Support
There’s a community of people here to help you. As you make your college decision, please feel free to connect with our staff in the Dornsife Office of Admission and Student Success. You might even see us at an event!
At USC Dornsife, academic advisors provide ongoing support to students throughout their undergraduate experience. Advisors will serve as your mentors and learning partners, assisting you in navigating degree requirements and connecting with academic resources and co-curricular opportunities as you work toward achieving your academic and professional goals.
You’ll have a First Year Advisor assigned to you in order to ease the transition to USC and to support you with resources and information on your major. You’ll then work with an academic advisor specific to any major or minor you declare. In addition, you’ll have access to pre-health, pre-law, and pre-graduate school advisors, as well as our Dornsife Career Pathways advisors, all of whom work together to help prepare you for life after USC.
Academic advisors will…
- Help you select and register for courses that will be most applicable to your interests and career goals
- Assist with course planning to ensure timely graduation
- Partner with you to help develop, clarify, and modify your academic goals
- Refer and connect you to resources and opportunities on campus and beyond that will be beneficial to you
- Provide guidance and support
If you are a fall admitted freshman or transfer student, you’ll meet the academic advisor for your major at Orientation this summer. If you are a spring admitted freshman or transfer student, you’ll meet the academic advisor for your major at Winter Orientation.
Chat with a Dornsife Ambassador
Laura Apisakkul
Executive Director
lauraapi@usc.edu
What I love most about USC Dornsife is the fact that our students are so active, involved, altruistic, and passionate. They creatively apply what they’ve learned in the classroom toward research, internships, study abroad, and community service so that they can make a difference and help others. I am always left in awe hearing about all they accomplish here.
Why USC?
As a high school senior, I was drawn to USC because it encompassed all of the qualities I was seeking in a college: A wide variety of academic courses to choose from; engaging professors who both challenge and support you; experiential opportunities like Problems without Passports and Joint Educational Project that stretch you and take you out of your comfort zone (in a good way); a spirited, caring, active, diverse student community; and (last, but not least) warm sunshine, even in the month of January.
Mark Kveton
Director
kveton@usc.edu
What I love about USC Dornsife is the amazing group of students, they are simply the best. I love how ambitious and driven they are. With so many majors and opportunities available, every student can find ways to fuel their passions and support others in their own collegiate journey.
Why USC?
You’ll be given the individual attention and the support you need to succeed. You will never feel like you have to figure everything out on your own.
Libni Lopez
Senior Assistant Director
libnilop@usc.edu
What I love most about USC Dornsife is how involved our students are. Dornsife students take advantage of the many opportunities and resources available to further explore the intersections between their academics, interests, and passions.
Why USC?
Become part of an amazing community that is so diverse and dynamic!
Stacey Badger
Senior Assistant Director
sabadger@usc.edu
What I love most about USC Dornsife is the fact that students have the ability to find and explore their passions. There are so many opportunities for students to try things have never done before throughout campus, as well as abroad, while also having the ability to dive deeper into projects and ideas they already care about. Dornsife has a way of simultaneously expanding the world, while also making it incredibly accessible.
Why USC?
As someone with two USC degrees, I cannot imagine myself being anywhere else. With the programs and extracurricular activities for almost anything you can imagine; this is a place that makes things happen. Whether you are looking to dig deeper into the topics you already know and love, or discover things you never thought were possible, USC will help you get there.
Rachel Sanchez
Assistant Director
rtsanche@usc.edu
What I love most about USC Dornsife is it is a one-of-a-kind environment that encourages student collaboration and prioritizes academic exploration! It is a safe place for students to discover their passions, deepen their knowledge, and meaningfully engage with the world around them.
Why USC?
As a proud Trojan, I can confidently say that USC is a place that will support you as an individual and human being, not just as a student. Whether it be in the strong relationships you can form with your peers in collaborative classroom spaces, the world-class professors who value student voice, or the various support systems offered on campus, I am confident that all of our students can find their place here at USC. Fight On!
