Graduate & Professional Degrees

The online Financial Compliance Certificate program is offered to enrolled online LLM or online MSL students, as well as on a stand-alone basis. The program is structured especially for working professionals who wish to take one or two courses per term in an online format. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed.

The online Financial Compliance Certificate requires 12 units, including the required and elective courses listed below.

Admissions

Applicants to the certificate program must have earned an undergraduate degree, which can be in any field of study, prior to the time they begin the certificate program. Prior exposure to or experience in law is not required. The Admissions Committee will consider applicants' grades, course work, work experience, and reasons for pursuing the certificate program when determining admission.

The objective of this program is the training of graduate students with engineering, applied mathematics or physics backgrounds in the application of mathematical and engineering tools to finance. Financial engineering is a multidisciplinary education program that involves the Viterbi School of Engineering, the USC Marshall School of Business and the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (Department of Economics). Financial engineering uses tools from finance and economics, engineering, applied mathematics and statistics to address problems such as derivative securities valuation, strategic planning and dynamic investment strategies, and risk management, which are of interest to investment and commercial banks, trading companies, hedge funds, insurance companies, corporate risk managers and regulatory agencies.

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be earned on all course work applied toward the master's degree in financial engineering. Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree and are not computed in the grade point average. In addition to the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering, the Master of Science in Financial Engineering is also subject to the following requirements: (1) a total of at least 33 units is required; (2) every plan of study requires prior written approval by the contact faculty of the program; (3) units to be transferred (maximum of four with adviser approval) must have been taken prior to taking classes at USC; interruption of residency is not allowed.

For Admission Requirements, refer to USC Viterbi School of Engineering.

Curriculum

The degree requirements include six required courses and three courses from two lists of electives for a minimum total of 33 units.

A two-year program administered in collaboration with the Graduate School, the Master of Fine Arts is a professional degree in the practice of art preparing students to pursue careers as professional artists. With an influential and innovative faculty and expansive facilities, the MFA program is one of the most ambitious, energetic and forward-thinking MFA programs in the United States. In addition to close, constant interaction with the faculty artists, students participate in regular seminars, lectures, discussions, and studio visits with leading visiting artists, critics, curators and theorists from around the world. The school's immersion in the contemporary art community is a critical component of the MFA program.

The opportunity to gain experience as a teaching assistant is available on a competitive basis. All incoming students, regardless of country of citizenship, are considered for departmental funding and teaching assistantships.

 The graduate certificate in food safety is a 12-unit program of course work designed to strengthen the knowledge base and functional "toolkit" of individuals who deal with the production and management of food in industry and government. Students are required to take an entry level course that focuses on regulatory requirements for foods and dietary supplements and two additional courses that focus on food science and food/drug toxicology respectively. Final course work will be selected from a small grouping of electives that deal with quality systems or risk management. The program will include course work delivered in nontraditional formats, such as intensive weekend sessions, and will use distance learning tools, video-streamed lectures and study materials. Courses can be taken on site, by distance or as a blended combination. Students should confirm their specific course work plan in consultation with the graduate advisers before beginning the program. Students who have bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges or universities must submit an application for graduate study through the regulatory science program of the Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. GRE scores are not required for admission to the certificate program. Students are expected to enroll each semester until the program is completed and must be finished witin five years.

The degree focuses on the principles and practices of lifespan nutrition and wellness, food safety, the design and organization of food service systems, purchasing and personnel management using classroom learning as well as research application to address industry problems and find solutions. Graduates may seek roles in long-term care, hospitals, government and other public and private foodservice operations. The degree prepares graduates to sit for the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM®) Credentialing Exam. Graduates will work with multidisciplinary teams to provide quality food production, service and nutritional care and are an integral member of the health care team. 

Continuous registration in the program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and may require the student to wait until the next year to re-enroll as some courses are offered annually, and must be taken sequentially. A maximum of two leaves of absence is allowed. 

In order to participate online, students will be required to have access to a computer with multimedia capability including high-speed Internet access, audio and a digital video camera. Specific details regarding computer requirements will be provided by the program.

In selecting applicants for admission, the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology considers both academic potential (as reflected in undergraduate study with a GPA greater than 3.0) and professional potential (as reflected in experience, references and career goals). The school requests information from applicants to supplement that supplied by the USC Application for Graduate Admission. Supplemental information includes a résumé, statement of interest in nutrition and longevity and two letters of reference. Interviews may be required for highest ranking applicants.

Probation and Disqualification

Probation and Warning: Any graduate student with a cumulative or semester grade point average in the university falling below B (3.0) will be placed on academic probation. A graduate student whose semester average falls below B (3.0) but whose cumulative grade point average in the university is 3.0 (A = 4.0) or higher will be placed on academic warning. Students will not be allowed to begin supervised field practice in the second semester if any first semester grades fall below a B (3.0).

