university of southern california personal statement

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

PhD Applicants: In addition to this FAQ, please visit the PhD FAQ which has answers to questions that pertain only to doctoral programs.

01. Am I eligible to apply for your programs?

MS:  You are welcome to apply to USC. We will evaluate your credentials and admissibility after you have submitted an application. Here at USC, we do a comprehensive review of all applications. We do not use a formula or have minimum test score requirements for admission to USC. In general, successful applicants have demonstrated outstanding quantitative ability and proven success in previous academic endeavors, particularly in prerequisite coursework relevant to their intended major.

PhD:   In addition to the above, applicants must also have demonstrated research experience.

02. I do not have an undergraduate degree in engineering, math or a hard science. Can I be admitted to your program?

03. What impact does work experience have on the application?

MS & PhD:  With the exception of our MS in Systems Architecting & Engineering, work experience is not required for admission and is not an application criterion. Also, work experience cannot substitute for academic coursework. However, work experience information can be included as part of the résumé/CV.

04. I have applied before. In my new application, do I have to re-submit the materials that were part of my previous application?

05. Can I pursue my graduate engineering degree online from outside of the United States?

MS:  Please visit our DEN@Viterbi  International Guidelines  page for information.

PhD:   All doctoral programs are on-campus only.

06. Is conditional admission offered? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  Conditional admission for international students is possible through the  Pre-Master’s Program  offered through USC’s International Academy.

PhD:   Doctoral programs do not offer conditional admission.

MS: The GRE exam is not required for 2024 Master's applications.

PhD: The GRE requirement varies based on the department.

02. How do I submit transcripts to USC?

MS & PhD:   Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended).  It is no longer required to mail hard copy  transcripts  to USC if you are applying for a Viterbi School graduate program (master’s or Ph.D.).  Currently,  Viterbi is the only USC school that does not require mailed  transcripts . Student’s who receive admission will be asked to provide mailed transcripts. 

03. Can I apply to more than one program?

MS/PhD: You may apply for a maximum of three graduate programs across the entire university in a given admission cycle. Only one set of transcripts and test scores need to be submitted regardless of the number of programs selected.

The Viterbi School allows applicants to apply for two graduate engineering programs with a single application fee of $90. We provide this benefit primarily for students who are interested in applying for both a Master’s and a Doctoral Program, but it can be used for applying to any two Viterbi graduate programs.

To apply for an additional program, a unique SECOND PROGRAM APPLICATION FEE WAIVER code must be provided by the USC Graduate Admission office and must be entered into the online application.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications submitted for multiple Viterbi School programs without a valid waiver will be charged for each additional program and no refunds will be given. See   Application Fee Waiver Instructions   for instructions on receiving a waiver to apply for a second Viterbi School program.

04. I have attended multiple institutions during my undergraduate study. Do I need to send transcripts from all institutions?

MS & PhD:  You must submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and post-secondary institutions you have previously attended, even if you did not receive a degree.

05. My previous studies were not conducted in English. Do you need academic records in the original language of instruction?

MS & PhD:  Yes. You need to provide both the original-language academic records and a full, word-for-word English-language translation issued by the academic institution you attended or a professional translation service.

06. How should my recommenders submit their letters?

MS & PhD:  Letters of Recommendation should be submitted through the online graduate application.

If your recommenders are having problems with the Letters of Recommendation system, please click on the CONTACT US link in the lower left corner of the application for assistance.

07. Should I wait for all of my recommenders to send their Letters of Recommendation before I submit my application?

08. Is there a length or format requirement for the Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose)?

MS & PhD:  There is no standardized format or length for the Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), but we can provide some general guidelines. It should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.

09. What is the format requirement for my résumé/CV?

MS & PhD:  There is no standardized format for the résumé/CV.

10. How can I update my Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), CV/Résumé or add additional documents after I've submitted my application?

MS & PhD:  To update your Personal Statement or CV/résumé or to add other documents, follow the instructions below:

1) Log back into your application(s)

2) In the Program Materials quadrant, in the Documents tab you can add new/updated materials as an Other document.

3) Choose the file and click the Upload This Document button

Note: Once an application has been submitted, updated transcripts and Personal Statements can only be added as an Other document.

11. Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  International graduate applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting either TOEFL or IELTS scores. For details on the requirement and for information on waiving the English Language requirement, visit USC Graduate Admission’s  English Proficiency  page.

12. What are the required minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores for graduate programs? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Although required for admission, all complete applications receive a full review regardless of the TOEFL/IELTS scores submitted. Visit USC Graduate Admission’s  English Proficiency  page for detailed information about TOEFL/IELTS requirements.

13. How do I submit my TOEFL scores to USC? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  TOEFL scores must be submitted electronically from the ETS website to “U Southern Cal,” ETS code 4852. You do not need to provide a department code. However, if the ETS system requires one, just select the one that is the best fit. All TOEFL scores are automatically sent to our Graduate and International Admission Office, so it doesn’t matter what department you select.

Valid TOEFL scores must be dated within two years of the start of the intended application semester. The Fall semester starts in August, and the Spring semester starts in January.

MS & PhD:  Valid IELTS scores must be sent electronically to USC. USC does not accept valid IELTS score by postal mail. To submit your IELTS results to USC, please select the “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register to take the IELTS test. Do not enter the name, contact information or mailing address of the specific USC department to which you are applying on your IELTS registration.

You may also request that your IELTS results be sent to USC after you receive your scores by contacting the test center where you took the test and request that your results be sent to the University of Southern California electronically, not by postal mail. You can search for contact details for all IELTS test centers at   www.ielts.org/testcentres .

Valid IELTS scores must be dated within two years of the start of the intended application semester. The Fall semester starts in August, and the Spring semester starts in January.

MS: The application deadline for Fall admission is December 15, and the deadline for Spring admission is September 1. Please see the Application Deadlines page for more details.

