PDP vs. a Traditional Master's Degree
The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) gives continuing USC undergraduates another path to earning a Master’s degree from USC. The main advantages to a Progressive Degree are: 1) the option to start graduate-level classes during the senior year, and 2) a reduction in units required for the Master’s Degree.
The traditional master’s degree program remains an option for USC students and in some cases may be preferable to a Progressive Degree. Students are advised to consult with their undergraduate advisors, their faculty and the Viterbi Admission and Student Affairs Office (RTH 110) prior to deciding which of these two options, Progressive Degree or Traditional Master’s Degree, to pursue. The table below summarizes some of the differences in these two programs for current students in the Viterbi School.
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Progressive Degree
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Traditional Masters
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Minimum GPA to apply
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3.2
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None
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Unit restriction to apply
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64-95 eligible units
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None
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GRE requirement
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None
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None, if USC GPA >3.2 Required, if USC GPA <3.2
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Application fee
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None
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None
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Application process
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Multiple steps, see below
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Online application
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Supporting documents required
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Proposed Course Plan; Two Faculty recommendations; PDP application worksheet
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Varies. None for many Engineering MS programs
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Typical term to apply
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Junior Year, fall or spring
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Senior Year, spring
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Time limit to complete
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12 Semesters total, Bachelor’s and Master’s
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5 years, Masters only
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Units required, Master’s Degree
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Varies. Reduction of Master’s by up to 1/3
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Varies. No reduction.
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