Disqualification: A graduate student on academic probation will be disqualified if his or her cumulative record accumulates more than 12 units of C work. A graduate student, whether on probation or not, will be subject to disqualification if the Student Affairs Committee of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at any time determines deficiency in academic achievement.

The Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Lifestyle Redesign® is available for occupational therapy students or occupational therapists who wish to obtain advanced training in Lifestyle Redesign. Graduate Certificate courses fulfill the didactic requirements to be eligible for certification in Lifestyle Redesign, and prepare occupational therapy students to be able to design and implement Lifestyle Redesign interventions with diverse client populations.

Admissions Requirements:

Current USC Chan Graduate Students: Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Redesign who are currently enrolled in a Chan graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA, can submit an online application form located on the Chan Division website: chan.usc.edu/students/applications/graduate-certificate.

USC Chan Alumni can also submit an online application form located on the Chan Division website: chan.usc.edu/students/applications/graduate-certificate.

Prospective Applicants: Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Lifestyle Redesign who are currently registered and/or licensed occupational therapists and have not matriculated at USC must submit a formal application on the USC Graduate Admission website.

Applicants must submit the following items:

• Official transcripts from ALL institutions attended must be sent directly to etrans@usc.edu.
• Résumé or CV (upload via online application)
• A Letter of Recommendation (uploaded via online application)

The Graduate Certificate requires a minimum of 12 units.

The Marshall full-time MBA curriculum is a comprehensive two-year (63-unit) learning experience to develop outstanding leaders who act with positive impact and character in a rapidly changing economic, social and political world.

A core of essential courses is designed to build the foundation of skills required of all leading executives, develop collaborative talent, cultivate innovation and expand the student's vision with a global perspective. An individualized program of study, which begins in the second semester of the first year, allows students to acquire knowledge and skills in specialized functions within specific industries.

Recognizing that success in business requires more than a thorough knowledge of the vernacular of business, the full-time MBA curriculum is both broad and deep, offering students an opportunity to learn about business from varying perspectives. Full-time MBA students develop:

• a strategic perspective that understands the global dynamics of worldwide industries and new markets;
• an ability to integrate decisions and solutions across disciplines in complex decision-making environments;
• a world view that understands and appreciates different cultures and economies;
• a clear framework for ethical and values-based, decision-making supported by unyielding personal integrity and the confidence to act accordingly; and
• a professional presence and the ability to articulate a vision needed to motivate others and lead diverse teams of people.

Full-time MBA graduates are collaborative by nature, innovative in spirit and global in perspective.

The Faculty

Instructors in the full-time MBA program are an inspired group of teachers who are passionate about nurturing the development of their students and are committed to the program and to innovative implementation. Scholars bring their latest thinking into the classroom and convey it so that students embrace ideas and learning with excitement and a willingness to demonstrate that learning and enthusiasm in their careers.

Recognized experts, academic specialists and industry leaders are actively involved in the program. Faculty known for their work in Marshall research centers offer industry collaboration. Many faculty connect with other schools in the university, tap into the strengths of innovative Southern California industries and engage our alumni across industries and globally. The valuable contributions of experience and expertise from individuals and organizations outside Marshall weave theory with practice.

An Advanced Learning Environment

The educational approach of the full-time MBA is a careful balance of case learning along with course work, lectures, experiential exercises and field studies. Students are members of supportive and challenging learning communities. The experience is hands-on and teamwork based, with extensive opportunities to work with real companies and managers on real projects.

Classes are taught in state-of-the-art case rooms. The Experiential Learning Center offers students opportunities for experimentation, video practice, simulation exercises and group preparation.

The full-time program is rigorous, intellectually demanding and time intensive. Students typically spend 60–80 hours per week on course work and projects.

Application

The program enrolls students one time per year in the fall. To obtain information regarding application criteria, class profiles, deadlines and notification dates or to apply, visit marshall.usc.edu or contact the Marshall MBA Admission Office in Popovich Hall (JKP) 308 - phone (213) 740-7846, fax (213) 749-8520 or email marshallmba@marshall.usc.edu.

Summer Preparation

The average full-time MBA student is returning to school after completing five years of full-time employment. To help students prepare for their return to academia and refresh their knowledge of business fundamentals, Marshall provides non-credit tutorials and workshops via online/distance formats. Students complete the summer preparation materials and master the information before arriving on campus.

Orientation programs take place during the latter half of July.

Early Start to First Year

The academic program begins the first week of August with a three-week intensive term that includes graded course work in leadership, strategy, microeconomics and professional values. The fall semester academic program continues with classes, workshops and study sessions meeting Monday through Friday.

