Marketing (MS)

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The Master of Science in Marketing provides students with tools, concepts, frameworks and critical thinking and innovation skills needed for more effective development, enhancement and refinement of marketing techniques critical to the success of local and global businesses.

The degree focuses on theories and applications of consumer behavior in marketing, as well as psychological, social, cultural and ethnic factors influencing consumer behavior. Practical hand-on projects in areas such as technology, biotechnology, healthcare, entertainment, sports and marketing start-ups provide students with opportunities to apply the classroom experience to the real world.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the standard USC and Marshall graduate admission requirements. At least two years of full-time work experience is preferred. GMAT or GRE scores are required. The GMAT is preferred. 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.

Individuals who are specifically interested in statistical evaluation and marketing analytics should consider applying to the Master of Science in Marketing (Marketing Analytics) program. Individuals applying for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Marketing should not apply for admission to this program also.

Application Procedure

Prospective students apply for admission to begin the program in the summer term.

Applications are submitted online through the Marshall School of Business application website at gradadm.usc.edu. International applicants are advised to see the instructions for international students published in the USC Graduate Admissions Website.

A complete application includes the online application form, official test scores, an essay, an application fee, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended. 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.

For additional information, visit marshall.usc.edu/MSMkt.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Marketing requires 30 units including 19.5 units of required course work and 10.5 units of electives with a GPA of at least 3.0 for all units applied to the degree. The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Students who have taken (at USC or elsewhere) a master’s-level introductory marketing course prior to application may petition to replace the duplicate required course with an elective. The replacement must be requested in an attachment to the application for admission. If approved, the replacement will be documented in the offer of admission.

Required Courses (19.5 Units)

GSBA 528 Marketing Management Units: 3 *
GSBA 542 Communication for Management Units: 1.5 *
MKT 525 Consumer Behavior Units: 3
MKT 543 Market Demand and Sales Forecasting Units: 3
or
DSO 510 Business Analytics Units: 1.5, 3
MKT 556 Internet Marketing Units: 3
MKT 566 Decision Making Using Marketing Analytics Units: 3
MKT 560 Marketing Strategy Units: 3

Note:

^* Must be taken in the first term/semester or prior to admission.

Elective Courses (10.5 units)

Complete at least 10.5 units of 500-level ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, DSO, FBE, GSBA, MKT or MOR course work to reach the total number of units required to complete the program. (Enrollment in electives is subject to satisfaction of any prerequisite requirements in addition to the units required for the degree.) Students may petition to apply to the program marketing-related courses offered by other USC Schools. For a list of pre-approved courses, visit the program web page here.

Total Units Required: 30

Return to: USC Marshall School of Business