FAQ

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What are the highlights of the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations?
The M.A. in Strategic Public Relations degree program equips students with the skill set to succeed in agency, non-profit,corporate or government public relations. The focus is on strategic rather than reactive public relations. To better prepare students for the day-to-day realities of strategic communication and crisis, the program features lecturers from top agencies and corporations in Southern California.

What is the admission period for the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations? What is the deadline?
Admission is limited to the fall term. The application deadline for admission and merit scholarship consideration is Jan. 3, 2012 for U.S. domestic and permanent residents. For that same consideration, international students must apply by Dec. 1, 2011. Please refer to the graduate application guidelines for specific instructions.

How long does the program take to complete?
The M.A. in Strategic Public Relations is a 40-unit program that full-time students complete in two years. An 18 month option is available.

When are the classes offered?
Most of the courses required to complete the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations are offered in the late afternoon or evening.

How many people apply? Are admitted? Enroll?
For fall 2011, 176 applications were received. Of those applicants, 122 were admitted and 73 enrolled.

What were the average GPA and GRE scores of those who enrolled in the M.A. in Strategic Public Relations in Fall 2011?
The enrolled class had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.36 and an average GRE score of 1188 (verbal + quantitative sections combined) and 4.0 GRE-writing. The fall 2011 class profile will be posted after August 22.

What are the minimum admission requirements?
USC Graduate School requires the equivalent of a four-year US bachelor degree, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and minimum GRE scores of 1,000 (verbal + quantitative sections combined).  In additional, USC Annenberg requires international students to earn a minimum TOEFL score of 114-115 (IBT).