Admissions FAQ
Please find answers to frequently asked questions related to the admissions process below. The questions are updated periodically with information relevant to where you may be in your degree exploration and application process, so check back frequently.
General information for doctoral applicants
No, GRE scores are not considered as part of the application.
English language scores must be submitted by the December 1, 2025 deadline.
No, you don’t need agreement from a faculty member to serve as your advisor before applying. If your application is successful you will be assigned a first-year mentor. During your second year, you will have the opportunity to either continue working with your first-year mentor or request a change to another faculty advisor.
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) is not required to apply. However, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree only must demonstrate preparation to undertake graduate level courses and equivalent research skills.
Yes, you are welcome to submit one (but no more than one) professional reference instead of an academic reference letter.
Reference letters should be submitted by the December 1, 2025 deadline.
Yes, you may submit a non-academic writing sample. However, bear in mind that the program is academically oriented and therefore applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic skills in their application.
Yes, you may submit multimedia work as part of your application. However, bear in mind that the program is academically oriented and therefore applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic skills in their application.
No, interviews are not part of the admissions process for the PhD program.
No, the PhD program is offered fully in person at the USC University Park campus in Los Angeles. Admitted students must enroll full time, and are expected to be in person for coursework and teaching or research assistant duties.
No, the University does not allow PhD students to work outside the program during the academic year.
General information for graduate applicants
Call Annenberg Admissions at (213) 821-0770 Monday through Friday, 9 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 4:30 p.m. PT, or email our office at ascadm@usc.edu to arrange a virtual appointment.
Application requirements provide detailed instructions on deadlines and required supplemental materials that you must submit via the application. Requirements are posted on the Graduate Applicants page.
First, review the academic pages for each degree program on the USC Annenberg website. Second, attend a virtual graduate information session which feature a faculty presenter and a USC Annenberg admission officer.
Preparing for graduate admissions
Review the application requirements and follow the instructions. When you have questions, contact USC Annenberg Admissions at (213) 821-0770 or ascadm@usc.edu
If you receive an email from USC Graduate Admission, you must respond to that office immediately. Refer to the USC FAQ.
Once your application is submitted, you may not edit, change, or revise any supplemental materials. Review your materials carefully before uploading to your online application.
You may apply for admission to a maximum of three degree programs per term. Applications to additional programs in a single term will not be considered.
Plan to sit for your English-language proficiency test one month prior to the application deadline and no later than 10-days after the application deadline. Refer to USC English Language Requirements for details.
Preparing to enroll in a graduate degree program
PhD admission decisions are usually released in mid-February. Master’s degree admission decisions are usually released in late March. Dates may vary without advanced notice.
There is no enrollment deposit for USC Annenberg graduate degree programs.
If you are offered admission and choose not to enroll, you may decline the offer of admission on the USC student portal. The link is provided in your admission notification.
All USC Annenberg students must consult with a graduate adviser before course registration. Graduate advisers will contact enrolling students beginning in June for degree programs that start in the summer and in July for degree programs that start in August. There will be ample space in required courses for all admitted students.
General information for undergraduate applicants
USC Annenberg offers three undergraduate majors — communication, journalism, and public relations. Learn more about each major on their respective pages on the USC Annenberg website.
USC Admission counselors are the primary point of contact to help you navigate the application and admission process and to answer any questions that may arise. You have an assigned USC admission counselor who is responsible for your high school or geographic area. USC Annenberg admission officers are experts on USC Annenberg majors, faculty, facilities, programs, and the student experience. We are available to answer questions about USC Annenberg and meet you at Annenberg information sessions and USC Admission programs.
Arrange a campus tour and admissions overview through USC Admission. If your time is limited, you may register to attend the USC Annenberg information session only.
If these options do not work for you, contact USC Annenberg Admissions at (213) 821-0770 or ascadm@usc.edu at least seven days in advance to schedule an individual visit which will include a meeting with an admissions officer and a building tour, Monday to Friday only.
Without a scheduled visit, walk-ins may meet with a USC Annenberg Admissions representative Monday through Friday, 9–11:30 a.m. and 1–4:30 p.m. PT. Contact our office at (213) 821-0770 or ascadm@usc.edu to confirm the location.
If these options do not work for you, contact USC Annenberg Admissions at (213) 821-0770 or ascadm@usc.edu at least seven days in advance to schedule an individual visit which will include a meeting with an admissions officer and a building tour, Monday to Friday only.
Without a scheduled visit, walk-ins may meet with a USC Annenberg Admissions representative Monday through Friday, 9–11:30 a.m. and 1–4:30 p.m. PT. Contact our office at (213) 821-0770 or ascadm@usc.edu to confirm the location.
All undergraduate applications are read, and admission decisions are made by USC Admission counselors.