University of Southern California (USC)
University of Southern California (USC) overview
The University of Southern California (USC) began in 1880 as a prestigious private research university in Los Angeles, the largest city in California. Local civic leaders backed its founding, led by Judge Robert M. Widney. USC opened with 53 students and 10 faculty members. It is now one of the world's leading universities, known above all for film, media, business, engineering, medicine, and public policy.
The internationally acclaimed USC School of Cinematic Arts is one of the oldest and most selective film schools in the United States. The Marshall School of Business and the Viterbi School of Engineering are also part of the university.
USC has produced distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to academia, innovation, and culture across many fields. They include the filmmakers George Lucas and Ron Howard, the astronaut Neil Armstrong, the pioneering architect Frank Gehry, and actors such as Will Ferrell.
USC is also recognized for its research contributions to science and technology, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and communications.
About University of Southern California (USC)
The University of Southern California (USC) began in 1880 as a prestigious private research university in Los Angeles, the largest city in California. Local civic leaders backed its founding, led by Judge Robert M. Widney. USC opened with 53 students and 10 faculty members. It is now one of the world's leading universities, known above all for film, media, business, engineering, medicine, and public policy.
The internationally acclaimed USC School of Cinematic Arts is one of the oldest and most selective film schools in the United States. The Marshall School of Business and the Viterbi School of Engineering are also part of the university.
USC has produced distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to academia, innovation, and culture across many fields. They include the filmmakers George Lucas and Ron Howard, the astronaut Neil Armstrong, the pioneering architect Frank Gehry, and actors such as Will Ferrell.
USC is also recognized for its research contributions to science and technology, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and communications.
University of Southern California (USC) faculties and programs
Occupational Therapy
Performance (Classical Guitar)
Performance (Organ)
Performance (Piano)
Performance (Popular Music)
Performance (Studio Guitar)
Performance (Violin)
Performance (Vocal Arts)
Pharmacology and Drug Development
Philosophy
University of Southern California (USC) scholarships and financial aid
USC offers scholarships to students with international status. Note that the funding and capacity of these programs are limited. Awards are based on both need and merit, and admission standards are high. If you want to apply, you can find the relevant programs through the link below.
University of Southern California (USC) Exam Requirements
Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.
How to get into University of Southern California (USC)
If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Southern California, you must meet the following requirements.
- Completion of 12 Years of Primary and Secondary Education
- 4-Year High School Diploma
- High GPA
- Official transcripts showing the courses you took in high school and the grades you received
- SAT or ACT Score
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through an exam such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- Personal Statement & Essay
Qualifications from programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement are not enough on their own for direct admission. If you study in one of these programs, you can request course credit for the courses you have completed.
If you are applying to a graduate program at the University of Southern California, you must meet the following requirements.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
- High GPA
- Official transcripts showing the courses you took at university and the grades you received
- Relevant Work Experience
- English Proficiency Certificate
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through an exam such as IELTS or TOEFL iBT
- GRE/GMAT scores may be required, depending on the specific admission requirements of the program you apply to.
Application Deadlines
* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of Southern California (USC) application process.
Take a closer look at University of Southern California (USC)
USC runs two main campuses, both in Los Angeles: University Park Campus (UPC) and Health Sciences Campus (HSC).
University Park Campus covers 229 acres close to downtown Los Angeles. Most of USC's academic schools sit here, including the renowned School of Cinematic Arts, the Marshall School of Business, the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and the Viterbi School of Engineering.
The Health Sciences Campus lies about three miles northeast of UPC, near the Boyle Heights neighborhood in central Los Angeles. Its focus is mainly medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical research and education.
Here you will find the Keck School of Medicine and the USC School of Pharmacy. Many specialized research centers and hospitals also sit here, renowned for their excellence in patient care, research, and education. Among them are USC Keck Hospital and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
More than 1,000 student organizations are active at USC, including academic clubs, cultural associations, community service groups, and arts and media organizations. Among the key student-led groups are the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), the Daily Trojan newspaper, and the famous Trojan Marching Band. The band is nicknamed the "Spirit of Troy."
You can also join the performing arts communities organized by USC's prestigious School of Cinematic Arts, including theater productions, film screenings, and media workshops.
The university's Trojans athletics teams compete in NCAA Division I sports in the Pac-12 Conference. Annual events such as Welcome Week, Conquest, Springfest, and the Book Festival strengthen the sense of community among students. Conquest is an energetic event held before the football game against rival UCLA.
USC's alumni network is extensive, and it includes many distinguished graduates who have excelled in various fields. Among the university's notable alumni are:
- Neil Armstrong
- Charles Bolden
- O. J. Simpson
- Byron Allen
- Lillian Copeland
- George Lucas
- Andrew Viterbi
- John Wayne
- Dexter Holland
- Will Ferrell
- John Ritter
- Frank Gehry
- Ron Mix
- Jerry Buss
- Gary Anderson
University of Southern California (USC) Location
Los Angeles, United States
University of Southern California (USC) Contact
University of Southern California (USC)
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into University of Southern California (USC)
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
Why University of Southern California (USC)?
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