General FAQs about Business Emphases
The FAQs only apply to the Emphases in Business Analytics, Communication, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Finance, Leadership & Innovation, Marketing, Real Estate Finance, and Risk Management.
Do students need to receive a specific grade in the required course, and is there a minimum overall GPA required for students to declare the emphasis?
There is no grade requirement for the required course or GPA requirement to declare an undergraduate business emphasis, but keep in mind students need a minimum 2.0 overall cumulative GPA and 2.0 GPA in upper division courses applied to their major to meet graduation requirements. We do strongly recommend students to assess their interest in the undergraduate business area and other emphases options.
Are there any restrictions on how many students will be admitted to each Emphasis?
No, all students who meet the criteria may declare the undergraduate business emphasis.
When can students declare an Emphasis?
Students must have sophomore standing (minimum 32 completed units), complete one semester in residence at USC, and complete the gateway course, if required, before declaring the undergraduate business emphasis. Students are required to declare their undergraduate business emphasis during the semester declaration periods and can view the declaration timeline on the undergraduate business emphasis main page.
How long does it typically take for students to receive an update about their Emphasis declaration?
Students will be notified of their undergraduate business declaration decision by the published notification dates for the cycle they submit their emphasis declaration application. Notification dates are listed on the undergraduate business emphasis declaration timeline.
Are students required to declare an Emphasis?
Students who wish to specialize and focus in a specific area can declare an Emphasis, although it is not required. Students may earn a B.S. in Business Administration (no emphasis) by completing the required twelve (12) units of upper division electives which can be mixed across different business areas. The general degree provides students more flexibility to bridge various areas of interest together. More information on Marshall upper division electives can be found here.
Can students declare more than one Emphasis?
No, students can declare only one Emphasis.
What if a student wants to change their Emphasis to a different one, or drop it?
If students want to change or drop their undergraduate business emphasis, they will need to resubmit the emphasis declaration application during the semester declaration periods. Students will need to complete the gateway course, if required, prior to declaring the new undergraduate business emphasis and plan to complete the upper division coursework. Students who plan to switch their undergraduate business emphasis and are declared with a Marshall minor should review the details on Marshall majors pursuing Marshall minors and connect with their assigned academic advisor to confirm if there are any restrictions.
Will the emphasis reflect on students' diploma?
The emphasis will not be reflected on students' diploma, but it will be reflected on their degree progress records.
Will students automatically be declared for the Emphasis if they complete all requirements for the Emphasis?
No, students must complete the emphasis declaration application within the semester declaration periods to declare the undergraduate business emphasis after they complete the gateway course, if required. Students must declare prior to graduating and having their degrees conferred to ensure the undergraduate business emphasis reflects on their degree records.