Majors & Minors

The minor in 3-D animation in cinematic arts offers an introduction to basic animation principles and history, as well as creative and skill-based instruction in 3-D computer animation. Through elective choices students may focus their studies on their specific area of interest, including visual effects, motion capture, virtual reality, modeling or character animation. The program requires 16 units.

To be eligible for the 3-D animation in cinematic arts minor, a student must be in good academic standing and have a declared major. To declare the minor a student must submit a Change of Major/Minor form to the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts in SCB 210.

A minor in 3-Dimensional Design offers USC students in all fields of studies the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in 3-D thinking, imaging and production. Course work will focus on the process behind creating well-designed, expressive functional objects and spaces (both actual and virtual). The minor would be of particular interest to students wishing to further develop specializations such as package design, product design, and environmental design (way-finding, signage, display).

The 3D Computer Graphics and Modeling minor merges theoretical concepts with state-of-the-art techniques to prepare students to apply 3D computer graphics across a wide range of industry applications. Hands-on courses build from a core foundation throughout the spectrum of advanced cutting edge technologies as they are used in real-world application and culminate with the production of a portfolio of work commensurate with the needs of 3D industries.

The minor requires a minimum of 16 units, including a minimum of 12 upper-division units.

University Certificate Programs

Academic Medicine Certificate

Students who do not wish to pursue a Master of Academic Medicine degree at this point may earn a university certificate in Academic Medicine. The certificate requires 12 units of course work. Each learner may only seek a single certificate. There are two options available, the Teaching/Learning Track and the Leadership Track. The teaching learning track provides graduates with the essential principles of teaching and learning needed to integrate leaning principles, teaching techniques and assessment methods within the health professions to effectively teach health professions' learners at all levels: undergraduate, graduate and continuing education. The leadership track is designed to prepare those in academic medicine for leadership positions, for example assistant/associate dean, program director (including assistant or associate), designated institutional officer and associate or vice chair for education. After completion of the certificate, if a learner decides to go on to pursue a Master of Academic Medicine (MACM) degree all 12 units of the certificate can be applied to the MACM degree. 

All students begin with the core course: ACMD 501 (Introduction to Academic Medicine Worldwide, 3 units). Students then take two required courses (6 units) related to their selected track. Each student completes the 12-unit certificate with 3 units of elective course work from the courses available within the Master of Academic Medicine program. All courses should be selected with the approval of the learner's adviser.

Keith Administration Building 211
1975 Zonal Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 442-2372
FAX: (323) 442-2051
Email: nyquist@usc.edu
Program Director: Julie G. Nyquist, PhD

Core Faculty

Professors: Donna Elliott, MD, EdD (Pediatrics); Jerry Gates, PhD (Family Medicine); Win May, MD, PhD (Medical Education); Julie G. Nyquist, PhD (Medical Education); Samuel Yanofsky, MD, MSEd (Anesthesiology)

Associate Professors: Kathleen Besinque, PharmD, MSEd (Pharmacy); Cha-Chi Fung, PhD (Medical Education); Tara Humphrey, DO, MACM (Anesthesiology)

Assistant Professors: Cathy Jalali, PhD (Medical Education); Shara Steiner, DO, MACM (Medical Education)

The Master of Academic Medicine is offered by the Keck School of Medicine. The goal is to develop leaders who will create and enhance academic and training programs for health care professions globally. Academic medicine is defined in broad terms as relating to those who lead training worldwide in medicine or in other health care related fields. Enacting this vision is possible due to the flexible delivery model selected. The program employs a hybrid model, combining on-campus face-to-face sessions, blended with online course work. During the 32-unit program, the majority of sessions will be delivered using interactive online delivery methods. All students will also be on campus for one-week intensive sessions in the spring of each year, which focus on community building and the development and evaluation of skills.

The program addresses the unique population of medical and health professions faculty who are focused on leading the academic enterprise for health professionals at the undergraduate, graduate and continuing education levels. Our graduates will be positioned to guide future generations of health professionals around the world toward better meeting the health needs of our global society. For those with a clear focus on the academic enterprise, a complementary degree in academic medicine offers the specialized skills needed to lead worldwide development of enhanced training for health professionals, increases professional capacity and provides new opportunity for promotion. The audiences for this degree will typically have primary professional degrees in health fields (e.g., MD, DDS, DPT, RN, MSN, PA, DVM, DO, PharmD, DC, DOM). The Master of Academic Medicine will provide the needed complementary training for clinician educators.

