Graduate & Professional Degrees

The online certificate in Spatial Sciences for Global Health provides interdisciplinary training in key aspects of global public health and spatial sciences methodologies that can be used to improve public health. Training is aimed at professionals in or seeking data analyst positions in public health, including within the private and public sectors, such as government agencies, United Nations agencies, consulting firms and research institutions. Participants will be introduced to key trends in global health, core concepts and methods of planning and implementing health-related research and programs in resource-constrained settings, and the application of spatial sciences concepts, methodologies and software programs that can be used to address global public health challenges. Online courses are taken through the Keck School of Medicine (8 units) and the Spatial Sciences Institute at USC Dornsife College (8 units). The program can be completed in as few as three semesters or over the course of three years.

Applicants for the certificate must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program and provide transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (if applicable), a resume and a statement of purpose. The GRE is not required. 

This certificate program can serve as a possible “stepping stone” toward the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program. Up to 12 units may be applied toward both the certificate and the core or electives in the MPH. Note that students must apply and be admitted to the MPH program and must earn a grade of “B” or better in a course to be eligible to transfer that course toward the degree program. Completion of the certificate does not automatically guarantee admission to the MPH program.

The certificate in Spatial Sciences for Global Health is also open to students who are currently enrolled in another graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA. These students only need to submit the appropriate paperwork, which may be obtained from the student services adviser, and pay associated tuition costs for adding the certificate program.

The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture) comprises two separate and distinct journalism concentrations – one focusing on the arts and the other on food. These journalism disciplines begin at the same place of origin with a seven-week, 3-unit summer digital immersion course, and join forces for one required course in the fall. After that they go their separate ways, each required to take the same number of units, including a 2-unit commitment to a thesis project in each of the fall and spring semesters.

The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture) is primarily geared toward the experienced journalist, and yet it also, with no less parity, welcomes the amateur. What must be demonstrated prior to acceptance is a strong record of interest and competence in a subject area. For the arts, this spans the critical environments of film, television, music, theatre, dance, literature, architecture and visual arts. We welcome artists with a solid background and/or arts conservatory training who express sincere commitment to wanting to learn the journalism practice and skills to tell compelling stories. The arts master's students' electives will primarily be taken at one or more of USC's arts schools. For food MA students, a demonstrable knowledge about food, and a socio-political understanding and curiosity about the places where food intersects with culture is expected.

For both concentrations, the emphasis is on culture: arts and culture; food and culture. This program is multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial. The university is a laboratory for experimentation, enlisting the skills of professional artists, journalists, economists, technologists, entrepreneurs, alumni and citizens to welcome students of varied experience and omnivorous interests. Print, online, audio, video and social media are practiced and taught in this program with equal opportunity.

Students will complete 20-25 units of specialized journalism course work, including a master's professional project and 9-14 units of approved elective course work from faculty-recommended lists. For those on the arts journalism track, other electives must be in at least two arts schools ideally with at least 8 units from one school. The arts schools are Architecture, Art and Design, Cinematic Arts, Dance, Dramatic Arts and Music.

Students must begin the program in summer term, enrolling in a required 3-unit intensive summer session course focused on journalism and society and digital media. In addition to the formal classes, the course includes discussions, workshops and field reporting. This gateway course provides master's students with a working knowledge of the specialized journalism background and the multimedia and digital storytelling skills necessary for study in the program. It sets the stage for two semesters of access to courses as substantively broad as a major research university such as USC makes available. Students also take media law, one required writing course and another required in audio in the summer. 

In the fall semester, arts journalism students will enroll in an arts reporting and online magazine production seminar and a narrative writing practicum. In the spring, arts journalism students will enroll in an arts reporting and online magazine production seminar.

In the fall semester, food journalism students will enroll in a food journalism course focusing on Los Angeles and California and a course on food media and culture. In the spring semester, food journalism students will enroll in reporting on global issues course and a food narrative writing course. 

With the advice of their academic adviser and faculty mentors, students will select elective course work appropriate to their fields of specialization. These courses will be drawn from regular graduate and 400-level courses taught across 14 of the university's schools and within the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Students also will begin research for their master's professional project. These projects may be full-length magazine (print, audio, broadcast and/or multimedia) treatments of issues in their field or similar professional work. 

The 11-month program has been designed for a summer, fall and spring semester enrollment cycle; however, students also may elect to complete the program on a part-time basis with the approval of the director of the School of Journalism, but must start with the intensive summer course.

