Progressive Degree Admission

USC Rossier Progressive Degree Program

The USC Progressive Degree Program (PDP) enables USC undergraduates to begin work on a master’s degree while completing the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. After earning a bachelor’s degree, PDP students transition fully into their master’s degree program. USC Rossier offers the following progressive master's degrees.

Application Process

To enroll in a Progressive Degree Program, you must:

• Be a current, full-time USC undergraduate student who has completed 64 units.
• Possess a 3.2 GPA or higher.
• Schedule an initial advising appointment with a USC Rossier undergraduate program advisor. This appointment establishes eligibility, reviews application requirements, and ensures the program aligns with your professional and educational goals. Please complete the form below and your USC Rossier undergraduate program advisor will reach out to schedule your initial advising appointment.

 

Schedule your appointment

• After your advising appointment, if you are eligible to apply, you will need to submit the following application requirements:
  • USC Progressive Degree Program application which includes:
    • A proposed course plan with the assistance of your undergraduate major advisor and the USC Rossier undergraduate program lead.
    • Two recommendation letters from USC faculty (USC Rossier faculty, if possible).
    • Optional third recommendation letter from someone who can speak to your ability or experience as a future educator.
    • Signatures from your undergraduate school program chair and dean, and the USC Rossier program chair and dean.
    • Updated STARS report.
  • Write the required essay(s). Depending on your program of interest, you may be required to write a personal essay explaining why you are interested in the program. Additional essays may be required depending on program of interest. 
  • Update your résumé. Your résumé should be detailed enough to help the admission committee understand the various experiences – extracurricular, leadership or volunteer – that have shaped your interest in the program. Outline your roles and responsibilities within each organization and highlight any special achievements and/or accomplishments.

Progressive Degree Benefits:

• Reduced time to a master’s degree. Complete your undergraduate and master’s degrees in five years, rather than the typical six. 
• Reduced cost to obtain both degrees. You may qualify to pay undergraduate tuition rates for master’s degree coursework completed while you are an undergraduate, reducing the overall cost of obtaining both degrees.
• Waive courses in the master’s degree program with qualifying minor classes for further reduced time-to-degree and overall cost (USC Rossier minor pathway only).

Before applying to the progressive degree, familiarize yourself with the program that best fits your professional aspirations, including the curriculum and cost of attendance.