*Please note, on-campus prospective students who wish to be considered for scholarships must submit a Graduate Application for Admission and official transcripts by December 15 for the Fall semester and by September 1 for the Spring semester. Scholarships are not offered for the Summer semester.

Ph.D.:   Doctoral programs only have Fall admission with an application deadline of December 15.

MS:  Please refer to  Degree Program  pages for application criteria listed by specific program.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants need to submit  official transcripts, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose) and a résumé/CV.

Update: June 30, 2022

Due to challenges that applicants may face in taking the GRE exam, the GRE exam will not be required for all Spring and Fall 2024 applications to Viterbi School of Engineering graduate programs. 

We perform a holistic review of the entire application, including overall academic records and success in courses that emphasize quantitative, scientific, and engineering skills; personal statement; CV or resume; and any supplemental materials you provide in your application. 

03. I am having problems with the online application. Can you help me?

04. What happens if all or part of my graduate application arrives after the application deadline?

MS:  If you decide to submit your application or supplemental materials after the deadline, please note that it will be considered late. The university will do its best to review your application but will not be able to guarantee that your file will be reviewed for the term to which you have applied.

PhD:   If all or part of a doctoral application will be submitted after the deadline, we recommend contacting the appropriate   department PhD advisor   to find out whether the department accepts late applications.

05. How and when should I expect to receive the USC ID Number?

MS & PhD:  After you submit the online Graduate Admission application you will receive a USC ID number via email within 5-7 business days.

If, after 10 business days you have checked your email Junk and Clutter folders and have not received a USC ID, you can request it by contacting us   with your full name, date of birth and the program to which you are applying.

Note: The USC ID is not the CAS ID number.

06. How can I confirm that USC has received my materials?

07. How do I check my application status?

MS:  We are not able to provide students with information on when a specific application will be reviewed. For applications that are submitted by the application deadline, Fall admit decisions are made between January and May, and Spring decisions are made between September and early December.

Please note that the date an application is submitted does not determine the date an admission decision will be issued.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants need to contact the appropriate   department PhD advisor   to check on the status of an application.

08. How can I update my Personal Statement (Statement of Purpose), CV/Résumé, transcript or add additional documents after I've submitted my application?

MS & PhD:  To update your Personal Statement or CV/résumé, transcript or to add other documents, follow the instructions below:

1) Log into your submitted application, go to the Program Materials quadrant and open the Documents tab.

2) Use one of the Other documents slots to add the updated/corrected document.

3) If you have used all of your Other document slots, you will need to send the updated/corrected document as an attachment to   [email protected] . Make sure to include your name and USC ID in the email. (Note: This is the number that was emailed to you after you submitted the application. It is not the CAS ID.)

09. I made a mistake on my application, how can I have it corrected?

MS & PhD:  To correct a mistake in a submitted application, follow the instructions below:

1) Go to the Graduate Admission   Submit a Question   page.

2) Fill in the form. Make sure to include your USC ID number. (Note: This is the number you were emailed after you you submitted the application. It is not the CAS ID.)

3) Under Select an Area, choose Graduate Admission

4) Under Category, choose General Information

5) Use Subject and Question, to tell them what needs to be corrected

5) Click the Submit Your Question button

10. I don’t have TOEFL/IELTS scores yet, how do I fill in that section on the application? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  The application may be submitted with the TOEFL/IELTS scores section left blank. It is preferable to have the application submitted earlier without the scores rather than later because you waited until your scores were available. Also, this section remains active after the application has been submitted. It is recommended that once you have your TOEFL/IELTS scores that you log back into the application and add the scores.

Please note, if you are an international student your application will not be considered complete until USC has received your official TOEFL/IELTS scores electronically from the testing agency. For additional information on this requirement and the circumstances under which it can be waived, visit USC Graduate Admission’s   English Proficiency   page.

11. My GPA is not on a 4.0 scale, how do I fill in the GPA section on the application? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Please use the scale that is used by the issuing university. There is no need to convert the GPA to a 4.0 scale.

12. How and when do I submit the Financial documentation? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  The  financial documentation  can be added in the Documents section of the Supporting Information quadrant of the online application. Additional submission details can be found on USC Graduate Admission’s  Financial Documentation  page.

Note: The financial documentation must be submitted no later than April 15 for Fall admission or October 25 for Spring admission.

PhD:   Because USC tries to fully fund all doctoral students, applicants should not submit financial documentation.

13. Is it a problem that the name on my application and the name on my passport do not match? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  It is not a problem. This is a common issue for international applicants. We ask that International applicants submit a copy of the first two pages of their passport. This is so that we can use the name on the passport when generating the I-20 so that the two will match.

01. What is current tuition?

MS & PhD:  Visit our  Tuition  page for current tuition information.

02. How do I apply for financial aid and loans?

MS:  Visit the  USC Student Financial Aid  pages for information.

PhD:   USC tries to fully fund all of its doctoral students, so there is no need to apply separately for funding.

03. How do I apply for USC Viterbi scholarships?

MS: The Viterbi School is pleased to offer merit-based funding opportunities to U.S. and International students applying for Master’s programs. On-campus students who apply by published application deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted. Please visit our Ready to Apply page for information on deadlines and application steps.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants do not apply for Viterbi scholarships.

04. When will I know if I have received a Viterbi Scholarship?

MS:  Scholarship decisions are separate from Admission decisions. Fall scholarship recipients will be notified via email by May 1st and Spring recipients by November 1st.

PhD:   This does not apply to doctoral applicants.

05. How do I apply for research/teaching assistantships?

MS:  Research/teaching assistantships are reserved for our PhD students and are not available to Master’s students.

PhD:   Doctoral applicants are automatically considered for research/teaching assistantships. A separate application is not needed.

