Dr. Ben Van De Bunt

Instructor

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Biography

Ben Van de Bunt is a Visiting Scholar at the USC Marshall School of Business, with extensive experience as an entrepreneur and co-owner of several successful companies, including Cypress Creek Renewables, Paramount Equity, LoanPal, FHR, and Nestidd Rosewood Homes. Before his current roles, he served as CEO of Guthy-Renker for 15 years, a major player in the direct response television industry. His commitment to social entrepreneurship is evident through his venture capital investments in startups and his involvement on the boards of directors for several organizations, including Houlihan Lokey and Solar City. Ben emphasizes the importance of education, as demonstrated by his two daughters who graduated from UCLA and Harvard Law School. He is known for his strong leadership in both corporate and social ventures, and his interest in guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs as an instructor. His academic focus revolves around entrepreneurship and strategic management.

Research Interests

Experience

Visiting Scholar

— Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Engaged in academic and practical exploration of entrepreneurship.

Co-owner

— Present

Cypress Creek Renewables •

Involved in renewable energy initiatives.

CEO

— Present

Guthy-Renker •

Led major direct response television company for 15 years.

Courses

Seminar in Entrepreneurship Perspectives

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.