Studies toward the Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism (the Arts) require 34 units of prescribed courses and approved electives. No more than 11 units of 400-level course work may be applied toward the Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture).

Residence

The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism can be completed in an 11-month enrollment cycle that includes the four-week summer session, plus the fall and spring semesters. These programs may be attended on a part-time basis.

Foreign Language/Research Tool Requirements

There is no foreign language or research tool requirement for the master's degree.

Master's Thesis

MA in Specialized Journalism students normally enroll in JOUR 594a (2 units) and JOUR 594b (2 units) in their single year of study.

For complete admission requirements refer to the section on the School of Journalism page.

The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism is a program geared toward experienced journalists seeking subject matter expertise and toward experienced professionals in other fields seeking journalism skills to advance their expertise. The program is also open to recent School of Journalism graduates with records of excellence in their university classes and internships and a demonstrated aptitude and commitment to developing an expertise in a specialized field of reporting.

In the SJ program, award-winning, experienced journalists guide students toward publication in professional outlets, generating "impact journalism" that makes a difference.  Students are encouraged to explore documentary, investigative, and narrative journalism genres through a range of specialties and disciplines, including international reporting, social justice journalism and reporting on religion, climate change, sports, entertainment and other subjects. Under the guidance of faculty advisers, and with a wide range of electives for study throughout the university, students craft their own unique master's degree.

Students must begin the program in summer term, enrolling in a required 3-unit, intensive session course focused on journalism and society and on digital media. In addition to the formal classes, the course includes multimedia skills workshops. This gateway course provides the master's students with a working knowledge of the specialized journalism and the multimedia storytelling skills necessary for study in the program. Students also are required take a 2-unit class in media law and a 1-credit course in narrative nonfiction in the summer. These classes set the stage for two semesters of access to courses as substantively broad as a major research university such as USC makes available and for advanced courses in the School of Journalism's graduate program.

In the fall semester, students will enroll in the required "Power of Narrative" and "Critical Thinking" courses for journalists in the School of Journalism. They will also select from one of the reporting tracks or reporting platforms. With the advice of their academic adviser and faculty mentors, students will select elective course work appropriate to their fields of specialization. These courses will be drawn from regular graduate and 400-level courses taught in Annenberg or across the university. Students also will begin research for their master's professional project. Thesis topics must be approved in advance by faculty. These projects will be extended works of journalism, such as a full-length magazine article, similar radio, television or multimedia treatments or the equivalent in their professional field. In addition, students will choose one or more concentrations from the available reporting tracks and platforms. These include additional required classes of a minimum of three units each.

In the spring semester, students will enroll in approved electives. Students will also enroll in elective course work, depending on their chosen concentration, selected again from offerings across the university and in consultation with their faculty mentors. Finally, students will complete their master's professional project.

Reporting Tracks

Race and Social Justice

Develop the skills, critical thinking and expertise to report on the ongoing struggles over race, equality and justice in America. Students will deepen their understanding of the struggle for racial equality and justice through the study of critical theories of race, the lived experiences of journalists of color in newsrooms, and the history and coverage of race and justice in California and beyond.  Students will understand the way history, global discourses, newsroom dynamics and technological change are shaping foundational social issues, forming practical knowledge of how race manifests in and shapes reporting in the media today. Students will apply these ideas in the service of producing compelling, deeply-reported stories on race and justice, for publication in local, national, and international media outlets. 

Sports and Society

Tap into Annenberg's vast resources to produce deeply- informed, socially-aware sports journalism in LA and around the world. USC Annenberg's location in downtown Los Angeles positions students at the hub Southern California's sports media landscape, close to major networks and digital outlets. Students cover the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Kings, Rams, Chargers and Sparks, plus top-level college athletics and Olympic competition. Annenberg faculty have built unparalleled relationships across multiple media platforms and including athletes, coaches and content creators. Students produce on-site field reporting, write longer-form and investigative sports stories, and meet leaders and executives from the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL and MLS. Students will also learn the social, political and economic context of sports in American society and culture, equipping them with the tools for both top-notch reporting and critical analysis in a rapidly changing, global sports media environment.

