MS Marketing (MSMKT) Admissions
MS Marketing Admissions
MS Marketing (MSMKT) Admissions
Application Criteria
Note: All required application materials including transcripts must be received by USC before the application deadline in order 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.
REQUIREMENT DETAILS
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.
PROGRESSIVE DEGREE PROGRAM
Progressive MSMKT students complete 30-33 units and customize their degree by selecting either the Consumer Behavior or Marketing Analytics program. The Marketing Analytics program is a STEM-designated program. The MSMKT PDP program is open to both business and non-business majors. The MSMKT program starts in the Fall term and follows a sequential order. Therefore, students interested in an MSMKT PDP must apply to start in a fall term only.
Marshall undergraduate business majors may qualify to have up to 9 units of MSMKT graduate electives count toward their undergraduate Marshall Upper Division Elective (MUDE) units.
Applicants to the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program must meet the following qualifications
If you meet the qualifications mentioned above, you may apply to the MSMKT Progressive Degree Program for Fall 2025. A completed application includes:
*Qualified candidates will be invited to complete an online video interview assessment via Kira Talent. Final decisions are released about 8-10 weeks after each round deadline.
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?
USC Marshall 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. Scholarship recipients will be notified within 10 days after admission. Due to the high volume, students who are not selected for a scholarship will not be contacted.
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 Marketing (MSMKT) program STEM-designated?
Yes, the Marketing Analytics track within the MSMKT program is STEM-designated, which may offer international students extended post-graduation work opportunities in the U.S.
Are there specialization options within the MSMKT program?
Yes, students can choose between two specialization tracks: Marketing Analytics or Consumer Behavior
These tracks allow students to tailor their education to their career goals.
Can the MSMKT program be completed part-time?
Yes, the program offers both full-time (1-year) and part-time (2-year) formats, providing flexibility for working professionals.
When does the MSMKT program start?
The program begins in Fall (August) each year. Students are expected to participate in mandatory orientation and onboarding activities prior to the start of classes.
Are internships available during the MSMKT program?
Yes, students may pursue internships during the program.
U.S. citizens can begin internships after classes start.
International students may participate in internships during the final semester under CPT (Curricular Practical Training) authorization.
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.
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CONTACT
University of Southern California
Marshall School of Business
Popovich Hall, Suite 308
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2633
Phone: 213-740-7846
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