A PDF on financial documentation, including what documents can and cannot be used, helpful screenshots, and a sample financial document that a bank can use as a template can be found HERE .

01. What is the deadline for submitting the financial documentation?

Below are the deadlines for submitting the financial documentation and passport copies:

• Spring - October 25
• Fall - April 15

02. What is the amount of money needed for the Proof of Financial Support document?

The amount of money required for the financial document can be found on the USC Graduate Admission's Financial Documentation page.  Under Program Costs select Viterbi School of Engineering and use the total amount for Viterbi General Engineering Master’s.

03. What does the Total Cost of Attendance include?

The total cost of attendance reflects total cost for  one year of study only . The cost includes tuition and fees, health insurance, student programming fees, and living expenses in Los Angeles. You do not need to show any financial ability beyond the amount shown on the chart. (Link to chart in Item 02.)

04. Why does the tuition amount for the financial documentation and the Sample Course Plans not match?

The tuition amount and fees for the financial documentation   are calculated for immigration purposes only  and should not be considered a bill of expense. Actual costs may vary based on course load, living situation, lifestyle, etc.

Although still an estimate, the tuition and fees amounts listed in our Sample Course Plans  are a more accurate reflection of the actual costs.

05. If I have dependents (spouse and/or children), how much money do I need to add to the financial document?

For dependents who will be applying for F-2/J-2 visas, you must be able to provide an additional $13,403 for your spouse and $6,701 for each child.

06. How do I upload my financial document(s) and passport(s) through the online graduate application?

Upload your financial document(s) and passport copy by clicking on the "Supporting Information" section, then on the "Documents" tab. Upload your documents in the appropriately named areas.

Financial document(s) and passport copies can be added to a submitted application until an admission decision has been made.

NOTE: For each document type, multiple documents must be consolidated into one  non-password protected PDF document.

07. I have been notified that I am Academically Eligible for Admission , how do I submit my financial document(s) and passport(s)?

Send financial documents and passport copy as attachments in PDF or JPEG format through the USC Graduate Admission Office’s Ask a Question form.

Filling out the form:

• Complete the First Name , Last Name , Email and USC ID information. (If you have not submitted the application, you will not have a USC ID.)
• Under Select an Area , select Graduate Admission and Viterbi School of Engineering . (If you do not see a list of schools, click on the triangle to the left of Graduate Admission .)
• Under Category , select Immigration Issues (I-20s, Visas, etc.) and submit financial documents / passports . (If you do not see a list of additional items, click on the triangle to the left of Immigration Issues .)
• The Subject should be "Document Submission."
• In the Question box, type "I have attached my financial documents and passport copy."
• Use the Attach Documents function to add your documents.
• Click the Submit Your Question button when you are done.

08. Is there a list of what can and cannot be used for the financial documentation?

The U.S. government requires that all international applicants provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses for themselves and their dependents (if applicable) before a formal letter of admission and I -20 or DS- 2019 can be issued.

All submitted financial support documents must include:

• Name of the account holder (student or sponsor)
• Date of issue (which must be within one year of your intended program start date)
• Name of the bank or financial institution on official letterhead
• Amount available for withdrawal (conversion to USD is not necessary)
• Professional, certified translations if financial documents are not in English
• Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Sponsored Studies at USC if the financial documents are not in the USC applicant’s name

Types of Financial Support that are Normally Accepted *

• Savings deposit and checking accounts
• Approved/sanctioned education loans. “In-principle” sanctioned loans will not be accepted*
• Bank letters or Solvency certificates from bank
• Time/fixed/term deposits or government bonds available for withdrawal at any time
• Approved and Employer, Government, or Organization sponsorships/scholarships
• Provident funds ONLY IF document states amount available for withdrawal
• USC scholarships/assistantships (this documentation will be submitted by your academic department directly to the Office of Graduate International Admissions)

Types of Financial Support NOT Accepted

• Investments in fixed assets such as property, Demat accounts, mortgages, jewelry, residences, automobiles, etc.
• Retirement funds, pensions, life insurance policies
• Tax Returns
• Salary/Payroll Statements
• Pending or Provisional Educational Loans
• [Chartered] Accountant portfolio
• Candidate scholarship letters or scholarship applications

09. Do I need to submit a Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC?

If the financial document's account holder(s) is not the student, a Sponsorship Letter or Confidential Statement for Financing Studies at USC should be included.

For the Confidential Statement, you can use the online, fillable PDF form .

Sponsorship Letters must state the account holder’s name, student’s name, current date, and relationship between student and sponsor.

Students may have more than one sponsor or source of funding.  A separate Letter or Confidential Statement form is required for each sponsor.

For materials submitted through the Ask a Question form, a confirmation of receipt email is not sent. Depending on when the materials are received, it can take 3 to 7 business days before the Letter of Admission and Statement of Intent becomes available in a student's YouSC portal.

If the Letter and Statement of Intent are not available in you YouSC portal after 7 business days, you can contact the USC Graduate Admission Office through their Ask a Question form.

01. Is there a commitment deposit and how do I pay it?

MS:  Yes, the non-refundable commitment deposit is $1000. The deposit goes toward your tuition once you enroll.

Once you have been admitted, log into your YouSC account and go to your Statement of Intent. Once you have selected your program in the Statement of Intent, you will be prompted to pay the $1000 commitment deposit. (See below for image.)

PhD:   There is no commitment deposit for doctoral students.

02. I have decided to enroll at USC. Where can I find information on orientation and next steps for new students?

MS & PhD:  Please visit our  Newly Admitted Students  page for orientation dates and a checklist of next steps.

03. Can I change my program after I have been admitted?

MS & PhD:  In order to change programs, you will need to complete your first semester in the program to which you have been admitted. After completing that semester you may request to transfer to another program. Your request will be reviewed by the department to which you are requesting transfer and they will make a decision on the request. Requests for a change of program are not automatically approved and may be denied.

