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MS Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSEI) Admissions

  • Color photograph of a group of young professionals in a casual work environment.

    MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSEI) Admissions

Application Criteria

  • Application for Admission ($175 application fee) 
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, from a regionally accredited institution
  • Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended
  • 1-3 years of work experience recommended
  • Professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from academic and one from a professional setting.
  • KIRA Video Interview - by invitation only after application is submitted
  • International applicants only: TOEFL or IELTS exam scores are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Please refer to the USC English Language Proficiency policy for details and exemptions.

Note: All required application materials including transcripts must be received by USC before the application deadline for an admission decision to be made. USC cannot guarantee an admission decision for applicants who have not met the published deadlines.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

  Deadline Decision By
Round 1 November 1, 2025 January 15, 2026
Round 2 January 15, 2026 March 30, 2026
Round 3 April 15, 2026 June 15, 2026

We highly encourage you to apply for admission in Round 1 or 2, as we cannot guarantee an admission decision in Round 3 for international applicants due to visa and immigration matters.

TUITION + FINANCIAL AID

Tuition is calculated based on the unit price of the given Academic Year and is subject to increase each academic year. The below figures are based on tuition and fees for the 2024/25 academic year. Students are also responsible for housing, food, transportation and student health insurance costs.

One Year
TERM Units Tuition Fees Total
Fall

15

$38,115

$1,652

$39,767

Spring

12

$30,492

$897

$31,389

Total for Program

27

$68,607

$2,549

$71,156

(Students can also do 12 units in Fall and 15 units in Spring)

1.5 Year
TERM Units Tuition Fees Total
Fall - Year 1

12

$30,492

$1,652

$32,144

Spring - Year 1

9

$22,869

$897

$23,766

Fall - Year 2

6

$15,246

$897

$16,143

Total for Program

27

$68,607

$3,446

$72,053

Progressive Degree Program

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

APPLICATION

Can I send WES report for international transcripts?
No, USC does not accept credential evaluation reports in lieu of official academic records issued by your institution of study.

Can I apply for the spring semester?
No, we only accept applications for admittance in the Fall.

When and how will I receive my decisions?
It typically takes around 8-10 weeks after each deadline for admissions decisions to be released. Applications are not reviewed until all required documents are received. All decisions are released via email.

Can I apply to more than one program at USC?
You can only apply for up to 3 programs per cycle. You must complete all program specific questions (quadrant IV) and pay the application fee for each program. You only need to submit your other application materials (transcript, test scores, etc.) once.

Can I email you my test score or transcripts?
No, our department does not accept test scores nor transcripts via emails. Applicants are required to upload test scores and transcripts in the application and send them to USC Graduate Admissions. Please see detailed requirements for submitting your official transcripts and test scores.

Do you offer any financial aid?
Master of Science in Business Analytics program offers limited amount of scholarships to admitted students. Recipients will be chosen based on a holistic assessment. There is no separate application for the scholarship. Domestic and international students are eligible. Applicants are encouraged to apply for round 1 and 2 for priority scholarship consideration.
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.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Is the MS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSEI) a STEM-designated program?
No, the MSEI program is not currently STEM-designated. It focuses on entrepreneurial strategy, innovation, and venture creation rather than technical or quantitative disciplines

Does USC Marshall offer an online option for the MSEI program?
No, the MSEI program is offered in-person only and requires students to be physically present in Los Angeles for the duration of the program.

When does the MSEI program start?
The program begins in the Fall semester each year. Students are expected to attend a mandatory pre-fall session, followed by core coursework starting in the fall term. Please refer to the USC Academic Calendar for specific start dates.

Can elective courses include classes from other USC schools or departments?
Elective options are pre-approved and include courses from areas such as social entrepreneurship, venture capital, design thinking, product development, and marketing for startups. While the program offers flexibility, students must choose from the approved elective list provided in the academic catalog

How long does it take to complete the MSEI program?
The MSEI program is designed to be completed in 12 months of full-time study.

What kind of career opportunities do MSEI graduates pursue?
Graduates often launch their own startups or take on roles in venture capital, innovation strategy, product development, or entrepreneurial leadership within established companies.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Who is considered an international applicant?
USC defines an international student as anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. American citizens who reside in other countries and attend foreign schools are not considered international students.

When is the application deadline for international students?
The deadline for both international students and domestic students are the same. However, international students are encouraged to apply for earlier rounds so they have sufficient time to obtain a visa. Review the “Application Deadlines” session above for all updated deadlines.

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

I have a 3-year Bachelor's degree, can I apply?
Please review country requirements and select your country of study to determine the academic records that USC requires you to submit to be considered for admission.

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 above 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

STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Connect with current Marshall Master of Science students to gain insights into the USC Marshall experience. Explore the full list of student ambassadors and chat with the one who best aligns with your interests and inquiries.