Thanks for your interest in the Renaissance Scholars Program. Here is a step-by-step guide on how the program works.

Step One: Getting Certified
In order to be designated as a USC Renaissance Scholar candidate, students must be undergraduates and have their undergraduate fields of study certified by a faculty panel as meeting the breadth with depth requirement. Students may seek this certification of breadth as early as their sophomore year. The first thing you need to do is complete an on-line application for certification. The certification process is a straightforward and relatively painless process, as long as you have officially declared all the majors and minors you submit on the application form. If the information on the application differs from your official student record, you will be asked to re-apply, and the certification process will be delayed.

Once you have requested certification of your academic program, a faculty panel will review the combination of disciplines you are studying. Certification will be based on the extent to which the two fields of study are widely separate and distinct, and require you as a student to stretch intellectually. If your application is approved and your academic combination has been certified, congratulations! You are now considered a Renaissance Scholar candidate.

Once you have been certified as a Renaissance Scholar candidate, you will be eligible to graduate with the USC Renaissance Scholar designation at the time of graduation, as long as you meet all the stated guidelines. Remember: If you change any part of your academic program (i.e., add or drop a major or minor), you must re-apply for certification.

Step Two: Graduating as a USC Renaissance Scholar
The Renaissance Scholar distinction will be awarded only after a post-graduation confirmation of successful completion of all prerequisite academic and time-to-degree requirements. The distinction will appear on your official transcript.

In order to receive the Renaissance Scholar honor, you must first meet all of the university requirements for your degree(s). You must also graduate with university honors and earn a cumulative 3.5 overall grade point average in at least two widely separated concentrations. In addition, you must complete your degree(s) within five years at USC.

Step Three: The Prize Competition
The annual prize competition held each spring is for graduating seniors only. For example, if you have already been certified as a Renaissance Scholar candidate, and are graduating in fall 2008, spring 2009, or summer 2009, then you are eligible to compete for the Renaissance Scholar Prize Competition. Upon evidence of enrollment in a graduate program, each award winner will receive $10,000 for post-baccalaureate study.** Awardees must show evidence of enrollment in a graduate program in order to receive the prize.

To apply, go to the Prize Competition Page and print out a copy of the competition cover sheet. Complete this coversheet and submit it along with 2 letters of recommendation from members of the USC faculty along with an essay (3-5 pages in length) in which you discuss how your two fields of study have affected your intellectual, social, and professional development. We will announce next year's prize competition in January 2010.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Office of Undergraduate Programs at (213) 740-1741 or contact us. Good luck!

** Applies to students matriculating to USC during or after the 2002-2003 academic year.  Students have until 5 years to show evidence of enrollment after their undergraduate degree is posted.