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University of Southern California

Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD)

DPPD Admissions

In assessing an application the admission committee evaluates:

  • Academic ability demonstrated by prior degrees, grades, and recommendations.
  • Evidence of leadership, excellence, and increasing levels of responsibility within a professional context.
  • Clear goals related to intellectual growth and impact within a field of practice.
  • Research interests that align with those of Price faculty members.
  • Writing skills evidenced by a professional writing sample.

Students with a relevant earned graduate degree are awarded advanced standing and complete the degree with 40 units required. Students who enter the program without an earned graduate degree must complete 60 units.

Examples of earned graduate degrees include MPA, MSW, MBA, MArch, MPH, MEd, and JD. Current students hold degrees in other fields as well. If you have questions about whether a prior degree qualifies please contact us.

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.  Applicants from domestic institutions 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].  Applicants with international transcripts must mail them to the address indicated on the USC Graduate Application.
  • At least 5 years of professional experience.
  • Submit a current resume.
  • Submit 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.
  • Submit a statement of purpose of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words that
    • (1) describes your personal and professional background
    • (2) explains your research interests
    • (3) discusses how you believe the DPPD program will help you achieve your professional goals.
  • Submit a paper or professional document relevant to the applicant’s industry or field expertise to demonstrate writing ability, writing style, and proper writing conventions. The writing sample should be less than two years old.

NOTE: This program does not require GRE or GMAT scores.

International students must also submit the following documents:

  • official TOEFL/IELTS scores – must have taken within the last two years (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
  • a financial guarantee statement showing proof of the ability to pay all tuition and living expenses

Application Deadline

February 1

Contact Information

For additional Admissions information, please contact Marisol Rios, Assistant Dean of Admissions [email protected].
For program information, please contact Anna Parks, Student Services advisor for the DPPD program [email protected].

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