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Preparing to Apply for an MBA
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Featuring Victoria R.
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USC Marshall MBA Program Overview (2025)
The USC Marshall School of Business is one of the premier business schools in the United States, located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1920, the Marshall School of Business has built a reputation for excellence in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. With strong ties to domestic and multinational companies, USC Marshall provides its MBA students with access to real-life business problems, cutting-edge research, and a global network of influential alumni. The school offers a Full-Time MBA Program, Executive MBA, Part-Time MBA Program, and various specialized business degrees.
USC Marshall MBA Acceptance Rate
The USC Marshall MBA program is highly competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of approximately 28% in recent years. While the school does not officially publish an exact acceptance rate, available data suggests that only a fraction of applicants gain admission each cycle. Admission is based on a holistic review process that considers academic achievements, professional experience, leadership potential, and personal attributes. Applicants with strong GMAT/GRE scores, compelling essays, and impactful recommendations have a higher likelihood of securing a spot in this prestigious program.
Read: USC Marshall MBA Acceptance Rates
USC Marshall MBA Class Profile
- Applications Received: 3,198
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Class Size: 210
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Average GMAT: 722
- Average GRE: 324
- Average Age: 29
- Average Years of Work Experience: 5.5
- Women: 36%
- International Students: 35%
- Underrepresented Minorities: 21%
Underrepresented minorities include African-American, Hispanic-American/Latinx, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander as a percentage of the domestic pool.
USC Marshall MBA Cost — Tuition & Fees
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated cost breakdown for the first year of the USC Marshall Full-Time MBA program is as follows:
- Tuition: $79,893 - Covers academic coursework, faculty support, and administrative costs.
- USC Central Services and Health Fees: $1,636 - Includes student services and campus health support.
- MBA Program Fees: $1,350 - Specific program-related fees for case studies, materials, and workshops.
- PRIME Fee: $3,850 - Covers the cost of global immersion programs and experiential learning initiatives.
- Books and Supplies: $2,376 - Estimated costs for textbooks, case studies, and online mba materials.
- Living Expenses: $29,140 - Includes housing, food, and personal expenses for students residing in Los Angeles.
- Student Health Insurance: $3,040 - USC’s mandatory health insurance plan for full-time students.
- Loan Fees (Domestic Students Only): $1,637 - Estimated federal loan processing and origination fees.
This brings the total estimated cost for the first year to $122,922. For the second year, the estimated cost is $106,769, considering similar expenses.
USC Marshall MBA Employment Report
The USC Marshall School of Business has demonstrated strong employment outcomes for its Full-Time MBA graduates. According to the 2022-2023 Dean's Report, 97% of graduates secured employment within 90 days of graduation, marking the highest rate in five years. The average base salary for these graduates was $150,314, also a five-year high.
Top Employers of USC Marshall MBA Graduates:
- Amazon – Opportunities in product management, marketing, and corporate strategy.
- Deloitte – A major recruiter for consulting roles.
- EY – Known for finance, consulting, and data analytics positions.
- Google – Hiring MBA graduates in business strategy, operations, and product management.
- Goldman Sachs – Strong placement in investment banking and asset management.
- Mattel – Opportunities in brand management and corporate finance.
- McKinsey & Company – Recruits for consulting and strategic leadership roles.
- NBCUniversal – MBA roles in media, marketing, and corporate strategy.
- Salesforce – Business development, product marketing, and technology-focused roles.
USC Marshall MBA Application Overview
USC Marshall MBA Programs & Degrees
- Full-Time MBA Program – A traditional two-year program for career switchers and professionals looking to advance their careers.
- Executive MBA – Designed for experienced professionals seeking leadership and management skills while continuing their careers.
- Part-Time MBA Program – Flexible evening and weekend program for working professionals.
- Online MBA Program – A fully online, technology-driven MBA designed for working professionals who need flexibility while advancing their careers. The program focuses on leadership, business strategy, and data-driven decision-making.
- USC Marshall Deferred MBA Program ([Link to school-specific deferred MBA article]) – Allows undergraduate students to secure a future MBA spot while gaining work experience.
- MSx Program – A specialized one-year accelerated program focusing on leadership and strategy.