MS & PhD: Deferral requests will be considered if you have experienced unexpected circumstances that will prevent you from applying for, or enrolling in, the semester which you originally intended.  Please read the following carefully:

• You may submit a request to defer your application for a future semester within one year of your original application semester (Example: If you were admitted to Fall 2022, you could defer your admission to Spring 2023 or Fall 2023)
• Admission is not guaranteed and deferred applications are reviewed along with all other applications for that term
• You do not need   to submit a new application or pay the application fee again. You will need to submit any information that has changed since your original application, including updated/final transcripts, valid and official test scores, and/or financial documents
• You can only defer to semesters for which your program has a start term (i.e. if a program does not have a spring start, you cannot defer to spring. You would need to defer to the following fall)
• All updated application materials need to be received by the application deadline for the new semester to which you are applying
• If you already submitted your intent to enroll and commitment deposit, and your request to defer is approved, the $1,000.00 commitment deposit will automatically be applied to the new term if readmitted

Complete and submit the  Deferral Request Form .  You will receive a confirmation of your submission and further instructions.

05. How do I submit the Statement of Intent?

MS & PhD:  Click on the Statement of Intent button once you log into  you.usc.edu . Submitting the Statement of Intent form will allow you to create your university email account, register for Graduate Student Orientation, and access your USC records.

Note: Even if you opt not to attend USC, we ask that you submit the Statement of Intent.

06. If I was not admitted for a previous semester, can I reapply?

MS & PhD:  You are welcome to reapply for a future semester. How you do this depends on the circumstances:

1) If you did not receive an admit decision for the semester to which you applied, you can have your application updated within one year of your original application term. To have your application updated to a future semester, please complete the online Contact form and include your USC ID.

2) If you were denied admission and choose to reapply, it is in your best interest to submit new and compelling academic information that was not part of your original application, such as updated transcripts and/or test scores. You will need to submit a new application and pay another application fee. (On the application, make sure to indicate that you have applied before and input your USC ID number when prompted.) You can complete our online Contact form   to check on whether you will need to re-submit transcripts and test scores. (Make sure to include your USC ID number.) Any materials that have changed since their original application (including updated transcripts, test scores need to be submitted by the application deadline for the new semester to which you are applying.

Note: It is recommended that PhD applicants try contacting faculty before submitting a new application.

07. Can you provide me with a reason if I was not admitted to a program?

MS & PhD:  As there was a comprehensive review of your entire application, we are unable to offer specific reasons for your denial. The faculty has set parameters for admission based on GRE scores, overall academic performance, and major-specific academic performance, and unfortunately we did not feel it was possible to make an offer of admission at this time.

08. How do I transfer my I-20 from my current school to USC? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS: Full information on how to transfer your SEVIS record to USC so that an I-20 for your USC program can be created, is available at http://admissions.usc.edu/docs/admission/TransferringYourSEVISRecordtoUSC.pdf . (NOTE: You will still need to provide USC with acceptable financial documentation .)

If your transfer form requires International Advisor contact information - Name: Sarah Butler; Address: 3601 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089; Telephone: 213-740-1111; Email: [email protected] .

PhD: Full information on how to transfer your SEVIS record to USC so that an I-20 for your USC program can be created is available at http://admissions.usc.edu/docs/admission/TransferringYourSEVISRecordtoUSC.pdf .

If your transfer form requires International Advisor contact information - Name: Sarah Butler; Address: 3601 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089; Telephone: 213-740-1111; Email: [email protected] . (IMPORTANT: This information is only for use on forms. If you have visa or SEVIS questions, please use this online form so that you are issued a record number.)

09. When will I receive my I-20? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS:  I-20 papers are generally issued within a week of when the Statement of Intent has been submitted.

Note:  Financial documentation  needs to be submitted before the Statement of Intent becomes available in the you.usc.edu portal.

PhD:  I-20 papers are generally issued within a week of when the Statement of Intent has been submitted.

I-20 papers for applicants enrolling in Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 will be issued from February 2020 onwards.

10. How (and when) do I complete Degree Verification? (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

MS & PhD:  Degree verification through IERF needs to be submitted before the end of the student’s first semester and can be done after arriving at USC. More information can be found on the  Degree Progress  pages.

Published on May 30th, 2017

Last updated on May 9th, 2024

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MS Marketing (MSMKT) Admissions

Greetings from the MS Marketing Program Office,

Thank you for your interest in pursuing your Master of Science in Marketing degree at the USC Marshall School of Business. We seek to admit a diverse cohort from many different backgrounds and experiences who are all passionate about the vital role marketing plays within the business setting. We look for ambitious students that advocate for the importance of marketing in business, are committed to becoming thought leaders in the field, and that have a growth mindset.

Our program offers a personalized curriculum, two academic tracks to choose from, exceptional career counseling, and exposure to real world industry. We applaud you for taking the next step in your educational journey and look forward to learning more about you via your application. If you have any questions about our admissions processes or the program, please do not hesitate to reach out at anytime at [email protected].

Fight On! The MS in Marketing Program Office

APPLICATION DEADLINES

*** Round 4: Final Application Deadline for International Applicants

Rolling admission after the fourth deadline. Please note that we cannot accept international applicants after Round 4.

Admission Decisions: Admissions decisions are typically released within 8-10 weeks after the submission of your application and receipt of all necessary documents by the admissions committee. If a student is waitlisted, final decisions for admissions will be communicated no later than May 10, 2024.

Virtual Interviews: Qualified candidates for admission will be notified to complete a virtual interview. Please note that admissions to the MSMKT program are competitive, and due to the high number of applicants, not all candidates will be offered a virtual interview.