Admission

Applicants for admission to the Master of Academic Medicine program are generally expected to have an advanced degree in a health profession. Proof of graduation is required, as well as three letters of recommendation. For specific information on admission and application procedures, contact the Office of Medical Education, (323) 442-2372.

Students are admitted for the academic year beginning in the fall, although those admitted prior to March 15 may enroll in summer courses. Although there is no formal application deadline, complete applications received before March 1 will be given priority. Application inquiries should be made to: Master of Academic Medicine Program, University of Southern California, Office of Medical Education, 1975 Zonal Avenue, KAM 211, Los Angeles, CA 90033, telephone (323) 442-2372.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified.

A minimum of 32 units of graduate-level course work is required.

The USC Leventhal School of Accounting Bachelor of Science, Accounting (BS) degree is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in accounting and business to prepare them for entry into the professional program leading to a Master of Accounting or Master of Business Taxation degree. The undergraduate curriculum also provides the background necessary for direct entry into the accounting profession. The BS, Accounting degree is a 128-unit program.

Admission

Students may be admitted to the program as incoming freshmen, as USC undergraduates transferring from another major or as students transferring from another college or university. Admission to Leventhal is dependent on admission to the university and on academic performance, particularly in quantitative areas. USC students who have not been admitted to the major or the minor in the Marshall School of Business and/or the Leventhal School of Accounting may complete a maximum of 12 units from the Marshall School of Business and/or the Leventhal School of Accounting. No further course work may be taken unless a student is admitted.

Leventhal/Marshall Honors

Leventhal/Marshall Honors is available upon graduation to majors in accounting or business administration and results in a special designation of departmental honors on a student's transcript. Acceptance to the program requires completion of at least 64 units of course work (including transfer units), a GPA of 3.5 or higher in course work to be applied to the major, an application, and a successful interview with the director of the program. Achievement of Leventhal/Marshall Honors requires completion of ACCT 493 Honors Research Seminar prior to the senior year, a thesis (research project and paper) conducted under the guidance of a Leventhal or Marshall faculty member during the senior year, and minimum GPA of 3.5 in upper-division Leventhal School of Accounting and Marshall School of Business courses applied to the major. For additional information, contact the Leventhal School of Accounting Undergraduate Program Office in ACC 101, (213) 740-4838.

Advisement

Academic advisement is provided through the Leventhal School of Accounting Undergraduate Program Office in Accounting 101, (213) 740-4838. Students are required to meet with an academic adviser before registering and this requirement remains in effect until 24 USC units are completed. However, all students are encouraged to see an academic adviser on a regular basis. A record of each student is kept on file. Appointments for advisement may be scheduled at most times during the academic year. However, during busy times such as the preregistration, registration and drop/add periods, advisers may be available on a walk-in basis only.

The Leventhal Undergraduate Program Office and Marshall Undergraduate Student Services offer students assistance in networking, finding internships, resume writing, interviewing techniques and other career-related issues.

Transferring College Credit

College Courses

USC has established articulation agreements with most community colleges throughout California. Most academic courses are acceptable for transfer credit from a two-year school, but students may not receive credit for specialized, technical or remedial courses.

Courses that do not appear on the articulation agreement are not transferable. A maximum of 64 semester units may be transferred. Check with the Degree Progress Department (JHH 010) for questions about transferable courses or see a counselor in Accounting 101.

Official transcripts of college work taken elsewhere must be submitted, at the time of application, to the USC Office of Admission. A credit evaluation will be completed, which will list transfer courses accepted for credit. All business courses completed at a two-year college, if transferable, will be considered elective credit.

There is one exception to this policy. Students may transfer two semesters of introductory accounting and receive credit equivalent to one semester of introductory accounting at USC. Then students can register for BUAD 305 Abridged Core Concepts of Accounting Information and complete their accounting course requirement in one semester at USC. In this case, students would not be required to take BUAD 280 or BUAD 281.

Four Year Colleges

Most courses are acceptable for unit credit from all fully accredited four-year institutions. If the courses do not satisfy specific subject requirements at USC, they will be accepted for elective course credit.

Students are urged to complete all their required business administration courses at USC. All business courses from four-year institutions, if transferable, will be considered elective credit unless a challenge examination is passed. Only core classes, with the exception of BUAD 497, may be challenged. Students should consult with an academic adviser in Bridge Hall 104 to initiate the challenge examination process.

USC Core Requirements

The university's general education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. See General Education for more information.

The Master of Accounting program with an emphasis in data and analytics combines course work from the Leventhal School of Accounting and Marshall's Data Sciences and Operations department. Advances in computing technology are fundamentally changing the way audits are conducted. The data and analytics emphasis of the MAcc is designed to train auditors for the data age.

