Featured California MBA Program: University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

Marshall School of Business | Los Angeles, CA | Visit website

About the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California

For more than 100 years, the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business has provided students from around the world with learning experiences proven to produce inspired business leaders. Today, this legacy continues with cutting edge curriculum worthy of the USC name. Innovation in student instruction and experiential learning are defining features here, alongside an emphasis on ethical business practices that produce leaders prepared for the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in contemporary global business.

Longstanding ties with the massive Los Angeles regional business community, as well as with business leaders and major enterprises throughout the world, have allowed the Marshall School of Business to remain among the top sources of talent for major multinationals like Amazon, Google, Disney, and NBCUniversal.

All USC Marshall programs embody a “learn by doing” ethos, rich in applied experiential learning opportunities that allow students to understand more about themselves and the way today’s businesses operate.

MBAs and Other Programs Offered Through the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

The Marshall School of Business is home to no less than five, distinct MBA programs designed for students ranging from early career professionals to executives:

Full-Time MBA (FTMBA)

STEM-certified
Full-time, two-year program
On-campus (weekdays)
Designed for early career professionals
Optional ten-day international study abroad trip
Specialize through electives
Includes a real-world consulting project

The Full-Time MBA is a STEM-certified, two-year program that features weekday, on-campus classes. The FEMBA is structured in a holistic academic-career format that begins with foundational MBA core courses rich in collaborative teaching methods, career panels and forums, guest speakers, and industry practitioners.

The FEMBA begins with a week-long immersive experience called the Career Launchpad, a co-curricular program of events led by top faculty, industry partners, career strategists, and industry-experienced alumni to help students become interview-ready upon graduation.

Students of the FEMBA participate in a consulting project with a Los Angeles area company, where they learn to develop solutions to real-world business problems. Afterwards, through the Global Context of Business course, they begin to explore international business. Students of the FEMBA also have the opportunity to participate in the PRIME program, an immersive experience to one of six Southeast Asia locations. The ten-day PRIME trip includes visits to domestic and international companies, where students develop new business insights and take part in projects that reflect the business opportunities and constraints of each country.

Elective courses allows students to explore their interests and develop skills in a specific area of business. The Marshall School offers more than 100 elective courses. A summer internship rounds out this program. Students may also take additional elective classes during the summer in lieu of an internship.

Part-Time MBA (MBA.PM)

Part-time, 33-month program
On-campus (choose from a Tuesday/Thursday evening or Saturday course schedule)
Designed for early-career, fully employed professionals
Specialize through electives
Includes a ten-day international travel experience (PM Globe)

The Part-Time MBA is a 33-month, part-time, on-campus MBA designed for fully employed early-career professionals. Students of this program can choose from one of two schedules: Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6PM-9PM) or Saturday (9AM-4PM).

The MBA.PM features a traditional MBA core alongside electives that allow students to customize their degree. Students may choose from any of the Marshall School electives in areas like marketing, accounting, management communication, data science and operations, and entrepreneurship, as well as graduate-level electives from other USC graduate schools. Students have the flexibility to round-out their MBA by also choosing to complete an independent study project.

The Part-Time MBA also includes a required, ten-day international trip called PM Globe. One non-travel option is also available. Some of the destinations (offered in March and May) include Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and the UK.

Executive MBA (EMBA)

The Executive MBA is a part-time, two-year (22 months) MBA for fully employed, mid-and senior-level career professionals. This program emphasizes real-world issues and strategies for optimizing managerial practices to prepare students for executive leadership roles.

The EMBA features a blend of weekly virtual classes (one weekday evening online session 6PM-8PM) and bi-monthly, on-campus sessions (one in-person session every other Saturday). It also includes a ten-day international intensive experience to Vietnam and Singapore called ExPORT.