Mandatory orientation: Friday, May 17th - Saturday, May 18th

Summer 2024 Start: Monday, May 20th

Test Scores

All applicants, regardless of academic history and work experience, must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score.

Official scores must be received before the deadline and sent directly to USC by the testing service in order to be reviewed.

Submitting Scores: Upload electronic copies of your GMAT or GRE scores with your application in addition to sending official scores to USC Marshall through the testing service (GMAC or ETS).

Code: GRE: 4852 (No department code is required). GMAT: scores are sent to Marshall MBA Full Time school code 389-9C-283

Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC.

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 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 month in which you submit your application to 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

Work Experience

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

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are used as a gauge of your professional achievements and managerial potential. We prefer your letters 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 on official letterhead are required, preferably one academic and one professional.

Letters of recommendation can only be accepted through the application system.

For your application to be complete, your recommenders must submit their letter by the application deadline. All letters of recommendation must be on official letterhead with a signature, or they will not be accepted.

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 the Application Portal Help Center .

Kira Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to complete an online video interview assessment via Kira Talent. The MS in Marketing Program Office will be in contact with qualified applicants who make it to this round.

1. Personal Statement: (500 words maximum): Upload a one-page personal statement using the 'Personal Statement' button below. A personal statement is your opportunity to articulate how your passions and experience will contribute to the MS in Marketing Program and how this program is the logical next step in your career development.What is a skill or experience you don't possess now but hope to develop in graduate school? 

2. Essay: (800 words maximum): Provide an example of a recent marketing campaign you observed that inspired you to pursue a career in marketing and apply for the MS in Marketing Program at USC. Make sure your answer is detailed and includes all of the following. Please be as specific as possible.

Program Cost and Scholarship

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.

The MS Marketing program is a 30-unit program of Business Graduate (500 level and above) Coursework. In addition, we ask students to budget for approximately $1,000 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.

Information Sessions

Information Sessions 

Join us on campus or connect with us online for a presentation of USC Marshall's Master of Science in Marketing 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. Don't miss this great opportunity to meet with program staff and current students.

https://events.marshall.usc.edu/en/g/wsjMHHXv55?search=&sortBy=date&category=&date=TODAY

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 [email protected]. 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

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 .

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.

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.

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.

International Applicants FAQ

The MS in Marketing 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 U.S. citizens. 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 [email protected], 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. U.S. citizens 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 .

PROGRESSIVE DEGREE PROGRAM

Progressive MSMKT students complete 27-30 units and customize their degree by selecting either the Consumer Behavior or Marketing Analytics track. The Marketing Analytics track is a STEM designated program. The MSMKT PDP program is open to both business and non-business majors. The MS MKT program starts in the Summer term and follows a sequential order. Therefore, students interested in an MS MKT PDP must apply to start in summer term only.

Undergraduate business majors may qualify to have up to 9 units of MSMKT graduate electives count toward their undergraduate Marshall Upper Division Electives (MUDE) units.

Program Eligibility 

Applicants to the MSMKT progressive degree program must meet the following qualifications

• Have completed at least 64 total units of undergraduate courses excluding AP/IB units earned prior to high school graduation
• Applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA at the time of application. Applicants should be aware that the Master of Science in Marketing Progressive Degree Program is very competitive, and successful applicants generally have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Plan to begin the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program in the Summer 2024 term (no exceptions)
• All students in their 1st summer of enrollment must take GSBA 542 and GSBA 528. Students who are not available to take classes during their 2nd summer of enrollment must also take DSO 510 in 1st summer. Marketing Analytics track students must additionally take GSBA 545 in their 1st fall
• Plan to enroll in only one Progressive Degree Program. Students who are currently enrolled in a PDP cannot apply for another one.

Application Process

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

· MSMKT Online Application · Copy of most recent Undergraduate course plan from the undergraduate advisor · Copy of STARS report · Professional Resume · Two (2) short response essays - Essay 1: Personal Statement (no more than 500 words): Why you would like to pursue an MS MKT PDP and what are your career aspirations? - Essay #2 (no more than 700 words): Describe a marketing campaign that truly inspired you and why it did. · Two (2) Letters of Recommendation sent directly by your recommender to [email protected] · Draft of the USC Progressive Degree Program Proposed Course Plan form , without any signatures (Complete to the best of your ability, based on the instructions)

*Qualified candidates will be invited for a Zoom admissions interview. Decisions are released 6-8 weeks after each round deadline.

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Freshmen Application Procedures

The primary goals of the Film & Television Production program are to develop the student’s ability to express original ideas and to instill a thorough understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of motion pictures and television. Students learn all aspects of the art of storytelling and develop the ability to take audiences on emotional journeys using a wide array of cinematic skills. Students learn to access this unique power by working in many forms - from traditional large-screen films to those designed for the smallest cell phone screens, to episodic content across multiple formats. Courses in production provide individual and group filmmaking experiences and the opportunity to learn all aspects of filmmaking in a collaborative environment.

Access the Film & Television Production B.F.A. Program - First-Year/Freshmen Applicants SlideRoom Application here.

The Cinematic Arts Personal Statement will be read by the admissions committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness and vision. We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, identities, values, and/or views of the world have shaped who you are and what you want to say as a creative filmmaker. We want to know about the kind of stories you want to tell. Bear in mind that enthusiasm for watching films, descriptions of your favorite films and the involvement in the filmmaking process is common in most candidates. As a result, we encourage that you focus on your individuality. Note that there is no standard format or correct answer. (1,000 words or less)

• A description of a four-minute film that contains no dialogue. It can be fiction or non-fiction. The story has to be communicated visually. (No more than two pages)
• A dialogue scene between two people. Provide a one-paragraph introduction describing the two characters in screenplay format. (No more than three pages)
• Describe a concept for a feature-length movie, fiction or documentary, which you would like to develop. (No more than two pages)
• July 2019,  A Day in the Life,  digital video, 12 minutes. Position: writer/director. A documentary on a homeless Iraq vet who has lived on the streets since his return from the military. Created for senior-year multimedia term project, San Raphael High School, Miami, Florida.
• March 2020,  Doorways,  a series of 5 black-and-white photographs. Position: photographer. "Second Prize Winner" in the Des Moines Sunday Journal photo contest.
• February 2021,  Cellomorphosis,  short story. Position: writer. A variation on the novella by Franz Kafka; published in Writing, vol. IV, 2021, at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.

