The Applied Psychology program is seeking students who have excelled in their academics and who show exceptional promise for professional success. While highly selective, our program includes a diverse group of students with varied professional experiences from across the US and the world.

Although there is no required major for admission to the Applied Psychology program, most of those who are admitted will have completed coursework in the social sciences, and success in the program will require a working understanding of major concepts and research methodologies associated with the study of human behavior. However, students with interdisciplinary backgrounds are also appreciated for their unique contributions to the classroom.

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Program Details

Modality
Length
Units
Start Date
On Campus 9 Months 34 Fall
Online 16 Months 34 Fall / Summer / Spring

 

Modality
Application Deadlines
Admission Information Session
On Campus Priority and Scholarship Consideration:

January 10, 2025

Regular Decision:

March 1, 2025
  • December 4: Personal Statement Webinar
  • January 6th  to January 10th: Application Assistance: Drop-in Hours
  • February 7:  Application Tips Webinar
Online Spring 2024

Application Deadline: Nov 28, 2024

 

Admission Requirements

    USC Application

    USC Graduate Admissions Application: Including $90 non-refundable
    application fee.

    Official Transcripts

    Graduate applicants must submit official transcripts directly to USC
    from all colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions
    previously attended. Transcripts and other academic records must be
    issued directly by the registrar’s office of your previous school(s) and
    bear the official registrar’s stamp/signature.

    Applicants who completed their previous studies outside the United
    States must check our country-specific requirements to determine if
    we need original-language copies of their academic records.

    Send official transcripts electronically to: etrans@usc.edu
    Send official transcripts via mail to:
    University of Southern California
    USC Office of Graduate Admission
    3601 South Flower Street, Room 112
    Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

    Personal Statement

    Personal statements are used to evaluate your personal and
    professional experiences and your ability to effectively and clearly
    communicate ideas. Please submit an essay answering the following
    questions:
    1) How do your background, experiences and interests lead you to
    seek ways to apply psychology in organizations for the benefit of
    consumers or employees?
    2) Why do you believe the USC MAPP program can help you achieve
    your career goals?

    Your essay should be 750 words maximum and be submitted as a single document.

    Three Letters of Recommendation

    At least one from an academic reference and one from a professional
    reference are recommended. The third recommendation is up to the
    student if they would like to provide an additional academic or professional reference.

    Resume

    Professional resume that is current and highlights your work history and skills.

    English Proficiency Exam

    USC requires all international applicants to submit either TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exams to be admitted to the university.
    To send scores, use USC’s ETS code 4852.

     

    Please visit the USC Office of Graduate Admission for more information.

    Enrollment Deposit

    If admitted to MAPP, students are required to pay a non-refundable commitment deposit of $500 to reserve their spot in the incoming class.

    A general profile of admitted students is that they have had a strong record of academic success, they have had either part-time or full-time work or volunteer experience, and they have demonstrated leadership qualities. Furthermore, admitted students have articulately explained their interest in the program through their statement of purpose, and have recommendations that speak to their ability to excel in a graduate program at a top-tier university.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • MAPP is a graduate level psychology program that emphasizes applying psychological tools and insights in applied, non-clinical settings. If you are passionate about pursuing career opportunities that improve experiences for people (e.g., employees, consumers, audiences), then this program may be appropriate for you.

    • Admissions to the USC M.S. in Applied Psychology Program is highly competitive. The selection committee conducts a comprehensive, holistic review of each application submitted. We will review your academic performance and writing skills, along with your experiences, leadership, and personal qualities. The evaluation of each applicant is based on all the materials in the file and is not exclusively based on grades or test scores.

    • In general, admitted students have had a strong record of academic success, they have had either part-time or full-time work or volunteer experience, and they have demonstrated leadership qualities. Furthermore, admitted students have successfully articulated their interest in the program through their statement of purpose, and have recommendations that speak to their ability to excel in a graduate program at a top-tier university.

      • Before you begin your application, please make sure to read all the application instructions carefully. While you will be able to add to certain segments on the application post submission, you will not be able to make revisions once the application has been submitted.
      •  Provide the name and email address for each reference you will
        electronically submit a letter of recommendation prior to
        submitting your online application. We recommend you complete this step right away to provide each recommender with the maximum amount of time to complete their letter. Please inform all your recommenders that this email is sent from uscsupport@liasoncas.com.
      • Connect and engage with program staff, faculty, students and
        alumni throughout the application cycle.

    • Tuition
      Tuition is calculated per unit based on the unit price of the given academic year. Tuition is subject to increase each academic year. For detailed information on tuition and mandatory fees please visit USC Financial Aid Please keep in mind this information relates only to the listed academic year.

      Student Financial Services
      All tuition and fee payment are processed through Student Financial Services. For more information on billing cycles, methods of payment, and more, please visit their website.

      Fellowships
      MAPP offers a limited amount of fellowships to admitted students. Domestic and international students are eligible. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration. Candidates will be considered holistically and assessed based on merit, diversity, and need. To learn more about your options, please visit MAPP Fellowships.

    • If admitted to MAPP, students are required to pay a non-refundable commitment deposit of $500 to reserve their spot in the incoming class.

    Contact Admissions

    Desiree Mendez

    Admissions Counselor

    mend543@usc.edu

    Schedule an appointment!

     

    Key Links

    For more information on funding, housing, visa requirements and any questions you may have regarding planning your next steps, please explore the below links.