New Student Events: DMA/PhD


USC Graduate Student Orientation

Online
All students who are new to USC (both domestic and international) are encouraged to attend USC’s Graduate Orientation. Details about Welcome Trojans orientation events for graduate students will be sent to your USC email address. More information will be made available at the USC Orientation website.

USC Thornton Graduate Student Orientation

Online starting July 17
All new graduate students, including those who hold bachelor’s degrees from USC, will be provided information regarding academic expectations, entrance exams, academic advisement, and registration for fall classes. Orientation materials and details will be hosted online, with more information to be sent to students by July 17.

Fall Course Registration Information
Please note that registration for fall classes will be part of Thornton Graduate Student Orientation. You will not register for classes until then. You may see a note in your myUSC landing page that references your ability to register for classes now, but you will not register until early August as part of Thornton Graduate Student Orientation.

Music Graduate Entrance Exams (MGEEs)

Online exams from August 10-11, in-person exams on August 15
See detailed information on the Music Graduate Entrance Examinations (MGEE) website. The fall administration of the MGEEs will take place in August. Some exams will be administered online from August 10-11, while some in-person exams will take place on Tuesday, August 15. Please review the MGEE website on a regular basis for the most up-to-date information.

It is essential for all students to take their exams prior to beginning their coursework. Failure to do so may delay progress in the degree program. Students who hold a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts degree from the Thornton School of Music are exempt from any examination in fields in which they have taken comparable coursework.

Teaching Assistant Training

August 17, in-person
All teaching assistants are required to participate in this mandatory training session. TAs will be contacted separately with specific details. Contact the Thornton Office of Admission if you have any questions.

USC Thornton Welcome Events

No earlier than August 14
USC Thornton hosts special welcome events in late August for all new incoming Thornton students. More information will be shared about these events when details are finalized.

Registration and Tuition Deadline

August 18, 5:00PM
All new students must register for fall classes and pay their tuition by 5:00PM on Friday, August 18. Failure to meet this deadline may result in late registration and/or late settlement fees. Students are encouraged to pay their bills online at usc.edu/uscepay.