Describe a project that you worked on with multiple collaborators that left you feeling proud and fulfilled. Discuss your role in the project and explain why this collaboration was successful. Then, describe another collaborative project that left you unsatisfied. Discuss your role in the project and explain why this collaboration frustrated you. Finally, summarize what you learned from each of these experiences and describe the lessons you learned that inspire your future collaborations. (No more than two pages)

Submit a 30-60 second video of yourself speaking directly to the camera, in a single take with no edits, introducing yourself and explaining what will make attending SCA a successful experience for you and others.

• Video Option: Create a narrative video that is no longer than five minutes in which you had a major creative role. The video can be live-action or animation, fiction or documentary, but it should reflect your aesthetic tastes and intellectual and emotional interests. You must specify what role(s) you played. Submit only  one  video. Multiple submissions will cause your application to be rejected.
• Photo Option: Prepare a series of eight photographs you have taken which, when viewed in a specific sequence, portray a unique and original character or which tell a simple narrative story. Also include a one-page narrative about the character being portrayed in the photos. The images may either be black-and-white or in color. Please upload the photos in order of sequence. The one-page narrative must be uploaded in PDF format only.

The faculty admissions committee evaluates applications for originality, clarity, personal insight and artistic excellence. As part of the Film & Television Production program applicant review process, applicants may be selected to have a remote interview with faculty or staff. Not every applicant will be interviewed, and an interview is not required for admission. The window for the interview time may vary, so please keep an eye on the inbox of the email address used in your application for a request to schedule one. Please respond to such requests within 72 hours.

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Communication Management (MCG) Fall 2024

When is the application deadline.

The international application deadline was November 15, 2023, late applications will not be accepted.

The U.S. citizen and U.S. permanent resident deadline is March 1, 2024. Admission decisions are released on a rolling basis.

What should I include in my résumé?

List all internships and paid employment. Describe the nature of work and dates of employment. Include academic and professional awards, honors, teaching experience, subject matter expertise, and language(s) proficiency other than English. As part of your education, include your high school name, city, and graduation date.

What is the personal statement and what should I address?

This statement should convey your interest in the field and be three to four pages long, typed, and double-spaced. Care should be taken to submit a clear, concise, and well‐written essay. Writing is a core competency for the Master of Communication Management, and the personal statement should reflect this. The statement should incorporate the answers to the following prompts:

• Why are you interested in pursuing the degree of Master of Communication Management?
• Which area of focus in Communication Management (e.g., marketing communication, media & entertainment management, organizational and strategic corporate communication, etc.) interests you more, and why?
• If there are other details about academic performance, etc. that you wish to share.

The statement must be your original words and work. Avoid using ChatGPT or other generative AI tools.

What type of writing sample is required?

The writing may take various forms: a report for your organization, press releases for clients, news articles, a set of substantial memos to your superiors successfully arguing for a particular position, or an academic paper for a college or university course. The writing sample should not exceed 10 pages.

The writing sample must be your original work. Avoid using ChatGPT or other generative AI tools or another person to write on your behalf.

How many letters of recommendation are needed and from whom?

All applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be from an instructor/professor, and another must be from a professional reference (i.e., direct supervisor or manager). Select your recommenders based less on their rank, but rather more on their ability to give in-depth insights about the quality of your work. Recent graduates, who have completed their undergraduate studies within the last two years, are expected to submit at least one academic recommendation.

If you are unable to obtain an academic and professional recommendation, two of the same type are acceptable. (i.e., all academic recommendations or all professional recommendations).

It is your responsibility to ensure all recommendation letters are submitted in the proper format prior to the appropriate deadline. Letters uploaded in the incorrect format will not be considered and will result in an incomplete application.

• Letters of recommendation must be typed on a university or company letterhead and contain true signatures (not only typed names) from recommenders.
• Recommendation letters must have a contact email, contact number and a LinkedIn (or equivalent site) or university profile website.

What admission test scores are required?

The USC Annenberg School has suspended the GRE requirement for all graduate applicants for admission to the 2024 admission cycle. All international student applicants are expected to demonstrate adequate English-language proficiency. To learn more about how to satisfy this requirement, click  here . Also, review the USC Graduate Admission video tutorial titled, “ English Proficiency Requirements for International Students ” for more details. Test score results must be submitted electronically to USC and applicant-issued results with photo must be uploaded to the online application.

What if English is not my first language?

Some international applicants may be required to complete an intensive English language program through USC International Academy before admission to the Master of Communication Management. Visit http://www.international.usc.edu for more information.

What financial support is available?

Departmental merit scholarships and fellowships are competitively awarded. All completed applications are considered for admission and departmental awards.

All US citizens and permanent residents are urged to submit a FAFSA after the admission application deadline.

International student applicants will find critical information at http://gradadm.usc.edu/international-students-financial-documentation .

Application Guidelines

The online USC Graduate Admission Application opens October 1, 2023. Go to  https://usc.liaisoncas.com  to access the application.

Assemble the following documents and program materials which must be uploaded to your application:

• CV or Résumé
• Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• Copy of Official Transcript(s)

All program materials must be in English and uploaded to the online application. Note: Once your application has been submitted, you may not add, edit or change any document or program material. Also, all submitted documents and program materials become the property of USC and will not be returned.