Entertainment and Pop Culture

Go beyond the red carpet to produce deeply reported stories on the culture, social impact, ethics and economics of entertainment and pop culture. Entertainment journalism has a profound impact on how people view politics, government, race, gender and international affairs. With Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, as the backdrop, students will be steeped in the content, social impact, history, ethics and economics of entertainment and pop culture reporting in the United States and the world. Building on this understanding, and critical skills of research, interviewing, writing and production, students will produce groundbreaking reporting on journalism and pop culture. And, they will be introduced to key players, leaders and celebrities, to understand and challenge those who are making decisions that are having an impact on our lives. 

Religion

Through Annenberg's Knight Chair in Media and Religion, explore the intersection among religion, politics and culture to write complex stories reported domestically and internationally. Religion plays a crucial role in domestic politics and international relations. Spirituality – the individual search for meaning – shapes our sense of self and our orientation to the world. Report on what gives nations, communities and individuals meaning, identity and purpose whether through arts and entertainment, sports, climate concern, racial justice, politics or humanitarian outreach. Each year, the class travels abroad for an immersive reporting experience focused on religion, politics and culture in countries such as India, Indonesia, South Korea and Israel/Palestine.  

International

Combine on-location global reporting through Annenberg with study of international issues across USC, to build top-notch international reporting expertise. To report on the world, you must know the world. Students who opt to specialize in international reporting explore international relations, public policy, religion, health, immigration and environmental studies across the university in tandem with their journalism courses at USC Annenberg. Students have traveled to and reported from countries like Greece, Ireland and Indonesia. As an extension of their coursework, students have also partnered with various media organizations like The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Daily Beast and Public Radio International to have their stories published.

Climate

Work with top climate journalists and experts in science and public policy to build top-notch climate reporting expertise. From devastating hurricanes to annual record-breaking heat waves, from "sunny-day floods" in southern Florida to the annual new normal of a California on fire, climate change has reached deep into the American landscape, its economy, politics, even its collective psyche. With these effects has come new awareness, and an urgency to tackle the problem. Never has there been such a need for an original, compelling and accurate accounting of the threat of climate change, and the promise of constructive measures to address it. Students will sharpen their expertise in climate science and social policy, and consider agriculture, water and food sustainability, while producing groundbreaking narrative, documentary and investigative reporting on a central issue of our time.

Reporting Platforms

Documentary

Report beyond the news through in-depth storytelling and analyses of issues you are passionate about, and contextualize them for a broader audience. The documentary sequence at USC Annenberg provides an opportunity to report beyond the news. You have the opportunity do in-depth analyses of stories that you are passionate about and learn ways to contextualize them for a broader audience. Completed docs are eligible for publication on Impact, a student-produced series that is featured on the Annenberg Media website, and is broadcast by Spectrum News1, L.A.'s 24-hour news channel. You will learn advanced ideas centering on visual literacy, production, techniques to manage large amounts of content, and organized approaches to building documentaries for multi-platform distribution. These are skills that translate to all aspects of journalism.

Data and Innovation

Enhance new forms of storytelling, develop smarter platforms to deliver news, explore techniques in data mining and work on new business models to increase the value of journalistic content. Journalism is at the midst of a bold transformation. The Data and Innovation track is designed for students who are seeking to embrace the technologies that have opened up new frontiers for the profession and to capitalize on this moment by charting the next phase of the communications revolution. Students work closely with leading players in the industry to: (1) enhance new forms of storytelling; (2) develop smarter platforms to deliver news; (3) improve reporting techniques and data mining; and (4) work on new business models to increase the value of journalistic content.

Podcasting and Audio

Explore the power of audio storytelling through advanced production and mixing techniques, narrative point of view, and the history, economics and journalistic range of the podcast. The Audio and Podcasting track gives students grounding in the production and business of podcasting as an outlet for their journalistic work. Students will explore the power of audio storytelling, from classic public radio-style productions to innovative and experimental podcasts. They will learn advanced production and mixing techniques, narrative point of view and the history, economics and journalistic range of the podcast. They will develop a discerning ear for quality audio content and the best practices for effective oral communication. Course work will also expose students to non-production aspects of podcasting such as branding, marketing, distribution, analytics, monetization and legal issues.   

Investigative

USC Annenberg is seeking students and early-career journalists of exceptional promise who aspire to journalism's highest calling: producing stories that expose harm, wrongdoing, abuse of power. Stories that matter. Building on the work of the Beacon Project, profiled in The New York Times, you will work on a major investigative project under the mentorship of award-winning journalists who will help place deserving stories in professional news outlets. You will learn how to find documents most reporters would not even think to look for; persuade reluctant or hostile sources to reveal their secrets; obtain and analyze data; protect your sources with digital-security savvy and counter-surveillance techniques; bulletproof your stories against libel actions and write compelling stories for text, audio or video.

