MS in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

Admissions Requirements

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Admission Information

Applicants to this master’s program are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in science (usually biology, chemistry or physics) from an accredited college or university. Generally, required courses include: at least one year of college-level biology, chemistry through organic chemistry, mathematics through calculus, and one year of college-level physics. Students who do not meet all requirements may still apply, and admission will be decided on a case-by-case basis. In general, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.

Application Components

*** APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED UNTIL ALL COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED AND PROCESSED ***

  • Completed online application Admissions Deadline: May 1st

    • Statement of purpose (1-2 pages)
      Why are you interested in pursuing the Master of Science in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology degree? How will this degree affect or enhance your career aspirations and goals?
    • Resume or CV
    • Three letters of recommendation of which at least two are from an academic institution.
      Letters may be submitted by the following methods:

      • Recommenders upload the letter through the Graduate Admissions Online Application
      • Recommenders mail the letter to the USC Office of Graduate Admission at the address below.
    • Transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions should be sent to one of the addresses below:

    If sending your transcripts via regular mail, use this address:

    • University of Southern California
      USC Office of Graduate Admission
      3601 South Flower Street, Room 112
      Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

    If sending your transcripts via courier service, such as DHL or FedEx, use this address:

    • University of Southern California
      USC Office of Graduate Admission and Financial Aid
      3601 South Flower Street, Tyler 112
      Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915
      Phone: (213) 740-1111

    Standardized test score

      • GRE: Not Required
      • MCAT: Alternatively, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores may be provided and will be considered in place of the GRE if they are a minimum of 500. (GRE scores may be requested on a case-by-case basis.)
    • Official transcripts from all foreign institutions attended
    • Official TOEFL/IELTS scores
    • Statement for Financing Studies at USC

    Please consult the International Student section of the Graduate Admissions site for more information.

  • English Language Proficiency and TOEFL/IELTS

    All applicants who earned undergraduate degrees in a non-English speaking country are required to submit their TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)/ IELTS ( International English Language Testing System) scores.
    Note:

    • The TOEFL/IELTS is not required for international students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
    • Records of TOEFL scores are purged after 2 years.

    To avoid delays in processing your application, we suggest you request that your test scores be sent to USC Graduate Admissions at the time you pre-register.

    Please visit https://gradadm.usc.edu/lightboxes/international-students-english-proficiency/ for more information.

  • In order to enter the U.S. for academic study, all international applicants must prove that they have the financial resources to meet expected costs of their educational program and living expenses. Before you receive your visa, you must provide documented evidence of these resources. Please include your sponsor’s name, address and source of income, all of which must be verified by bank stamp or a United States Consul. If your home government or other official agency (e.g. Fulbright, AMIDEAST) is providing your financial support, you must submit similar documentation. For more information and guidelines, please visit the USC Graduate Admissions website.

  • Once admitted as an international student to the MMI Program, you will receive either an I-20 or IAP-66 Eligibility Certificate from the Office of Graduate and International Admissions. After receiving the I-20 or IAP-66, you must apply for a visa to enter the U.S. via a United States Embassy or Consulate. Any student entering the U.S. using USC-issued documents must register for the semester to which admission is granted. For additional information, please go to obtaining a visa to attend USC.

    For further information contact:
    Office of Graduate and International Admissions
    University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, CA 90089-9024
    Telephone: (213) 740-7296
    Fax: (213) 740-7577
    or visit: https://gradadm.usc.edu/apply/international-students/

    USC Office of International Services
    The Office of International Services (OIS) provides continuing support services for international students. Professionally trained counselors and student peer counselors are available to advise international students on important issues such as immigration regulations, academic progress, financial concerns, housing and cross-cultural adjustment. Through this office, students can receive information about social and cultural activities.

    For more information, please contact OIS at:
    Telephone: (213) 740-2666
    Fax: (213) 740-5194
    Email: ois@usc.edu
    or visit: sait.usc.edu/ois

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