Start your graduate coursework at Bovard College while pursuing your undergraduate studies and get ready to lead.
Accelerate Your Path to Leadership with a Progressive Degree
The world of work is changing quickly, and employers are looking for job candidates who are prepared for the challenges facing industries today.
With seven master’s programs that provide advanced skills in high-growth areas, USC Bovard College is uniquely positioned at the university to help you gain a foothold in your chosen career. All degree programs at Bovard College are offered completely online, giving you the flexibility to fit graduate-level coursework into your current course load. Once your undergraduate coursework is completed, you can even get started on your career while finishing your graduate courses.
Pursuing a progressive degree could reduce the amount of time – and cost – to completing a master’s degree at USC.
Save Time, Gain Advantage
- Start as soon as you’re ready with courses available year-round
- Fast-track your success with a streamlined curriculum of preregistered classes
- Learn from experienced faculty-practitioners who are experts in their fields
- With classes 100% online and in the evenings, you can start your career while actively taking graduate coursework
USC Bovard College Degree Offerings
USC Bovard College graduate programs provide the advanced skills you need to gain a competitive edge in high-growth career fields. Our focus is offering a student-centered and supportive learning environment, for students looking to accelerate their careers with specialized knowledge.
MS in Applied Analytics
The Master of Science in Applied Analytics (MSAA) program offers a unique and relevant opportunity to prepare students to advance their knowledge in the fields of analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). This applied learning program emphasizes the importance of a well-formulated business strategy for the appropriate use of analytics and AI to add value and contribute to business performance, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective leaders across industries.
MS in Project Management
The Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program emphasizes the strategic role that project management plays in the performance of global organizations, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective leaders. In our program, students will explore the full spectrum of project management concepts and methodologies, build business relationship skills, examine essential management processes, and apply them to real-world projects.
Master of Management in Library and Information Science
The Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) allows students to explore leadership and management strategies to prepare them for high-level career paths while learning information science fundamentals. In this ALA-accredited program, students will implement futurist strategies and deploy digital tools and technologies for the responsible use of information systems and services.
MS in Human Resource Management
The Master of Science in Human Resource Management program emphasizes the strategic role that human resources plays in the performance of global organizations, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective HR leaders. Students will examine the full spectrum of human capital management concepts, learn about key HR processes, and explore key topics that are increasingly important to HR, including managing in a global context, HR technology, and corporate social responsibility.
MS in Emergency Management
The Master of Science in Emergency Management program prepares students to navigate and collaborate across complex and interdependent governmental, non-profit, and business organizations and systems that are crucial to protecting communities from natural and human-made hazards and emergencies. Through courses in critical infrastructure, disaster planning, and operational coordination, students will develop strategic, tactical, and decision-making skills that address all phases of emergencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
MS in Criminal Justice
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program will enable students to develop as ethical and skilled decision-makers in the various branches of criminal justice. In addition to foundational theories of criminology and criminal justice, students will learn to evaluate research and use statistical data to assess the efficacy of policies and practices in criminal justice. Students in the program will have the opportunity to learn from a dedicated faculty of interdisciplinary experts in law enforcement, community supervision, law, policy, and homeland security.
MS in Hospitality and Tourism
The Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism program will prepare students to lead in the hospitality and tourism industry. Through courses that address topics such as globalization and innovation, students will explore key programmatic themes of sustainability and ethical business practice. Additionally, students will learn how to make evidence-based decisions through courses in financial management, data analytics, and applied research methods specific to the hospitality and tourism industry.
What Our Grads are Saying
“USC’s MSHRM program provided me with the crucial skills and confidence to pivot into client-facing, strategic human resources. I gained not only a solid foundation in HR practices but also a network that continues to grow beyond graduation.”
Chelsea Thompson ’23
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
“As I progress through my career as a project manager, I can largely attribute this program to enabling me to better and more confidently manage large and challenging projects within my organization.”
Adam DeMille ’20
Master of Science in Project Management
“Research and data analysis from the program now directly influence how I approach crime trend analysis, risk assessments, and resource allocation…I went from being someone who executes policy to someone who can contribute to changing it.”
Ivan Ramirez ’23
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
“[The MMLIS] program has exposed me to so many different professional careers. [I’m excited to explore] different pathways, what’s possible with [changes in] technology, and how we can use it to help others.”
