How the brain learns to care

- The University
  USC is a constellation of schools, centers and institutes where some of the brightest minds are leading the way to the future of education.
  
  Leadership
  
  Faculty
  
  Values
  
  Facts and Stats
  
  Traditions
  
  Our History
- We Are Southern California
  USC, L.A. and California's southland are inextricably linked. Our passion as a great private research university serves the public good across the city and throughout SoCal — advancing society and improving lives.
  
  Our Communities
- We Are Trojans
- We Are Connectors
- We Are Advancing Health
- We Are Global
  Magnify your worldview and craft solutions to today's most complex global problems. USC is your launchpad to gain international perspective and grow global networks — both essential for modern careers.
  
  Global Engagement
  
  Global Presence
  
  Educating Global Leaders
- Letters, Arts and Sciences
  
  Accounting
  
  Advanced Computing
  
  Architecture
  
  Art and Design
  
  Arts, Technology, Business of Innovation
  
  Business
  
  Cinematic Arts
  
  Communication and Journalism
  
  Dance
  
  Dentistry
  
  Dramatic Arts
  
  Education
  
  Engineering
  
  Gerontology
  
  Law
  
  Medicine
  
  Music
  
  Occupational Therapy
  
  Pharmacy
  
  Physical Therapy
  
  Professional Studies
  
  Public Policy
  
  Social Work
- Explore Our Programs
  Discover the academic programs at USC that match your passion and interests. With 23 schools and academic divisions, we offer a range of undergraduate, graduate and professional majors.
  
  Majors & Minors
  
  Graduate & Professional
  
  Postdoctoral Programs
  
  Pre-College Programs
- Undergraduate Study
  At USC, one of the best colleges in the U.S., you'll work with leading experts and supportive faculty to build your path to success. Tap into USC's dynamic, global community as you embark on your world-class undergraduate study.
  
  Your First-Year Experience
  
  Interdisciplinary Freedom
  
  Global Experiences
  
  Advising & Support
- Graduate & Professional Study
- USC International Academy
- USC Online
- High School Summer Programs
- Libraries
- Academic Calendar
- Schedule of Classes
- Living in L.A.
- Campus Life
  USC offers an endless variety of activities and events for students to get involved in. From student-run clubs and organizations to exclusive film screenings and outdoor yoga, there is something for everyone on campus.
  
  Housing & Dining
  
  Student Organizations and Clubs
  
  Community Service
  
  USC Village
  
  Campus Safety
- Health and Well-being
- Research & Innovation
  USC engages in forward-looking, collaborative research with industries around the world to find unprecedented and much-needed solutions for some of the most complex issues facing humanity today.
  
  Student Research
  
  Faculty Research
  
  Innovation
  
  Research Resources
- Office of Research & Innovation
- Creative Expression
- Our Impact
  At USC, we are defining conversations, influencing policy and creating a healthier and more sustainable future for all. Our students, faculty and alumni are making an impact in Los Angeles and around the world.
  
  Inventing Solutions
  
  Exploring Medical Frontiers
  
  Creating New Knowledge

USC Dornsife psychologists show that empathy can be conditioned through emotional rewards — revealing a surprising path to compassion.

Related Articles

USC researchers pioneer lifesaving cancer breakthroughs

Cancer as a journey, not a battle: How we frame the illness may influence outcomes

Alcohol-related liver disease has more than doubled in the last 20 years