MS in Global Supply Chain Management Admissions

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 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 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.

Online Information Sessions
To attend our information session, you must register in advance. Click the link below to see a list of upcoming sessions. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting.https://events.marshall.usc.edu/en/g/SNyKs5za22?search=&sortBy=date&category=&date=TODAY&keywords=

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 the link below to see the schedule and register. https://gradadm.usc.edu/explore/learn-about-usc/on-campus-programs/

The MS in Global Supply Chain Management 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 Test 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 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 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.

GMAT/GRE
GMAT/GRE scores are neither required nor accepted. All applications will be reviewed holistically.

English-Language proficiency –TOEFL/IELTS (International Students)

For International students applying to the Residential/OnCampus program proof of English language proficiency is required. Please visit the Graduate Admissions page to determine whether you are required to submit English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) scores. If so, note that scores are valid for 2 years and must be valid through August of your start year. For example, to start the program in Fall 2023 your English proficiency exam must have been taken during or after August 2021.

TOEFL test scores must be sent by the Educational Testing Service directly to USC school code 4852.

IELTS scores should be sent by choosing USC from the list of institutions

PTE scores must be issued directly to USC by the GMAT testing service using the Marshall MBA school code 389-9C-23.

Learn more about the English proficiency requirement: https://gradadm.usc.edu/lightboxes/international-students-english-proficiency/

The MS GSCM program is a 30-unit program of Business Graduate (500 level and above) Coursework.

Total tuition cost for the MS GSCM program is estimated to be around $66,000. Based on tuition rates for 2022 2023 school year. This cost is subject to change depending on university tuition rates. More information can be found here.

In addition, we ask students to budget for approximately $10,000 in additional program fees, travel fees, and other mandatory university expenses. Students are responsible for the cost of any airfare, healthcare, and visas required. Students are responsible for their individual housing accommodations and the above tuition amount does not include housing costs.

Commitment Deposit
Admitted students will be required to submit a non-refundable $2,000 deposit to secure their space in the class. This deposit will go towards Fall tuition should you enroll. Please note, once you have paid your deposit, you will no tbe granted a refund. Payment of your deposit secures your seat in the program.

Experiential Trip Abroad
The program will cover ground transportation, breakfast, lunch, and hotel accommodations. All students are responsible for airfare expenses to the determined location of the experiential learning trip.

Orientation and Commencement Week in Los Angeles
The program generally begins with an in-person orientation in early August at USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles. All new students (on-campus and online) are expected to attend in order to meet program administration, faculty, and fellow cohort members. During the final semester, students participate in an experiential trip to Los Angeles as part of Commencement Week. For both events, the program will cover breakfast and lunch for all students, and hotel accommodations for online students. All students are responsible for their own travel to and from Los Angeles.

Paying for the Program
Payments are handled through USC's 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
For more information on funding options please visit the USC Financial Aid Website. Students typically pay for graduate school through savings, loans, and payment plans. There are a number of loan options available for USC graduate students. On average, alumni of the MS GSCM program see a full return on their investment in education within 2-3 years of graduation. Many of our working professionals take advantage of their employers' tuition assistance programs. There are many opportunities for paid, hourly work assisting faculty with research, serving as a grader for classes, or doing a variety of tasks for other offices across campus that students can apply for after classes begin. 

International Students
International students should visit here for further information. Link: https://gradadm.usc.edu/apply/international-students/financial-documentation/ Certain types of aid are funded by the US government and are only available to US citizens or eligible non-citizens (ex: permanent US residents, refugees, asylees, certain undocumented students). However, international students may be eligible for other types of aid including hourly student worker positions at USC, private financing (check eligibility requirements directly with lenders), and scholarships. Learn more about financial aid for international students.

Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are limited, so to maximize their impact most awards would only cover a small percentage of overall costs. 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. We encourage applicants to seek out external scholarship funding through professional organizations and other award granting agencies. You can start your search with an aggregated list of supply chain scholarships from Best Value Schools, found here.

Essay #1 (Required): Describe your career aspirations and goals. What roles, industries, and regions do you see yourself working in after you receive your MS GSCM degree and how do you expect USC Marshall to help you reach your goals? (250 words)

Essay #2 (Required): Choose ONE of the below big questions and briefly share your thoughts in approximately 500 words. We don’t expect you to have all the answers in this short response, but we want to get a better idea of your starting point in the field.

-How do think emerging technologies will shape the future of supply chain?
-What do you see as the role of ethics in supply chain?
-Given that incentives are often tied to profits, how can supply chain leaders handle issues of global warming and sustainability?
-How can food supply chains prepare for the future in terms of traceability, suitability, and regenerative agriculture?

Please upload a 2-minute (120 second) video answering the question below to the website of your choice and input the link below. We must be able to view the video without logging into any account. You are allowed to password protect the link, provided you include the password below. 

 -Why USC and why the MS GSCM program? Be specific. We want to know what resources at USC you specifically want to get involved with (ex: clubs, departments, offices, research opportunities) and what you will bring to those specific groups. 

 Module Title: Resume 

 Text: Submit a Professional Resume

Two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Please carefully read the below to ensure you submit these correctly.

Recommenders must submit their letters directly through the official portal. We cannot accept letters via email.
-Make sure to ask your recommender for their preferred email address before you submit your application. You won't be able to edit this later.
-Letters must be specific to the MS GSCM program and should speak specifically about why you area good fit for this program.

Two (2) recommendation letters must be marked "Completed" in the system by the deadline in order to be reviewed for that round.
-You can check the status of recommendations in the application portal. There are many statuses, but only "Completed" means the requirement is satisfied.

For questions or if your recommender is having issues submitting your recommendation please see: https://gradadm.usc.edu/faqs/general-faqs/applying-to-usc/

Once you have saved an electronic recommendation, an email request will automatically be sent to the recommender on your behalf. Please advise your recommender to look for this email in their inbox, as well as their spam or junk-mail folder, as emails do occasionally get filtered out.

MS GSCM
(Residential)
At least 1-2 years of work/internship experience is preferred, but not required.

MS GSCM (Online)
At least 3 years of work experience is preferred.

The MS in Global Supply Chain Management Program has a diverse cohort, including many international students. As a STEM-certified program, our international students benefit from the 24-month STEM extension of post-completion OPT, increasing their total work authorization eligibility to up to 36 months. Only the residential/on-campus program is STEM-certified.

We’ve developed the below FAQ to help answer some frequently asked questions for international students.

https://www.marshall.usc.edu/programs/specialized-masters-programs/master-science-global-supply-chain-management/admissions/international-applicants

Applicants to the MS GSCM progressive degree program must meet the following qualifications below.

• Applicants to the progressive degree program may apply once they have at least 64 total units of undergraduate course work completed, excluding AP, IB, or transfer units earned prior to graduation from high school.
• Applicants may apply in their junior or senior year, but no later than the semester prior to beginning graduate work.
• Applicants do not need to submit GRE, GMAT or other graduate entrance exam scores but should have at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA at the time of application.

• Complete the Progressive Degree Application
• Include with your PDP Application, your STARS Report, most recent course plan from the undergraduate advisor, and resume. Please email your completed application to ms.gscm@marshall.usc.edu.
• Complete MS GSCM Application Questions and Essay Questions located in the Qualtrics form
• Provide 2 Letters of Recommendations and have the professors email the letters directly to ms.gscm@marshall.usc.edu. Please make sure the subject line includes "Progressive Degree Application, your Full Name, and USC ID."

After submitting your application materials, your application will be reviewed and if our admissions committee recommends you to move forward with the process, you will meet with an MS GSCM academic advisor regarding the next steps in the admission process.