usc economics phd acceptance rate

What are you looking for?

Suggested search, ms aee admissions, next available term: fall 2025.

All applicants must apply through the USC online application system located at http://gradadm.usc.edu . Applications for Fall open November 1st, 2024 and are due April 30th, 2025. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 8:59 pm (PST) on deadline day, without exception. All application materials – including test scores and letters of recommendation – must be received by these deadlines. We do not accept paper applications.

*** Note, we accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the admission cycle. Our program receives thousands of applications. We recommend qualified applicants apply early in the admission cycle. ***

Cost of Attendance

$2,244.00 per unit (Expect a ~ 3 ‒ 5% tuition increase each year.) 

Total Cost of Program = $2,244 x # of units

*Health Fee, Student Insurance, and other optional fees are not included above.

The USC Office of Student Financial Aid provides information regarding various types of financial aid and financing options.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply by filing the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Application Requirements

This is typically two pages in length, double-spaced, and about your interest in Economics.

We accept GRE scores that are no more than 5 years old. We like to see applicants with at least 150 on the verbal section and 151 on the quantitative section. Most of our admitted students have received scores well beyond that threshold so please keep that in mind. We do not accept the GMAT. The ETS code for USC is 4852. This is the only code that should be used. We accept the GRE General Test at home version.

Applicants must upload all materials into the USC online application system. Please see transcript information on the USC Graduate Admission website:

• Transcripts Requirements
• Video – Academic History
• Country Requirements

Per USC requirements, upload scanned copies of your official, up-to-date transcripts. The Department’s admissions team will review those uploaded transcripts for an admission decision.

Sealed, official transcripts must also be mailed to USC or to the International Education Research Foundation (IERF). Click the hyperlinks listed above to understand the requirements that specifically apply to you.

They can be uploaded on the online application system. Two of the letters must be from academic recommenders. Three academic letters is highly preferred.

For detailed information regarding English proficiency requirements, please click the link here .

We accept both the TOEFL and IELTS examinations.

• TOEFL requirements: 90 or above, with 20 or above in each section
• IELTS requirements: 6.5 or above, with 6 or above on each band

Please note that: Your scores are considered valid only if earned within two years of your intended first term at USC. (For example, no earlier than August 1 two years prior if applying for the fall term.)

Test Waiver Circumstances: 1) hold a bachelor’s degree completed in its entirety in the United States or another Anglophone country, or 2) Your native language is English.

For more information regarding English Proficiency, visit https://gradadm.usc.edu/lightboxes/international-students-english-proficiency/ .

If you believe that you qualify for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver, please contact our Admission’s Counselor Candice Jiayi Xu at [email protected] .

Master’s Program Advisors

Usc department of economics.

[email protected]

Program Director

Ratika Narag

[email protected]

Admission Counselor

Candice Jiayi Xu

[email protected]

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Get Into USC in 2023, from a USC Grad

What’s covered:, how hard is it to get into usc, what is usc looking for, my usc admissions story, how to improve your chances of getting into usc, tips and tricks from a usc grad.

The University of Southern California (USC) has the distinction of being the oldest private research university in California. However, what attracts applicants to the school today are its world-class education, beautiful campus, and idyllic Los Angeles setting.

USC is consistently ranked among the top 30 national universities, and some of its programs are thought of as the best in the country. For example, USC and NYU often go back and forth as the best school for students pursuing film, and USC’s location gives it an advantage over most top-tier schools in this field.

Read along to learn what it takes to get into USC in 2023, along with tips from a USC alumna.

Gaining admission to USC is hard. The university received a historic 80,790 applicants for its Class of 2027 and admitted 9,277—an acceptance rate of just 9.9%.

The average academic profile of accepted students for the Class of 2027:

• SAT/ACT: The middle 50% SAT and ACT scores are 1330-1520 and 30-34, respectively.
• Class Rank: USC didn’t report the average class rank for its Class of 2027, but you’ll need a strong performance in the classroom to gain admission—41% of the Class of 2027 earned perfect grades in high school.

According to their 2021-2022 Common Data Set, USC considers the following factors “very important”:

• Course rigor
• Test scores
• Recommendation letters

These factors are “important”:

• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities

These are “considered”:

• First generation
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work
• Work experience

And these are “not considered”:

• Geographical residence
• State residence
• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Applicant interest

Academically, my profile aligned strongly with USC’s average academic profile. My GPA was extremely high, like most USC admits, and I did not fail to demonstrate course rigor—graduating having completed 15 AP classes. My ACT score was a 33, at the upper end of USC’s Middle 50%.

Based on my academic profile, my application made it through the first round of admissions and was read by an admissions officer. That said, I think that it was the combination of my essay and my letter of recommendation that secured my admission and that earned me a scholarship.

My essay focused on my experiences in high school grappling with perfectionism and self-hate, which ultimately landed me in a live-in youth rehabilitation program. I wrote about this experience in a reflective way that demonstrated my growth mindset, thoughtfulness, and maturity.

This was supplemented by a letter of recommendation from my AP World History teacher and mock trial coach, who outlined my response to these troubling experiences in high school, describing me as “a phoenix from the ashes.”

I believe that, through these elements, USC admissions officers got the impression that I was an intensely driven, resilient student with a large interest in self-improvement and learning. I also feel that this impression was extremely important in my admissions decision.

My advice to you—figure out exactly how you want USC admissions officers to view you, then use your academics, essays, and letter of recommendation to ensure that they get that impression of you!