Official Transcripts

Copies of a registrar-issued official transcript (with registrar’s signature, stamp or seal) from all colleges and universities attended (including USC) must be uploaded to your application in the Academic History section. If you do not possess copies of your registrar-issued official transcripts, request to have official transcripts with legend or grading scale emailed to you from your previous colleges/universities.

After submitting your online application, request to have e-transcripts sent from your degree conferring institutions to USC Graduate Admission at [email protected] . Note:

• International transcripts must include the original language and the English translation as one document.
• Transcripts from your institution’s student portal are unacceptable.

Recommendations

Create online profiles in the Program Materials section of the application by providing names and email addresses of your recommenders. Instructions and forms will be emailed to your recommenders. Only recommendations submitted through the online process are accepted.

Graduate Admission Testing

GRE scores are not required for admission to fall 2024.

Valid TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores (taken August 2022 or later) are required from international student applicants unless waived; see below for the exception. To be considered official, USC must receive scores electronically from the testing service. A copy of the test score report with the photo image of the test-taker on the report must be uploaded to the online application. This must be submitted in addition to having official score reports sent to USC from the testing service. 

• For TOEFL, request to have your scores sent to the USC institution code 4852.
• For IELTS or PTE, select “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register for the test. Alternatively, provide this information to your testing center after you have taken the test.

Exception: If you completed your entire bachelor’s degree in the United States or another Anglophone country (i.e. where English is both the language of instruction and the only official language of the country), TOEFL and IELTS are waived.

• Note: Completing a master’s degree In the United States or another Anglophone country will not waive TOEFL or IELTS.

Video Interview

All applicants are required to complete a recorded video interview via Kira Assessments. The recorded video response is an opportunity for the faculty admissions committee to get a sense of your potential and how you think on your feet. No advance preparation is required.

A desktop or laptop computer with a functioning webcam, microphone and internet connection are required. You may complete unlimited practice sessions prior to starting the interview. Once started, applicants will have one opportunity to respond (no exceptions).

Application Fee

Pay the  $90  non-refundable application fee with a credit card or request an application fee waiver prior to submitting an application.

Review the fee waiver requirements at USC Graduate Admission website: https://gradadm.usc.edu/lightboxes/us-students-fee-waivers/ . Applicants seeking a fee waiver must start the online application and then wait for the fee waiver approval before submitting the application.

What are you looking for?

Suggested search, dornsife career pathways, career pathways.

USC Dornsife Career Pathways believes students and alumni are capable of becoming who they want to be and achieving their career goals. Our dedicated team of career services professionals provide comprehensive career advising services, programs, and resources to support students’ and alumni’s career development, employment, and graduate school education. Students and alumni are encouraged to utilize Career Pathways services and resources to manage their career.

Career Pathways is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (Pacific Time) for both in-person and remote (on-line) advisement, programs, and services to support your career exploration and readiness.

Meet the Team

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[email protected]

Director of Internship Programs | Employer Relations

213.764.4375

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Assistant Director of Student & Alumni Engagement

Alumni Mentorship Program

213.821.2752

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Sr. Career Advisor

Pre-Law & Graduate School Advising

213.740.2654

[email protected]

213.821.6031

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Career Advisor

213.821.1682

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Law School Graduate Assistants

Usc gould law student advisor (l3), marketing & communication | usc gould law (l3), peer career advisors.

USC Dornsife Career Pathways’ Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) provide peer-to-peer support to encourage career readiness in USC Dornsife students.  PCAs volunteer their time, virtually and in-person, to lead marketing efforts, engage with high-profile alumni, advise Dornsife students on a variety of career topics, and support Career Pathways with programming efforts.

PCAs participate in weekly personal and professional development sessions, receive training across relevant topics including resume writing, networking, LinkedIn usage, job/ internship research, data analysis and more.  The PCA program provides students the opportunity to grow as professionals, leaders, and mentors within the Trojan community.

Want to be a PCA?

Students interested in serving as a PCA must have Freshman, Sophomore or Junior class standing and major (or minoring) in USC Dornsife. Contact Kristine Anassian for more information.

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You got the job interview, now what?  Don’t wait for to the last minute to prepare.

Practice answer personal, experiential, and behavioral questions to seal the deal!

Congratulations Seniors on completing your studies at USC.

Before you ride-off into the sunset, we invite you to polish off your resume, networking, and salary and job offer negotiation skills to land your next job, fellowship, or graduate school admission!

Campus Partner Request Form

Select link for departments/organizations who would like Career Pathways to provide a career workshop or presentation.

Employer Posting & Campus Visits

Employers & Organizations can:

• Post positions for USC Dornsife students, recent graduates, and alumni
• Request in-person or virtual campus visits
• View resume books for students and alumni interested in specific fields
• Participate in OCR (on-campus recruitment) to interview students on-campus

Contact & Visit

USC Dornsife Career Pathways

3601 Watt Way | Grace Ford Salvatori – GFS 320

Los Angeles, CA 90089

Phone: 213.740.2534 | E-mail: [email protected]

Hours of Operation

M-F | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Personal statement

Most uc campuses require a personal statement in addition to a statement of purpose. make yours count..

While the statement of purpose highlights the goals and experiences related to the research area you plan to pursue, your personal statement (also called a history or diversity statement) is an opportunity for the review committee to learn about the unique qualities and perspectives you’ll bring to the program.

Crafting a strong Personal Statement

Simply put, the statement of purpose is about your work, while your personal statement is about you – and how you’ll contribute to the diversity of ideas. Draw on your unique background to present yourself as an ideal candidate for the graduate program to which you are applying.

Tell your story This is your opportunity to expand on your background, highlight unique experiences, challenges and triumphs and give the committee a more compelling reason to accept you. If a personal statement is not requested, consider incorporating this content into your statement of purpose. It is in your best interest to offer supplemental information when given an opportunity.

