Adding a Progressive Degree Program

A progressive degree program (PDP) provides a pathway for undergraduate students to accelerate the completion of a master’s degree. Here’s what you need to know about starting a progressive degree program at USC as an international student while maintaining visa status.

Students in a progressive degree program are classified as undergraduate students until they attain one of the following conditions, whichever comes first:

• The first bachelor’s degree is conferred, or
• The student is awarded a graduate research or teaching assistantship as a contract through the academic department and USC Graduate School.

While classified as an undergraduate PDP student, students remain on their bachelor’s-level Form I-20 or DS-2019. They must enroll in at least 12 units of undergraduate degree-applicable coursework each semester; students may include graduate-level coursework beyond the 12 undergraduate unit minimum, if it is approved by the academic department.

Once a PDP student meets any one of the conditions listed above, the university reclassifies them as a master’s student. Once reclassified:  

• The student must submit a PDP I-20 Request in Trojan International.
• An OIS55 registration hold will be placed on the student’s record.
• Once the PDP I-20 is issued, the hold will be lifted.

The updated Form I-20 will reflect: 

• The master’s degree level and major. 
• The new program start and end dates (the program end date will be revised, if needed). 

Students must complete all requirements for their PDP (as well as their certificate/minor programs, if applicable) by the program end date on their PDP I-20.

Please attend OIS drop-in advising to speak with a J-1 advisor.

After receiving their master’s-level Form I-20, students must enroll in at least 8 units of required courses, which may include both undergraduate and graduate coursework, if approved by the academic department. 

Students reclassified to the master’s level for a summer term are also expected to enroll in at least 8 required units.

Before requesting a PDP I-20, students should be aware of the following: 

• Once a PDP I-20 has been issued, any internship/practicum must be considered an integral part of a PDP student’s master’s degree program. Refer to the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) page for internship course registration details.
• A PDP I-20 cannot be canceled once issued.
• Students should not withdraw from the PDP after a PDP I-20 is issued.
• If you withdraw from a PDP after receiving your PDP I-20, your F-1 status may be jeopardized, as you cannot return to a bachelor’s-level I-20 if you have already enrolled in master’s-level coursework.
• Once the PDP I-20 is issued, you will not be eligible for CPT or Post-Completion OPT based on your bachelor’s degree.

If you have questions about a PDP I-20 or enrollment requirements for PDP students, please contact OIS.