Read more about my USC admissions story , with specifics of my academic profile and excerpts from my submitted essays.

1. Achieve at least a 3.9 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

Your GPA is important to your application because schools that receive a huge number of applications (like USC) often use a tool known as the Academic Index to streamline the admissions process.

The Academic Index boils each applicant’s academic performance (GPA and test scores) down into one single number, which is then used to weed out applicants who would be considered academically unqualified. Such applications, more often than not, don’t even get read.

The average high school GPA of the Class of 2027 was a 3.9, so if you are hoping for USC admissions committees to seriously consider your application, you should strive for exceptional grades in all of your classes.

If your GPA is below USC’s standards and you’re early in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it’s harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to improve your Academic Index at that point of your high school career would be to get higher test scores.

It’s important to note that, while your GPA is an important component to have your application read, you can’t just take easy classes and get good grades. Course rigor is considered “very important” to USC admissions officers. To submit a competitive application you’ll need all, or mostly all A’s, while taking the most challenging courses available.

Applicants who gain admission to top-tier schools like USC commonly complete between eight to twelve AP classes . My USC application showed success in 15 AP classes, which obviously appealed to admissions officers.

2. Aim for a 1520 SAT and/or 34 ACT

Test scores are “very important” in the USC admissions process. The middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for USC’s Class of 2026 were 1330-1520 and 30-34. Any score in the middle 50% is good, but the higher your score is, the greater your chances of gaining admission.

USC records the highest scores for each section of the SAT and ACT, even if they’re earned in different sittings. Given this fact, you should consider taking the SAT or ACT multiple times to improve your academic profile.

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• SAT Info and Tips
• ACT Info and Tips

Note: USC has been test optional for recent application cycles and will be test optional going forward. That said, CollegeVine generally recommends taking the SAT/ACT anyway to improve your chances of admission. Applicants who submit scores are accepted at higher rates than those who do not.

A good rule of thumb is that you should submit your score if it falls above the 25th percentile (1330 SAT/30 ACT). You can get recommendations on whether or not to apply test optional using our free chancing engine .

3. Write engaging essays

Once you clear USC’s academic thresholds, essays are the best way to set yourself apart from the competition—USC considers them “very important.” USC’s application includes a writing supplement featuring one required essay, one optional essay, and 10 short answer prompts—things like “What is your favorite snack?”

USC is looking for interesting applicants with unique stories and perspectives. Set yourself apart with an attention-grabbing essay that is written in your voice, and that creatively frames your experiences and highlights how you’ll be as a student and on campus at USC.

For more USC-specific essay advice, check out our article, How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays.

4. Secure humanizing letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation are another “very important” aspect of a USC application. Letters of recommendation highlight your academic success and classroom contributions, and hint at how you’ll fit in at USC. USC recommends one letter of recommendation either from a high school counselor or teacher.

Because USC places considerable weight on your letter of recommendation, you’ll want to get the best one possible. One way to ensure a compelling recommendation is to follow the nine rules for requesting letters of recommendation from teachers , which cover everything from who to ask, to the timeframe, to how you can support the process.

Keep reading for my tips and tricks on securing an outstanding letter of recommendation.

5. Cultivate one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Extracurriculars are marked as an “important” part of USC’s admissions process and can carry serious weight when applying to coveted programs like the university’s film school. Having a highly developed interest, known as a “ spike ,” supported by one or two extracurricular activities that demonstrate high levels of achievement or leadership can bolster your application.

Not all extracurricular activities are equal—some have more influence over admissions than others. Learning about the four tiers of extracurriculars is a simple way to understand how a college like USC values your activities outside the classroom.

• Tier 1 includes the most impactful activities. These are rare and demonstrate exceptional achievement and leadership, such as earning national recognition in athletics or winning a prestigious national competition.
• Tier 2 activities also show great achievement and leadership, but are more common than those of Tier 1. These activities include state-level recognition in athletics, winning a regional competition, or holding a leadership position in a well-known club.
• Tier 3 extracurriculars demonstrate your interests but don’t carry the same weight as those in the tiers above. These include playing a varsity sport or holding a minor leadership position in a well-established club.
• Tier 4 is home to the least distinguished and influential activities, such as playing a sport and participating in a club.

6. Apply Early Action

For most programs, USC has two different application deadlines: November 1 and January 15. The November 1 deadline is called the “Early Action” deadline—a non-binding, non-restrictive application. If you apply by this deadline, you are automatically considered for all USC merit scholarships, while regular decision applicants are not considered for merit scholarships.

Students who apply by the early deadline are typically accepted at a 6% to 8% higher rate, so even if you aren’t hoping for a scholarship, applying by November 1 is a smart strategy for gaining admission to USC.

How to Apply to USC

You will apply to USC through the Common Application. In addition to your Common App essay, you will submit:

• USC Supplemental Essays
• A high school transcript
• At least one letter of recommendation
• A mid-year report
• SAT/ACT scores (optional)

USC has a few different application deadlines. It is important to note that, if you apply to a regular program by November 1, you will automatically be considered for all USC Merit Scholarships . Regular decision applicants must apply by January 15 and will not be considered for merit scholarships.

Additionally, there is a separate application deadline for students of special programs—all Dramatic Arts, Cinematic Arts, and Music programs, the Kaufman School of Dance, the Iovine and Young Academy, the Roski School of Art & Design, and the School of Architecture. These programs may also require a portfolio, resume, and/or samples of work.

