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MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Admissions
Thank you for considering the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSEI) program. This program is designed for students who have a passion for entrepreneurship and are seeking to launch the next great company of the future.
Dates and Deadlines
The Fall 2023 Application is Now Open
Important Dates: Application opens:September 1, 2022
Pre-Fall &Orientation:August 8-11 & 15-18, 2023 (Must be able to attend entire session dates)
Fall Classes begin: August 21, 2023
Application Deadlines for Fall 2023Application for admission will open on September 1, 2022, for the Fall of 2023. Spaces for Fall 2022 are closed. The program enrolls one cohort each Fall.
Priority Round 1: September 1- December 1, 2022, Eligible for scholarships
Round 2: January 31, 2023, Eligible for scholarships. (Final International applicant deadline strictly enforced. Domestic students can also apply for this round.)
Round 3: March 1, 2023, Open only to domestic students
Round 4: April 30, 2023, Open only to domestic students
Round 5: May 19, 2023, Open only to domestic students. Applications will be considered only if spaces are available following Round 4.
ADMISSIONS EVENTS
REQUEST INFORMATION
For more information about this program please fill out THIS FORM.
ADMISSIONS CONTACT
Greif Center for Entrepreneurial StudiesUSC Marshall School of Business610 Child's WayJFF 5th Floor, MC 3365Los Angeles, CA 90089-3365EMAILPhone: 213-821-0877
Four-year Undergraduate Degree, or Equivalent
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.
Online Application
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.
Application Fees
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.
Transcripts
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 Cover Page” 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 InstructionsIf sending your transcripts via regular mail, please use the following address:University of Southern CaliforniaUSC Office of Graduate Admission3601 South Flower Street, Room 112Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915If sending your transcripts via courier service, such as DHL or FedEx, please use the following address:University of Southern CaliforniaUSC Office of Graduate Admission and Financial Aid3601 South Flower Street, Tyler 112Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915Phone: (213) 740-1111
International Students only: Financial documentation and Passport
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.
Admissions Events
Spotlight: USCThe 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.
International Applicants FAQ
The Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program boasts a large enrollment of international students. We’ve developed the below to help answer some frequently asked questions.Admissions & EligibilityWho 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 hereWhen 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 Test Scores section for complete information.I have a 3-year Bachelor's degree, can I apply?Country specific requirements are listed hereWhat 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/uscWhat 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 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 DegreeFor 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 carefully 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.
Test Scores
GMAT/GREGMAT/GRE scores are neither required nor accepted. All applications will be reviewed holistically.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 20IELTS: Overall 7; each band 6Exceptions: International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement only under the circumstances outlined 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
Program Cost and Scholarship
The MSEI program is a 27-unit program of Business Graduate (500 level and above) Coursework.
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 website.
(Note: Please read the instructions carefully and calculate the cost based on the credits you are required to take for the program.)
Admitted Students DepositA nonrefundable $1,500 deposit secures the student's space in the class.
Once enrolled, the $1,500 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 ServicesAll 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.
Financial Aid Scholarships:The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program offers a limited number of partial tuition scholarships to qualified students, both domestic and international. Scholarships are need-based and merit-based. Scholarship application instructions will be emailed to all the admitted students.
Video Submission
Upload a 60-90 second password protected video on Vimeo or Youtube. The video should describe why you are interested in the MSEI program and how you plan on using the degree to further your professional goals.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are used as a gauge of your professional achievements and managerial potential. We prefer your letter of recommendation be provided by a professor or direct supervisor. This person should provide specific observations and examples of your leadership, teamwork, analytical skills and personal qualities.
Two letters of recommendation are required, but three are accepted (one academic, and one professional).
Letters of recommendation can only be accepted through the application system.
For your application to be complete, your recommender must submit their letter by the application deadline.
Tips for Success:When you enter your recommender’s information in the system, you must select the date by which you request the recommendation be completed. Be sure to select a date which is prior to the application deadline.
Request your recommendation letters as soon as you start the online application to allow sufficient time for your recommenders to submit them on your behalf.
For more information on Recommendations and troubleshooting please visit theApplication Portal Help Center.
Work Experience
One to three years of work experience is preferred, but not required.
Progressive Degree Program
The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) enables superior USC undergraduate students to apply undergraduate coursework toward the completion of a USC master’s degree. Please review here for information about Progressive Degree Program.
The MSEI program is accepting PDP applications for 2023. Please see here to find the MSEI PDP application link (different from the regular application portal).
Note: Progressive Degree Program (PDP) is only available to current USC undergraduate students.