Describe goals, achievements and challenges

• Describe your academic and career goals and highlight how graduate school will advance them.
• Tell how personal experiences shaped your aspirations, and don’t shy away from discussing poor grades or large time gaps in your resume.
• Address any particular challenges you’ve faced, and how you worked to overcome them.
• Focus on issues that have had an impact on your education, such as being raised in a single parent household, working to help support family, thriving in unsafe environments, persevering with physical or other challenges or coming from an underrepresented minority group.

Showcase experiences related to diversity 

• Mention your engagement in programs that increase diversity in your chosen field, such as participation in undergraduate academic preparation, diversity and equity programs, higher education pathways and summer research opportunities, and mentoring underrepresented students.
• Explain how your experiences have deepened your understanding of the barriers facing ethnic minorities, women, and others underrepresented in higher education or how your experiences have helped advance efforts to improve inclusion of these groups.
• Highlight research you have conducted that addresses underserved populations, such as issues of race, gender, equity and inclusion, disparities in health or educational access, and human rights. Mention artistic and cultural works you have produced that reflect diverse communities and voices not well represented

Remember, write a statement specifically tailored for the program to which you are applying. This allows the admission’s committee an opportunity to see exactly who you are.

Marital dissolution and cognition: The mediating effect of β-amyloid neuropathology

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Background Widowhood and divorce are extremely stressful life events and have been associated with high risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying how this risk is conferred requires further investigation. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, such as β-amyloid (Aβ), may explain influences of chronic stress, such as those seen in disruptive marital transitions, on declines in cognition. Therefore, we examined whether Aβ mediates associations between marital dissolution (through widowhood or divorce) and executive functioning (EF) and episodic memory (EM) performance in cognitively normal (CN) individuals.

Methods Data from 543 CN participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were analysed. Outcomes included marital status, Aβ PET tracer uptake, and composite EF and EM scores. Primary analyses assessed relationships between marital dissolution and Aβ pathology, and marital dissolution and cognitive performance, and explored whether Aβ mediated associations between the latter.

Results Marriage dissolution was associated with increased Aβ burden (β= 0.56; 95% CI: 0.11 to 1.02; P = 0.015) and worse EM performance (β= –0.09; 95% CI: –0.15 to –0.03; P = 0.003). Level of Aβ neuropathology was also identified as a significant mediator for the relationship between marriage dissolution and EM (ACME= –0.007; P = 0.029).

Conclusions Aβ pathology was identified as a potential neurobiological mediator for the impacts of chronic stress due to marital dissolution on poorer memory performance. This suggests that stressful life events, such as the dissolution of one’s marriage might exert a direct effect on AD proteinopathy, which may subsequently influence poor cognition.

Competing Interest Statement

Dr. Sheena Waters has received funding from UKRI Innovate UK. Professor Charles R Marshall has received research grant funding from NIHR, Innovate UK, Michael J Fox Foundation, Alzheimer's Research UK, and Tom and Sheila Springer Charity. Dr. Avinash Chandra, Miss Rifah Anjum, Dr. Petroula Proitsi, and Dr. Laura J Smith report no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest related to this work.

Funding Statement

This study did not receive any funding

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The public dataset ADNI was used after registration for access was obtained by Dr Avinash Chandra. All ethical permissions and oversight was conducted within the ADNI study. ADNI acquired all IRB approvals and met all ethical standards during data collection. Ethics committees and institutional review boards that approved the ADNI study included Albany Medical Center Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects Institutional Review Board, Boston University Medical Campus and Boston Medical Center Institutional Review Board, Butler Hospital Institutional Review Board, Cleveland Clinic Institutional Review Board, Columbia University Medical Center Institutional Review Board, Duke University Health System Institutional Review Board, Emory Institutional Review Board, Georgetown University Institutional Review Board, Health Sciences Institutional Review Board, Houston Methodist Institutional Review Board, Howard University Office of Regulatory Research Compliance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Program for the Protection of Human Subjects, Indiana University Institutional Review Board, Institutional Review Board of Baylor College of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital Research Ethics Board, Johns Hopkins Medicine Institutional Review Board, Lifespan - Rhode Island Hospital Institutional Review Board, Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board, Mount Sinai Medical Center Institutional Review Board, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research & Rockland Psychiatric Center Institutional Review Board, New York University Langone Medical Center School of Medicine Institutional Review Board, Northwestern University Institutional Review Board, Oregon Health and Science University Institutional Review Board, Partners Human Research Committee Research Ethics, Board Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Roper St. Francis Healthcare Institutional Review Board, Rush University Medical Center Institutional Review Board, St. Joseph's Phoenix Institutional Review Board, Stanford Institutional Review Board, The Ohio State University Institutional Review Board, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Institutional Review Board, University of Alabama Office of the IRB, University of British Columbia Research Ethics Board, University of California Davis Institutional Review Board Administration, University of California Los Angeles Office of the Human Research Protection Program, University of California San Diego Human Research Protections Program, University of California San Francisco Human Research Protection Program, University of Iowa Institutional Review Board, University of Kansas Medical Center Human Subjects Committee, University of Kentucky Medical Institutional Review Board, University of Michigan Medical School Institutional Review Board, University of Pennsylvania Institutional Review Board, University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Board, University of Rochester Research Subjects Review Board, University of South Florida Institutional Review Board, University of Southern, California Institutional Review Board, UT Southwestern Institution Review Board, VA Long Beach Healthcare System Institutional Review Board, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Institutional Review Board, Wake Forest School of Medicine Institutional Review Board, Washington University School of Medicine Institutional Review Board, Western Institutional Review Board, Western University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board, and Yale University Institutional Review Board.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov . I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Data Availability

The ADNI dataset can be accessed by approved users on https://adni.loni.usc.edu

https://adni.loni.usc.edu

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