Mar 29, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2022-2023 
    
USC Catalogue 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE]

Marshall Graduate Programs


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The Marshall School of Business prepares individuals 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.

Marshall faculty 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, 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, 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 letters of recommendation and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores. Some programs require an interview and/or a recorded video statement.

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 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). 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. 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. The curriculum 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. The first year consists of core (required) courses, and candidates choose one of three schedule options: (1) Monday and Wednesday (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.), (2) Tuesday and Thursday (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.), or (3) Saturday (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). The second and third years consiste almost entirely of electives, and schedules vary by student. 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 full-time, 12-month residential mid-career international MBA program. IMBA participants average 36 years of age and 12 years of work experience and come from about 15 countries. 

With a strong focus on outcomes and career development, IBEAR MBA students complete 19 courses and earn 56 units over six intense 8-week terms. The IBEAR MBA curriculum includes core courses, a choice of over 100 electives offered by the Marshall School and other USC graduate schools, 11 certificate specializations, domestic and international experiential learning trips, three executive leadership retreats, and a 4-month long management consulting project.

The IBEAR MBA program also offers a STEM-certified track as part of its curriculum. Students who opt for this track pursue the International Management Science (STEM) MBA. The STEM track recognizes the efforts of individuals who choose to focus their MBA studies on quantitative and data-driven business-related fields such as statistics, mathematical techniques, analytics, data warehousing, data mining, operations and supply chain optimization, finance, forecasting, digital marketing and modeling.

IBEAR MBA graduates join a network of 2,000+ 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 in this Catalogue and the IBEAR MBA Program website.

Online MBA Program

The Online MBA (OMBA) program enables students to develop expertise in business administration, management and leadership. The program is delivered through both self-paced, asynchronous course work and real-time, interactive class sessions using flexible online technologies. The program content covers practical and strategic skills expected of today’s global leaders, which include mastering essential knowledge in core subject areas, developing critical managerial skills, and framing and analyzing contemporary business problems in order to lead team or a company.

The program is structured so that it can be completed in 21 months. After beginning the program with a one-week residential intensive on the USC campus, students complete course material on a flexible schedule customized to their own needs and attend live class sessions online, 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 who are subject matter experts both 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/online-mba.

Executive MBA Program (Hybrid)

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 without interrupting their careers. The hybrid program is structured to be completed in 22 months with 25 percent of the program meeting virtually in a synchronous format and 75 percent of the program meeting in-personis on campus. Classes meet online weekly, Tuesday evenings (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) and on campus in-person twice a month on Saturdays (7:50 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.).

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. Over the course of the program students participate in a week-long domestic residential session, a week-long international residential, and seven immersive residential weekends. For more information see the Executive MBA Program  and visit 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 the profession of accounting, whether that is related to public accounting, business and industry, government, finance, or advisory and consulting services. 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 develop in-depth knowledge of taxation with an emphasis on research, analytical, and tax planning skills to assist all types of businesses and individuals. 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 foundational knowledge of taxation and as equips students to integrate data tools to analyze business and tax objectives, issues, and problems. 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 provides individuals with tools, ideas and frameworks that will aid them in applying finance principles to businesses. For more information see Finance (MS)  and visit marshall.usc.edu/msf.

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

The Marshall School of Business offers individuals across the United States 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. Along with the core GSCM courses, we offer a variety of electives that can help broaden the horizon in business analytics, enterprise excellence, supply chain finance, and emerging technologies in supply chain. Courses are taught online so that, with the exception of two experiential travel experiences and in-person orientation, the degree can be completed from anywhere in the world. Two 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. Along with the core GSCM courses, we offer a variety of electives that can help broaden the horizon in business analytics, enterprise excellence, supply chain finance, and emerging technologies in supply chain. This 30-unit on-campus program can be completed in 16 months. 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 prepare librarians and information science professionals for high-level careers. Accredited by the American Library Association and offered 100 percent online, the MMLIS is the nation’s only library science degree to be offered by a top-ranked business school. Differentiated from traditional Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degrees, USC’s MMLIS curriculum offers a solid foundation of course work that explores leadership and management strategies as well as business operations in the information professions. Students enter the program as a cohort in either the fall or spring semester and work closely with their fellow students and professors during their studies. For more information see Library and Information Science (MMLIS)  and visit the MMLIS website.

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 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. 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 skills needed to position themselves as leaders in quantitative marketing roles. 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 degree can be completed on either a full-time basis in one year or on a part-time basis over two years. Classes are offered primarily at night or on weekends to accommodate the needs of working processionals. 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 Science, Social Entrepreneurship/Master of Public Health (MS/MPH) .

Master of Business for Veterans (MBV)

The Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) is a 25-unit fully-accredited master’s degree program that takes one year to complete. The foundation of the program is a highly rigorous, general business curriculum delivered by Marshall’s world-class faculty. Certain aspects of the curriculum are tailored to meet the specific needs of military professionals’ acculturation into the unfamiliar environment of civilian business. MBV also offers a comprehensive career development program that provides the skills, support and connectivity to complete the transition to new careers. The MBV program is delivered in bi-weekly sessions on Fridays and Saturdays on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles, which allows students to remain fully employed while pursuing their degree. 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 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 100 percent online Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Management is designed to help professionals advance their careers and become leaders in their fields. The certificate’s business-focused curriculum utilizes the information learned in an MLIS degree as a foundation to thoroughly explore advanced theories in business, management and leadership specialized to the library and information management field. For more information see Library and Information Management Graduate Certificate . For questions about the certificate, please email mmlis.admissions@marshall.usc.edu or call (213) 740-2741 or visit librarysciencedegree.usc.edu.

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 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. 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. 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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