University of Southern California

Doctoral Admission

Below is admission information for the following doctoral programs:

Doctor of Philosophy in Policy, Planning, and Development (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD)

Admission to the doctoral programs is highly selective and recommended by the SPPD Doctoral Admissions Committee to the Graduate School of the university. Criteria considered for admission includes:

  • an evaluation of grades from both undergraduate and graduate work
  • scores earned on the Graduate Record Examination
  • letters of recommendation from academic and professional sources
  • resume
  • statement of purpose

The Admissions Committee seeks to construct a picture of an applicant's profile and recommends for admission those who show the greatest intellectual promise for doctoral level work in the school's programs.

USC admits qualified men and women, considering them for financial assistance regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, Vietnam veteran status or sexual orientation. Upon admission, students are accorded equal rights to participate in all university-sponsored programs and activities.

Application Materials
Application Deadline
Financial Support
Application Submission

Application Materials
The following items are required in order to complete the application process:

  • USC Graduate Application http://www.usc.edu/dept/admissions/grad
  • $85 application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Official copy of test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (the GRE is not required of DPDS applicants), most competitive applicants have earned scores that exceed 1200, sometimes by as many as 300 points. (Note: when registering for the GRE, applicants should use institution code 4852)
  • SPPD Supplemental Form (complete through the Graduate On-line Application)
  • A current resume
  • A current writing sample that is approximately 10 pages in length. This writing sample can be published or unpublished work. Please do not submit unsolicited materials such as design portfolios
  • Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which should be from academic sources (at least one in the case of DPDS applicants). In general, the references should provide specific and substantial evaluations of:
    • academic performance and potential as a doctoral student
    • motivation and interest in teaching (Ph.D.)
    • research abilities (Ph.D. and DPDS)
    • performance and potential as a senior manager in the field of Planning and Development (DPDS)
  • A 1,000-word statement of purpose (approximately four typed pages) addressing the following questions:
    • Ph.D. of Policy, Planning, and Development
      • What attracted you to the Ph.D. program in Policy, Planning, and Development at USC?
      • Why are you applying to the Ph.D. program?
      • What are your goals and areas of specialization?
      • How will our faculty and resources allow you to meet your goals?
    • Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development
      • A study prospectus detailing a proposed field of study should include the applicant's expectations of the DPDS, how the School's course offerings reflect these expectations, and how the applicant's past educational and professional experiences relate to the intended program of study.
      • A portfolio (if appropriate)
  • International students must also submit the following documents:
    • official TOEFL scores (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

Application Deadline
Doctor of Philosophy in Policy, Planning, and Development (Ph.D.)
December 1

Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD)
February 1

Financial Support
SPPD awards a number of scholarships each year to outstanding students. These awards vary from partial tuition credit to research assistantships. All Ph.D. applications will be reviewed for funding consideration. Admission to the Ph.D. program does not guarantee funding. Students applying to the DPDS program are not considered for scholarship aid from the SPPD and are expected to secure funding on their own.

USC also participates in several federal loan programs. Graduate students demonstrating high financial need are considered for the Carl Perkins Loans and Stafford Student Loans - two low-interest loan programs - as well as for College Work Study grants. Students who do not qualify for these programs or continue to have unmet need are encouraged to apply for Supplemental Loans for Students. To receive priority consideration for these awards, students entering in the fall are required to submit the necessary applications by December 1.

Application Submission

How to Apply

Online: SPPD strongly recommends that candidates apply online through USC's graduate online application system at http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate. The online system allows you to electronically submit the entire application including SPPD supporting documents--except for official transcripts and official test scores, which should be sent directly to SPPD at the mailing address below.

By Mail: If you are unable to complete an online application, please contact SPPD at (213) 740-0550 or sppd@usc.edu to request a paper application.

Application materials should be sent to:
Graduate Recruitment and Admissions
USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626
Tel: (213) 740-6842
Fax: (213) 740-7573
E-mail
Web address: http://www.usc.edu/sppd/