The EMBA’s curriculum features ten, integrated themes that bring in to focus real-life situations executives face:

Theme I: The Perspective of Top Management – Explores executive leadership issues, environmental and strategic issues, the use of financial statements, organizational assessment and design, and technology management and communications through lectures, case studies, and team projects
Theme II: Evaluating Market Performance – Focuses on financial, product, and labor market markets and their effect on managerial decisions
Theme III: Management of Operations – Features an exploration of each of the major business disciplines, including the management of marketing, organizational structure, accounting, and finance
Theme IV: Technology and Information Systems Management – Focuses on the use of operations and information technology to manage a company’s operations, with an emphasis on contemporary concepts such as business process reengineering, total quality management, team production, and just-in-time production
Theme V: Functional Strategies and Implementation – Explores the value of communication skills for senior executives through case studies, short projects, and simulations
Theme VI: Environmental Analysis: Establishing Competitive Advantage – Examines globalization and cultural and communication issues that are often present in a global marketplace
Theme VII: The Role of the Senior Executive – Features a six-day international residential experience to provide students with first-hand experience in the global marketplace; travel is complemented with overseas classroom sessions and meetings with executives of national, joint venture, and transnational corporations
Theme VIII: Strategic Planning for Growth – Focuses on obtaining and protecting market power through a team-based strategy and finance project
Theme IX: Managing Strategic Change and Implementation – Focuses on the skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur or business leader in a large organization
Theme X: The Executive of the Future – Focuses on career development and personal assessment through a self-assessment of the student’s future goals and career plans

One-Year MBA (IBEAR)

STEM-certified, internationally focused
One-year (12 months), full-time program
On-campus (delivered through six, intensive, eight-week terms)
Designed for mid-career professionals
Includes a four-month consulting project
Specialize through electives
Includes customized programs and retreats (on- and off-campus)

The One-Year MBA, also known as the International education and Research (IBEAR) MBA, is an accelerated, full-time, STEM-certified program designed for mid-career professionals that explores international business. This accelerated course of study, which is completed in just 12 months, culminates in a four-month consulting project that allows students to work alongside peers and faculty to develop workable solutions to real-world challenges businesses face in a global economy. The program includes Executive Leadership and Professional Development Workshops, a series of customized programs and retreats (some of which are held off campus) designed to complement the program’s curriculum.

The One-Year MBA features about 55 students who hail from more than a dozen countries. About one-third of all students are sponsored by companies and two-thirds are self-sponsored.

The One-Year MBA includes 19 courses (56 units) that are delivered over six, intensive, eight-week terms. All faculty of this program have substantial international business expertise. Students can choose from 18 units of elective courses to customize the MBA.

The program may be designed in one of two ways to accommodate students with different backgrounds and goals:

Online MBA

Two-year (21 months), accelerated program
One-week, on-campus residential intensive, followed by a fully online (asynchronous study complemented with two, evening live sessions each week) format
Designed for early- to senior-level career professionals
Integrated curriculum of five, cross-disciplinary courses

The Online MBA is a two-year (21 months), accelerated online MBA for early- to senior-level professionals. This MBA features a cohort model and offers a blend of online learning — self-paced, asynchronous coursework and real-time interactive sessions.

Students begin the Online MBA with a one-week, on-campus residential intensive, followed by two evening online class sessions each week (6PM-8PM). Students can complete all assigned reading and asynchronous content on their own time to prepare for the live, online class sessions.

The Online MBA features an integrated curriculum of five, cross-disciplinary courses delivered in a dynamic online format through moderated discussion boards, case studies, simulations of real-world business scenarios, interactive games, and self-assessment exercises. In each course, students develop skills and knowledge in the core subject areas of marketing, finance, management, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

Other Graduate Degrees

MS in Business Analytics
MS in Entrepreneurship Innovation
MS in Finance
MS in Global Supply Chain Management
MS in Marketing
MS in Social Entrepreneurship
Master of Business for Veterans
Master of Accounting
Master of Business Taxation
Master of Business Taxation for Working Professionals
PhD in Management and Organization
PhD in Marketing

Graduate Certificates in:

Business Analytics
Financial Analysis and Valuation
Management Studies
Marketing
Optimization and Supply Chain Management
Strategy and Management Consulting, Sustainability Business
Technology Commercialization
Library and Information Management

Undergraduate Business Degrees

BSBA (optional emphasis in Business)
BS in Accounting
World Bachelor in Business
BS in the Business of Cinematic Arts
BS in AI for Business
BS in Real Estate Finance and Development
BS in Accounting and Finance

Minors are also available:

Accounting
Business
Business Finance
Business Law
Consumer Behavior
Customer Analytics
Dynamics in Workplace Communication
Entrepreneurship
Management Consulting
Marketing
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Organizational Leadership and Management
Performance Science
Real Estate Finance
Risk Management
Social Entrepreneurship
Sports Business and Management
Technology Commercialization

MBA Program Customization

Three of the Marshall School of Business’ MBA programs can be customized to reflect your interests and career goals.

