big Data (1.5 units)
DSO 530: Applied Modern Statistical Learning Methods (3 units)

SUMMER TERM
DSO 595: Internship (1.5 units)

SECOND FALL TERM
*DSO 573: Data Analytics Driven Dynamic Strategy and Execution (3 units)

*Note: the following courses can replace DSO 573 as a core course: DSO 556 or DSO 574.