USC MBV Program

MBV isn’t an MBA replacement; it’s a purpose-built program for veterans/active duty who want business fundamentals, camaraderie, and access to USC’s network.

• Launched 2013; confers Master of Business for Veterans degree.
• 1-year, weekend format in Los Angeles (in-person only).
• ~500 alumni.
• Total cost ≈ $56K; no internal scholarships.

Veterans in USC’s Exec MBA weren’t getting fundamentals. MBV fills gaps (accounting, markets, leadership) and keeps veteran cohort cohesion. Great for mid/late 30s operators who can’t pause career for a 2-year MBA.

Fall (12 units): Accounting, market analysis, communications, labor/customer/financial markets, stats/decision analysis, new ventures, managerial accounting/ops/marketing/HR.

Spring (13 units): Strategy formulation, financial growth, comparative management, product/market strategy, leadership/communication, macroeconomics, real estate law, finance, strategy capstone.

Classes run on weekends to accommodate working vets.

• App opens Sep 1; decisions by Dec 1; final deadline May 20; transcripts by May 30.
• Fee waiver with DD214/orders.
• Requirements: accredited 4-year degree, ≥3 years military leadership, math competency, resume, transcripts, rec letters. No GMAT/GRE.

• Board of Counselors (senior business leaders) provide mentorship/networking.
• Resume coaching, interview prep, access to Marshall Career Resource Center.
• Corporate partnerships + alumni referrals.
• No published placement stats because cohort goals vary widely.

• Alumni reported in finance, tech, real estate, Disney, non-profit, aerospace/defense.
• Estimated cost $54.6K (tuition + books + parking; lodging extra).
• Financing: Federal Stafford, Grad PLUS, private loans (see USC Financial Aid site).

Great for older, mid-career vets—senior officers/NCOs—especially if you want to work in California and keep working while in school. Younger vets chasing structured recruiting pipelines may be better served by traditional MBAs.