Mar 28, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2020-2021 
    
USC Catalogue 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

Marshall Graduate Programs


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The Marshall School of Business prepares men and women to become leaders at every level of management. Today’s successful businesses demand flexibility, innovation, creativity, teamwork and leadership from their employees. The Marshall School’s goal is to help students meet those demands through a rigorous grounding in all functional areas of business and the honing of analytical and interpersonal skills required to address real business problems.

The more than 240 faculty members at the school include authorities recognized around the world for their contributions to business theory and practice. They are also distinguished by their dedication to teaching excellence.

The Marshall School of Business offers six graduate degrees: The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); the Master of Business Administration (MBA); the Master of Science (MS) in Business Administration, Business Analytics, Business Research, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Food Industry Leadership, Global Supply Chain Management, Marketing, and Social Entrepreneurship; the Master of Business for Veterans (MBV); the Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS); and the Master of Management Studies (MMS). The Marshall School jointly sponsors a Master of Arts in Long Term Care Administration.

Graduate certificates are also offered in business analytics, business fundamentals, financial analysis and valuation, library and information management, management studies, marketing, optimization and supply chain management, strategy and management consulting, sustainability and business, and technology commercialization.

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (regardless of field or major) is required for admission to any graduate degree program at the Marshall School of Business.

All applicants are required to submit the following documents: (1) completed application form; (2) a nonrefundable application fee; (3) responses to required essay questions; (4) history of full- and part-time work experience or résumé; (5) one official transcript from the registrar of each college or university attended (undergraduate and postgraduate, if applicable) whether the degree was completed or not. If all college or postgraduate work has not been completed, transcripts must be sent again when work in progress is completed and the degree posted. Transcripts written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Degrees earned in non-anglophile countries must be verified through IERF.

Some programs require (6) letters of recommendation and (7) Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores.

All international students who did not earn a four-year bachelor’s degree from a college or university in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand must submit (8) recent scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE). (9) Proof of financial support is required of admitted international applicants.

To ensure a place in a program and adequate time to receive an admission decision, it is important to send completed application materials well in advance of the semester for which the applicant wishes to register. For the non-traditional student, if work is still in progress to complete a bachelor’s degree, the applicant must state specifically what courses are in progress, what must be done to finish and the estimated date of completion. Admission is contingent upon official verification of a bachelor’s degree.

Additional program-specific admission criteria are available on each program’s Website. Links are available at marshall.usc.edu/programs.


Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy program in business administration is designed to produce research-oriented graduates who, from positions in academia, can advance business practice and enhance the contributions that businesses make to the larger community. These goals can be advanced through research contributions in theory, concepts, methods and practices, and education of the next generation of business leaders. For more information see Business Administration (PhD)  and marshall.usc.edu/phd.


Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA students gain an understanding of the forces confronting business around the world and are encouraged to take an active role in making a difference — to seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth and to empower others in the pursuit of shared goals. The Master of Business Administration is offered through five distinct programs.

While the five programs are designed to meet the needs of different types of students, all programs have the same goals (albeit different weight): providing students with the personal skills and development necessary to become effective leaders; developing a thorough understanding of business fundamentals such as economics, accounting, finance, marketing, and data analytics as well as being motivated and able to build and work in high-performing teams. Each student is challenged to develop self-understanding, an appreciation for the complexities of business organizations, and the ability to offer creative solutions to business problems.

Full-Time MBA Program

The Marshall MBA program is designed for individuals who can leave the world of work and immerse themselves “full time” in two years of graduate education. It provides a foundation for success that balances analytical and critical thinking with real-world application.

During the first year, our approach to leadership and business education combines case analysis, management simulations, consulting projects for real business problems, executive seminars and international travel with traditional methods for establishing a conceptual understanding of the general management role in a global context. Career Insight Seminars improve students’ functional and industry awareness and as a result enhance decision-making in the areas critical to career development, satisfaction and success. Elective options in the second semester allow students to complement the core curriculum with informed choice and individualized interests. Summer internships help students apply their knowledge in practice and prepare for the job market.

