A Progressive Degree is a highly individualized program that allows USC undergraduate students to begin work on a master’s degree while completing the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Pursuing a progressive degree can deepen your education and prepare you for a career in as little as two semesters. Progressive Degree students can begin graduate-level courses during their senior year and complete an undergraduate and master’s degree in five years. Students may also waive eligible courses in the master’s degree program to further reduce time-to-degree and overall cost.
Information Session
The M.S. in Applied Psychology program invites students interested in the progressive degree program to schedule a meeting with our Admissions Counsellor, Desiree Mendez, to learn more about the program and understand eligibility requirements. This is a perfect opportunity to discover how the innovative program can embellish your current degree.
PDP Eligibility
Admission Requirement
MAPP accepts admissions only for the fall semester. Applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly, as there are no spring or summer intake periods.
Application Requirement
Before applying, prospective PDP students must:
- Meet with your undergraduate advisor to review Degree Progress and USC PDP eligibility.
- Request an advising appointment with a MAPP admissions counselor, and provide a copy of your STARS Report and undergraduate course plan to mend543@usc.edu.
- Meet with a MAPP admissions counselor to discuss eligibility and next steps.
If approved to move forward with the application process, the following items are required:
- USC PDP Application, completed and signed by all required parties.
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one must be from a USC professor).
- Professional resume.
- Personal statement addressing the following:
- How do your background, experiences, and interests lead you to apply psychology in organizations for the benefit of consumers or employees?
- Why do you believe the USC MAPP program will help you achieve your career goals?
Approval
Admission requires approval from the program/department chair and the dean of the student’s undergraduate major, and by the program/department chair and the dean of the master’s degree program at USC. The completed application form must show all signatures required for approval.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. All applicants to MAPP’s Progressive Degree Program are evaluated through the same comprehensive review process as our traditional graduate applicant pool.
MAPP PDP Requirements
MAPP PDP is a hybrid program, where students may be required to take some courses in person or online. Students must have completed all the following requirements to begin the application process:
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. All applicants to MAPP’s Progressive Degree Program are evaluated through the same comprehensive review process as our traditional graduate applicant pool.