A top factor when considering University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business is the large network that comes along with its host institution. You will find great support through the USC alumni as part of what students lovingly call their “Trojan family”. This strong network is especially present in LA, and can be a useful tool while job searching.
USC also offers the Management Science specialization within the MBA, which is a STEM certified specialization. This is especially relevant if you are an international student, as the STEM designation adds 24 months of OPT time to your student Visa, and may also increase the scope of future employment opportunities.
MBA students at Marshall also say that the casing and case competition preparations in the program are top-notch. At Marshall, you will get to experience case competitions both the the business school internally as well as externally. This is a great way for you to expand your network and connect with people at other schools and companies.
| Class Size | 199 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25% |
| GMAT Average | 722 |
| GPA Average | 3.5 |
| Average Age | 29 |
| Avg. Years Work Experience | 5.5 |
| Diversity Women | 35% |
| Diversity Intl. | 41% |
| Pre-MBA Industries | Financial Services: 19% Technology: 14% Healthcare: 13% Consulting: 10% Manufacturing: 6% Consulting: 6% Government/Military: 5% Media/Entertainment: 4% Consumer Package Goods: 4% Non-Profit: 4% Retail: 3% Hospitality: 2% Transportation & Logistics: 1% Other: 7% |
| Undergraduate Majors | Business/Commerce: 32% Engineering/Computer Science: 16% Economics: 13% Sciences: 14% Social Sciences: 10% Humanities: 7% Other: 8% |
The data above is from 2023 and represents the USC Marshall class of 2025.
See the full report: USC Marshall MBA Class Profile
| Salary Average | $160,449.00 |
| Offers Upon Graduation | Does not disclose |
| Offers At 3 Mos. | Does not disclose |
| Post-MBA Industries | Technology: 29% Financial Services: 20% Consulting: 18% Media/Entertainment/Interactive Gaming: 13% Consumer Packaged Goods: 7% Retail: 4% Healthcare/Biotech/Pharma: 3% Manufacturing: 2% Real Estate: 1% Energy/Utilities: 1% Other: 2% |
| Post-MBA Locations | United States: 98% Mid-Atlantic: 1% Midwest: 2% Northeast: 6% South: 2% Southwest: 3% West: 84% Non-US: 2% |
| Post-MBA Companies | Does not disclose |
| Career Development Resources | USC Marshall Career Services |
The data above is from 2021 and represents the career statistics of the USC Marshall class of 2021.*
See the full report: USC Marshall MBA Employment Report
The MBA curriculum at USC Marshall spans across the fall and spring semesters of the two years of the program. Each semester is comprised of individual terms. Marshall’s core curriculum is distributed over the first five terms of year one. During these terms, you will take 15 core classes in subjects such as Marketing Management, Corporate Finance, Data Science for Business, Operations Management, and Accounting. You will begin taking elective courses in the spring semester of your first year. These electives cover a wide variety of subject areas, including Data Science and Operations, Business Communication, and Finance and Business Economics.
See the full offering of courses: Marshall MBA Course Catalog
USC Marshall does not offer distinctive majors; however, students may choose to pursue one or more of the following 16 concentrations available in the program.
At Marshall, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience during their MBA through various experience-based projects. Those students interested in careers in alleviating poverty, global health, and education can apply to the MBA Society and Business Fellowship Program. Additionally, the Marshall Leadership Fellows Program allows students to enhance their leadership skills by coaching first year MBA students.
Students at USC Marshall have access to nine research centers that are hosted by the school. These facilities cover business areas such as social enterprise, innovation, and leadership through the Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab, the Center for Global Innovation, and the Neely Center for Ethical Leadership and Decision Making.
Through the PRIME program, students have the opportunity to undergo an immersive international experience, where they participate in a 10-day trip to understand the business mechanisms of a foreign country. The PRIME module is part of the core curriculum, and must be completed in the first year.
In addition to the full-time MBA, the USC Marshall offers other multiple MBA programs, such as executive, part-time, one-year mid-career IBEAR and online.
The latest application requirements set by the USC Marshall MBA admissions office are described below.
Here are the prompts for USC Marshall’s most recent application:
Read more: USC Marshall MBA Essays: Tips and Prompts
Note: We neither require nor accept letters of recommendation as part of our admissions process.
USC Marshall’s MBA interviews are offered on an invite-only basis. Former interviewees report having had great experiences during their interview process, with the interviewer being extremely conversational.
| Admissions Info | MBA Program Home Page Admissions Home Page Application Requirements |
| How to Apply | Request Information Start an Application |
| Meet Marshall Business School | Visit Campus Admissions Events – Upcoming Leading Voices in Business – Event Connect with a Student |
| Do Your Research | USC Marshall Blogs USC Marshall News USC News – Business USC Podcasts Faculty Directory |
Learn how our MBA application consultants can assist you in navigating the complexities of the USC MBA program admissions process
*All data retrieved from the USC Marshall MBA Program webpages, unless otherwise stated.
Pascal Michels
Sr. Consultant & Director
Education: BA, MBA
Pascal’s former experience as Director of Admissions for IESE’s MBA program and heavy involvement with MBA recruiting at Citi Private Bank make him the perfect mentor for applicants looking to climb the ladder or transition into a new role. Fluent in four languages, Pascal has a special affinity for European MBA candidates—but his proven track record extends to all fields, including bankers and military officers.
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