MPPDS 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. Students with a bachelor’s degree in statistics, economics, mathematics, sociology, public administration, accounting, or finance are welcome to apply.

Application Deadlines

Early Deadline:
December 15

Final Deadline:
June 1 – Domestic
April 1 – International

For questions about admission or for more information, please contact:

• Rachel Woolslayer, Admissions Counselor, 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.

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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:

     

    1. eSCRIP SAFE (Grad)
    2. eTranscriptCA (CCC)
    3. Texas Server (Grad)
    4. 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. **

• 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/