USC Gould School of Law

Founded in 1896, USC Gould School of Law is a highly selective law school with a reputation for academic excellence. Classes are small enough to foster class participation, large enough to offer diverse perspectives. The student-faculty ratio is approximately 15:1.

After rigorous first-year courses in the foundations of law, J.D. students spend the second and third year pursuing their own interests, in fields ranging from Intellectual Property, Entertainment and Patent Law to Family Law, Health and Behavioral Science. Top admitted applicants receive Summer Fellowships, which provide a guaranteed paid position with a prestigious law firm, business or public-interest organizations between the first and second year.

The school offers several programs for international lawyers who wish to become familiar with the U.S. legal system. Master of Laws (LL.M.) students receive special assistance in examination preparation, career development and adjusting to life in Los Angeles, in addition to English-language tutoring. Both LL.M. and Master of Comparative Law (M.C.L.) students participate in several of USC Law's Institutes, which present lectures by legal experts on key issues.

All USC Law students receive the benefits of a lifetime of professional contacts, through the Trojan Family network of alumni and alumnae.

Graduate degree programs