University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California (USC) has two main campuses, both located in Los Angeles, CA.  USC's University Park campus is near downtown-metro Los Angeles, near the city's major museums.  The University Park campus is home to most of USC's professional schools and the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School and the School of Dentistry.  USC's Health Sciences campus is northeast of downtown Los Angeles and is home to the School of Pharmacy, the Keck School of Medicine and three teaching hospitals.  Many other USC programs are conducted at different locations in the Southern California area.

USC is the oldest research university in the West and continues to be a leader in this area with an award-winning faculty and strong medical-health and science programs that have given rise to many new ideas and new technology over the years. USC receives top ranking and federal funding for its research activity.

USC attracts many international students and also offers many study abroad programs and internships.  The university encourages collaboration, interdisciplinary studies, public service and professional education.  Through its flexible programs like "Renaissance Ideal," "Thematic Option," and many interdisciplinary majors and minors, USC encourages entering students to create their own major/minor study programs to further interdisciplinary endeavors and new ideas.

One of the great attractions of USC for many students is its distinguished faculty.  The university boasts many renowned innovators and award-winners including members of the National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine.  In 2011, USC Professor and historian Dr. Kevin Starr was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

History

Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California opened its doors with 10 teachers and 53 students.   In 1885, USC established its College of Medicine, which was the first in Southern California.  In 1888, USC Trojans played their first football game.

Academics

The University of Southern California's academic calendar follows the semester format, with a fall, spring and summer semester.

The University of Southern California (USC) offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees as well as continuing and professional education.  USC also offers a Progressive Degree option to high-achieving undergraduates who wish to begin work on a master's degree while completing their requirements for a bachelor's degree.

USC offers hundreds of options for majors, minors and degree programs to undergraduates and graduates through many flexible study options.  Students can choose from several areas and departments to pursue a major or program of study including arts and humanities, social studies, natural sciences, engineering, computer quantitative, and technical sciences.

For students pursuing research, there are many research centers and institutes, as well as laboratories and research units to choose from at USC that include arts and humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering and technology.  Some key areas for research at USC include genomics, biomedical imaging, nanoscience, digital media and high-performance computing.

Colleges and Schools

The colleges and schools of the University of Southern California are located at its two primary campuses: University Park Campus and Health Sciences Campus.  The colleges and schools of USC are:

• USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
• USC Leventhal School of Accounting
• USC School of Architecture
• USC Marshall School of Business
• USC School of Cinematic Arts
• USC Annenberg School for Communication, Journalism
• Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
• USC Rossier School of Education
• USC Viterbi School of Engineering
• USC Roski School of Fine Arts
• USC Davis School of Gerontology
• USC Gould School of Law
• Keck School of Medicine of USC
• USC Thornton School of Music
• Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
• USC School of Pharmacy
• Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
• USC School of Policy, Planning and Development
• USC School of Social Work
• USC School of Theatre

Student Life

USC is a large university and there are a host of student services available to help students navigate campus life. There are "Academic Services" that include online resources, academic support, libraries and computing.  Through "Campus Life" USC offers countless campus activities and programs, groups and organizations for students to become involved in.  Other student resources include Career Services, Financial Services, Student Health Services, International Students and New Students services, as well as the many programs and services offered through Student Affairs.  Intramural sports and spirit groups are a popular way to get involved in campus life and meet other students.

There are at least 12 residence halls on the USC campuses and many more USC-owned properties nearby that provide housing to students.  USC has three main restaurants on campus that have a selection of menu plans and are conveniently located near the residence halls.

Athletics

Athletics are an important part of the college experience at USC.  The USC Trojans teams compete in the following intercollegiate sports:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Golf
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its two main campuses, USC runs programs at several locations throughout Southern California (Marina del Rey, Orange County, among others) as well as educational centers in Sacramento, California and Washington, D.C.

Community Life

USC is located in the heart of Los Angeles with many important museums close by and a host of recreational facilities and attractions in the area.  The USC Arts & Events Calendar offers an award-winning selection of art exhibits, public lectures, music, theatre, and film.  Additionally, there are many cultural events and activities in the Los Angeles area, as well as the many tourist attractions offered by Hollywood and the entertainment industry.

USC has many partnerships with organizations and groups in its surrounding neighborhoods and communities, offering students many opportunities to get involved in community programs, campaigns and initiatives that benefit local children, families and community members.