*These programs do not allow Early Action applications, so all students who apply to these programs by December 1 are considered for merit scholarships.

1. Don’t underestimate the importance of recommendations

It is important to ask someone who knows you very well, academically and personally, to write your letter of recommendation. Then, fill that person in on the image you are trying to impress upon admissions officers.

If they know what your academic profile looks like, your strengths and weaknesses, and, importantly, what your essay is about, they can write a letter of recommendation that rounds out your application. They can help you form connections between parts of your profile that feel disconnected, explain gaps in your resume or coursework, and simply humanize you.

2. Apply by the scholarship deadline

My most important advice to you is to apply by the scholarship deadline. The best part about the early application is that you don’t have to do anything extra—no supplements or extra questions. You simply have to submit the same application earlier.

There are multiple levels of merit scholarships that you are automatically considered for through your early application—Dean’s Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Trustee’s Scholarship. These scholarships cover 25%, 50%, and 100%, respectively, of your tuition each year for four years of study.

Additionally, receiving a scholarship makes you eligible to live in USC’s honors dorms—McCarthy Residential College for first-year students and Ilium Residential College for sophomores. These dorms create a special type of community that I am still grateful that I was a part of.

What Are Your Chances at USC?

Only 9.9% of USC applicants were accepted in 2023. If you’re feeling discouraged by this low acceptance rate, remember that your personal chances of acceptance can vary greatly based on your profile.

To better understand your chances of acceptance, use our free admissions calculator. This tool will not only let you know your chances at hundreds of schools, but will also give you tips for improving your profile. Getting into a selective school requires a strong strategy, and our free admissions platform can help you every step of the way.

Interested in learning more about USC? Check out these other articles:

• What is USC Known For?
• How I Got Into USC
• USC vs. UCLA: Which College is Right for You?
• USC vs. UC Berkeley: Which College is Right for You?

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What are you looking for?

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How to Apply

Step 1: review program and application requirements.

Application Instructions: Before you begin your application to USC, please carefully read all instructions. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to revise it. You will, however, be able to amend certain sections (such as test scores). Submitting incorrect information on your application or failing to include important details can delay the admission process.

Deadlines : Since application deadlines vary by program, be sure to confirm your intended program’s deadline and apply on time.

You should also use the months leading up to the deadline to complete the following steps:

GRE/GMAT and Other Tests : If required by your program of interest, schedule the GRE or GMAT exam. Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC. (For example, no earlier than August 1 five years before applying to the fall term).

Résumé/Curriculum Vitae : There is no “right” approach to structuring your résumé/CV for graduate school. However, it is a good idea to take some time to identify the skills and achievements you would like to highlight for your graduate program and structure the document accordingly. Please note: You will be required to upload a copy of your résumé/CV as part of your application.

Recommendation Letters: The number of letters you will need varies by program. Be sure to check with your program of interest for specific requirements. Identify potential recommenders and let them know that you would like them to write a recommendation for you. Recommendations may be optional for some programs at USC.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Please complete our graduate application for your intended program online.

You may apply to up to three programs per term. Applications to additional programs in a single term will not be considered. Please note that withdrawing an application does not reset the three-program application limit for that term.

For additional tips, tricks and advice, please view our video tutorial, “ Navigating your USC Graduate Application .”

Video Tutorial: Navigating your USC Graduate Application

Completing the online application:, apply to usc.

You must create a graduate application account in order to apply to a graduate program at USC. Please set aside 45 to 60 minutes to complete the online application. Alternatively, you may save your information and continue it at a later date. You must use the same account to apply to multiple programs. You can apply to all programs at the same time or add a program after you have submitted your application. Please note: You may apply up to a maximum of three programs per term. Applications to additional programs in a single term will not be considered.

Technical Requirements

The online application supports the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari. The application uses Cookies, JavaScript and Pop-up windows, so please be sure all are enabled within your browser. (The default setting is “On” so it is unlikely that you will need to make any changes.)

Dates and Deadlines

Most graduate departments will indicate if their deadline refers to the date by which only the application must be received, or if the deadline applies to all supporting materials as well. In most cases, it is understood that some supporting materials will arrive later. This may not be a problem as long as they arrive within a reasonable period of time.

• PhD Programs: The priority deadline for Ph.D. applicants is December 1 . However, many of our doctoral programs, such as the ones offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the School of Cinematic Arts , have different deadlines. Please refer to their websites for deadline information.
• Master’s and Graduate Certificate Programs: All deadlines for USC master’s and graduate certificate programs are set by individual academic departments. These deadlines may vary from program to program and are subject to change. Please check with your intended graduate department directly for this information.

Programs with Separate Applications

The following graduate degree programs administer their own applications. You will need to apply to them through a separate website.

Independent Health Professions Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Keck School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Master of Public Health (MPH) Master of Science in Biostatistics Master of Science in Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology Master of Science in Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Primary Care Physician Assistant Program

Ostrow School of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (D.D.S) Postgraduate Specialty Certificate Programs

Gould School of Law All programs

USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences All programs

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Chemistry , PhD Physics, PhD  

Confidentiality and Document Submission Policy

Transcripts and all other materials submitted for admission consideration become the property of USC. The university does not return or duplicate materials for any reason whatsoever. The information and materials in your submitted application are made available only to the central Office of Admission and the admission committee of your academic department or professional school.

Additional Help

Please contact us if you experience difficulties while completing your application or have questions about submitting your application.

