Scholarships and Assistantships
The University of Southern California School of Policy, Planning, and Development (SPPD) recognizes that as the cost of education continues to rise and resources become scarce, financing a graduate education becomes increasingly challenging. In recognition of outstanding students pursuing their educational goals at SPPD, scholarship and fellowship opportunities are available for both master and Ph.D. students.
Scholarship Opportunities for Entering Master's Students
Dean's Merit Scholarship
Dean's Merit Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing any of the four degree programs: Master of Health Administration, Master of Planning, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Public Policy. Some of these awards are funded through contributions to the School of Policy, Planning, and Development's scholarship funds. Due to availability of funds, not all of these awards are made every year. A scholarship application is required to apply. For any questions, please contact Chris Wilson, SPPD Scholarship Coordinator at wilsonca@usc.edu.
The criteria used for Dean's Merit Scholarship consideration are as follows:
- academic merit as determined by undergraduate and post graduate performance
- GRE/GMAT test scores
- professional background and special contributions made to the public administration, public policy, health administration, or planning professions
- professional promise
- financial need is not considered
Additional Information on Dean's Merit Scholarships
- the majority of the scholarship awards are made at the time of admission to students who enter in the fall
- awards to new students are generally renewable for a second year assuming satisfactory academic progress
- students can use the Dean's Merit Scholarship to enroll in classes at the USC State Capital Center
- graduate assistantships are only available for master of planning students that include graduate tuition credit and a stipend
- full tuition, half tuition, and partial tuition scholarships are awarded to students based on the aforementioned criteria
- PPIA Fellows, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and former Teach for America participants are eligible for a minimum $5,000 scholarship per year and must apply by the January 15 deadline
Local Government Fellowship Program
SPPD is committed to educating city and county managers for effective local government. In recognition of the importance of having our cities, counties, special districts, and nonprofit organizations well-managed, SPPD is establishing the City/County Management Fellowship program for students pursuing the Master of Public Administration degree. Fellows receive a number of benefits, including scholarships and opportunities to network with local government professionals. Selection is competitive and is based on academic merit and commitment to the field of local government. Fellows will also be considered for additional SPPD scholarships, up to and including full-tuition scholarships. Learn how to apply.
Deadlines:
- January 15 for students entering in fall - This is the best time to apply for scholarships because the majority of the awards are expended at this time
- November 1 for students entering in the spring
Scholarship Opportunities for Entering Ph.D. Students
All Ph.D. students who pursue a degree in Policy, Planning, and Development are fully funded by SPPD or are recipients of a competitive fellowship through the USC graduate school fellowship program.
USC Graduate School Fellowship Program: All Ph.D. applicant files are reviewed by the SPPD doctoral committee to be considered for nomination for the USC graduate school fellowship program. Students do not need to apply. SPPD selects the nominee and prepares the application. Students are notified if they are selected to be a nominee. For more information about the fellowship program, please visit the Graduate School Web site.
SPPD research assistantships: Ph.D. students who have been admitted are funded through a SPPD research assistantship. The research assistantship consists of a full tuition scholarship with a generous stipend. Health insurance and health centers fees are also covered by the research assistantship. Students do not need to apply. For any questions, please contact Chris Wilson, SPPD Scholarship Coordinator at wilsonca@usc.edu.