Unlocking Excellence: A Deep Dive into USC Majors and University-Level Programs

The University of Southern California stands as a landmark institution where innovation meets academic rigor, offering a dynamic ecosystem of majors and specialized programs designed to prepare students for global challenges. From cutting-edge engineering and pioneering healthcare pathways to influential storytelling and transformative business training, USC’s academic portfolio reflects a commitment to excellence, practical impact, and forward-thinking education. Each program is carefully crafted to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, ensuring graduates emerge not only as experts in their fields but as adaptable leaders ready to shape the future.

A Spectrum of Majors Spanning Innovation and Tradition

USC’s undergraduate and graduate programs extend across more than 200 undergraduate majors and over 300 graduate options, reflecting the university’s broad academic reach and deep commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Finance, engineering, psychology, and computer science form foundational pillars, while emerging fields such as cyber security, sustainability, and digital media illustrate USC’s responsiveness to evolving global needs. The Howard Ahmanson Continuum of Entrepreneurship, housed within the Marshall School of Business, exemplifies USC’s focus on real-world application.

Students gain access to mentorship, startup funding, and the city’s thriving innovation ecosystem to launch ventures that bridge commerce and social impact. Similarly, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering delivers hands-on, research-driven curricula in robotics, artificial intelligence, and biomedical devices, preparing students for careers at the intersection of science and technology. For those drawn to the arts and humanities, the Viterbi School’s film, writing, and performing arts programs provide rigorous training grounded in creative excellence.

The School of Cinematic Arts, consistently ranked among the top in the nation, offers immersive studios, industry partnerships with major studios like Netflix and Disney, and cutting-edge facilities that bring storytelling to life. With majors like Film, Television, and Game Design, students learn not just to create content— they master the full lifecycle of creative production.

Engineering and Technology: Building the Future at USC

Engineering at USC is synonymous with innovation, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, cross-disciplinary research centers, and strategic alliances with Los Angeles’ premier tech and medical corridors.

The Viterbi School’s flagship programs in Aerospace, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering consistently produce graduates who lead advancements in autonomous systems, renewable energy, and biomedical devices. Undergraduate engineering students benefit from early exposure to research through initiatives like the USC Interactive Media & Game Development studio and the Genome Engineering Innovators program. Post-graduation, USC alumni anchor roles at robotics pioneers, semiconductor firms, and digital health startups, with career placement rates exceeding 90% in tech and engineering sectors.

The Master of Science in Applied Data Science and the MS in Biomedical Data Science address critical demand for data literacy and health innovation. These graduate programs emphasize statistical modeling, ethical AI, and domain-specific applications across healthcare, finance, and public policy—ensuring students leave with tools to extract value from complexity.

"BRIDGING CLASSROOM LEARNING WITH REAL-WORLD IMPACT IS CORE TO USC’S DNA," says Dr.

Michael Kanellos, Dean of Engineering. "Our students don’t just learn theory—they design, test, and deploy solutions that change communities."

Health and Biology: Advancing Science and Human Care

USC’s health and life sciences programs are defined by research leadership, clinical excellence, and a mission to serve both cutting-edge medicine and underserved populations. The Keck School of Medicine stands as a cornerstone, offering MD, PhD, and dual-degree paths supported by clinical affiliations with Cedars-Sinai, USC Health, and Los Angeles County Hospital.

Students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs and engage in pioneering research on genomics, precision medicine, and neurodegenerative diseases. Undergraduate pre-health tracks encourage early exploration through exposed learning courses, mentorship by practicing physicians, and immersive shadowing opportunities. The stem cell research facilities at the USC Stem Cell Institute exemplify the university’s role at the forefront of regenerative medicine, driving breakthroughs with global implications.

Graduate training in public health through the Hall Partner School of Public Health cultivates policy influencers and epidemiologists equipped to tackle global health crises. With distinctive programs in global health, health informatics, and health equity, USC prepares professionals who bridge science, ethics, and social justice.

Business and Entrepreneurship: Cultivating Leaders for Dynamic Markets

At USC’s Marshall School of Business, education transcends traditional curricula, emphasizing leadership, global citizenship, and innovation in fast-moving industries.

With concentrations in Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship, the school prepares students to thrive in dynamic corporate environments and launch transformative ventures. The Marshall Leadership Certificate Program integrates experiential learning with courses, while initiatives like the USC Startup Garage provide incubation support, investor access, and real-world project experience. Annual competitions such as the Kozachenko-War企業 Challenge and Case Competitions hone strategic thinking and team collaboration under pressure.

Notably, the Marshall Executive Education programs cater to mid-career professionals, offering flexible, advanced training that bridges current expertise with emerging market trends. These offerings reflect a shared goal—training business leaders who prioritize ethical decision-making, inclusive growth, and technological agility.