An official copy of scores from a nationally-administered standardized graduate entry exam. There is no preference among either exam listed below. Scores must be no older than five years.
- Graduate Management Admission Test
- USC Institution Code: 4937
- Graduate Record Exam
- USC Institution Code: 4852
- Law School Admission Test
- LSAT will only send official score reports to law schools. To submit your LSAT score to the MRED program, please send us a copy of the official score report sent to you by LSAT
- A current resume (submitted via online application Supporting Documents upload)
- MRED students are required to have a minimum of two years full-time work experience following the completion of the bachelors degree in real estate or a related field such as architecture, banking, brokerage, city planning, construction, engineering, finance, or law.
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference. If an academic referral is not available, a third professional reference is acceptable.
- A statement of purpose (submitted via online application Supporting Documents upload) of approximately 750-1,500 words addressing:
- Your interest in the real estate profession and the USC MRED program
- Your academic and professional preparation
- Any entrepreneurial endeavors you have undertaken
- Your career goals
- The training and experience you have received to satisfy the MRED prerequisite requirements.
International students must also submit the following documents:
- TOEFL scores
- USC institution code: 4852
- Official transcripts indicating the award of all degrees with the title and date conferred in your native language and an exact translation into English of each document
- A Financial Guarantee Statement showing proof of the ability to pay tuition and living expenses
Personal Interview
Personal interviews add a valuable dimension to the admissions process. The MRED Admissions Committee believes that significant insight is gained by speaking directing with candidates to learn more about their interest in the program and in the real estate profession. The interview also provides the opportunity to amplify aspects of the applicant's academic and professional experiences and to ask any questions about the MRED program.
Interviews are by invitation only and will be issued once the applicant's completed admission file has undergone a preliminary review. A personal interview is required of all students admitted into the MRED program, though not all applicants will be interviewed. An interview does not guarantee admission.
Interviews typically last 30 to 45 minutes and will be conducted by an MRED alumnus or MRED program directors. Where possible, interviews will be held in person. Telephone interviews can also be arranged.
Once an applicant has submitted a complete application package, they will be contacted to schedule an interview. In order to facilitate the interview process, applicants are encouraged to submit all admission materials well in advance of the application deadline.
Admission Application Deadline
February 1. Applications are only accepted for summer semester entry. In order to facilitate the Personal Interview process, applicants are encouraged to submit admissions materials well in advance of the deadline. Interviews will be scheduled once a complete application package has been received.
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 a copy of test scores, 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.
Graduate Recruitment and Admission
University of Southern California
School of Policy, Planning, and Development
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall (RGL) 111
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626
Tel: (213) 740-0550
Fax: (213) 740-7573
email: sppd@usc.edu
Financial Support
The MRED program offers a small number of graduate assistantships each year to full-time students. The graduate assistantship provides eight units of tuition credit in the Fall semester and eight units in the Spring. Also included is a monthly stipend in the amount $950 for nine months. In exchange students will work with a member of the faculty for ten hours per week as a research assistant. Both domestic and international students are eligible.
Graduate assistantship awards are made as part of admissions process. Applicants wishing to be considered for an assistantship must complete their admission file by February 1 and submit a SPPD Scholarship Form through the SPPD Supplemental Application Form on-line.
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 needs are encouraged to apply for Supplemental Loans for Students.
General USC Financial Aid Information
