Masters of Professional Writing Program

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How to Apply

Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer semesters.

USC Graduate Admissions offers a web-based application in order to make the application process as easy and convenient as possible for you. Applications submitted electronically receive the same consideration as applications submitted on paper, and, with timely submission of required supporting documents, will be reviewed more quickly. Once you create your account, you will receive a PIN and password so that you can return to work on your application over several sessions. Only after you submit your application will it be available for review by our admissions committee.

Supporting Documents

Please upload the following two items in the "supporting documents" section of the online application:

  1. Statement of Purpose for applying to the Master of Professional Writing program at USC College
    There is no minimum or maximum page length requirement. Most applicants submit 2 - 3 pages.
  2. Ten-page maximum writing sample — you may include samples from various genres

Letters of Recommendation

You will need three letters of recommendation. The online application allows you to e-mail your recommenders and request that they send their recommendations directly to your online application. Your recommenders may also mail them to the USC Office of Admission. If you receive hard copies of your recommendations, you may scan and upload them in your online application in the "Supporting Documents" section or mail them to the USC Office of Admission.

University of Southern California
USC Office of Admission and Financial Aid
GRADUATE
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

Important Note: If your recommenders submit your letters to your online application, or you upload them as supporting documents to your online application, we will receive them immediately. If your letters are mailed, it may take up to 5 weeks before they are scanned by the Office of Admission and before we can view and print them to include with your application.

In addition, please submit the following materials to the Office of Admission:

  • Required application fee — waived for current USC staff, current USC faculty, and USC alumni
  • Official GRE scores
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Affidavit of Support (international applicants)

Mail these documents to:
University of Southern California
USC Office of Admission and Financial Aid
GRADUATE
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

Since your application must be processed by the USC Graduate Admission office before it can be acted on by the MPW office, please mail the above materials as soon as possible.