Focus on Collaboration

The ability to work in and manage teams is important in business. Building these skills during the program is a key part of each student's leadership growth.

Students are assigned to small teams for the first semester of study. These teams are composed of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to enhance the overall learning experience for each team member. Teamwork is crucial to success in a variety of settings including group projects, study groups and competitive assignments. A greater understanding of teams is bolstered through formal discussions and presentations throughout the year.

In addition to formal team projects, a strong community of mutual support develops from the important role informal study groups play in the school's academic culture.

The Core: An Integrated Program of Study

Although the curriculum lists a series of required courses to be taken during the first year of the full-time MBA program, students are, in many ways, pursuing one nine-month course because the individual courses and materials covered are highly integrated.

The first-year teaching team develops and evaluates selected assignments jointly, linking concepts across courses, and occasionally team teaching, examining complex business programs from multiple perspectives.

Communication for Management

Communication for Management is a business communication course comprising class sessions, tailored workshops and ongoing individual and group coaching. First-year students are immersed in developing their presentation skills, interpersonal communication skills and emotional intelligence — the ability to understand and respond to the human side of business — all skills required of successful leaders.

Career Insight Seminars

Identifying and exploring potentially satisfying career paths is the starting point for effective lifelong career management success and the key to personal and professional growth and satisfaction. To support students in this process, all candidates have the option to attend a series of "Career Insight" seminars during the first semester of the program. These seminars improve students' functional and industry awareness, provide a deeper understanding into the future of business and industry, and as a result enhance decision-making in the areas critical to career development, satisfaction and success.

PRIME

The global vision generated during the first year of the MBA culminates with PRIME - a set of courses curated by the USC Marshall Global Programs Office. Each course included within the PRIME umbrella involves in-depth exploration of how global forces shape industry and function-related issues, and these courses incorporate immersive global experiences. Recent PRIME travel locations include Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Internships

Practical experience is critical to success in business. Marshall has developed an extensive network of prospective employers who offer internships during the summer between their first and second year. Successful internships often lead to job offers.

International Exchange Program

The Marshall School offers a range of international semester-long exchange programs in cooperation with leading business schools around the world. Since many of the programs are taught in English, language proficiency is not a requirement for all countries. Students must complete the MBA core courses and maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to participate in the exchange program. This program is open to full-time MBA and MBAPM students.

The Master of Science in Game Design and Development is a two-year intensive program that requires 38 units of which 18 are required, 16 are electives chosen from a number of core area groups and 4 are the capstone requirement. Students must take at least 6 units of expression studios, studying a breadth of skills involved in creating Interactive Media, at least 2 units of professionalization courses, 2 units of electives building technical skills and another 6 units of courses crafting a specialization in the field. At least 10 500-level units must be taken from these course lists. Students are expected to engage in an internship or professional work environment during the summer following their second semester.

Graduate students intending to concentrate in gender and sexuality studies must be admitted to a USC graduate or professional program. While meeting the requirements for a departmental graduate degree, they may earn a certificate of competency in gender and sexuality studies. To earn the certificate, students must take SWMS 560 and other courses from the SWMS list of graduate level courses, 500 and above, to a total of at least 12 units. No more than four units of directed research may be taken and those units must be taken as SWMS 590. Each academic department will determine the number of units completed, which may be applied to the student's graduate degree in that department.

In addition to the completion of course requirements, students must include a focus on gender and sexuality as part of their major department master's thesis, doctoral dissertation or law review note. Or they may take an oral examination on three research papers they have written within the areas of gender and sexuality studies and on relevant graduate work pertaining to the field of gender and sexuality studies. The oral exam will be administered by members of the Gender and Sexuality Studies faculty. A Gender and Sexuality Studies faculty member will be assigned as an adviser for each student. Gender and Sexuality Studies faculty will be responsible for judging the adequacy of the gender and sexuality studies analysis in the student's thesis, dissertation or oral examination.

The General Practice Residency program consists of a 12-month first-year, full-time residency program, which is designed in conformance with the guidelines of the Council on Dental Education and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. The program is structured to increase diagnostic acumen, general knowledge and clinical ability in dentistry.

The program is conducted primarily at the Los Angeles General Medical Center, one of the nation's largest teaching hospitals, and at the Veterans Administration Los Angeles Ambulatory Care facility in downtown Los Angeles. Some of the training is also conducted at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and other community facilities.

The program emphasizes the treatment of a wide range of oral health disorders, medical considerations related to dental care, the ability to treat medically compromised and disabled patients and teaches how to provide dental care in a hospital environment interacting with health care providers of various disciplines. Inherent in the year of training, a philosophy of practice addresses the medical psychosocial and oral health care needs of the patient.

The program in general practice is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.