Step 3: Pay your Application Fees

The application fee is $90 for all graduate programs, except those offered by the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy’s Pre-Master’s program ($175). We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard and Discover card.

Fee Waivers: You will be able to request a fee waiver only after you have started (but not submitted) your online application and indicated your program of interest. You will be asked for documentation to verify your eligibility for a waiver. If your request is approved, you will then be able to submit your application and skip payment of the application fee. Please refer to our Fee Waivers page to see if you are eligible.

Step 4: Provide Program Materials

In addition to transcripts and test scores, most USC graduate programs require supplemental materials for admission review. These materials may include (but are not limited to) a statement of intent, recommendations, writing samples, creative portfolio, etc. Supplemental materials are reviewed by the department only, not the Office of Graduate Admission.

To verify what supplemental materials are required by your program of interest and how to submit them, refer to their homepage or to the instructions on the “Program Materials” quadrant on the application. In most cases, they can be submitted via the application.

Some programs may require that you submit your supplemental materials via Slideroom. You will receive instructions on our application or directly from your department if this is the case.

If any materials need to be mailed, the postal address will be provided on the department website. (This is usually not the same address to which you send your transcripts.)

Please contact your intended graduate program with any questions regarding supplemental materials.

After You Apply:

Your USC ID Number : You will receive your 10-digit USC ID via email within two to three business days after submitting your online application. Please keep this ID on record and make sure to include it in all your communication with USC. You will also need to include it when mailing any documents to the university.

It is important to note that your 10-digit USC ID is different from the USC CAS ID you will receive when you begin your application. The CAS ID is required for only technical support during the application process and is not issued by the university.

Step 5: Submit your Official Transcripts

You will need to have your official transcripts sent to USC, with any university seals or security features intact. Please note: Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable. Please refer to our detailed guidelines .

Make sure to also upload copies of your university-issued transcripts (issued on official letterhead) to your online application. These copies are considered unofficial but can help speed application review.

Step 6: Submit your Official Test Scores

Most USC graduate programs require either GRE or GMAT scores. Please review your program’s website for their test score requirements. Make sure to include your test scores as part of your application. Once you submit your application, you will be able to return to it to add additional test scores if necessary.

Only scores received electronically from the testing service are considered official. USC does not accept self-reported test scores or paper scores sent via postal mail.

If you are sending GRE scores: USC’s ETS school code is 4852 . Use this code to ensure that USC receives your official test results. No department code is required.

If you are sending GMAT scores : Select “University of Southern California” from the list of available schools and refer to your intended program for their program code.

Video Tutorial: Entering Your Standardized Test Scores

For additional tips, tricks and advice, please view our video tutorial, “Entering Your Standardized Test Scores.”

Step 7: Track your Application Status

Our admission processing center receives a high volume of materials during the peak admission period (November through May). During these months, please allow approximately 15 business days from the date of receipt of your official academic records to process these documents and match them to your application in our database.

Graduate applicants are responsible for properly submitting all items required for review and responding promptly to requests for additional materials or information. Once you submit your application, all notifications regarding any missing transcripts or other required materials will be emailed to you. Therefore, it is important that you regularly check the email address you provided on the application.

Please note: You will not receive confirmation emails when specific materials have been received.

Step 8: View Your Decision

While the Office of Graduate Admission processes all graduate applications, admission decisions are ultimately made by the program to which you applied. Once the admission committee for your intended program of study has completed the review process, you will receive an email notification from the Office of Graduate Admission informing you that a decision has been made.

The length of time required to make a decision varies by the program, type of degree, and the size of the applicant pool. Most applicants to the fall term receive decision notifications by June. Most applicants to the spring term receive decision notifications by December.

When you receive your decision notification, follow the instructions on the email to register for and view your decision at youSC .

Video Tutorial: The Decision Letter and Statement of Intent Form

For additional tips, tricks and advice, please view our video tutorial, “The Decision Letter and Statement of Intent Form.”

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This program is designed to provide advanced training in the basic tools of economics and their application to practical problems. The curriculum incorporates a systematic study of mathematical and statistical analysis of economic phenomena and problems. This includes instruction in cost/benefit analysis, price theory, economic modeling, as well as economic forecasting and evaluation.

Core Courses: 12 units

Students are required to take ECON 500   , ECON 501   , and ECON 513   . Successful completion of these three courses will satisfy 12 units of the program’s 32-unit requirement. 

Students must earn a ”B” grade or higher in ECON 500    and in ECON 501   .

• ECON 500 Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Units: 4
• ECON 501 Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Units: 4
• ECON 513 Practice of Econometrics Units: 4

Additional Econometrics Course: 4 units

Students are required to take at least one of these two econometrics courses: ECON 570    or ECON 584   . Successful completion of one of these courses will satisfy 4 units of the program’s 32-unit requirement.

• ECON 570 Big Data Econometrics Units: 4 or
• ECON 584 Economic Consulting and Applied Econometrics Units: 4

Electives: 16 units

Students are encouraged to explore the diverse collection of courses offered by the Department of Economics and USC. Stipulations concerning elective courses are as follows:

• Only 400-level, 500-level and 600-level coursework can be applied toward degree requirements.   
• At least 8 of these 16 units must be ECON courses.  
• At least 8 of these 16 units must be in courses that are 500-level or higher.  
• No more than 4 units of ECON 590    may be applied to the degree.

All elective courses (ECON and non-ECON) must be approved by the Master’s Programs Adviser. It is important that students receive approval prior to enrolling in elective courses.

