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*Transfer units, including AP and IB units, and all units completed at USC, including both undergraduate- and
graduate-level coursework during any semester, count toward the 144-unit limit. If applicants transferred pre-
matriculation units, including AP or IB units, they should request a Progressive Degree Status Check to
determine how many undergraduate units remain before they transition to graduate status. In rare cases, transfer
course work that does not count toward subject requirements, electives or the bachelor degree program’s
minimum unit requirement may increase the 144-unit threshold. Again, upon completing 144 units a student
transitions from undergraduate to graduate status.
3.
Progressive degree program students are subject
to undergraduate academic progress standards while
in
undergraduate status and to the master’s academic progress standards while in graduate status.
4.
While classified as undergraduates, students are assessed the undergraduate tuition rate, and their enrollment
status and financial aid eligibility are determined by undergraduate standards. Undergraduate-level progressive
degree students maintain their eligibility for Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG Grants, Cal Grants, Direct
Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Direct Parent PLUS Loans, and any applicable eligibility for USC Merit
Scholarships or USC University Grants, as long as they are enrolled in courses that are required for, or that can be
applied as an eligible elective credit toward, their undergraduate degree. The Registrar’s Office determines when
a student has completed their undergraduate degree and manages the process of posting degrees to a student’s
record. The Financial Aid Office relies on the Registrar’s determination of the applicability of a course to a degree
program and the completion of the bachelor’s degree.
5.
While classified as graduate students, progressive degree students are assessed the graduate tuition rate, and their
enrollment status and financial aid eligibility are determined by graduate standards. Graduate students are not
eligible for federal, state, or university need-based grants. Graduate-level progressive degree students are eligible
to borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, up to the maximum yearly amounts
established for graduate students.
6.
The bachelor’s degree may be awarded separately, but the master’s degree will not be awarded before the
undergraduate degree.
7.
The time limit for completing a progressive degree program is 12 semesters (6 years) beginning from the first term
of college enrollment. Transfer students whose transfer coursework extends beyond this timeline may have their
coursework evaluated for semester-equivalency by the admitting master’s program. The admitting program will
determine a completion term as part of the application process and list this term on the proposed course plan.
8.
Students may complete only one master’s degree as part of the progressive degree program.