Progressive Degree Program

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>Hello, I'm a rising senior from the midwest.
I'm interested in majoring in economics/business and political science wherever I go to college. The Marshall school of business sounds very impressive and has strong ties in Southern California, which is an obvious. Though wherever I go, I think I would rather major in econ, it is usually easier to get a job coming from a good business school, and in this economy that is all that really matters unfortunately. </p>

<p>So, if I go to/get into SC, I think I want to major in Business Admin at Marshall and then shoot for a progressive degree in Economics for my Masters, whcih apparently only takes 5 years.</p>

<p>USC</a> Progressive Degrees</p>

<p>Progressive</a> Degree Programs > USC College of Letters, Arts, & Sciences</p>

<p>These pages were pretty helpful, but I still have a couple of questions. Can I major in something at Marshall and still be considered for a Masters Program in Econ, an Arts and Science program?</p>

<p>Another big question is financial aid...would I get any once I start my 5th year? There is no way my parents and I can shell out 55k+ a year to go to school, plus my sister will be in college at that time. Would I still get FA? Would I be considered an independent for FA purposes?</p>

<p>Could I do it in 4 years? This probably sounds a little crazy but if I come in with max/near max AP credits, and take a couple classes at a CC, could I do it in 4 years? I would probably only try to do this if I'd lose FA for that 5th. </p>

<p>Oh, and I'm guessing trying to double major in business and political science and going to the Econ Masters would be nearly impossible to complete in 5 years, right? </p>

<p>Any comments/feedback about the program?</p>

<p>Thanks, this sounds like a cool program and a good excuse to stay on campus another year.</p>

2

<p>In an USC brochure I was able to find a reference to the PDP in Leventhal School of Accounting. This is not your field of interest, but it does indicate for this program the fifth year is covered by financial aid. You can phone Marshall or e-mail to check on the PDP program and the financial aid policy for the fifth year.</p>

<p>The description of the Leventhal PDP Program…</p>

<p>High-achieving students can earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting or business taxation in just five years. The PDP simplifies the graduate school admission process. </p>

<p>Gifted undrgraduates with a large number of AP or IB exam units MAY be able to earn both degrees in four years. USC undergraduate scholarships and financial aid MAY be applied to the fifth year.</p>

<p>More information: E-mail <a href=“mailto:busadm@marshall.usc.edu”>busadm@marshall.usc.edu</a></p>

<p>Phone: 800 352 5719 ----------- 213 740 8885</p>

3

<p>All right thank you very much. </p>

<p>One problem I might run into is ROTC, I may do NROTC if I still can’t afford USC after financial aid, and your supposed to finish in 4 years for that, but they might make an exception for a masters degree, but I may have to pay out of pocket. I don’t know.</p>

<p>Thanks again.</p>

4

<p>Please read the thread by alamemom in this forum. She has all sorts of helpful suggestions to assist you in giving your family a “rough” idea about how to figure out what may be included in your financial aid package.</p>

<p>Are your scores, ECs, grades, service and accomplishments outstanding? If so, you can apply early by the December 1st deadline to qualify for consideration for the USC merit scholarships. </p>

<p>If you need financial help to attend USC, now is the time to search for local scholarships.
There are civic, business, religious, ethnic group and other scholarships available. It is worth your time to apply for some of these if you are highly qualified.</p>

5

<p>Thats actually exactly what Im doing: B.S. in business and progressive degree M.A. in econ… so yes, its very possible. I have a friend doing the same thing as well. </p>

<p>Its become more competitive recently and they also no longer reduce the M.A. from 8 to 6 courses for progressive degree students (I think I got in right at the deadline to still get the 6 class program). If you apply early and start taking classes early on, i.e. 12 units UG and 4 units grad, you will continue to get financial aid, but once your full time grad, you no longer get funding except for loans. </p>

<p>But if you do it right (apply right at 60 or 64 units, forgot which), you can get 2, possibly 3 grad classes funded through finaid.</p>

<p>Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions.</p>