In year two, students continue to chart their own course of study. A wide array of elective courses offers students immersion in specific functional areas, disciplines and industries. The selection allows students to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular subject or to continue to pursue a broad-based management education. For more information see the Full-time MBA Program  page and ftmba.marshall.usc.edu.

Part-Time MBA Program for Professionals and Managers

The MBA Program for Professionals and Managers (MBA.PM) allows fully employed individuals to pursue an MBA degree while continuing their career. Students can pursue the first year of study at the University Park Campus or at the USC Orange County Center in Irvine. Elective course work is completed mainly on the University Park Campus. The curriculum, offered in the evening, is similar to the curriculum offered to full-time MBA students but is structured to allow completion of the program in 33 months or less. For more information see the MBA Program for Professionals and Managers  program page and marshall.usc.edu/mbapm.

International MBA Program (IBEAR MBA) and the International Management Science (STEM) MBA Program

The IBEAR MBA is a mid-career international MBA emphasizing trade and investment in and between the Americas and Asia in particular. Participants complete the equivalent of two years of intensive MBA study and return to their careers in 12 months.

The Management Science specialization of the Master of Business Administration recognizes the efforts of individuals who choose to focus their MBA studies on quantitative business-related fields such as statistics, mathematical techniques, analytics, data warehousing, data mining, operations and supply chain optimization, finance, forecasting, digital marketing and modeling.

In addition to an internationalized set of core courses, the program includes elective course offerings on international management, international financial management, global e-business, global marketing strategy, international trade, politics for global management and global strategy.

The program features a two-term international business consulting project, a cross-cultural team-building retreat, a visiting international expert speaker series and participation in Marshall’s annual Asia/Pacific Business Outlook Conference.

IBEAR MBA graduates join a network of well-placed alumni in more than 50 nations. For more information see the International MBA Program  and the International Management Science (STEM) MBA Program  pages and visit marshall.usc.edu/ibear.

Online MBA Program

The Online MBA (OMBA) program enables students to develop expertise in business administration, management and leadership through a rigorous course of study, most of which is delivered using flexible online technologies. The program content covers business fundamentals including accounting, economics, finance, data sciences, marketing, management, operations and entrepreneurship; communication and analytics training are interwoven with the entire program. The program takes advantage of distinctive educational opportunities offered by online technologies, both in terms of teaching methods and content and helps students to increase their effectiveness as business leaders, corporate managers and entrepreneurs.

The program is structured so that it can be completed in as little as 21 months. Students can work through much of the material on a flexible schedule customized to their own needs, making the program especially convenient to students who are currently employed and wish to remain at their jobs while enrolled. Content is delivered by faculty members with strong backgrounds in practice and research from different disciplines teaching in a team format to integrate understanding of business fundamentals, internal and external operations, business environments and leadership. For more information see the Online MBA Program  and marshall.usc.edu/OMBA.

Executive MBA Program

The Executive MBA program provides those with significant work experience, particularly mid- to senior-level professionals who have high potential as business and industry leaders, a chance to complete an MBA on Fridays and Saturdays over a two-year period without interrupting their careers. The program is offered on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles.

This program uses a non-traditional, interdisciplinary approach to executive and management education through “themes” that integrate various functional areas and address classic, yet dynamic business issues.

Through the integrated curriculum, participants develop a complete understanding of decision-making, a focus on the future and the international context of business as well as strong interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills. More specifically, participants achieve advanced skills in corporate and international finance, marketing, environmental and strategic analysis, information technology, organizational leadership, managerial communication and corporate relations. Core faculty include the school’s most senior, experienced members as well as nationally renowned academic and business specialists. The program includes three residential off-site experiences — two domestic and one international. For more information see the Executive MBA Program  and marshall.usc.edu/EMBA.

