USC is committed to your success as a student. Several special programs just for incoming freshmen allow you to dive right in to academic life at USC. Participation in some of these programs is highly competitive and space is limited, so if you think these programs are for you, be sure to explore your options right away.

First-Year Investigations
The Dornsife Faculty Fellows have created innovative courses for incoming freshmen and transfer students to help them discover research and civic engagement opportunities in USC Dornsife.

Freshman Seminar Program
The Freshman Seminar Program allows you to work closely with distinguished faculty members in a seminar environment. Students participate in a two-hour seminar once a week on a topic of personal interest and make valuable connections with faculty and fellow students.

Thematic Option
Thematic Option is the university's General Education honors program. Each year, fewer than 200 freshmen participate in interdisciplinary classes with some of the University’s best undergraduate instructors.

USC Core
The USC Core is an integrated educational experience designed to support a lifetime of learning. Shared by undergraduates of the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the professional schools, this common curriculum encourages you to sharpen your critical thinking skills and articulate your individual point of view.