Students interested in one of the Keck School’s Ph.D. or Master’s level programs must follow the general admissions process of the USC Graduate School and the specific admissions and application process of the department in which they wish to study.

All Keck School departments have set individual admissions requirements and outlined application processes for their respective graduate programs. For example, some departments require applications to be sent directly to the department for review (prior to submitting an application to the USC Graduate School), and others ask for applicants to submit information to the department and the Graduate School simultaneously.

In general, beginning the application process well ahead of the first deadline provides time for applicants to prepare necessary application materials even given unexpected delays. Typically, departments request materials such as copies of test scores, official copies of undergraduate transcripts and letters of recommendation from faculty or advisors familiar with an applicant’s work. Some may also request a written statement of purpose, a current resume, a personal interview and/or submission of advanced subject GRE scores.

Deadlines for departmental applications differ as well, but students are advised to apply as early as possible. Financial aid deadlines may fall much earlier than application deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the financial aid deadlines as set by the USC Financial Aid Office.