Data Sciences + Operations PhD Program

Operations Management studies how firms organize their resources and recurring activities in order to be competitive in cost, price, responsiveness and quality. The field stresses quantitative techniques ranging from applied probability to optimization and game theory.

• APPLY TODAY
• ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Operations Management

Operations Management studies how firms organize their resources and recurring activities in order to be competitive in cost, price, responsiveness and quality. The field stresses quantitative techniques ranging from applied probability to optimization and game theory. Successful applicants will have strong technical and mathematical training, and we particularly encourage applicants with undergraduate degrees in mathematics, economics and/or engineering to apply at the USC Application Portal. A prior background in business is not required.

Research areas: Our faculty are interested in a wide variety of research questions; check their personal webpages for specific examples. Some indicative topics include:

• Revenue management and dynamic pricing
• Data-driven analytics
• Healthcare operations
• Market and auction design
• Sustainability
• Supply-chain and service management

Operations Management and operations research prize interdisciplinary thinking and approaches. Hence, high-quality research often leverages a range of methodologies and tools, including:

• Optimization (linear, nonlinear, combinatorial, data-driven)
• Game Theory
• Queuing Theory
• Stochastic Processes / Applied Probability
• Econometrics
• Machine Learning

High quality research can involve developing new theoretical tools in these areas, application driven case studies, or both.

Our statistics faculty are interested in both pushing the boundaries of theoretical knowledge in the field as well as applied areas. There are many interesting research projects at the intersection of statistics, computer science, econometrics, finance, and marketing. Selected topics include:

• Statistical machine learning
• High­dimensional data analysis
• Computational and statistical limits of "Big data" problems
• Structural learning (such as clustering, sparse recovery and network analysis)
• Multiple hypotheses testing, uncertainty assessment and inference problems
• Finance and econometrics
• Applications in genetics, neuroscience and health care

Cutting­edge research in these areas leverages and builds upon many mathematical tools including:

• Functional data analysis
• Graphical models and iterative algorithms
• Optimization

Collegial, Supportive and Expansive

The DSO Ph.D. program is research-focused, collegial, supportive and highly interactive. Ph.D. students are viewed as “junior colleagues” and are encouraged to become involved in academic research with faculty early in their doctoral studies through the following programs and initiatives:

• Low student-to-faculty ratio coupled with the faculty's "open-door" policy leading to frequent and meaningful collaborations. Unlike many other PhD programs, successful students often collaborate with several different faculty members, both in operations and statistics, throughout their PhD. Successful students typically co-author several papers with faculty members, which are often published in top peer-reviewed journals in the field.
• Presentations by invited faculty from around the world as part of a regular seminar provide an opportunity for students to experience the breadth of the field and meet renowned scholars. Click here for more information.
• Internal brown-bag seminars and colloquia with other research-oriented universities in Southern California

Operations Management Research

Research Environment

The structure of the Ph.D. program permits great flexibility, allowing custom-tailored courses of study emphasizing all areas of specialization within the department. In addition to our own faculty, students typically draw on the distinguished faculty and outstanding resources available throughout the University, most notably in economics, mathematics, industrial and systems engineering, computer science, and the Information Sciences Institute. The Center for Global Supply Chain Management(GSCM) and the Institute for Communication Technology Management (CTM) are also key resources to this program.

Recognized Research Authorities

The Operations Management faculty have served as senior editors and associate editors of premier management journals, including:

• Management Science
• Manufacturing and Service Operations Management
• Naval Research and Logistics
• Operations Research
• Production and Operations Management

Faculty Honors

• Fellows, Production and Operations Management Society
• National Science Foundation Grants

Learn More:   Explore the Data Sciences and Operations department to learn more about current research and faculty activities.

Statistic Research

Research by the statistics faculty emphasizes developing new methodology that grows out of business and public policy applications. In methodology, the statistics faculty's research covers a wide segment of the field of statistics including Bayes and empirical Bayes methods, data mining, categorical data, hidden state Markov models, classification rules, clustering methods, econometric and psychometric models, and general linear models. Applications include finance, marketing, real estate, health policy, defense system testing, computer science and discrimination in employment and in sentencing.

The Statistics faculty members are among the leading authorities of Business Statistics worldwide. One senior Statistics faculty member plays a leading role in the profession's advice to the federal government on statistical methodology. In addition, Statistics faculty members have served as senior editors and associate editors of premier management journals, including:

• Annals of Statistics
• Journal of the American Statistical Association
• The Econometrics Journal
• Journal of Multivariate Analysis
• Statistica Sinica
• Fellow of the American Statistical Association; Noether Young Scholar Award; National Science Foundation Grants; National Science Foundation CAREER Award

Learn More:   Explore the Statistics group to learn more about current research and faculty activities.

Faculty Coordinator:   Vishal Gupta , Associate Professor of DSO

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Sample Course Schedule

• DSO 671: Inventory Models and Supply Chain Management
• GSBA 602: Selected Issues in Economic Theory
• ISE 631: Linear Programming
• Elective (1)
• ISE 538: Elements of Stochastic Processes (or MATH 505B: Applied Probability)
• DSO 677: Dynamic Programming and Markov Decision Processes
• ISE 630: Foundations of Optimization
• GSBA 604: Regression and Generalized Linear Models for Business
• BUCO 634: Communication for Doctoral Students: Conference Papers and Presentations
• Summer Research Paper

Research Development Beginning in the first semester, students will apprentice with a faculty mentor to learn research fundamentals. Typically students are assigned to a new mentor each semester in the first year. During the summer following the first year in the program, students are expected to research and complete a Summer Research Paper.