Students of the Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, and One-Year MBA customize the program by choosing from more than 100 electives within the Marshall School. And students of the Part-Time MBA can also create a cross-disciplinary focus by choosing electives from other USC graduate schools.

Marshall students can also customize the MBA experience with global learning opportunities, either as part of the program or through the MBA International Exchange Program.

MBA Admissions Requirements

The Marshall MBA programs are open to all students with a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Other requirements vary based on each MBA:

Full-Time and Part-Time MBA

- - - Essay #1 (Required) – What are your short-term (3-5 years) and long-term (ten-years or more) career goals, and how will an MBA from USC Marshall help you achieve them?
    - Essay #2 (Required) – Being a team player is essential to the success of every USC Marshall MBA sudent. Share an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a personal or professional goal.
    - Essay #3 (Optional) – With respect for the fact that each student is more than a list of facts and accomplishments, USC Marshall recognizes each individual’s unique qualities and experiences. Students can use this space to share any additional information with the Admissions Committee that cannot be found elsewhere in the application.

*USC Marshall has an MBA Test Waiver policy. Applicants must submit a waiver request with their application (in the Test Waiver Request Text Box) that explains the rationale for requesting the waiver. Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, with a strong emphasis on quantitative coursework (e.g., business, economics, sciences, technology, engineering, math, etc.). Professional experience may also be outlined in the waiver request, but applicants should note that it is secondary to academic achievement and quantitative coursework. Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis and are final.

Executive MBA

One letter of recommendation: The letter is used to understand your professional achievements and managerial potential; therefore, it should be from a direct supervisor who has observed your leadership, teamwork, analytical skills, and personal qualities
A professional resume
Optional GRE/GMAT scores
Personal interview – conducted by invitation only
Two required essays (there is also one optional essay)

- - - Essay #1 (Required) – What are your short-term and long-term career goals, how will an EMBA from USC Marshall help you achieve those goals?
    - Essay #2 (Required) – How has your background influenced the person you are today? Consider your family, culture and community as significant factors that have shaped your identity. This is your chance to elaborate on your personal history.
    - Essay #4 (Optional) – Please provide any additional information that will enhance our understanding of your candidacy for the program.

One-Year MBA

GRE/GMAT scores*
One letter of recommendation: The letter is used to understand your professional achievements and managerial potential; therefore, it should be from a direct supervisor who has observed your leadership, teamwork, analytical skills, and personal qualities.
A professional resume
Personal interview – conducted by invitation only

* USC Marshall has an MBA Test Waiver policy. To request a waiver, applicants must submit a request with their application (in the Test Waiver Request Text Box) that explains their rationale for requesting the waiver.

In addition to completing the Test Waiver essay, applicants requesting the waiver must also be prepared to demonstrate one or more of the following:

A strong undergraduate and/or graduate record in analytical coursework or disciplines
CPA or CFA certifications
Master's or advanced degree in an analytical discipline
Certificate courses completed in an analytical discipline
Extensive practical work experience in an analytical field

Online MBA

A professional resume
Two letters of recommendation (each letter should highlight your professional achievements and managerial potential and provide specific examples of your leadership, teamwork, analytical skills, and personal qualities; at least one letter must be from a professional contact
Optional GMAT/GRE scores
Two required essays (there is also one optional essay)

- - - Essay #1 (Required) – What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from USC Marshall help you achieve those goals? Short-term career goals should be those you want to achieve within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations.
    - Essay #2 (Required) – In the USC Marshall MBA Program, teamwork is essential to success. Please share an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a personal or professional goal.
    - Essay #3 (Optional) – We realize that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories, and we’d like to recognize each individual’s unique qualities and experiences. Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider when reviewing your candidacy for the MBA program.

International Student Requirements

International applicants (those who aren’t U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents who don’t satisfy requirements for the waiver*) must submit scores from one of the following tests that demonstrate their English language proficiency:

*International students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree earned in the U.S. or another country where English is the primary language of instruction and the only officially recognized language of the country can request a waiver.

