Thank you for choosing USC!
Upon accepting the offer, typically within a week you will receive a secondary email from the office of graduate admission providing you a choice to certify your acceptance, so you can enroll at USC and international students can begin their I-20 process. Please make sure to read your letter closely from the graduate admission office as sometimes it requires additional steps after certifying. In some cases, they might ask for transcripts or test scores before providing certification.
Other Steps
Obtain your USC ID Card
As a student, you’ll need to your USCard, which is essential for accessing campus facilities, including libraries, residential buildings, and after-hours security. It serves as a prepaid, on-campus “wallet” for dining halls, bookstore purchases, and event tickets, while also being required for exams.
Complete Degree Verification (if applicable)
You may need to satisfy any continuing registration requirement for degree verification by the end of your first semester at USC. (This requirement will be listed on your admission letter from the graduate admissions office if needed.) If you do not verify your previous degrees, you will not be able to register for your second semester of classes. Learn more about how to satisfy this continuing registration requirement by visiting the Degree Progress department.
Complete Health Requirements
Complete all health requirements early and steps as mandated by USC Student Health. Complete your immunizations by the first day of classes.
FAQ
-
Spring registration for students will begin end of October. The Student Service Advisor III will provide an email via the GASP ListServ for instructions.
-
Please continue to check your USC email address regularly for more updates from the GASP ListServ. We also recommend to stay in communication with your faculty advisor.
-
For degrees from domestic institutions
Some students may be required to submit official transcripts to the Registrar’s office. There are 2 options for submission.
- Mail a paper copy of the official transcript to the following address:
USC Degree Verification
C/O The Degree Progress Department
University of Southern California
University Park Campus
700 Childs Way, John Hubbard Hall 106
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0912- Electronic transcripts sent through email attachments from issuing institutions may be received by USC if sent to etrans@usc.edu.
See the website for more instructions
For degrees from international institutions
Students will need to obtain a “Certification of Studies for USC” from the International Education Research Foundation (IERF).* This service is not offered on campus. You will need to send IERF your original documents for inspection, but in most (though not all) cases, your prior institution will not need to send IERF independent verification. When your verification is complete, IERF will mail your documents back to you.
See the website for more instructions
Deadline for all degree verifications is by the end of your first semester.
Return to PhD Onboarding Homepage.