The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) allows undergraduate students to accelerate the completion of a USC Master’s degree. For full details about PDP requirements and Financial Aid Eligibility, visit USC’s Progressive Degree Program website.

If you have any questions, feel free to email the PDP advisor, Susan Vaswani (sath@usc.edu).

Application Process

Click on a Progressive Degree Program (to the right) to learn more about eligibility requirements, prerequisites, and degree requirements.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply:

  1. Fill out the PDP application form with your remaining undergraduate degree requirements and PDP requirements.
  2. Courses that fulfill your undergraduate degree requirements should have an X or check mark for “UG” = undergraduate credit. Courses that fulfill your PDP degree requirements should have an X or check mark for “GR” = graduate credit. A course cannot be marked for both UG and GR credit.
  3. Send the completed form to the PDP advisor and undergraduate advisor(s) for review. If no corrections need to be made to the PDP course plan, advisors will sign the form. If corrections need to be made, advisors will discuss changes with you via email or during a scheduled meeting.
  4. Ask professors to send a letter of recommendation to the PDP advisor. Two letters of recommendation from professors are required for applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.5. One letter of recommendation is required for applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  5. Once all application materials are submitted, you will receive admission results within 2 weeks.

 

Applied Mathematics M.A.

To prepare students for research, teaching, and other professional careers in applied mathematics.

Applied Mathematics M.S.

For individuals who are seeking careers involving mathematical applications.

Mathematics M.A.

To prepare students for research, teaching, and other professional careers in mathematics.

Mathematical Finance M.S.

For individuals who seek a rigorous foundation in the economic theory and mathematical modeling of financial markets.

Statistics M.S.

For individuals seeking rigorous knowledge and application of statistics and statistical methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We accept applications on a rolling basis, therefore there is no specific deadline.

  • It’s recommended to request a letter of recommendation from faculty members in the Department of Mathematics or a related discipline. Although letters from active USC professors are preferred, letters from previous USC professors are accepted.

    The letters can be short, generally 2 paragraphs to 1 page. Professors can email the letter directly to the PDP advisor or attach it as a PDF file in their email.

  • All Progressive Degree Program applicants should review information on the Financial Aid website for details about how Progressive Degree programs can impact aid including need-based, merit-based, tuition assistance and tuition exchange.

  • No. Students are only permitted to pursue one PDP at USC. You may apply for more than one PDP, but if you receive multiple admission offers, you must only accept one program.

  • Yes. If you are accepted into another graduate program outside of USC and decide to accept the admission offer, you are welcome to withdraw your PDP application. If you have already started the PDP, you can also withdraw from the program. Please note: once a student withdraws from the PDP, they cannot re-apply.

  • No. An undergraduate-level course cannot waive or substitute a graduate-level course required for the PDP. Although topics might sound similar, the graduate-level courses often cover the topic in more depth and may introduce new topics.

  • Although there is no official maximum, we recommend no more than 2-3 graduate courses per semester.