Dual MBA Degree Programs

Dual degree programs offer graduate students the opportunity to complete concurrently the requirements for two separate degrees with modified degree requirements.

Admission criteria for applicants to dual degree programs co-sponsored by the Marshall School of Business are the same as Master of Business Administration program admission criteria.

Dual degree programs may be completed in conjunction with the Marshall MBA, MBA.PM or IBEAR MBA programs. Students interested in completing a dual degree program should apply to the specific MBA program suited to the individual’s needs.

The Marshall School offers the MBA in conjunction with a number of other programs at USC:

 

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Specialized Master’s Degrees

Master of Accounting and Master of Accounting (Data and Analytics)

The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program provides an integrated curriculum designed to prepare graduates for careers in professional accounting, public accounting, industry and government. For more information, visit Accounting (MAcc) .

The Master of Accounting program with an emphasis in data and analytics combines course work from the Leventhal School of Accounting and Marshall’s Data Sciences and Operations department. The data and analytics emphasis of the MAcc is designed to train auditors for the data age. For more information visit Accounting (Data and Analytics) (MAcc) .

Master of Science in Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics is designed for managers who want to develop their analytical skills and recent college graduates with strong analytical skills who are interested in pursuing a career in business analytics. The program provides students with tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in making business decisions in a scientific manner, based on actual data, to improve the performance of their organization. For more information see Business Analytics (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/MSAnalytics.

Master of Business Taxation and Master of Business Taxation (Data and Analytics)

The Master of Business Taxation (MBT) program is designed for accountants, attorneys and business professionals who wish to learn or improve skills and knowledge through participation in advanced tax study. For more information see Business Taxation (MBT)  and Business Taxation for Working Professionals (MBT) .

The Master of Business Taxation with an emphasis in data and analytics (MBT D&A) delivers a firm foundation in taxation with a focus on data and analytics and the enabling of IT capabilities. For more information see Business Taxation (Data and Analytics) (MBT) .

Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS)

The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is designed to develop the entrepreneurial knowledge, skill sets, and decision-making frameworks required to recognize and evaluate business opportunities and to create and guide a new entrepreneurial entity either individually or within a larger organization. The program is intended for students seeking to pursue careers in entrepreneurship, corporate venturing and innovation, or technology commercialization. The degree can be completed on either a full-time basis in one year or on a part-time basis over two years, and classes are offered primarily at night to accommodate the needs of working professionals. For more information see Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/msei.

Master of Science in Finance (MS)

The Master of Science in Finance is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become experts in finance and thus advance their careers in business. The program is exceptionally well suited to individuals completing a bachelor’s degree who are seeking an opportunity to continue their studies at USC for one year and earn a master’s degree in finance before entering the work force. It is also well suited to those who have earned or soon will earn a master’s degree and wish to earn a second master’s degree. For more information see Finance (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/msf.

Master of Science in Food Industry Leadership (MS)

The Master of Science in Food Industry Leadership provides tools, concepts, frameworks and practical hands-on projects in areas such as new/current technologies, strategic planning and managing change as a senior leader. This unique curriculum integrates the functional areas of business with cutting-edge theory and practical application to help students understand how all of the pieces of an entire organization fit together and work dynamically to support the success of local and global businesses. For more information see Food Industry Leadership (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/fil

Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management (MS) for Executives (Online)

The Marshall School of Business offers individuals across the U.S. and around the world an opportunity to expand their knowledge of management of the ever-changing world of global supply chains. The program provides managers with tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in improving the performance of the global supply chains that they manage. Courses are broadcast via distance learning technologies so that, with the exception of two international travel experiences, the degree can be completed through the Internet. Additional in-person instructional activities are provided at partner institutions. Two international travel experiences to global distribution hubs are included in the program. In-person midterms and final exams may be required for some courses, in which case they will be administered in cities near student population concentrations. For more information see Global Supply Chain Management for Executives (MS) (Online)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/MSGSCM.

Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management (MS) (On-Campus)

The Marshall School of Business, jointly with the Viterbi School of Engineering, offers individuals an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the management of global supply chains. The program focuses on teaching the necessary knowledge and skills in areas like inventory management; sustainable supply chains; strategic procurement; outsourcing; logistics and distribution; information technology and its role in managing global supply chains; and supply chain optimization. This 27-unit on-campus program can be completed on a full-time basis in one calendar year. For more information see Global Supply Chain Management (On‑Campus/Residential) (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/MSGSCM.

Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS)

The Master of Management in Library and Information Science program is designed to educate professional librarians for leadership from every level of the organization in academic, urban and corporate environments. Graduates will identify and analyze critical issues and leverage resources and expertise to build community assets. The program is taught entirely online. For more information see Library and Information Science (MMLIS)  and visit librarysciencedegree.usc.edu.

Master of Arts in Long Term Care Administration

This program is designed to prepare competent individuals to administer the long term needs of America’s elderly population. It is jointly offered by the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, the Marshall School of Business, and the USC Price School of Public Policy. For more information, see the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology .

Master of Science in Marketing (MS) and Master of Science in Marketing (Marketing Analytics) (MS)

The Master of Science in Marketing is designed to develop an in-depth knowledge of relevant and innovative marketing skills and techniques for prospective students interested in pursuing a career in marketing or enhancing their existing marketing career. The degree can be completed on full-time basis in one calendar year or part-time. Classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. For more information see Marketing (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/MSMKT.

The Master of Science in Marketing (Marketing Analytics) provides students with tools, concepts, frameworks and critical thinking and innovative skills needed to position themselves as leaders in quantitative marketing methods, gaining exposure to in-demand programming languages such as R and Python for marketers, as well as strategies and techniques for predictive modeling, consumer analysis, customer segmentation and micro-targeting. For more information see Marketing (Marketing Analytics) (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/MSMKT.

Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship (MS)

The Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship gives students the opportunity to learn business and entrepreneurship skills within a framework of combining both financial and social missions. The program can be completed in one year (full-time students) or two or more years (part-time students). Courses are offered on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles in the evenings and on weekends. For more information see Social Entrepreneurship (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/MSSE.

Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship/Master of Public Health (MSSE/MPH) Dual Degree Program

The Marshall School of Business and the Keck School of Medicine leverage resources and expertise with this program designed for students who want to gain the skills to make sustainable change in the field of public health. By combining fundamental business and entrepreneurship skills with the expertise gained through the Master of Public Health, graduates will be uniquely equipped to address global health challenges. For more information see Master of Public Health/Master of Science, Social Entrepreneurship (MPH/MS) .

Master of Business for Veterans (MBV)

This program is designed for veterans who wish to gain formal business knowledge and develop critical thinking skills to manage or grow a business. Significant project and course work is completed during the two-semester program. Class sessions meet over 16 full-day sessions each semester, offered on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles. For more information see Business for Veterans (MBV)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/MBV.

 


Master of Management Studies (MMS)

The Master of Management Studies is designed to provide students who have completed graduate business course work equivalent to the first year of a traditional two-year MBA program with an opportunity to pursue further studies at the USC Marshall School of Business. The program is especially valuable for those who have completed the first year of a traditional MBA at another institution and those who completed one-year MBA programs and wish to enhance their knowledge in specialized areas of business. The degree can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. For more information see Management Studies (MMS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/MMS.

Master of Science in Business Administration (MS)

The Master of Science in Business Administration is designed to provide students with an opportunity to pursue an area of specialization subsequent to successfully completing the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The program is especially valuable for those who wish to enhance their knowledge base in a specialized area of business. In cooperation with a faculty member, the student in this program designs a course of study to meet his or her individual needs. The degree can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. For more information see Business Administration (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/ms-busad.