- Joint Degrees (MBA/JD, MBA/Master of Business Analytics, etc.)
- MBA/JD – A dual-degree program in collaboration with USC Gould School of Law, preparing students for careers at the intersection of business and law.
- MBA/Master of Business Analytics – A combination of general business education with a specialized focus on data-driven decision-making and analytics.
- MBA/Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) – A program designed for those interested in real estate investment, development, and urban planning.
- MBA/MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering – Focuses on operations, supply chain management, and systems optimization.
- MBA/Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) – A specialized track for professionals aiming to merge pharmaceutical knowledge with business leadership.
- MBA/MD – A joint degree in partnership with the Keck School of Medicine, tailored for those looking to bridge the healthcare and business sectors.
USC Marshall MBA Deadlines
Here are the application deadlines for the USC Marshall Full-Time MBA program for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle:
| Application Round | Application Deadline | Decision Notification Date |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | October 1, 2024 | December 15, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 10, 2025 | April 18, 2025 |
| Round 3 | April 15, 2025 | June 15, 2025 |
Note: Applications submitted in Rounds 1 and 2 receive priority consideration for scholarships.
Read: USC Marshall MBA Application Deadlines
USC Marshall MBA Requirements
Application Checklist
- GMAT/GRE Score (Average GMAT: 700)
- Transcripts – Academic records from all higher education institutions attended.
- Essays – A crucial component where applicants showcase their leadership and career aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation – Required from professional or academic mentors who can highlight an applicant's strengths.
- Application Fee ($250) – A non-refundable fee for application processing.
- Interview – This is conducted by the admissions committee to assess the applicant’s fit for the program.
- USC Marshall MBA Essays – Marshall’s application includes several essay prompts that allow candidates to highlight their leadership experience, career goals, and fit for the program. Strong essays should be personal and well-structured and demonstrate a clear vision for how Marshall will help applicants achieve their goals.
Prompts:
- Career Goals Essay (Required): What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from USC Marshall help you achieve those goals?
- Teamwork Essay (Required): In the USC Marshall MBA Program, teamwork is essential to success. Please share an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a personal or professional goal.
- Optional Essay: We realize that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories, and we’d like to recognize each individual’s unique qualities and experiences. Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider when reviewing your candidacy for the MBA program.
Read more: USC Marshall MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples
- USC Marshall MBA Interview – Interviews at USC Marshall are invite-only and typically conducted by members of the admissions committee, alumni, or senior students. These interviews focus on leadership experiences, career goals, and alignment with the school's values. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their professional background, problem-solving skills, and contributions they would bring to the Marshall community.
Read more: How to Nail Your USC Marshall MBA Interview: Overview, Questions, & Tips
- USC Marshall MBA Letters of Recommendation – Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can provide meaningful insights into their leadership, problem-solving ability, and teamwork. Recommenders should be professional mentors or supervisors who can offer specific examples of the applicant’s contributions and potential for success in an MBA program.
USC Marshall MBA Curriculum & Class Structure
The USC Marshall MBA curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in business administration while allowing them to specialize in areas such as finance, marketing, business analytics, and global supply chain management. The program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, leadership development, and global exposure, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the competitive job market.
Year 1
The first year of the Full-Time MBA program is structured around core business disciplines to build a strong analytical and strategic foundation. Courses cover finance, marketing, business analytics, leadership, operations management, strategy, and entrepreneurship.
Key components of Year 1 include:
- Core Coursework – Fundamental courses in business administration, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior.
- Experiential Learning – Hands-on projects, business simulations, and case competitions.
- Leadership Development – Programs such as the Leadership Fellows Program, where USC Marshall MBA students enhance their leadership and communication skills.
- Summer Internships – A required summer internship allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world business environments, often leading to full-time job offers.
Year 2
The second year of the USC Marshall MBA program is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their curriculum through elective courses and specialized tracks. Students can choose from electives in entrepreneurship, global business, technology management, finance, consulting, and healthcare management.
Key components of Year 2 include:
- Elective Courses & Tracks – Students choose from a diverse range of electives to specialize in their chosen field.
- Independent Study Projects – Opportunities to work on real-world business challenges with faculty guidance.
