Marshall Business School
(University of Southern California)
QUICK FACTS
- Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Program Length: 20 months
- Program Cost: $145,000
- Average GMAT score: 732
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Average Work Experience: 60 months
Employment Reports (2022)
- Received an Offer: 97.8%
- Median Salary: $150,314
- Median Signing Bonus: $37,218
RANKINGS
- #21 Financial Times 2023 MBA Ranking
- #15 US News - Best Business Schools
- #8 USNews - Part-time MBA
- #36 QS Global MBA Rankings 2023
CLASS OF 2024
- Total Applicants: 2,652
- Total Enrollment: 190
- Women: 46%
- Average GPA: 3.58
ABOUT
Marshall Business School at the University of Southern California was founded 100 years ago Since then, Marshall has been building a legacy of innovation, entrepreneurial action, and global impact. Faculty research is cutting edge and rigorous and finds themselves being contacted by major news organizations, such as the Washington Post and the New Work Times. With over 93,000 alumni spread out across the world, students are immersed in a network of motivated individuals who reimagine their world and make change for the better. Offering 5 different MBA programs and 10 specialized masters programs, students at Marshall are able to engage with a wided variety of students and faculty.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
- Round 1: October 15th, 2023
- Round 2: January 5th, 2024
- Round 3: March 1th, 2024
- Round 4: April 15th, 2024
APPLICATION PROCESS
Transcripts
The process of submitting transcripts for USC’s Full-Time MBA program involves two steps. First, applicants must upload scanned copies of official transcripts on the online application, emphasizing that print-outs from online portals or photographs are not acceptable. Second, after submitting the application and receiving a USC ID number, applicants must send official transcripts from all previous institutions via mail, courier, or electronic service. USC accepts electronic transcripts from secure sites linked to the sending institution, emailed to ETRANS@USC.EDU.
USC alumni still need to upload their official transcript but do not need to submit USC transcripts. For international students, original-language transcripts might be required, along with a precise English translation issued by the school or a certified translator. USC does not accept credential evaluation reports from outside agencies. Mailed transcripts should be sent to specific addresses provided, and all submitted materials become the property of USC and are not returned or duplicated for any reason. The information is only accessible to the Office of Admission and the relevant admission committee.
GMAT or GRE
For the admissions process, the Admissions Committee relies on unofficial test scores uploaded in the online application. Candidates must submit either GMAT or GRE scores, except for USC medical students applying to the MD/MBA program and those granted a test waiver. GMAT Focus and Shorter GRE General Test scores taken after August 1, 2019, are accepted, and applicants are required to upload unofficial copies (examinee score report or test-day printout) into the application. Failure to upload scores or provide a future test date may lead to a denial decision.
Foreign Language Requirement
For international applicants to the Full-Time MBA program at Marshall, if English is not their native language, they must provide evidence of English proficiency through either valid TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, this requirement is waived if the applicant holds a bachelor’s degree completed entirely in English at a recognized non-U.S. university. If applicable, applicants must upload either official TOEFL or IELTS scores taken after August 1, 2022, or provide documentation demonstrating English as the language of instruction in their bachelor’s degree program. It’s crucial to upload unofficial score reports in the application and ensure the official scores are forwarded to USC by the testing service(s) before the application deadline to avoid being moved to a subsequent admissions round.
Essay Description
Essay #1 (Required)
In 100 words, outline your immediate short-term career goal after completing your MBA. Include the specific position, function, and industry you intend to pursue.
Essay #2 (Required)
Compose a personal statement starting with “Dear Admissions Committee.” This essay offers you the opportunity to present aspects of your candidacy not reflected in test scores or resumes. It is open-ended, allowing you to express yourself freely within a 600-word limit.
Essay #3 (Optional)
If necessary, provide additional information within 250 words for the admissions committee’s consideration. This section is optional and can be used to address any aspects of your application or background that you believe require further explanation or elaboration.
