MPP Admission

Potential for distinguished academic and professional achievement is the principal criterion for admission to the Master of Public Policy program. In assessing an application, the admission committee evaluates:

• past performance as evidenced by grades, work experience and community service
• future promise as indicated by letters of recommendation
• commitment to educational and career goals, as demonstrated particularly in the writing sample

In general, successful applicants will have at least a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA).

Students are admitted to the fall semester. Students are encouraged to submit applications by December 15, should they wish to be considered for the USC Price Dean’s Merit Scholarship. Since the admission review process does not include an interview, submitted materials should present student qualifications clearly and completely.

» Application Materials
» International Application Materials
» Application Deadlines
» Funding

Application Materials

The following items are required in order to complete the applications process:

• A USC Graduate Application — For step-by-step admission guidelines, visit: gradadm.usc.edu/apply
• $90 application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.  USC now accepts official electronic transcripts from all countries, provided that the transcript originates from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution. All applicants should have their university registrar send transcripts electronically to [email protected]. To expedite review of your application, you may upload **OFFICIAL** copies of your transcripts into your application but you must still have official transcripts sent electronically to [email protected]. If your university doesn’t send transcripts electronically, please have them sent to the address listed on the transcripts requirements page here.
• Price has discontinued the GRE requirement for admission review. Applications will be reviewed holistically.
• Current resume
• Three letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference. Please note: Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the online application system. We will not accept letters of recommendation through postal mail.
• Statement of purpose of approximately 750-1,500 words addressing the following questions:
  • Why do you wish to pursue the Master of Public Policy degree?
  • How will the Master of Public Policy degree affect or enhance your career aspirations and goals?
  • What policy area do you care most about and why?
  • Please share how your experiences, background, and/or interests have shaped you and will shape your engagement in the Price community. 
• USC Price Scholarship Application Essays (If you wish to be considered for USC Price sponsored scholarships, complete Scholarship Application Essays through USC Graduate Application on-line)

International students must also submit the following documents:

• official TOEFL/IELTS scores – Official scores must be received directly from the testing service and date no earlier than 2 years (24 months) prior to the start of your intended first term at USC. (Institution code: 4852)
• official transcripts indicating the award of all degrees with the title and date conferred in the applicant’s native language and an exact translation into English of each document
• Before you begin your application to USC Price, please carefully read all instructions provided by the USC Office of Admission’s website.
• To verify application requirements by country, please visit: http://gradadm.usc.edu/faqs/international-students-faqs/preparing-to-apply/

Financial Support

USC Price offers many scholarships to domestic and international students. The USC Financial Aid Office also provides financial aid packages to U.S. citizens and eligible non-U.S. citizens for loans and work-study.

Merit scholarship awards are made at the time of admission. Applicants who wish to be considered for USC Price merit scholarships must complete their admission application by December 15 and respond to the scholarship essay questions found within the graduate admission application. Awards to new students are generally renewable for a second year, assuming satisfactory academic progress in accord with university-set standards for graduate students. Awards must be used toward a degree program in USC Price.

USC also participates in several federal loan programs. Graduate students who enroll in on-campus programs and demonstrate financial need may also be eligible for federal work study. Students who do not qualify for these programs or continue to have unmet needs are encouraged to apply for Supplemental Loans for Students.