- Global Immersion Programs – The Prime Overseas Experience enables students to study abroad and engage with international businesses.
- Capstone Projects – Many students participate in consulting engagements or research-driven projects as their culminating academic experience.
How to Get Into USC Marshall
1. Demonstrate Strong Leadership & Impact
USC Marshall values candidates who have shown leadership in their careers, extracurricular activities, or community involvement. Whether you have led a team, spearheaded an innovative project, or influenced strategic decision-making, showcasing your ability to take initiative is crucial. Entrepreneurial experience, even within an existing organization, can strengthen your application. Additionally, involvement in extracurricular or volunteer activities that highlight your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills can further demonstrate your ability to contribute meaningfully to the USC Marshall community.
2. Craft Compelling MBA Essays
Your essays should clearly define your short-term and long-term career goals while illustrating why USC Marshall is the right fit for you. Strong essays provide specific examples of your professional achievements, leadership experiences, and challenges you've overcome. They should also demonstrate your knowledge of USC Marshall’s programs by mentioning courses, faculty, or clubs that align with your aspirations. Writing authentically and ensuring your essays reflect your unique journey will help differentiate you from other applicants.
3. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
Choosing the right recommenders is critical to reinforcing your application narrative. Select individuals who have directly worked with you and can speak to your leadership, teamwork, and analytical skills with specific examples. Ideally, a direct supervisor or senior mentor who has witnessed your growth and impact will provide the strongest endorsement. Providing your recommenders with insights into your career goals and key accomplishments can help them write detailed, personalized letters that align with the rest of your application.
USC Marshall Notable Alumni & Faculty
Alumni
- Marc Benioff – Co-founder of Salesforce
- Kevin Tsujihara – Former CEO of Warner Bros.
- Jamie Kern Lima – Founder of IT Cosmetics
Faculty
- Dr. Gareth James – Expert in Business Analytics
- Dr. Kathleen DeRose – Finance and Data Sciences
- Dr. Elissa Grossman – Chair of the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Get Into USC Marshall With the Help of Experts
Applying to the USC Marshall MBA program is a highly competitive process, and expert guidance can significantly enhance your chances of admission. With the right coaching, applicants can refine their essays, strengthen their resumes, and prepare strategically for interviews. Professional admissions consultants provide personalized insights, helping candidates highlight their leadership experiences, career goals, and alignment with USC Marshall’s values. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives, selecting the right recommenders, or preparing for the admissions interview, working with experts can give you the edge needed to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
Here are three of the most popular MBA admissions consultants for USC Marshall. Browse all here:
- Lauren W. – Former MBA admissions officer with years of experience helping candidates craft compelling applications, refine their essays, and ace their interviews.
- Hadi H. – USC Marshall MBA admissions expert who specializes in helping applicants showcase their leadership skills and career goals.
- Yash G. – Experienced MBA coach with a strong background in business strategy and consulting, providing personalized guidance for applicants targeting USC Marshall.
Read next:
- USC Marshall MBA Letters of Recommendation Guide - Questions, Tips, & Examples
- USC Marshall – MBA Waitlist Strategy
- MBA Application Deadlines of the Top 25 Business Schools (2024-2025)
FAQs
Is work experience required for admission to the USC Marshall MBA program?
- While there is no strict requirement, most admitted students have work experience.
Are there any educational prerequisites or specific majors required to apply?
- Applicants need a bachelor's degree, but all majors are welcome.
Can I apply if I already have an MBA degree?
- Yes, but applicants should explain why they are pursuing a second MBA in the optional essay.
Do transcripts need translation if not in English?
- Yes, USC requires both the original transcript and a translated copy.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement for applicants?
- There is no minimum GPA required.
Which test is preferred, GMAT or GRE?
- USC Marshall accepts either and encourages applicants to take the exam with which they feel most comfortable.
When do I need to send official test scores?
- Applicants must upload a copy of their official test score report during the application process.
Does USC Marshall offer an online MBA program?
- Yes, USC Marshall offers an online MBA (OMBA) program.
What is the process for getting on a waitlist for a class?
- Once a class is full, students may request to be placed on the waitlist.
How does the waitlist priority get determined?
- Priority is determined by the date and time the waitlist application is received.