Narrative

Immerse yourself in myriad ways of nonfiction and longform storytelling, learning from award-winning authors and magazine writers the best ways to produce compelling narrative journalism. Top narrative journalists will show you how to cut through the crowded content landscape to tell the stories that matter. In the narrative track, you will learn nonfiction storytelling techniques across a range of styles and interests of your choice – from the arts to religion and social justice issues, from climate reporting to sports and entertainment – to tell the stories that matter. In the process, you will examine fundamental principles embedded in all good narrative journalism: in-depth, empathetic, and creative storytelling. Work that makes a difference. Here you will learn how to create the "journalism of the heart" – groundbreaking, deeply-reported, humane storytelling that bears witness to the world around us.

The 11-month program has been designed for a fall and spring semester enrollment cycle; however, students may also elect to complete the program over a longer time span on a part-time basis, but must start with the intensive summer course.

Studies toward the Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism require 34 units of prescribed courses and approved electives. No more than 10 units of 400-level course work may be applied toward the Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism.

Residence

The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism can be completed in an 11-month enrollment cycle that includes the seven-week summer session, plus the fall and spring semesters. These programs may be attended on a part-time basis.

Foreign Language/Research Tool Requirements

There is no foreign language or research tool requirement for the master's degree.

Master's Thesis

MA in Specialized Journalism students normally enroll in JOUR 594a (2 units) and JOUR 594b (2 units) in their single year of study.

For complete admission requirements refer to the section on the School of Journalism page. 

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) will provide the graduate level academic and clinical training to enter the field of speech-language pathology. Graduates will be trained in the prevention, assessment and intervention for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders across settings and across the lifespan.

The professional entry-level Master of Science (MS) in Speech-Language Pathology is a rigorous full-time program. Students must meet all admission requirements, including prerequisite courses identified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and must have either a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) or Speech-Language Pathology or the equivalent. These undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate programs must be completed at a program from an accredited university in the United States.  

The curriculum comprises six semesters over two years, consecutive enrollment in a cohort model. The program includes both academic courses and clinical practicum courses for a total of 71 units. Clinical experiences are assigned by the program to meet the 400 hours of clinical experiences in different settings across the life span, per ASHA requirements.

The objective of this program is to provide academic instruction in statistical theory with a solid mathematical foundation while emphasizing applications to real world problems. Some probability theory is included to provide a rigorous foundation. The program is intended for individuals who are seeking or currently hold positions that involve statistical methodology and practice. A student may orient his or her course of study toward a particular field of application through appropriate selections from the program listings plus elective courses from other disciplines.

Course Requirements

At least 30 units are required, including:

The certificate program is designed for current students in the Master of Science in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine program at USC, who have completed the requirements for the MS degree and wish to complete a second year of study including an independent research project. Graduates from other programs and other institutions both inside and outside the U.S., who desire advanced training in this field may also be considered for admission. A smaller number of students may come from nontraditional backgrounds (business, legal, etc.) and seek specific training in this discipline in order to advance specific career paths in which they are already employed. All students are expected to already have completed undergraduate courses in cell and molecular biology. 

Stem cell biology is one of the newest and most powerful approaches in biomedical science; it offers the opportunity to experimentally approach previously intractable biological questions, create models of human disease and develop cell-based therapeutics. This one-year program will give students a solid understanding of the scientific and clinical underpinnings of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Students completing this program will be well positioned to proceed to medical or PhD programs, find laboratory or administrative employment in the growing stem cell pharmaceutical domain, or engage in public policy or regulatory administration of academic, clinical or business efforts in this expanding discipline.

California is globally recognized as the worldwide center of stem cell science, and USC has invested significantly in building the new Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, within which this certificate program is based and administered.

Stem cell biology is one of the newest and most powerful approaches in biomedical science; it offers the opportunity to experimentally approach previously intractable biological questions, create models of human disease and develop cell-based therapeutics.

This intensive one-year program (with an optional second year) will give students a deep understanding of the scientific and clinical underpinnings of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The program includes three didactic lecture courses that address developmental cell biology and human embryology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and translational and therapeutic aspects of stem cell technology. The program also includes two laboratory modules that provide guided hands-on experience with stem cells and stem cell laboratory approaches, and several different faculty-led discussion-based courses that allow detailed investigation within specific aspects of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Students completing this program will be well-positioned to proceed to medical or PhD programs, find laboratory or administrative employment in the growing stem cell pharmaceutical domain, or engage in public policy or regulatory administration of academic, clinical or business efforts in this expanding discipline.

