Graduate & Professional Degrees

The Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MNLM) program is designed to prepare students to distinguish themselves as leaders in the nonprofit sector whether managing nonprofits, advocating for social change or developing and implementing innovation solutions to social problems.

This graduate certificate program provides students with a foundation in nonprofit management and policy. The certificate develops nonprofit management skills and provides students the knowledge needed to understand the increasing importance of nonprofits in society and their role in forming and influencing public policy.

Applicants for the Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Policy who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA only need to submit the appropriate paperwork for adding the certificate program, which may be obtained from the student services adviser.

Applicants for the Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Policy who have not matriculated at USC must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program, provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.

The certificate in nonprofit management and policy consists of 16 units of graduate course work.

The program of study that leads to the Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) degree consists of 50 units (28 units of theory; 16 units of clinical practicum; and 6 units of Social Work courses). The program, which prepares students to practice as family nurse practitioners (FNP), is administered primarily online via the Virtual Academic Center within the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, and features two on-campus intensives (OCI) providing students with opportunities for skills assessments and patient simulations. The clinical practica can be taken in various healthcare settings, including private practice and community-based facilities, and are based on the student's geographical location. The USC MSN-FNP degree is offered in a full-time (five-semester) or part-time (eight-semester) format.

The Department of Nursing is committed to achieving distinction and preparing diverse leaders in research, education and advanced nursing practice. The department aims to work collaboratively with its Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and Keck School of Medicine and other health science colleagues to improve patient care by preparing outstanding advanced practice nurses who provide evidence-based health care, and transform the health care system by preparing leaders in health care policy and research. 

The Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity, a Coordinated Program (CP) in Nutrition and Dietetics, prepares graduates for roles in the field of nutrition and dietetics promoting personalized nutrition through work in hospitals and health care facilities, long-term care or school food service programs, business, teaching, research or private practice. The program has been fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and integrates academic study with professional practice experience. Twenty-four students are admitted each year in the fall. Students can complete the full-time degree program in two years, on-campus or online (for those living more than 100 miles from USC). Online students will be required to find and utilize facilities in their community to complete the required course laboratory activities and supervised practice (verification of facilities will be required after acceptance, and before enrollment, for first-year rotations). Successful completion of 44 units of course work is required for graduation and includes 28 units of required courses, 10 units of supervised practice and 6 units of research. The program summative experience will be an electronic portfolio, including research completed throughout the program. Students will be required to present their work at a local, state or national dietetics conference as a requirement of graduation.

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. Upon completion of the Master of Science degree, students are eligible to write for the Credentialing Examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

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.

Field Practicum

The field practicum provides the opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and develop needed skills by working in an institutional or community environment where nutrition services are provided by registered dietitians or food services professionals. Field placement assignments begin in the second semester of the program and continue every semester until graduation. Students attending the program on campus are placed by the program coordinator in consultation with the student as resources are available in the community. Evaluations of students are sent to the school by the community agency; the student receives a grade of credit/no credit in GERO 591 Field Practicum.

Prerequisites for Admission

Students applying for admission to the Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, the following prerequisites must be complete before starting the program: cellular biology with lab, microbiology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, biochemistry with lab, human physiology with lab, general psychology or sociology, algebra or pre-calculus or calculus or statistics, speech or communications, introductory food science and human nutrition. All prerequisite courses cannot be more than 10 years old at the time of application. The exceptions are the general psychology course and the math course; there is no time limit on these two courses.

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. Applicants are required to document at least 40 hours of paid or volunteer work experience with a registered dietitian. 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.

Course Requirements

All candidates for the Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity degree must complete the following required courses.

The Master of Science in Nutritional Science provides students with advanced understanding of lifespan human nutrition through course work and research. Designed for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or those with a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification, the degree prepares graduates with the advanced knowledge, skills and intellectual maturity to become innovative and multidisciplinary practitioners and leaders in healthspan and longevity. The program offers both on-campus and online asynchronous courses and can be completed in 1-3 years. 