Screening Examination In addition to the papers and examinations assigned in their first-year courses, a screening process will occur in May at the end of the first year. This process will include a review of each student's grades, an analysis of competence in written communications and a written exam based on the material covered during the first year. The results of the examination help the faculty determine students’ developmental needs and fitness to continue in the program.

• DSO 670: Current Research in Operations management
• 3 electives
• DSO 674: Queuing and Stochastic Networks
• ISE 632: Metwork Flows and Combinatorial Optimization
• 2 electives
• BUCO 633: Communication for Doctoral Students: Foundations of Academic Writing
• BUCO 637: Communication for Doctoral Students: Succeeding as a Teacher
• Independent Dissertation Preparation (2)

Research Development At this stage in the program, the relationships Ph.D. candidates have developed through the research apprentices often lead to collaborative research projects. Ph.D. candidates continue to apprentice faculty with increasing responsibility. They also begin work on their dissertations and are expected to have an approved dissertation proposal before the start of the fourth year.

Teaching Development Ph.D. candidates begin developing teaching skills by serving as a teaching assistant for one or two classes and engaging in teaching skills workshops.

Qualifying Exam The examination qualifying a student for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree is partly written and partly oral, designed, at least in part, to test the student’s fitness to undertake independent research. After successful completion of the qualifying exams, the student is admitted to candidacy.

Research Development Research is the primary activity in the fourth year and beyond. Faculty view Ph.D. candidates as “junior colleagues” and partner to write and present papers.

Teaching Development Ph.D. candidates co-teach one course with a faculty member.

Dissertation Defense & Submission The dissertation is the culminating work of a student’s independent research. In the fourth or fifth year of the program, students complete, defend and submit the dissertation. This is the last step to earn the Ph.D. degree.

STATISTICS REQUIREMENTS

• MATH 541B Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
• ISE 630 Foundations of Optimization
• MATH 507A Theory of Probability or MATH 505a Applied Probability
• MATH 505b Applied Probability or Math 506 Stochastic Processes
• DSO 607 High-Dimensional Statistics and Big Data Problems
• GSBA 604 Regression and Generalized Linear Models for Business
• MATH 541A Introduction to Mathematical Statistics 1 elective

Research Development Beginning in the first semester, students will apprentice with a faculty mentor to learn research fundamentals. Typically students are assigned to a new mentor each semester in the first year. In the summer following the first year in the program, students research and complete a Summer Research Paper.

• MATH 541B Introduction to Mathematical Statistics or MATH 547 Methods of Statistical Inference (if already taken 541B)
• 3 electives (including a graduate level class in a selected business area)
• DSO 599 Special Topics Class

Research Development At this stage in the program, the relationships Ph.D. candidates have developed through the research apprentices often lead to collaborative research projects. Ph.D. candidates continue to apprentice faculty with increasing responsibility. They also begin work on their dissertations.

Qualifying Exam Students are required to complete the qualifying exam by November 1 of their third year. The examination qualifying a student for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree is partly written and partly oral, designed, at least in part, to test the student’s fitness to undertake independent research. After successful completion of the qualifying exams, the student is admitted to candidacy.

The department maintains a highly supportive and collegial atmosphere that fosters close cooperation and coordination among the faculty to ensure the integration of the several specific disciplines represented by individual members of the group. This collaborative imperative guarantees the continued relevance and timeliness of the teaching and research programs.

Student Background: Our students come from all of over the world. They have strong academic backgrounds and bring with them a variety of experiences prior to joining the program.

Rashmi Ranjan Bhuyan

• PhD Candidate in Data Sciences and Operations

Rashmi is a fourth year Ph.D. student in the statistics group at USC Marshall School of Business. He is broadly interested in machine learning and it's application in social science and business.

Sebnem Manolya Demir

• PhD Student in Data Sciences and Operations

Katerina Giannoutsou

Katerina Giannoutsou is a PhD student in the Data Sciences and Operations department in the Marshall School of Business. She previously obtained her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics at New York University and worked as a Research Assistant at the Operations Research Center of MIT where she focused on healthcare operations. Her current research focuses in mechanism design and the dynamics of two-sided platforms.

Sang-Wook Lee

Second year Ph.D. student in Data Sciences and Operations at USC Marshall School of Business

APPLYING TO THE PhD PROGRAM

Dates + deadlines.

December 15, 2023: Application Deadline - Accounting, Data Sciences & Operations, and Management & Organization* 

January 15, 2024: Application Deadline - Finance & Business Economics and Marketing 

The link to the PhD Program application is available on the Admissions page and the next opportunity to apply is for Fall 2024 admission. Late applications may or may not be considered at the discretion of the admissions committee. 

Admissions decisions are made from mid-February to mid-April. You will be notified by email when a decision has been made.

ADMISSIONS CONTACT

Ph.D. Program USC Marshall School of Business 3670 Trousdale Parkway, BRI 306 Los Angeles, California 90089-0809 EMAIL

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Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond

Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner

Becoming a PhD economist can provide a fulfilling and financially secure career path. However, getting started in the field can be daunting if you don’t know much about the preparation you’ll need and the available job opportunities. If you’re wondering what it means to be an economics researcher or how to become one, please read on. We’ll review how to prepare for a career in economics research, what an economics PhD program entails, and what types of opportunities it might bring. Economic education is a core component of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s mission to serve the community. To empower would-be economists, this post provides information for students who seek a career in economics research. We hope this information will be helpful to students interested in economics, regardless of their background and economic situation.  This information is most applicable to students applying to programs in the United States.  

