MS Social Entrepreneurship (MSSE) Admissions
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MS Social Entrepreneurship (MSSE) 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
- Professional resume
- One Letter of Recommendation
- 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.
**GMAT/GRE are not required
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 |
International Applicants: 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 + 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. (International students will enroll in 9 units in summer and then the remaining units in subsequent semesters.)
| One Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TERM | Units | Tuition | Fees |
| Summer | 6 | $14,526 | $330 |
| Fall | 12 | $29,052 | $1,093 |
| Spring | 12 | $29,052 | $1,093 |
| Total for Program | 30 | $72,630 | $2,186 |
| GRAND TOTAL |
|---|
| $74,816 |
| 1.5 Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TERM | Units | Tuition | Fees |
| Summer | 6 | $14,526 | $330 |
| Fall | 9 | $21,789 | $1,093 |
| Spring | 9 | $21,789 | $1,093 |
| Summer/Fall* | 6 | $14,526 | $1,093 |
| Total for Program | 30 | $72,630 | $3,609 |
| YEAR 1 TOTAL | YEAR 2 TOTAL | GRAND TOTAL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,620 | $15,619 | $76,239 |
| *Summer fees will be less | ||
| 2 Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TERM | Units | Tuition | Fees |
| Summer | 6 | $14,526 | $330 |
| Fall | 9 | $14,526 | $1,093 |
| Spring | 9 | $14,526 | $1,093 |
| Fall | 9 | $14,526 | $1,093 |
| Spring | 9 | $14,526 | $1,093 |
| Total for Program | 30 | $72,630 | $4,702 |
| YEAR 1 TOTAL | YEAR 2 TOTAL | GRAND TOTAL |
|---|---|---|
| $46,094 | $31,238 | $77,332 |
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: https://classes.usc.edu/term-20223/tuition-and-fees/. Please keep in mind this information relates only to the listed academic year.
MSSE program is a 30-unit program of Business Graduate (500 level and above) Coursework.
Note that all USC students are required to carry health insurance and pay for university and program fees beyond tuition. Living expenses vary based on the type of housing and lifestyle of the student. If you would like to calculate your estimated cost of attendance, please visit the 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 Deposit
A nonrefundable $500 deposit secures the student's space in the class. Once enrolled, the $500 deposit will be credited as payment to your summer 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.
The Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship Program offers a limited number of partial tuition scholarships to qualified students, both U.S. citizens and international. Scholarship consideration is made during the application cycle. No separate application is needed. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.
Financial Aid
Please visit USC Financial Aid and click on “Graduates & Professionals” to find information U.S. citizens and international students.
On-campus Employment
There are also on-campus employment opportunities that students can consider. USC provides numerousemployment opportunities to students.
Progressive Degree Program
Progressive Degree Program
Progressive Degree Information
The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) enables superior USC undergraduate students to apply undergraduate coursework toward the completion of a USC master’s degree. Pursuing a progressive degree can deepen your education and further prepare you for future career in as little as one additional year. Find more information about the PDP as well as the eligibility requirements and application here. Applicants who want to apply to the PDP for the MSSE program should emailsocialentrepreneur@marshall.usc.edu.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 Social Entrepreneurship (MSSE) a STEM-designated program?
No, the MSSE program is not STEM-designated. It focuses on applying business principles to social impact initiatives, combining entrepreneurship with mission-driven leadership.
Does USC Marshall offer an online option for the MSSE program?
No, the MSSE program is offered in-person only at the USC University Park Campus. Courses are typically held in the evenings and on weekends, allowing flexibility for working professionals.
When does the MSSE program start?
The program begins in the Summer semester each year and can be completed in one year (Summer, Fall, Spring) or over two years. Students are expected to participate in a mandatory pre-term session before classes begin
Can elective courses include classes from other USC schools or departments?
Elective options are pre-approved and must be selected from designated USC Marshall departments such as BAEP, GSBA, MOR, MKT, FBE, and others. Students must meet any prerequisites and cannot substitute courses outside the approved catalog
Is prior work experience required to apply for the MSSE program?
No, prior work experience is not required, but applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in social impact and entrepreneurship through their academic background, résumé, and personal statement
What kind of career paths do MSSE graduates pursue?
Graduates often launch their own social enterprises, work in impact investing, join nonprofits or mission-driven companies, or take on roles in corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategy
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.