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.

Prerequisites for Admission

Students applying for admission to the Master of Science in Nutritional Science program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in nutrition or dietetics. 

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 PhD in Occupational Science educates individuals to engage in the scientific study of human occupation, the purposeful activities that constitute our life experiences.This evolving science is chiefly concerned with the unique capacity of humans to develop and orchestrate occupations and enact adaptive behaviors to enhance engagement and participation in daily life. Occupational scientists examine the function, structure and the interrelationships among a complex array of occupations, as well as their impact on individuals and communities.

The focus on occupation distinguishes this program from closely related disciplines such as psychology, sociology and anthropology. The program emphasizes the development of research skills and encourages students to organize and synthesize knowledge to contribute to occupational science theory and interdisciplinary understandings of occupation, health and social participation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the PhD program are expected to have a baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field, such as one of the biological or social sciences or occupational therapy, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (A = 4.0). Applicants must submit at least three letters of reference (two should be academic, one can be a professional reference), a personal statement, and an updated curriculum vitae (CV). All transcripts, letters of reference, personal statement, and CV are submitted through the USC CAS application portal. The application deadline is December 1st. Other considerations include evidence of academic potential, interest and skills in research and becoming a career scientist, and the ability of the Chan Division and occupational science program to support the applicant's scholarship interests and career goals. International students must demonstrate competency in English, as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. A personal interview and a professional writing sample may be requested as part of the post-application admissions review process. Please see the Chan Division website for information and resources for the application process: chan.usc.edu.

Degree Requirements

This degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the USC Graduate School.

The one-year Master of Arts (MA) program is designed for the individual who is already a certified or board-eligible occupational therapist, or an international therapist who has completed a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university, or a program approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy® (WFOT). The MA program in occupational therapy requires 32 units: 18 units of core courses and 14 units of elective courses. All students must complete OT 500b Clinical Problems in Occupational Therapy, which includes the completion of a Summative Experience that integrates theory and clinical reasoning with application of intervention principles.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a post-professional degree program that provides graduates with advanced knowledge and skills in one of four leadership pathways: 1) pedagogy and academic administration; 2) clinical research; 3) policy and administration and (4) advanced clinical practice.

Chan OTD graduates will become expert faculty and provide leadership within academic institutions; be highly skilled at evaluating patient outcomes and contribute to clinical research teams; apply occupational science to address critical societal challenges; advance occupational therapy practice and elevate the profession's influence within healthcare systems and mobilize knowledge to enhance health and well-being across communities.   

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the OTD program are expected to have a master's degree in occupational therapy or a related field from an accredited college or university. Additionally, prospective students who will complete the program in the United States must submit proof of passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy® (NBCOT) examination and state licensure prior to enrollment. Prospective students who will complete the program outside of the United States must submit proof of an equivalent credential to practice in their location. All students must maintain their respective credentials throughout the duration of the program. Prospective applicants who are licensed/registered with only a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy should apply for the master's program in occupational therapy.    

Applicants must have earned a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA during previous graduate coursework. At least three letters of reference, an autobiographical statement of purpose and a current resume or curriculum vitae are required. Applicants' leadership potential, previous academic record, clinical experiences and professional accomplishments will also be considered.

USC maintains additional admissions requirements for international students (see the Admission section of this catalogue), including English language competence as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination or Pearson Test of English (PTE).

For details regarding admissions procedures and deadlines, please refer to the Chan Division website: chan.usc.edu/education/post-professional-otd.

Degree Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 36 units beyond the master's degree is required. Students without a master's degree in occupational therapy or a related field from an accredited college or university are required to complete at least 60 units for the OTD. The degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue, for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be accepted by the USC Graduate School.

The program does not accept applicants for a Master of Science degree in ocean sciences. The MS degree is intended only as a transitional degree in the process of completing requirements for the PhD in ocean sciences.

Research Tool Requirements

None required.