The program employs a rigorous case analysis approach that requires students to exercise their analytical abilities and develop both teamwork and professional communication skills.

Integrated into the data and analytics emphasis is an audit internship during the spring semester encompassing both audit and data and analytics in an integrated fashion. This required element of the program builds a critical bridge for the student between his or her academic and work lives, ultimately enriching both.

Application

The data and analytics emphasis of the MAcc is open only to individuals who have earned the equivalent of a four-year bachelor of accounting degree from an accredited program. Applicants also must have an offer letter for a spring internship at a "big four" or major national public accounting firm or equivalent. Spring internships must run from January through April and integrate both audit and data analytics.

Program Requirements

The Master of Accounting, Data and Analytics emphasis requires up to 31.5 units including fundamentals, core requirements and electives. Students with prior study in statistics who pass the challenge exam for Data Driven Decision Making receive a waiver reducing the units required to earn the degree to 30.

The Master of Accounting program (MAcc) prepares graduates for careers in public accounting, industry and government. The program offers students technical and conceptual knowledge, professional development, research and lifelong learning, ethical and professional standards and globalization and diversity. For details on these student learning outcomes, see the program Website at marshall.usc.edu/macc.

The program employs a rigorous case analysis approach that requires students to exercise their analytical abilities and develop both teamwork and professional communication skills.

Application

An undergraduate accounting or business major is not necessary, nor is work experience a requirement. The program enrolls students in the summer or fall based on their academic backgrounds. For application information visit marshall.usc.edu/macc/admissions.

Program Requirements

The Master of Accounting degree requires 45 units, including fundamentals, core requirements and electives.

The Leventhal School of Accounting Master's Program Office evaluates the academic background of each admitted student to determine the courses required to complete the program.

Students admitted for summer term start with ACCT 525 Intensive Accounting Principles and Practices — an eight-week, 40 hours-per-week course for students who have not completed undergraduate degrees or other extensive course work in accounting. This course must be completed successfully prior to beginning the core in the fall.

Students admitted for fall term generally hold a bachelor's degree in Accounting and are waived from the 15-unit ACCT 525 class reducing the number of units required to earn the degree to 30.

USC BS in Accounting students may qualify for waiver of an additional 6 units reducing the number of units required to earn the degree to 24. (USC BS in Accounting students should meet with a graduate adviser during their junior year to determine if they qualify.)

A minor in accounting is available to students in all schools and departments except the Marshall School of Business. The minor provides the opportunity for non-business majors to gain an understanding, from the perspective of the user of accounting information, of how accounting is used in the business world.

To be approved for the accounting minor, students must have completed a minimum of 32 units of college-level courses and attained a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Successful completion of the minor requires at least 16-18 units with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the courses applied to the minor.

The BFA degree is a four-year, 132-unit, professional training program offering a vital and contemporary approach to the study of acting. The program comprises an integrated sequence of training in acting, voice, movement, camera, the web, voice-over, games, and includes multiple opportunities for performance on stage, and screen. The curriculum is based on the belief that an actor's emotional, imaginative, vocal and physical resources must be developed and prepared with maximum experience and flexibility for a fast-changing and challenging modern workplace. This training is combined with course work in critical and historical studies and technical theatre. An audition is required for admission. The BFA in Acting for Stage and Screen program is unique and highly competitive.  

All BFA Theatre majors are required to earn a grade point average of 2.75 (A = 4.0) in their theatre courses each semester. BFA students who fail to earn a GPA of 2.75 in their theatre courses will be placed on probation the following semester. Students who remain on probation for a consecutive second semester will be disqualified from the BFA program.

A student disqualified from continued study in the BFA program for failing to meet the GPA standards outlined above will be given the option of transferring into the BA program.

General Education Requirements

The university's General Education program provides a coherent, integrated introduction to the breadth of knowledge you will need to consider yourself (and to be considered by other people) a generally well-educated person. This program is effective for all students entering USC in fall 2015 or later, or transfer students beginning college elsewhere at that time and subsequently transferring to USC. It requires eight courses in six Core Literacies, plus two courses in Global Perspectives (which may double-count with courses in the Core Literacies) and two courses in writing. In addition, all entering freshmen are expected to complete a General Education Seminar during their first year at USC. These seminars satisfy one of the Core Literacy requirements above.

Note that courses within the major will also satisfy certain Core Literacy requirements. Please work with your major adviser to determine those courses.