The Breadth of Economics Research  

Academic disciplines conduct research in different ways, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of the types of questions economists ask and how they approach answering them. There are many definitions of economics, but a broadly useful one is the study of how people, organizations, and governments make decisions under different constraints, and how those decisions may affect their outcomes. 

When answering these questions, economists seek to ground their analyses in models and to be quantitatively precise about the effects they assign to any given cause. The range of topics economists can study is wide, but the accepted approaches to answering questions are stricter. Some examples of what economists might ask: 

• How do different public housing programs affect the children who live there? 
• Does a certain type of law encourage businesses to innovate? 
• How will a change in the interest rate affect inflation and unemployment rates? 
• How much does affordable health insurance improve people’s health? 
• How can poor countries eradicate poverty? 

There are many different subfields within economics, including, but not limited to behavioral, econometrics, energy/environmental, development, financial, international, monetary, public, and urban economics. You can familiarize yourself with the latest work in economics by subscribing to working paper series, such as NBER’s New This Week or the New York Fed’s Staff Reports . To get an idea of the breadth of questions economists can answer, you could listen to Stephen Dubner’s “ Freakonomics Radio ” podcast. You may also want to explore the Journal of Economic Perspectives , the New York Fed’s Liberty Street Economics blog, VoxDev , or VoxEU .  

What Is a PhD Program Like?    

Economics PhD programs typically last five to seven years. Unlike masters programs, they are often fully funded with a stipend, though most require students to complete teaching assistant and/or research assistant (RA) work as part of their funding package. In the first two years, students take classes, many of which are mathematically demanding. The rest of the program can include additional classes but is primarily devoted to original research with the aim of producing publishable papers that will constitute the dissertation.  

Faculty advisors are a central part of PhD programs, as students look to them for guidance during the research process. Economics PhD programs are offered within university economics departments, but there are similar programs in public policy and business schools. You can look at their websites to understand any differences in coursework and subsequent job placements. 

What Can You Do with an Economics PhD?  

Upon graduation, students can obtain jobs in a variety of industries. Many PhD students hope to become university professors. Governments and public policy-related institutions such as the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. federal government, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also hire economists to work on policy, lead programs, and conduct research. Finally, economics PhD graduates can also find employment at a variety of private sector companies, including banks, economic consulting firms, and big tech companies. The pay for these different positions can vary. According to the American Economics Association (AEA), the average starting salary for economics assistant professors in 2022-23 was approximately $140,000 at PhD granting institutions and $98,000 at BA granting institutions. 

Programs often publish the placements of their PhD graduates, so you can look online to see specific employment outcomes. See, for example, the University of Maryland’s placements . Ultimately, economists are highly regarded as authorities on a variety of topics. Governments, nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, and non-financial businesses all look to economists to answer important questions about how to best achieve their goals. Thus, earning an economics Ph.D. can potentially help you to influence issues that are important to you. 

Preparing for an Economics PhD Program  

There are several components to an economics PhD program application: college transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Please download the Appendix linked below to learn more about transcripts and letters of recommendation. The Appendix details ways in which you can select coursework, obtain research experience, and develop relationships to position yourself for success as a PhD applicant.  

If you feel that you are too far along in your academic career to take enough of the classes described in the Appendix, this does not necessarily preclude you from pursuing an economics PhD. For example, it’s possible to take some of these classes through a master’s program, or through a pre-doctoral RA job. Some pre-doctoral RA jobs, such as the one here at the New York Fed , may enable you to take classes in preparation for graduate school. If you are concerned about your transcript, reach out to an economist at your university for advice; program standards for coursework and grades vary, and it’s a good idea to get more personalized advice. 

Research Experience   

If you’re interested in becoming an economics researcher and applying to PhD programs, it’s best to get research experience as soon as possible. Working as an RA is a great way to learn how to conduct research and get a better idea of whether it’s the right career path for you. Additionally, it can help you obtain a letter of recommendation for graduate school applications and improve your qualifications.  

All types of academic research can be enriching, but it’s beneficial to gain experience working directly with an economist. To find a position, you can reach out to professors whose work you find interesting or find an RA program at your school. Typical RA tasks may involve data collection and cleaning, as well as running analyses and creating charts to represent results. This is where coding skills become crucial; having taken math, statistics, and econometrics courses will also enable you to take on more responsibilities. 

You may also have the opportunity to conduct your own research, possibly under the supervision of a professor at your university. This research could be self-initiated or part of a course such as a thesis workshop. Self-directed research is a great opportunity to learn about all stages of the research process. It’s also an excellent opportunity to create a writing sample for graduate school applications. Ultimately, though, your motivation for conducting your own research project should be that you want to answer a question.  One thing economists have in common is a love of answering questions using data and theory. 

Research experience is also often obtained after completing an undergraduate or master’s degree. Taking on a full-time RA position before applying to PhD programs is very common and can make you a more competitive applicant. You may either get an RA job working for a professor or participate in a pre-doctoral RA program.  

