USCNeuroscienceUniversity of Southern California

Program Info

Dates and tuition are specific to the 2027 intake.

Historical admission data is not published.

Statement of purpose

Maximum 2 pages; 1-inch margins and 12-point font.

CV or resume

Required.

Examples of research works

Optional

Optional; e.g., published articles if available.

Recommendation letters x 3

Minimum of three; letters must be received by the application deadline.

Academic transcripts

Undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

Official sources are the final authority

Academic: Bachelor's degree; No hard GPA cutoff published. Holistic review includes undergraduate GPA (and graduate GPA if applicable) and performance in upper-division courses.
Prerequisites: Relevant academic background; No specific course prerequisites required; basic science coursework recommended. Relevant research or practical experience is an important admissions factor.
IELTS: 7.0 overall (6.0 each band); For international applicants. USC PhD ISE placement/exemption threshold.
TOEFL: New scale: 5.0 overall (4.0 each section) | Old scale: 100 overall (20 each section); For international applicants. USC PhD ISE placement/exemption thresholds for tests from 21 Jan 2026.; For international applicants. USC PhD ISE placement/exemption threshold; no separate university-wide admissions minimum. New scale applies to tests from 21 Jan 2026.
GRE: Optional; Not required; scores may be submitted. Use USC ETS code 4852.