Price Graduating Student Awards

The selection process recognizes the very highest levels of academic achievement, but it is also more holistic and takes into consideration service and leadership as well.  A panel of faculty and staff from the Price School serves on the selection committee.   

The Dean’s Senior Merit Award is awarded in recognition of excellence in academics to graduating undergraduate students who have maintained an overall cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, and a record free from academic warnings or disciplinary actions.

Awarded to the outstanding graduating senior in recognition of excellence in scholarship and leadership potential.

Awarded to an outstanding graduating senior in recognition of excellence in community service.

Named after the urbanist and planner who advocated historical investigation as a step toward understanding regional systems and the particularities of place. Awarded to an undergraduate or a graduate student in Planning for the most outstanding essay in a planning history course.

Empowering global leaders through cross-cultural exchange and academic excellence

Recognizes USC graduating students who have excelled academically while making a meaningful contribution to their field of study through exceptional new scholarship or artistic work.

Honors USC graduating students who excel in their studies both at home and abroad.

Recognizes USC undergraduate students who have excelled academically while pursuing at least two widely separated fields of study.

The Dean’s Certificate of Merit Award is awarded to the top 5% of students in a degree program in recognition of excellence in academics, requiring a consistently strong academic performance, a record free from academic warnings or disciplinary actions, and a GPA reflecting the highest level of achievement.  

Recognizes a Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) student’s academic achievement and professional promise. Selection is made by the Dollinger MRED Degree Committee.

In memory of Professor Rena Sivitanidou, this award is in recognition of honorable mention. Selection is made by the Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development Degree Committee.

In memory of Professor Rena Sivitanidou, this award is given for exemplary performance in Market Analysis.  Selection is made by the Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development Degree Committee.

In memory of Professor Rena Sivitanidou, this award is in recognition of honors on the comprehensive exam. Selection is made by the Dollinger MRED Degree Committee.

Recognizes two aspiring global leaders and professional students from the International Public Policy and Management (IPPAM) program.

Awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional promise in the areas of service, commitment, leadership, and advocacy.

Awarded to a graduating Master of Public Administration student who demonstrates commitment, enthusiasm, and spirit of service to local government exemplified by Dr. Shui Yan Tang.

Recognizes a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student team for their outstanding capstone project. Selection is made by the MPA Degree Committee.

Recognizes a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student team for their honorable mention capstone project. Selection is made by the MPA Degree Committee.

Awarded to an outstanding graduating Master of Public Policy (MPP) student in recognition of exemplary community service. The selection is made by the MPP program. 

Awarded to the most outstanding Master of Public Policy (MPP) Practicum group to recognize excellence in professional practice through a client project. The selection is made by the MPP Biller Judging Panel, comprised of MPP faculty members.

Awarded to a course assistant for Master of Public Policy courses.

Awarded to a Master of Urban Planning (MUP) student in recognition of meritorious achievement in the MUP program. Selection is made by the MUP Degree Committee.

Awarded to a Master of Urban Planning student for superior achievements in the study of planning.

Awarded to a Master of Urban Planning student for superior academic achievement in the study of planning.

Named after the urbanist and planner who advocated historical investigation as a step toward understanding regional systems and the particularities of place. Awarded to an undergraduate or a graduate student in Planning for the most outstanding essay in a planning history course.

Awarded to a Master of Urban Planning student for exemplary academic achievement.

Awarded to a graduating Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development candidate for the best project.

Awarded to a graduating Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Planning candidate for the best dissertation.

Awarded to a graduating Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy and Management student for the best dissertation.