MBA Program Highlights

Course Delivery	Full-Time MBA: On-campus weekdays Part-Time MBA: On-campus (choose from weekday evenings or Saturday) Executive MBA: Hybrid (bi-monthly campus sessions and once-weekly online evening sessions) One-Year MBA: On-campus (with some off-campus retreats) Online MBA: Fully online (blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning)
Class Size	Full-Time MBA: 199 (406 total students enrolled) Part-Time MBA: 116 (340 total students enrolled) Executive MBA: 64 (122 total students enrolled) One-Year MBA: 55 Online MBA: 312
MBA Program and Business School Accolades	Named the Best MBA for Consulting by Fortune (2025) Ranked among the top Full-Time MBA Programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2024) Ranked among the top Part-Time MBA Programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2024) Ranked as the top Online MBA in the nation (and fourth overall) by the Financial Times (2024) Ranked as one of the top Executive MBAs by Fortune (2024)
Alumni Network	Marshall School of Business: 101,789 (as of August 2024)
Official MBA STEM Designation	Full-Time MBA One-Year MBA
MBA Graduates Outcomes	Average salary for Full-Time MBA graduates: $150,081 Average Full-Time MBA graduate signing bonus: $32,531 86% Full-Time MBA grads find employment within 90 days of graduation

One of the Most Affordable Tuition Rates Among California Business Schools

Tuition costs for the programs of the USC Marshall School of Business include:

Other Graduate Programs

MS in Business Analytics: $79,893
MS in Entrepreneurship Innovation: $65,367
MS in Finance: $87,156
MS in Global Supply Chain Management: $72,630
MS in Marketing: $72,630
MS in Social Entrepreneurship: $72,630
Master of Business for Veterans: $72,000
Master of Management Studies: $62,946

Undergraduate Business Program

The BSBA is priced at $69,904 per year, or $279,616 for the full program.

Specialty Business Program Accreditation

The USC Marshall School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), largely recognized as the most respected accrediting body for business schools worldwide. AACSB-accredited schools of business have met stringent requirements for everything from curriculum development to graduate outcomes. Just 5 percent of all business schools in the world have achieved this esteemed accreditation.

Experiential Learning and Travel Opportunities

The Marshall School has a solid reputation as a school of experiential learning, so it comes as no surprise that its experiential and study abroad opportunities offered through the USC Marshall Office of Global Programs & Partnerships are abundant:

Undergraduate Global Experiences

Learning About International Commerce: An 8- 10-day international trip for first-year business and accounting majors to places like Dubai, Madrid, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo
Global Leadership Program: Year-long colloquium and 8- to 10-day international trip for first-year freshman business and accounting majors (by invitation only)
Global Social Impact: Two-unit course and 8- to 10-day international trip for first-year World Bachelor of Business students
Transfer International Experience: Two-unit course and 8- to 10-day international trip for students who have transferred from other institutions
BVA Entertainment Practicum: Two-unit course and optional 8- to 10-day international trip for sophomore students in the BS in Business of Cinematic Arts program

Graduate Global Experiences

Four of Marshall’s MBAs include applied learning experiences.

The Full-Time MBA includes an optional PRIME Program – a study abroad trip to one of six Southeast Asia locations. Students of the PRIME Program visit and learn from domestic and international companies and gain valuable insights along the way.
The Part-Time MBA includes a required, ten-day international study trip called PM Globe that takes students to places like Thailand, Japan, and the UK. A non-travel experience is also offered.
The Executive MBA includes an embedded, six-day residential travel experience to Vietnam and Singapore called ExPORT that provides students with exceptional opportunities to advance their knowledge of the global marketplace.
The One-Year MBA includes Executive Leadership and Professional Development Workshops, which consists of a number of on- and off-campus programs and retreats that supplement classroom learning.

The MBA International Exchange Program also hosts independent study abroad experiences where students can advance their knowledge of international business by traveling abroad for a semester or by completing a short-term business education at a partner institution. Locations include Denmark, Germany, France, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and more.

