Social Entrepreneurship

The Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship offers students a unique combination of business entrepreneurship skills delivered within the context of achieving both social and financial missions.

The courses focus entirely on the business aspects of social entrepreneurship including feasibility, planning, marketing, management, finance and execution. Social, environmental and health issues are integrated into the readings, cases, teaching, guest lectures, exercises and assignments. The program also includes a for-credit practical capstone project in which students have the option to develop a business plan for a new social enterprise.

This program requires 30 units and can be completed in one year (full time) or 2 or more years (part time). Courses are offered in the evenings and on weekends on the University Park Campus in downtown Los Angeles.

The Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship requires 30 units.

Required Courses

• BAEP 553 Cases in New Venture Management Units: 1.5, 3
• (normally 3 units)
• BAEP 564 Investing in Impact Ventures Units: 3
• BAEP 566 Cases in Feasibility Analysis for Social Ventures Units: 3
• BAEP 591 Social Entrepreneurship Units: 2, 3
• (normally 2 units)
• GSBA 510 Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting Units: 1.5, 2, 3
• (normally 2 units)
• GSBA 528 Marketing Management Units: 3
• GSBA 529 Strategic Formulation for Competitive Advantage Units: 3
• GSBA 548 Corporate Finance Units: 2, 3
• (normally 2 units)
• Capstone (normally 3 units)
• BAEP 593 Independent Research in Business Entrepreneurship Units: 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4,
• or
• BAEP 554 Venture Initiation Units: 3

Elective Courses

Complete at least 6 units of 500-level ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, DSO, FBE, GSBA, MKT or MOR course work to reach 30 units. (Enrollment in electives is subject to satisfaction of any prerequisite requirements in addition to the 30 units required for the degree.)

Total units: 30

• Four-year undergraduate degree, or international equivalent. Applicants in the process of finishing an undergraduate degree may apply, with acceptance contingent on finishing the undergraduate degree.
• A completed online application, including two short essays, a professional résumé, and one letter of recommendation.
• Application fee: $150.
• If you are an International student who did not spend 4 years completing a bachelor's degree at an American, British, Canadian or Australian college or university, you must submit proof of proficiency in English by way of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report (Educational Testing Service's TOEFL school code for USC is 4852), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Transcripts
• Recommendations
• Interviews

The University of Southern California offers various funding options for students pursuing Social Entrepreneurship studies. These include scholarships, fellowships, grants, and assistantships designed to support students financially throughout their academic journey. Scholarships are available to incoming and current students based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and commitment to social impact. USC awards merit-based scholarships that may cover partial or full tuition fees, allowing students to focus on their studies and projects without excessive financial burden. Fellowships are also available, providing stipends to students engaged in research or applied social entrepreneurship projects, encouraging innovative solutions to social issues. Grants may be accessible for specific projects, particularly those that demonstrate potential for significant societal impact, fostering practical experience alongside academic learning. Teaching and research assistantships are offered within the university to help students earn income while gaining valuable professional experience, often requiring work in teaching, administrative roles, or research support related to social entrepreneurship themes. Furthermore, external funding sources such as government grants, private foundations, and corporate sponsorships can complement university-funded options, enabling students to pursue internships, fieldwork, and community initiatives essential for their development as social entrepreneurs. Students are also encouraged to explore crowdfunding platforms and social venture competitions that provide seed funding for ambitious projects. The university’s Career Center and financial aid office offer personalized counseling to guide students through applying for these opportunities, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic and professional growth. Overall, USC provides a comprehensive array of financing options tailored to support students in social entrepreneurship, emphasizing accessibility and the practical application of social innovation skills learned during their studies.

The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive program in Social Entrepreneurship designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop innovative solutions to social problems. This program emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking, strategic management, and a deep understanding of societal issues, aiming to prepare graduates to lead impactful social ventures. Students have the opportunity to engage in practical projects, internships, and collaborative initiatives that foster experiential learning. The curriculum often includes courses on social innovation, nonprofit management, impact measurement, and sustainable business practices, guided by faculty members who are experts in the field of social impact. USC’s program encourages entrepreneurship within the social sector, promoting the development of ventures that are financially sustainable while creating positive societal change. Moreover, students are supported through partnerships with social enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and businesses committed to social responsibility. The program is suitable for those passionate about making a difference in communities around the world and interested in exploring careers in social enterprise, nonprofit leadership, impact investing, and related fields. Networking opportunities, seminars, and events with industry leaders further enhance the educational experience, allowing students to gain insights and establish valuable connections in the social entrepreneurship sector. The university’s location in Los Angeles offers students access to a diverse and vibrant social enterprise community, providing additional opportunities for engagement and real-world impact. The program's interdisciplinary approach integrates business, law, public policy, and social sciences, ensuring graduates are well-rounded and prepared to tackle complex social challenges. (Since exact details are not provided on USC’s official website specific to a dedicated Social Entrepreneurship program, this description is based on related programs and typical features of USC’s innovative education initiatives in social impact fields.)