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 Consideration:
January 5, 2026
Regular Decision:
March 1, 2026
Online
Spring 2026
Application Deadline: TBD

Admission Requirements

    USC Application

    USC Graduate Admissions Application: Including $105 non-refundable
    application fee.

    Fee waivers are available to prospective students who meet the eligibility requirements. The Office of Graduate Admission must approve your request before you can submit your application. If your fee waiver request is denied, you must pay the application fee. Visit the Office of Graduate Admissions website for more information.

    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 have your background, experiences and interests led you to
    seek ways to apply psychology in organizations to benefit 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 or a professional reference are recommended.

    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 the application of psychological tools and insights in applied, non-clinical settings. If you’re passionate about pursuing a career that enhances people’s experiences, such as employees, consumers, or audiences, this program may be a strong fit for you.

    • Admission to the USC M.S. in Applied Psychology program is highly competitive. The selection committee conducts a comprehensive, holistic review of each submitted application. We consider your academic performance and writing skills, as well as your experiences, leadership, and personal qualities. Each applicant is evaluated based on the entirety of their application materials, not solely on grades or test scores.

    • In general, admitted students have a strong record of academic success, relevant part-time or full-time work or volunteer experience, and demonstrated leadership qualities. They also effectively articulate their interest in the program through their statement of purpose and submit recommendations that speak to their potential to excel in a graduate program at a top-tier university.

      We do not have specific major or class requirements, but it is helpful if you have taken a course that demonstrates quantitative skills. These courses include statistics, research methods, or other math. Alternatively, if you have worked with data through an internship or employment opportunity, that can be articulated through your resume.

      • Before you begin your application, please read all instructions carefully. While you will be able to add information to certain sections after submission, you will not be able to make revisions once the application has been submitted.
      • Be sure to enter the name and email address of each reference who will electronically submit a letter of recommendation before submitting your online application. We recommend completing this step early to give your recommenders as much time as possible to submit their letters. Please inform them that the request will come from uscsupport@liaisoncas.com.
      • We also encourage you to connect with program staff, faculty, students, and alumni throughout the application cycle.

    • Tuition
      MAPP residential students are charged a flat-rate tuition. Tuition is subject to change each academic year. For detailed information on tuition and mandatory fees, please visit USC Financial Aid. Please note that this information applies only to the listed academic year.

      Fellowships
      MAPP offers a limited number of fellowships to admitted students. Both domestic and international applicants are eligible. For priority consideration, we encourage you to apply early. Candidates are evaluated holistically and assessed based on merit, diversity, and financial need. To learn more, please visit the MAPP Fellowships page.

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

    Contact Us: appliedpsychology@usc.edu

    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.