Other Marshall graduate programs with international study experiences include:

Global Accounting Experience: An elective course open to Leventhal MS students that includes a study abroad experience to Tokyo and Osaka, Japan and Seoul, South Korea.
Digital Strategies for Sustainability in Global Markets: An elective course offered to MS and MBA students to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Global Supply Chain Management in International Relations: A required course for MS in Global Supply Chain Management students to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Other unique experiential learning opportunities afforded to Marshall MBA students include:

Graduate Student Investment Fund (SIF) Course: This one-year experiential course provides students with unique opportunities to explore investment and portfolio theory and practice. Each year, 16 students are selected to manage $8 million in USC’s endowment fund in four equity and one fixed-income portfolio. Students demonstrate their skills in a variety of areas, including fund management, sector reports, investment research reports, security pitches, and more.
MBA Society and Business Fellowship Program: Sponsored by the Marshall Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab, the MBA Society and Business Fellowship Program is a year-long program that invites a select group of MBA and MBA.PM students to pursue careers focused on poverty alleviation (e.g., homelessness, education, and global health). Students of this program connect with their peers, meet with industry leaders, and receive personal mentoring from the Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab staff.
Marshall Leadership Fellows Program: The Marshall Leadership Fellows Program, which is targeted at second-year MBA students, provides unique opportunities to provide coaching to first-year students and, in the process, hone their leadership skills while gaining outstanding, practical experience.
Independent Projects: Second-year MBA students may apply for independent research projects that allow them to pursue research in a specific area of interest. Independent projects include Field Research in Business, Independent Research in Business, Research Practicum in Business, and Consulting Project in Business.
MBA Alumni Mentor Program: This program brings Marshall alumni and current students together to help students make the best decisions regarding their careers.

Unique Business Student Supports, Clubs, and Networking Opportunities

The Marshall School of Business produces some of the best prepared graduates through its exceptional network of student supports and services.

Through Graduate Career Services, business students partner with a career strategist to define their career goals and find learning and employment opportunities. One-on-one career coaching, career clubs, case competitions, career workshops, and recruiting events provide students with plentiful opportunities to make industry connections and land top jobs.

Undergraduate and graduate business clubs provide students with exciting opportunities to connect with peers, get involved, and engage with local businesses and business leaders:

Undergraduate Business Clubs and Organizations

180 Degrees Consulting at USC
Accounting Society
American Marketing Association
Ascend (Pan-Asian Business Club)
Association of Innovative Marketing Consulting
Black Business Student Association
Blockchain at USC
Business Technology Group
Consulting Club @ USC
Fashion Industry Association
Global Investment Society
International Consulting Club at USC
Latino Business Student Association
Marshall Business Network
Marshall Business Student Community
Marshall Entertainment Association
Marshall Entertainment Association

Association of Latino Professionals For America
Beta Alpha Psi Iota Chapter (international honor and service organization for financial and business information students)
Marshall Outreach and Volunteer Entrepreneurs @ USC
Marshall Real Estate Finance Association
Marshall Student Ambassadors
Marshall Women’s Leadership Board
National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
Operations Management Association
Sports Business Association @ USC
Trojan Consulting Group
Trojan Investing Society
Trojan Marketing Group
USC Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Value Investing Group

Graduate Business Clubs and Organizations

Marshall’s Master in Finance Association
Global Supply Chain Club
Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship Student Association
Business Analytics Student Association
Marshall Graduate Student Association
USC Marshall Graduate Student Association for Professionals and Managers
Graduate International Student Club

International Student Supports

USC’s international students enjoy comprehensive services and resources designed to ease the transition to their new environment. The Office of International Services (OIS) serves as a hub for international student support, with OIS advisors on hand for assistance and advising. International students are encouraged to attend the university’s events and programs, such as International Education Week, an exciting annual event that celebrates global cultures and traditions through activities, performances, and social events.

Why We Recommend the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business is simply unmatched. This massive university system sets the bar, time and time again, for outstanding academic programming and superb experiential learning. Its selection of MBA programs, in particular, are expertly designed to prepare business leaders by providing individual paths tailored for different career goals and different points in the professional journey.

Exceptional opportunities for travel and applied learning experiences, progressive curricula, and customizable learning experiences with a selection of 100-plus electives are just a few of the reasons why the USC Marshall School of Business has earned a reputation for excellence.

International travel has become a hallmark of the Marshall School, presenting both undergraduate and graduate business students with an extraordinary selection of short- and long-term study abroad programs designed to expand their horizons and prepare them for success in a decidedly global world.

Outside of international travel, applied learning experiences here allow students to rub elbows with leading business executives and immerse themselves in the regional business environment. The USC Marshall School continues to rise far above the competition and position itself as a leader in business education – both in California and across the country.