Admission
Admission Requirements
Potential for distinguished academic and professional achievement is the principal criterion for admission. In general, successful applicants will have at least a B average in undergraduate study with strong grades in math and analytical courses, and high quantitative scores on the GRE.
Application Deadlines
Early Deadline:
December 15
Final Deadline:
June 1 – Domestic
April 1 – International
For questions about admission or for more information, please contact:
- Marisol Rios, USC Price Director of Recruitment and Admission, at [email protected] or
- Camillia Lee, USC Viterbi Assistant Dean For Graduate & Professional Programs, at [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed by both the Price School of Public Policy and the Viterbi School of Engineering.
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 (To expedite the processing of your application, please send all transcripts directly to our office.
- USC has begun to accept some forms of e-transcripts. Please check with the institution you attended to see if they provide e-transcripts.
Please note that we accept only e-transcripts provided that they are submitted via the following methods:- eSCRIP SAFE (Grad)
- eTranscriptCA (CCC)
- Texas Server (Grad)
- University to University
If your school does not provide e-transcripts through one of these methods, you must submit a hard copy of your transcripts. **
- USC has begun to accept some forms of e-transcripts. Please check with the institution you attended to see if they provide e-transcripts.
- official copy of test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).(Note: When registering for the GRE, applicants should use the following institution code: GRE 4852)
- a 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.
- a statement of purpose of approximately 750-1,500 words addressing the following questions:
- Why do you wish to pursue the Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science degree?
- How will the Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science degree affect or enhance your career aspirations and goals?
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
- a financial guarantee statement showing proof of the ability to pay all tuition and living expenses
- To verify application requirements by country, please visit: http://gradadm.usc.edu/faqs/international-students-faqs/preparing-to-apply/