You must create a graduate application account in order to apply to a graduate program at USC. Please set aside 45 to 60 minutes to complete the online application. Alternatively, you may save your information and continue it at a later date. You must use the same account to apply to multiple programs. You can apply to all programs at the same time or add a program once you submit your application. Please note, you may only apply to up to three applications per term. Applications to additional programs in a single term will not be considered.
The online application supports the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari. The application uses Cookies, JavaScript and Pop-up windows, so please be sure all are enabled within your browser. (The default setting is “on” so it is unlikely that you will need to make any changes.)
A nonrefundable application fee is required for each program to which you apply. The application fee is $90 for all graduate programs, except those offered by the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy’s Pre-Master’s program($175). We accept payments via Visa and MasterCard only. Please click here to check if you are eligible for the fee waiver.
Most graduate department will advertise whether the deadline refers only to the date by which the application must be received, or to all of the supporting materials as well. In most cases, it is understood that some supporting materials will arrive later and may not be a problem as long as they arrive within a reasonable period of time.
• PhD Programs: The priority deadline for Ph.D. applicants is December 1. However, many of our doctoral programs, such as the ones offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the School of Cinematic Arts, have different deadlines. Please refer to their websites for deadline information.
• Master’s and Graduate Certificate Programs: All deadlines for USC master’s and graduate certificate programs are set by individual academic departments. These deadlines may vary from program to program and are subject to change. Please check with your intended graduate department directly for this information.
The following graduate degree programs administer their own applications. You will need to apply to them through a separate website.
Independent Health Professions
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Keck School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Science in Biostatistics
Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Master of Science in Molecular Epidemiology
Primary Care Physician Assistant Program
Ostrow School of Dentistry
Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S)
Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (M.S.)
Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (D.D.S)
Postgraduate Specialty Certificate Programs
Gould School of Law
All programs
USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Transcripts and all other materials submitted for admissions consideration become the property of USC. The university does not return or duplicate materials for any reason whatsoever. The information and materials in your submitted application are made available only to the central Office of Admission and the admission committee of your academic department or professional school.
Please contact us if you experience difficulties while completing your application or have questions about submitting your application.