Master of Science in Business Research (MS)

The Master of Science in Business Research is designed to provide an alternative for Marshall PhD students. Marshall does not accept applications for admission to this program. See Business Research (MS) .


Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics

The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics is designed for individuals who want to develop the analytical skills needed to work with today’s complex data sets in the support of business decision-making. The certificate can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. For more information see Business Analytics Graduate Certificate  and visit marshall.usc.edu/GCRTAnalytics.

Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis and Valuation is designed to offer students the intensive instruction and training needed to successfully compete in rapidly developing global financial markets. Course work in the fundamental theories and practice of financial accounting, financial analysis, valuation, credit analysis, and financial instruments and markets expands analytical capacities to better understand and develop strategic financial decisions. For more information see Financial Analysis and Valuation Graduate Certificate  and visit marshall.usc.edu/FAV.

Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management

The online Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management is uniquely designed to serve both those who are looking to explore library and information management without committing to an entire degree and those who currently hold the equivalent MLIS degree looking to specialize in a specific aspect of the field. For more information see Library and Information Management Graduate Certificate .

Graduate Certificate in Management Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Management Studies is designed to provide students who have completed graduate business course work equivalent to the first year of a traditional two-year MBA program with an opportunity to pursue further studies at the USC Marshall School of Business. The program is especially valuable for those who have completed the first year of a traditional MBA at another institution and those who completed a one-year MBA program and wish to enhance their knowledge in specialized areas of business. The certificate can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. For more information see Management Studies Graduate Certificate  and visit marshall.usc.edu/gcms.

Graduate Certificate in Marketing

The Graduate Certificate in Marketing is designed for individuals who want to develop the analytical and technical skills needed to work with today’s complex marketing issues in the support of effective business decision-making. The certificate can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. For more information see Marketing Graduate Certificate  and visit marshall.usc.edu/GCRTMarketing.

Graduate Certificate in Optimization and Supply Chain Management

The Optimization and Supply Chain Management Program is offered by the Marshall School of Business in partnership with the Viterbi School of Engineering. The program offers individuals opportunities to expand their knowledge of the rapidly expanding uses of technology in the management of global supply chains. The certificate may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Most classes applicable to the program are offered during both daytime and evening hours. Many of the ISE courses included in the curricula are available online. For more information see Optimization and Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate  and visit marshall.usc.edu/oscm.

Graduate Certificate in Strategy and Management Consulting

The Graduate Certificate in Strategy and Management consulting is designed for individuals who want to develop the analytical skills needed to consult on complex strategic and organizational issues in support of effective business renewal. The certificate can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis, and classes are available during both daytime and evening hours. For more information see Strategy and Management Consulting Graduate Certificate  and visit marshall.usc.edu/GCRTSMC.

Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business is designed to offer individuals the instruction and training they need to help shape solutions to social and environmental sustainability challenges, both from within and from outside the business sector. Course work includes sustainability strategies and practices, business law and ethics, and sourcing management. The program is suited to students coming from a broad range of backgrounds. Applicants do not need to be matriculated USC students to undertake the program. Anyone who holds a four-year bachelor’s degree is welcome to apply. For more information see Sustainability and Business Graduate Certificate  and visit marshall.usc.edu/SUSB.

Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization

The Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization, offered through the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, provides technology commercialization skills in an academic/real world environment that combines theory and practice. Through a living laboratory academic program, students experience the entire spectrum of the commercialization process: invention, product development, technical and market feasibility analysis, intellectual property acquisition, business development and venture funding. Working with USC scientists and engineers, students have the potential to become stakeholders in a new technology venture. They are also eligible to apply for summer internships sponsored by industry partners to give them additional experience in taking a new technology to market. The program is particularly well suited to those in science, engineering and business. For more information see Technology Commercialization Graduate Certificate  and visit marshall.usc.edu/TCCM.

 

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