Social Entrepreneurship (MS)

The Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship offers students a unique combination of business entrepreneurship skills delivered within the context of achieving both social and financial missions.

The courses focus entirely on the business aspects of social entrepreneurship including feasibility, planning, marketing, management, finance and execution. Social, environmental and health issues are integrated into the readings, cases, teaching, guest lectures, exercises and assignments. The program also includes a for-credit practical capstone project in which students have the option to develop a business plan for a new social enterprise.

This program requires 30 units and can be completed in one year (full time) or two years (part time). Courses are offered in the evenings and on weekends on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles.

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply online and must fulfill the general Marshall/USC admission requirements for graduate programs. Admission decisions into the MSSE program will be based on an applicant’s previous academic record, résumé, a letter of recommendation and a response to an essay question. TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores will be required for international applicants who have not completed the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree (all four years) at an institution in a country where English is the primary official language. GMAT or GRE scores are recommended, but will not be required for this program.

Application Procedure

Submit an online application to the program through the USC Graduate Admissions website (gradadm.usc.edu/). International applicants are advised to view the information for international students at gradadm.usc.edu/apply/international-students/.

A complete application includes the online application form, an application fee, a response to the essay question, one letter of recommendation and copies of transcripts from all institutions attended since the applicant last applied to USC.

For more information about the program and detailed information about the application requirements and procedures, please visit marshall.usc.edu/MSSE, write to SocialEntrepreneur@marshall.usc.edu, or call (213) 740-7587.