Your Major

40-80 Units

Your major is your primary area of academic focus, and at USC Dornsife, our courses of study within our majors stretch as far as your imagination. Through your major, you’ll be able to explore and grow, forming a community with faculty and peers who will push you to think both critically and creatively. You’ll emerge being able to engage more deeply with the world around you, questioning thoughtfully and seeking answers that will help you reach your full potential.

Explore the major map

The USC Core

32-48 Units

The USC core is the hallmark of a USC education and the common bond between you and all other USC undergraduates. Each semester, you will find numerous fascinating courses to choose from within each general education category. This is the strength of the USC core: offering both structure and flexibility throughout your undergraduate years. As part of the core curriculum, all USC first-years take Writing 150, a small group experience that develops your voice as a writer. As a junior, we prepare you with specific writing skills for your intended profession. Our program bridges the academic and the practical, enabling you to master styles of writing for the classroom and beyond.

Foreign Language

At USC Dornsife, all students complete the third semester level of a foreign language or pass the equivalent placement test.

AP and IB Credit

Some of your Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and A-Level exams may be applied toward satisfying general education credit based on both the subject matter of the exam and the exam score. This is something that you will discuss during orientation with your academic advisor.