University of Southern California Economics: Programs, Admission Process, Eligibility Requirements and Ranking

If you are thinking of pursuing the University of Southern California Economics program, then you are on the right track. The LA-based private research university is the oldest in California, with its Economics and Econometrics program, ranking #12 nationally and #90 worldwide. So if you contemplating enrolling in this course, then this blog will act as your guide. We will cover all the relevant information regarding this program, such as its qualifications, fees, entry requirements, and application process. Let’s get started!

Degrees Offered	BA, BS, MS, PhD
Department	Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Location	Los Angeles, California
Ranking	#12 in Top 20 Academic Research Institutes in the US  #90 (QS WUR by Subject 2024) #38 (US News and World Report)
Tuition Fees	USD 60,446 per year (for UG programs) USD 71,808 per year (for Masters program)

University of Southern California Economics Department- An Overview

The Department of Economics at Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is known for providing a dynamic environment for studying, teaching and research. Its interdisciplinary collaboration with other programs motivates students to push past the traditional boundaries of economic research, enhancing their creativity and critical thinking skills in solving society’s most pressing issues. The department is affiliated with the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET), which suggests a focus on alternative economic theories and approaches.

The department comprises 1,290 undergraduate, 300 masters, and 80 doctoral students taught by 32 core faculty with 11 associate faculty. The research centre boasts of producing 7,000 alumni to date, making it one of the top-ranked Economics programs nationally and globally.

Also Read: University of Southern California Psychology Programs

Economics at University of Southern California- Fees and Application Deadline

The University of Southern California Economics program is available at bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. Given below is the list of programs available to domestic and international students:

Undergraduate Programs

The University of Southern California undergraduate Economics program emphasizes a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and applied economics. It offers the following programs in Economics, sometimes in collaboration with other disciplines, having a duration of 4 years:

• BA in Economics
• BA in Behavioral Economics and Psychology
• BA in Political Economy
• BA in Social Sciences with Emphasis in Economics
• BS in Economics/Mathematics
• BS in Economics & Data Science

Tuition Fee	USD 60,446 per year
Application Deadline	15 January 2024 (closed)

Masters Program

The Masters of Applied Economics and Econometrics (MS-AEE) at USC is a full-time on-campus program for 1-1.5 years. The 32-unit program is divided into 8 groups of 4-unit courses, providing students with rigorous training in mathematical and statistical modelling of data and economic policy analysis.

Tuition Fee USD 2,244 per unit
Application Deadline 30 April 2024 (closed)

PhD Program

The doctoral University of Southern California Economics program focuses on rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. The program is typically designed for 5 years of full-time study. USC offers full financial support (tuition remission and stipend) to admitted students for up to 5 years, contingent on maintaining good academic standing.

Application Deadline 1 December 2023 (closed)

Also Read: A Guide on Cost of Living in California

University of Southern California Economics Program- Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the University of Southern California Economics programs differ with the level and nationality. Let’s look at the criteria for international students in this discipline at USC one by one:

Undergraduate Programs

For international students applying to the University of Southern California Economics program at the bachelor level, they must fulfil the following criteria:

1. An overall percentage of 80% or higher in Classes 10 and 12.
2. Official transcripts from the high school attended.
3. English Language Requirements: IELTS – 7.0
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
5. Portfolio
6. Standardized test scores in ACT/SAT

Masters Program

Students applying for MS-AEE must fulfil the following specific requirements:

1. A 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Economics (or equivalent) or related field from a recognized university.
2. A Statement of Purpose detailing your interest in pursuing the University of Southern California Economics Master program.
3. GRE scores (no more than 5 years old): 150 (verbal), 151 (quantitative).
4. Academic transcripts
5. 3 Letters of recommendation
6. English Language requirements (no older than 2 years): IELTS – 90 or higher (with 20 in each section), TOEFL – 6.5 or higher (with 6 or above in each band).

PhD Program

Research aspirants in Economics need to satisfy the following requirements:

1. Advanced training in areas of mathematics and statistics.
2. Completion of 60 units of graduate-level coursework.
3. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in all graduate-level coursework.
4. A Resume/CV detailing the applicant’s educational background, relevant work and research experience, publications, honors and awards and conference presentations.
5. Statement of Purpose/Personal statement (2-3 pages, double-spaced) stating your interest in the University of Southern California Economics doctoral program.
6. GRE scores (no more than 5 years old): 150 (verbal), 160 (quantitative).

Documents Required

• Official academic transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics or a related field
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT/GRE)
• English Language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL
• Portfolio
• Personal Statement

University of Southern California Economics- Application Process

Given below is the application process for the University of Southern California Economics programs for international students:

1. Visit the University of Southern California’s Department of Economics official page.
2. Go through the program’s specific entry requirements and ensure that you fulfil them.
3. Gather all the necessary documents to attach to your application form.
4. Fill out the form with all the relevant information and submit it.
5. Pay an application fee of USD 85 (non-refundable) for the UG program (varies for graduate courses).
6. Check your application status through the USC portal.

University of Southern California Economics-Ranking

The University of Southern California Economics program is considered one of the top programs in the US and the world. The institute’s research in the field ranks at #12 among the top 20 academic research institutions in the country. On a global level, the department stands at #90 according to QS WUR by Subject 2024 and #38 by the US News and World Report.

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FAQs

We hope this blog gave you a complete overview of the University of Southern California Economics program for international students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such updates on study abroad universities. Thank you for reading!