Resume
A professional resume (typically one page)
Interview
If the USC campus is accessible, visiting Los Angeles is recommended to gain insights into the Full-Time MBA Program, USC Marshall, and the city itself. However, if you are unable to travel, interviews can be conducted via video conference. Both in-person and virtual interviews carry equal weight and do not impact admissions decisions. Interviews are also conducted in various locations worldwide.
Application Fee
The Marshall Full-Time MBA Program does not require an application fee.
PROGRAM STRENGTHS
Challenge for Charity
C4C has been around for 32 years and is a competition of elite teams from West Coast MBA programs. The competition lasts a year where teams demonstrate their commitment to community outreach and social responsibility. The competition ends with a week long athletic competition and winners take home the Golden Briefcase trophy. Marshall teams have won 8 out of the last 9 years and have raised over 1.2 million dollars for charity.
Marshall Business Competition Program
MBCP is a competition for students to hone their critical thinking and leadership skills while networking with potential employers. Case competitions are hosted by MBA programs around the world. Marshall teams have won 6 times and come in second twice.
STUDENT LIFE
Marshall is located in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. With 81 miles of coastline and a nearby mountain range, students are surrounded by a whole host of exciting opportunities and experiences. In addition to its location, students can choose to join a student organization where they meet like-minded people and build lasting relationships. From Athletic Organizations to Career Clubs, students can define their time at Marshall.
MBA PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Overview
The MBA program at Marshall utilizes a holistic and experiential approach to its teaching. Students learn self-awareness and leadership throughout their time at Marshall. Students are engaged in the school during the MBA and thus emerge from the program as Alumni willing and ready to give back to the current student body. From access to guest lectures and career mentors, the MBA program offers students the chance to become a family with their current peers, faculty, and alumni. Students have the opportunity to choose from over 100 different electives so that they are prepared and ready for their future careers, wherever and whatever they might be. During the first year, students learn the core fundamentals of their MBA program.
Terms
Students in the first year develop their ability to be part of a team, leadership, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. They also explore individual career paths and glean insights into industry-specific functions so that they are prepared and ready for their summer internship.
During their fourth term, students can put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Engaging with a Los Angeles-based company, students learn to consult on a project, develop solutions for real-life business problems, and learn to use the fundamentals they learned during the first year practically and efficiently. During the fifth term, students have the opportunity to participate in a PRIME overseas trip where they develop their cross-cultural skill set.
Term 1
- GSBA-511: Microeconomics for Management
- GSBA-540: Contemporary Issues for Competitive Strategy
- GSBA-541: Foundations of Your Professional Value
- GSBA-542: Communication for Management
Term 2
- GSBA-510: Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting
- GSBA-524: Data Science for Business
- GSBA-527: Structured Analysis for Unstructured Problems
- GSBA-548: Corporate Finance
Term 3
- GSBA-509: Marketing Management
- GSBA-510: Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting (Cont’d)
- GSBA-524: Data Science for Business (Cont’d)
- GSBA-548: Corporate Finance (Cont’d)
Term 4
- GSBA-504a: Operations Management
- GSBA-533: Organizational Behavior and Leadership
- GSBA-552: Problem Solving and Decision Making: An Integrated Approach
- Electives
FEATURED PROFESSORS
Stephen Byars
Professor Byars is a Professor of Clinical Business Communication. He teaches administration of different versions of writing and Advanced Writing for Business. He is a co-contributor to the book Business Ethics’. He received his BA from Claremont McKenna College, his MA from the University of San Diago, and his PhD from the University of Southern California.
Omar El Sawy
Professor El Sawy is the Kenneth King Stonier professor of Business Administration and the Professor of Data Sciences and Operations. He is well-published, with his work appearing in numerous journals. From 2001 to 2007 he was Director of Research for Marshall’s Institute for Communications Technology Management. He has won the Society for Information Management’s Annual Academic Paper Award seven times. He earned his BS from Cairo University, his MBA from the American University in Cairo, and his PhD from Stanford University.