Aaron Smith
Assistant Director
aaronjsm@usc.edu
What I love about USC Dornsife is our students. Our students are truly remarkable, they all tailor their education to their personal goals and passions whether that be through their minors, research endeavors, the organizations they join on campus, etc. It’s always amazing to see how our students utilize the many resources and opportunities available to them and find unique ways to learn and grow through Dornsife.
Why USC?
As a USC alum I was drawn to USC for the incredible number of opportunities you can explore, but I also fell in love with USC for its community. From driven students who continue to inspire and motivate each other, to faculty and staff who want to support you and your goals. USC is a place where you can explore your passions and interests both inside and outside the classroom while finding communities of likeminded peers. It is a place where you will graduate not just ready to start your careers as a professional, but as a better, more well-round individual.
Nikki Howell
Assistant Director
nahowell@usc.edu
What I love about USC Dornsife is it provides a dynamic environment where students are encouraged and empowered to take advantage of all the opportunities our university offers. The abundance of resources available to students ensures a robust support system throughout their higher education journey. I especially love the interdisciplinary freedom that allows students to become interconnected with their passions and their individual programs of study allowing them to tailor their time at USC to best support their areas of interest.
Why USC?
The USC community, with its supportive faculty, staff, and inspiring colleagues, is wholeheartedly committed to guiding students towards their goals. Being a proud member of the Trojan family, I can personally attest that USC has not only deepened my understanding of the world but has also provided unparalleled resources. Being situated in the dynamic city of Los Angeles adds an extra layer of excitement, where opportunities are at every corner!
Karen Rowan-Badger
Associate Dean, USC Dornsife Admission and Student Services
What I love most about USC Dornsife is that we were the first. The original. When USC began in 1880, we were there. The core of USC is the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences, and we are proud of our legacy.
Why USC?
The world is here! Our students are scholars, artists, scientists, writers, economists, advocates, dancers, teachers. Each person brings their own experience – from down the street and around the world – into the classroom and the community. It’s an exciting place to be.
Still Have Questions?
Is it really possible to combine different majors and minors?
Yes! USC Dornsife offers over 90 majors and over 90 minors, and we encourage students to add a minor or a second major to their academic programs. You will enhance your overall academic experience and become a more well-rounded and informed individual. In addition, by combining diverse interests in your academic program, you will broaden your knowledge base and strengthen your skills in considering a single issue from multiple points of view. In the past, students have combined academic areas like Art History and Chemistry, Economics and Philosophy, and East Asian Languages & Cultures and Natural Science, to name a few. Every semester, you’ll meet with academic advisors from each major and/or minor you declare to ensure you are covering all of your requirements.
Is it possible to have a major in USC Dornsife and a minor in another school at USC?
Yes! Many of our students have diverse academic interests and decide to supplement their major in USC Dornsife with a minor in one of USC’s 18 professional schools to satisfy their personal and professional goals. In past years, we have seen students combine a Psychology major with minors in Business and Philosophy; a Political Science major with a Piano Performance minor; and a Biological Sciences major with minors in Dance and Sociology. Every semester, you’ll meet with academic advisors from each major and/or minor you declare to ensure you are covering all of your requirements.
What is the average class size? Who teaches?
The average class size is 26 students, and the overall student to faculty ratio is 8:1. Professors or lecturers teach all courses at USC; teaching assistants do not teach classes. Teaching assistants lead discussion sessions or labs to supplement lectures given by professors.
What are the opportunities for undergraduate research?
USC is known for its excellence in both teaching and research, and our university has made a name for itself among some of the top research universities in the country without compromising its commitment to undergraduate education. To that end, USC offers extensive opportunities for undergraduate research from basic to applied research in all academic disciplines. Individual academic departments often advertise research positions to undergraduates through academic advisors. Students who engage in their own original scholarly research can receive an honors designation at graduation or apply for special recognition as a Discovery Scholar. The dean’s office within USC Dornsife provides funding of up to $1,000 for research projects conducted in the fall or spring through SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Research), and up to $3,000 for research projects conducted in the summer through SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fund). In addition, we send students away from campus to conduct on-site research in global problems through our Problems Without Passports program.