Shanice Watkins ’26
Master of Management in Library and Information Science
“The MSHRM program prepared me to transition into HR. My experience in the program empowered me to make double my previous salary and exceed my leaders’ expectations.”
Charli Gross ’21
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
While classified as undergraduates, progressive degree students are assessed the undergraduate tuition rate, and their enrollment status and financial aid eligibility are determined by undergraduate standards.
While classified as graduate students, progressive degree students are assessed the graduate tuition rate, and their enrollment status and financial aid eligibility are determined by graduate standards.
If a student is classified as an undergraduate student and is taking enough overall units to qualify for flat rate tuition, the master’s degree units will be included in the flat rate tuition. Otherwise, tuition will be charged at the normal per-unit rate.
Upon admission to a Progressive Degree program, students are responsible for ensuring their undergraduate expected graduation date aligns with the date on their proposed Progressive Degree Course Plan.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office determines aid eligibility based on a student’s class level (undergraduate or graduate). When classified as undergraduates, progressive degree students are considered eligible for undergraduate-level aid. Visit the Progressive Degrees webpage on the Financial Aid website for more information. Please note, limited funding may be available through the Financial Aid Office for students planning to take classes in the Summer semester.
Progressive degree students are strongly encouraged to connect with Financial Aid to learn more about how a PDP will affect their unique financial aid eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a progressive degree at USC?
The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) enables superior USC undergraduate students to accelerate the completion of a USC master’s degree. Pursuing a progressive degree can deepen your education and further prepare you for your future career.
How do I fit a progressive degree into my current plan of study?
Undergraduate students must have a Course Plan approved by their undergraduate advisor in order to apply to a progressive degree program at Bovard College. The plan will lay out when a student’s remaining undergraduate courses, as well as graduate-level courses, will be taken.
Bovard College programs are designed with our students in mind. Courses are delivered 100% online on weekday evenings, ideal for working professionals or students who take classes during the day. Our programs are streamlined at 24 units (with the exception of our ALA-accredited MMLIS program, which is 36 units), with no electives, so you stay focused on your path to earning your graduate degree.
Is there a time limit on completing my degree?
The time limit for completing a Progressive Degree is 12 semesters starting from the student’s first term in college, regardless of whether that term was at USC or elsewhere.
Transfer students who took coursework part-time prior to transferring to USC should reach out to PDP@bovardcollege.usc.edu.
I’m a transfer student. Do my courses count?
Yes, transfer credits count, but AP courses do not.
Do any of my undergraduate courses count towards my coursework at Bovard College?
PDP students must fulfill all specified degree requirements for both their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, respectively. Because of our focused curriculum, undergraduate credits do not count toward Bovard College courses. Students must take all 12 courses in their master’s program.
How are Bovard College programs structured? Do you follow the same semester system as undergraduate courses at USC?
Bovard College does not follow the same academic calendar as undergraduate courses.
Our programs consist of 12 courses. Each course lasts 8 weeks, or half of a semester. If you plan to take more than one course per semester while you are still in undergraduate status, plan to take one course the first 8 weeks and another course the second 8 weeks of the semester.
You may take between one course per term and four courses per term. Classes are offered in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Are there any in-person requirements?
No, students are not required to come to campus or attend any classes or events in person. However, students enrolled in our online programs have the same access to campus resources as on-ground students. Students are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony at University Park Campus in May.
Will my diploma indicate that I earned my degree online?
No. There will be no indication on the diploma of whether you earned your master’s degree online or on campus.
Is there an Orientation for new students? Is it on campus?
Our Academic department hosts an online Orientation for each incoming class. Orientation is 100% online and self-paced. It provides students an opportunity to test-drive the learning management platform that they will utilize for coursework and engage with their peers through discussion forums and optional live online sessions via Zoom.
How will students engage and interact in the online classroom environment?
Our classrooms are interactive with discussion boards on Canvas and weekly live classroom sessions via Zoom. Several assignments will encourage group work. The goal of the program is to give you a sense of community, the same that you would experience in an in-person classroom.
Contact Information
Email pdp@bovardcollege.usc.edu with any questions about USC Bovard College’s Progressive Degree Program.