Research assistant programs are more structured than positions with individual professors or projects, which could be helpful. Universities, parts of the government, think tanks, research organizations, and the Federal Reserve System are all good places to look for research assistant programs. To help you decide which opportunities are most desirable, you may want to ask potential employers : Where do people in this program tend to go afterward? Will I be working directly with an economist? How much of my time will be spent on academic research work? Will I be able to take classes as part of this program? Considering whether an economist will be able to evaluate your performance is an important factor for recommendation letters. The ability to take classes, either through tuition reimbursement or waivers, can also be an important benefit. 

The Research Analyst program here at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is one example of these programs and you should check it out here . The Federal Reserve Board of Governors also has a large program, and many other regional Federal Reserve Banks have similar programs. In addition, the PREDOC website and the  NBER post listings of RA opportunities. J-PAL and IPA also tend to recruit RAs for economic development projects. Another source of RA opportunities is the @econ_ra account on X. 

Who Should Get a PhD in Economics?  

A PhD may not be for everyone, but it is for anyone—people of all genders, religions, ethnicities, races, and national origins have PhDs in economics. Many economists majored in economics, but others majored in math, physics, or chemistry. Because economics is such an integral part of policymaking, it is important that economists come from a wide range of backgrounds so policy can be stronger and more effective. The inclusion of differing perspectives helps ensure that the contribution of economists to work in public policy, academia, and beyond effectively serves the broadest range of society. 

• Coursework Appendix

Kasey Chatterji-Len is a research analyst in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Research and Statistics Group.

Anna Kovner  is the director of Financial Stability Policy Research in the Bank’s Research and Statistics Group.

How to cite this post: Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner, “Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics , May 31, 2024, https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2024/05/thinking-of-pursuing-a-phd-in-economics-info-on-graduate-school-and-beyond/.

You may also be interested in: AEA: Resources for Students

PREDOC: Guidance for Undergraduates

RA Positions-Not at the NBER

Disclaimer The views expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the author(s).

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Liberty Street Economics features insight and analysis from New York Fed economists working at the intersection of research and policy. Launched in 2011, the blog takes its name from the Bank’s headquarters at 33 Liberty Street in Manhattan’s Financial District.

The editors are Michael Fleming, Andrew Haughwout, Thomas Klitgaard, and Asani Sarkar, all economists in the Bank’s Research Group.

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USC: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rate

• Post author By Siena Swift
• Post date May 31, 2024
• No Comments on USC: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rate

The University of Southern California (USC), located in the heart of Los Angeles, California, is the oldest private research university in the western United States. Founded in 1880, USC has made a name for itself among the nation’s elite higher education institutions. USC is ranked #28 (tied with University of Florida, UC Davis and UC San Diego) among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2024. It was also ranked #8 for Best Business Programs (tied with Cornell University, Indiana University–Bloomington and UNC Chapel Hill).

ANOTHER RECORD LOW ACCEPTANCE RATE FOR USC

USC’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 9.2% according to The Daily Trojan . The university also received around 17% more applications compared to last year.

This year’s application cycle was the second since USC began offering an early action admissions option, which required students to apply by Nov. 1 to be considered for merit scholarships. These applicants were either accepted early and considered for scholarships or deferred to the regular decision pool.

Just under 50% of the applicants applied using this new option. USC admitted 7.2% of early action applicants .

Set your child up for college admissions success today

Usc admissions updates.

Homeschooled Applicants: The University of Southern California continues to operate under a test-optional policy. However, for homeschooled applicants, USC “recommends” submitting either SAT or ACT results, AP exam results, transcripts from college courses or other accredited online schooling programs, “if possible.”

International Students: Additionally, international applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency and “may wish” to submit their SAT/ACT exam scores to do so. However, USC also accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test or PTE Academic examinations.

Dean of Admission Timothy Brunold said that the percentage of international students has recovered from previous years.

“ International applicants had begun taking a downward turn, both after the Trump administration came into the White House but also because of the pandemic ,” Brunold said. “ This is probably the first post-pandemic year that is more back to normal. ”

19% of students admitted to the Class of 2028 are from an international community comprised of 87 countries.

New Legal Studies Major: Meanwhile, 60 students were admitted to USC Gould School of Law’s new undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies . “The B.S. in Legal studies is a major designed for students who are looking to become future leaders in the community, the city, the state, the nation and the world. It is also suitable for students wanting to pursue graduate education in various disciplines, including economics, humanities, social science, political science, business, health care, public service and many more, and for anyone who wants to obtain a general understanding of the place of law in contemporary society.”

TTA Takeaway: USC began its Early Action program last year after public calls for a formalized early option. Previously, many students missed out on the chance to qualify for merit scholarships because they were unaware of the earlier December 1 deadline. USC’s Early Action program is non-binding, and applicants are either accepted or deferred to the regular round, so there is really no risk or downside to applying EA besides the more condensed timeline. Interested applicants, especially those looking to secure a merit scholarship, should ensure they have all admissions materials ready early in the fall in order to take advantage of this new opportunity at USC. Additionally, some programs requiring a portfolio have a deadline of December 1. Make sure to carefully review the admissions deadlines on USC’s website .

At Top Tier Admissions, we are committed to making the college admissions process more transparent. Easy access to clear data helps families understand trends in college admissions to make more informed decisions. We’re collecting acceptance rate data at selective schools and providing insight and analysis of our own. For historical data, see our collection of Ivy League and Top College Acceptance Rates and Admissions Statistics , including the Class of 2028 Ivy League admissions data and admissions stats for a range of additional selective schools .

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