Creators, Innovators, and Disruptors Apply Here

The USC Iovine and Young Academy seeks creators, makers, technology and business innovators, and disruptors who question the status quo and use their talents and abilities to initiate positive and groundbreaking solutions to challenges in virtually any field or sector. The Academy’s educational experience offers unprecedented combinations of knowledge and skills, along with premier professionalizing opportunities, to develop the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative strategists who will lead with empathy and drive innovation for positive impact.

Interested applicants must apply to the University of Southern California. We will then conduct a holistic review of both your LiaisonCAS application and SlideRoom supplement.

Following this initial review, some applicants will receive an immediate admission decision (acceptance or denial), while others may be invited to a virtual interview before a final decision is made.

Applications for Fall 2026 open on September 1, 2025. Apply via USC's Graduate Application portal.

January 5, 2026 (EOD, Pacific Time) is the Priority Application Deadline for guaranteed departmental merit scholarship consideration.

March 2, 2026 (EOD, Pacific Time) is the Final Application Deadline.

No applications will be accepted after the Final Application Deadline.

Learn more information about graduate financial aid and how to apply.

All applicants are required to provide a brief self-introduction video, respond to three essay prompts, and share at least one example of previous work. The USC Iovine and Young Academy prompts are designed to evaluate applicants' alignment with the Academy's mission of diversity, innovation, and collaboration. The prompts highlight individual strengths and experiences, seeking a holistic view of each candidate's background, skills, and personality. The prompts also assess thought process, creativity, purpose, and passion, encouraging self-reflection to articulate personal growth and potential contributions to the Academy's community.

All applicants must submit a brief 30–60 second video in which you introduce yourself to the admissions team. This is not a formal presentation—instead, you can walk us through a day in your life, share a recent project you’ve worked on, or talk about something you’re especially proud of. You might also reflect on the things that drive you—what you care about, what excites you, or what you hope to create or change in the world. This is your chance to help us get to know you beyond your application—be yourself, and have fun with it! 

All Academy applicants must submit a response to the following essay prompt in 2500 characters or less:

Describe your original idea for an innovative product, service, or system that solves a problem, addresses a need, or provides an opportunity. The selected focus may be local or global. Address as many issues of desirability (will anyone want it/buy it?), feasibility (will it work or function?), and viability (will it be self-supporting?) as you deem necessary to communicate the value of your idea.

Reflect on a time when you had to develop an innovative solution to a challenge. Walk us through how you approached the situation and the steps you took to arrive at your solution. What did you learn from the experience?

Describe a time when you worked as part of a team or collaborative effort and encountered challenges. What were the difficulties, and which aspect was most personally challenging for you? What did you learn about collaboration, and how has it influenced the way you work with others?

This is your opportunity to demonstrate your innovative problem-solving and affinity with product and process innovation. We encourage submissions that reflect your curiosity about complex challenges—those without a clear, single solution. 

 Your portfolio may relate directly to your academic or professional background, or it may reflect work in adjacent or completely different areas. Submit curated work that best reflects your strengths, interests, and ambitions as they align with the MSIDBT program. Strong portfolios are concise, intentional, and highlight the applicant's unique voice and potential impact.

2D or 3D work such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, product design, industrial design, fashion, textiles, jewelry, environmental design, or digital/web/mobile media. 

Pitch decks, innovation strategies, marketing plans, business models, or process books. 

UX/UI design work, websites, apps, CAD renderings, or product prototypes. Please submit only visual or functional examples—raw code is not accepted. 

Short films, motion graphics, animations, games, or original audio/video work. Highlight reels or selected excerpts are preferred over full-length submissions.

Research or applied projects involving innovative problem-solving or cross-disciplinary integration. Formats may include abstracts, research posters, schematics, video demonstrations, or peer-reviewed published work.

Evidence of leadership in project planning, team coordination, or system/process improvements. Submissions may include slide decks, case studies, or short video walkthroughs.

Project Management and Process Innovation

⚠️ Please Note: Lengthy or oversized submissions cannot be fully reviewed. We strongly encourage thoughtful selection of work that is clear, concise, and reflective of your unique strengths and goals. We’re excited to see what you share—and to get to know you as a thinker, maker, and collaborator!

⚠️ If you are invited to interview as part of the admissions process, you may be asked to speak about your essays and/or portfolio items. All submitted work must genuinely reflect your own experiences, ideas, and thought process.

Graduate Admission Resources

USC and the Academy have several virtual and on campus events for prospective students throughout the year. For dates and more information including, recordings to previous live events, frequently asked questions, one-pagers with resources for admitted students, and other resources, please visit the Graduate Admission Resources page. 

The University of Southern California and the USC Iovine and Young Academy admit students of any race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability or mental disability. The University’s full non-discrimination policy can be found on the Web at policy.usc.edu. 

Master of Science in Design, Business and Technology (Online)