To learn more about undergraduate research opportunities at USC Dornsife, click here.
What kinds of study abroad programs are available?
The USC Office of Overseas Studies provides students with extensive opportunities to study abroad as undergraduates. There are over 55 semester-long and year-long study abroad programs in 30 countries. There are programs offered in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Greece, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Taiwan, to name a few. Programs vary in cost, and all USC financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships, is applicable to USC-sponsored overseas studies programs. Not all programs require foreign language skills; in fact, there are 17 programs that have absolutely no foreign language requirement at all. Students can study abroad after the completion of two semesters at USC, and must have at least sophomore status.
To learn more about Overseas Studies, click here.
How can I apply to the honors program?
Rather than having one single honors program, USC Dornsife offers a number of different honors opportunities so that students can choose how they would like to challenge themselves within the academic curriculum.
Thematic Option
Through Thematic Option (T.O.), students engage in honors alternative to the undergraduate general education curriculum. T.O. courses are organized in an interdisciplinary manner under themes rather than by discipline, and the small, challenging courses are both reading and writing intensive. Students are generally invited to apply to T.O., although any motivated and dedicated student who is interested in T.O. may apply to the program. Applications are made available in the spring, after students have been admitted to USC, and are due well before the May 1st decision deadline. For more information on Thematic Option, click here.
Freshman Science Honors Program
Through the Freshman Science Honors Program, natural science students take advanced versions of the General Chemistry and Introductory Biology courses in a small community of 60 students. Students are generally invited to apply to Freshman Science Honors. Applications are made available in the spring, after students have been admitted to USC, and are due well before the May 1st decision deadline. For more information on Freshman Science Honors, click here.
Departmental honors
Students may also engage in honors programs through their majors. Through many of these programs, students complete a formal research project by the end of their senior year and receive a departmental honors designation on their transcripts.
I am interested in transferring to USC; what classes are transferable from my college, and what classes should I take?
USC has articulation agreements with most two-year accredited institutions in California. An articulation agreement contains a list of courses that will transfer to USC for either general credit or as an equivalency for a specific USC class or requirement. You can use articulation agreements to help you decide which classes you should enroll in as you apply to transfer to USC.
We have articulation histories with a limited number of four-year accredited institutions in southern California. These articulation histories represent course work which USC will accept in transfer to meet course credit, equivalencies, and general education. The histories have been developed without assistance or input from the universities and were developed for the sole use of USC students. Courses not listed in the histories have not yet been reviewed for transfer and in some cases may be appropriate for transfer.
To assist you in selecting courses for particular major programs, we also offer transfer planning guides. By selecting a particular transfer college and a particular major, the transfer planning guide displays which transfer courses taken during the current academic year at your transfer college will satisfy those requirements.
To view articulation agreements and articulation histories, click here. To review information on applying for transfer to USC, click here. To access the transfer planning guides, click here.
How can I get more information about majors and minors in USC Dornsife?
Information on each of the majors and minors in USC Dornsife can be found on our website. If you have further questions about any of our major or minor programs, please contact the Dornsife Office of Admission and Student Success at admission@dornsife.usc.edu.
What advanced credit can I receive for my Advanced Placement (AP) test scores?
USC awards 4 units of elective credit for most AP examinations with a score of 4 or 5. A maximum of 32 units will be granted for AP exam credit.
In addition to elective credit, scores of 4 or 5 for certain exams will satisfy the following Core requirements:
- Arts: Art History
- Life Sciences: Biology
- Physical Sciences: Chemistry or Physics (any)
- Quantiative Reasoning: Calculus (any), Economics (any) or Statistics
- Traditions and Historical Foundtains: European History, US History, or World History
- Foreign Language requirement: Chinese Language and Culture, French Language, French Literature, German Language, Italian Language and Culture, Japanese Language and Culture, Spanish Language, or Spanish Literature.