California is globally recognized as the worldwide center of stem cell science, and USC has invested significantly in building the new Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, within which this MS program is based and administered.

Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine is one of the newest and most powerful approaches in biomedical science; it offers the opportunity to experimentally approach previously intractable biological questions, create models of human disease and develop cell-based therapeutics.

Program Description

This two-year program will give students a deep understanding of the scientific and clinical underpinnings of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. In the first year, the program includes three didactic lecture courses that address developmental biology and human embryology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine and translational and therapeutic aspects of stem cell technology. The program also includes two laboratory modules that provide guided hands-on experience with stem cells and stem cell laboratory approaches, along with several faculty-led discussion-based courses that allow detailed investigation within specific aspects of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

During the second year, under the mentorship of department faculty, students will extend their educational experience with two additional seminar courses (DSR 620 and DSR 610) and apply methodologies used in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine to create an independent capstone project. This capstone project (SCRM 594a, SCRM 594b, SCRM 594z) will involve assembling a thesis committee, meetings with the committee, preparing a thesis to be submitted to the USC library and a public defense.

Applicants to this program must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) in undergraduate work. Other materials required include: official transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose should succinctly describe the reasons for applying to the program, the preparation for this field of study, academic interests, future career plans and any other aspects of the applicant's background that may aid the admissions committee in evaluating aptitude and motivation for graduate study in this field.

Students enrolled in the MS Program in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (without thesis) can petition to transfer at the completion of year 1 if they are in excellent academic standing. These students must obtain approval from both the Thesis Mentor and Program Director.

Students completing this degree will be well-positioned to proceed to PhD or medical programs, find laboratory or administrative employment in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology domains, engage in public policy or administration of academic, clinical or business efforts in the expanding discipline of regenerative medicine.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe foundational concepts in stem cell and developmental biology and translational biology.
2. Explain the principles underlying the equipment, reagents, databases and methods commonly used for research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
3. Develop critical thinking skills by analysis of experimental data in published literature.
4. Outline the steps of the research process, state key research criteria and pitfalls, and design a credible and meaningful research project.
5. Evaluate current issues and approaches in stem cell biology through writing and oral presentation
6. Implement and manage academic sources and citations to competently and efficiently produce documents.
7. Create original research which will if appropriate, entail trouble shooting, hypothesis testing and data analysis.
8. Defend a master's thesis succinctly, in written and oral forms, to faculty, mentors and potential collaborators.

Degree Requirements

Graduation requires completion of 35 units according to the course schedule outlined below. This program is intended to be completed within two academic years and culminates with the completion of a capstone project to be presented and defended as part of SCRM 594a, SCRM 594b, SCRM 594z.

This certificate program is for students holding master's degrees who wish to pursue or expand careers in corporate communication and communication consulting. Students will study the latest developments in organizational communication research and theory and the application to business communication issues.

Students take 16 units of graduate course work beyond the master's degree, of which 4 units may be cognate courses.

The Strategy and Management Consulting graduate certificate provides students with the tools, concepts and frameworks that will aid them in leading the process of strategy development and management consulting to improve business performance. Evidence-based frameworks and hands-on projects will enhance students' skill sets in diagnosing strategic issues in complex settings. Different types of intervention strategies and contingency frameworks will provide students with an extensive and robust toolkit that can be applied in multiple industry settings.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the standard Marshall graduate admission requirements. A few years of work experience is preferred, but not required. GMAT or GRE scores are required. International applicants who did not spend four years completing a bachelor's degree at an American, British, Canadian or Australian college or university must submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores.

Application Procedure

Applications are submitted online through the USC Graduate Admissions Website at gradadm.usc.edu/. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students  at gradadm.usc.edu/apply/international-students/.

A complete application includes the online application form, an application fee, test scores, an essay and official transcripts from all institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC.

• Current USC students and USC alumni are not required to submit an application fee, new test scores (if previously submitted), or transcripts to verify degrees earned prior to their attendance at USC.
• All other applicants must submit all documentation identified in the online application instructions.

Degree Requirements

The graduate certificate in Strategy and Management Consulting requires 15 units. The program may be completed on a full-time (8-15 units per semester, depending on course availability) or part-time basis.