Course Requirements

The MS degree in Ocean Sciences requires at least 24 units of course work, including two core courses (OS 512 and 582). Four thesis units (OS 594) are also required. At least 16 units of course work must be at the 500-level or higher; no more than six units can be directed research (OS 590); a maximum of four units with superior grades in approved course work may be transferred from an accredited graduate school. Students are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate work.

Thesis

Students should arrange for the appointment of a thesis adviser and committee after the first semester, or at the latest, after the first year of graduate work. The thesis committee should consist of the adviser plus two other faculty members, all of whom are generally selected from GPOS faculty. Once the committee is arranged, the student may make formal application to the Graduate School for the MS degree.

Research Tool Requirements

To be determined by qualifying exam committee.

Course Requirements

The PhD degree in Ocean Sciences requires at least 27 units of formal course work (including seminars) of the 60 total units needed. Two core courses are required (OS 512, OS 582). No more than 15 units of 400-level course work may be applied. A maximum of 30 units may be transferred from an accredited graduate school.

Students are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate work.

Students may request permission to take the PhD qualifying examination on completion of 24 units of course work, including two core courses in Ocean Sciences.

Screening Procedure

Students in the PhD program must pass the screening procedure before their 25th unit of graduate credit. Screening consists of a review of the student's progress and is usually done by the GPOS Review Committee following a written recommendation by the student's adviser(s). Screening occurs at the end of each semester.

Qualifying Exam Committee

The doctoral qualifying exam committee is formed after the student has passed the screening procedure. The committee is appointed by the department with the advice of the student's research adviser. The five-member committee consists of the adviser, a minimum of three other members from the GPOS faculty, and one additional tenure-track faculty member. The committee must include faculty members from more than one academic department. A tenure-track faculty member must serve as research adviser or co-adviser. The committee consults with the student, recommends an appropriate program of study and administers written and oral qualifying examinations.

Qualifying Examination

The student may request permission to take the PhD qualifying examination upon completion of 24 units of course work, including two core courses in ocean sciences. The qualifying examination consists of a written and an oral part, both parts prepared, conducted and evaluated by the student's examination committee. The written examination will consist of a number of questions given on two consecutive days. Questions will be comprehensive in scope with respect to the student's chosen area of specialization and will be designed to test the student's conceptual, analytical and integrative ability and preparation.

The written part of the qualifying examination must be taken before the oral examination. The oral examination will be in the area of the student's intended research and will be based on a research project selected and developed by the student into a written proposition. The oral examination will be conducted and evaluated by the student's examination committee. The oral examination must be taken within one month of the written examination.

Defense of the Dissertation

After the student has passed the qualifying examination, the qualifying exam committee recommends to the Graduate School that the student be admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. Following admission to candidacy the student must register for OS 794 Dissertation every semester, except summers, until the degree is awarded.

Once the qualifying examination is passed, the student is required, as soon as possible, to appoint a dissertation committee, using an appointment of committee form which can be found on the Graduate School Website (usc.edu/schools/GraduateSchool). All or some of the qualifying exam committee may be nominated. Until a dissertation committee is appointed, the qualifying exam committee will have responsibility for the student's program of study. The student must undertake an original investigation of a problem in ocean sciences. The topic must be approved by the student's dissertation committee and will usually be based on the written proposition presented in the qualifying examination.

A dissertation based on the student's research must be approved by the student's dissertation committee. The student must then defend the dissertation. The process for submission of the dissertation to the Graduate School can be found on the Graduate School Website under "Current Students — Thesis and Dissertations." This process should be started approximately one month before the defense, and the student must allow adequate time after the defense for final copy preparation.

The dissertation must conform to the general regulations described in Regulations for Format and Presentation of Theses and Dissertations, also available from the Graduate School Website, Additional regulations and information on the organization and preparation of the dissertation are provided in Directions for Preparation of Dissertations and Research Reports as Required by the Graduate Program in Ocean Sciences/University of Southern California, available in the GPOS office.