Some departments may use AP scores of 4 or 5 to waive prerequisites or degree requirements as shown below. However, students will receive academic advisement and discuss whether it would be wise to waive a particular prerequisite. Depending on your individual circumstances (e.g. major/minor requirements, post-baccalaureate plans, scholastic strengths and weaknesses), it could be to your advantage to take a prerequisite instead of waiving it. This is especially true for students interested in a health professional graduate program who hope to waive BISC 120, BISC 220, or CHEM 105a. You will be able to discuss your options further with academic advisors both during and after summer orientation.
What advanced credit can I receive for my International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores?
USC grants either: (1) 20 units of credit to students who earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a score of 30 or higher, or (2) 6 semester units of credit for each score of 5, 6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level exams, up to a maximum of four exams, whichever is higher. No credit is earned for the Standard Level exams. Advanced Placement (AP) credit can be earned in addition to IB credit for a maximum of 32 units. However, credit cannot be earned for AP and IB exams on the same topic.
Elective credit is awarded by the Articulation Office upon receipt of official IB scores. In addition, a number of IB exams may fulfill USC subject requirements. Click here for information on USC credit for specific IB courses. Some departments may use IB scores for placement purposes, such as waiving a course prerequisite. Also, your major department may use IB scores to waive certain degree requirements. Your academic advisor will provide you with assistance at orientation.
How can I change my major?
Major changes within the Dornsife College will depend on the timing of the request. Prior to attending orientation, contact the USC Dornsife Office of Admission and Student Success at admission@dornsife.usc.edu. We will send you a link to an online form to officially request the change of major. Your major will be changed prior to your orientation session if we have sufficient notice. If you have already attended orientation, reach out to the academic advisor who advises the desired major for next steps.
When can I add a double major?
Second majors can be added in August or after beginning courses for your first semester at USC. You’ll want to discuss the addition with your academic advisor, who will put together a course plan with you before you add the second major.
When can I add a minor?
Minors can be added after beginning courses for your first semester at USC. You’ll want to discuss the addition with your academic advisor, who can update your student profile.
Can I take classes in other USC schools outside of Dornsife?
Absolutely! It is possible to take classes in other schools within USC as electives or as part of your general education, minors, or second majors.
When can I add a pre-professional emphasis?
You can add a pre-professional emphasis anytime after you’ve met your academic advisor. Your advisor can add the designation to your student profile. Keep in mind that a pre-professional emphasis is not a major or a minor. Instead, it’s more of a guide to the courses and involvement that will help you toward that career path. By declaring a pre-professional emphasis, you’ll be notified of special workshops, events, and resources organized by our pre-professional advisors.
When can I connect with my advisor?
The first meeting with your academic advisor will happen at orientation. After that, you are welcome to contact them as needed between semester meetings.
How will my AP, IB or A-level exam scores transfer in for credit?
First, please ensure that you have sent USC all of your official score reports. If you submitted official score reports as part of the application process, rest assured that we have them on file. We accept elective credit with specific minimum scores on these exams. Strong performance on selected exams may grant credit toward lower-division courses or general education courses. You can find more detailed information here.
What if some of my classes did not transfer?
First, please review information on types of courses that will transfer, may transfer, or will not transfer to USC. You can find this information here.
If there are some courses that you expected to transfer that are not reflected in your USC Transfer Credit Report, you can speak with your academic advisor at or after orientation and contact USC Undergraduate Transfer Credit Services, which is part of the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. Undergraduate Transfer Credit Services may request syllabi or completed coursework you have from the classes in question. For further information, click here.
What if my question is not listed here?
If you have a question related to orientation and next steps, we recommend reviewing the USC Orientation website, where you can start with the FAQs here.
If you have a question about registration holds, we recommend connecting with your USC admission counselor.
You can also contact our office at admission@dornsife.usc.edu for assistance with other questions.