Academic Excellence in our DNA
It goes without saying that excellence in the classroom is a hallmark of USC. As one of the nation’s leading academic institutions, USC is a place where the nation’s brightest students are challenged, make new discoveries and learn skills that will help them succeed in life.
(USC Photo)
An Unparalleled Student Experience
USC offers a transformational education that instills a lifelong passion for achievement, offering learning experiences on the West Coast, in the nation’s capital and around the world.
The Education of a Lifetime
USC gives 21,000 undergraduate and 25,000 graduate and professional students extraordinary educational opportunities and so much more.
Students gain real-world experience with sports media startup OffBall
Through USC Annenberg’s “think tank” course model, Trojans teamed with the platform dedicated to elevating stories and conversations at the intersection of sports and culture.
Business students provide AI insights for top tech execs
USC Marshall undergrads are developing research findings on the latest artificial intelligence trends for top executives at Salesforce and Thunder.
New USC in D.C. Spring Semester Program set to launch
Applications are open for the program, which will give students from all majors the opportunity to study in the nation’s capital.
USC Bovard Scholars gain hands-on health care training at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
The medical center’s Healthcare Day of Discovery offered participants personalized career exploration opportunities.
Top Headlines
Researchers at the USC-based Statewide California Earthquake Center say powerful, fast-moving quakes could strike the Golden State. They urge stronger building codes and better monitoring.
Beong-Soo Kim and Arnold Schwarzenegger talk civil discourse at International Day of Democracy event
STORY, VIDEO and PHOTOS: In conversation with USC’s interim president, the former governor of California exhorted students to lean into “people power.”
A USC study reveals most students use tools like ChatGPT to shortcut assignments, unless professors actively guide them toward deeper, more thoughtful usage.
Patients with a chronic liver disease known as MASLD who have high blood pressure, pre-diabetes/diabetes or low HDL cholesterol are at greatest risk, USC researchers find.
Scholars Shaping the Future
USC students and faculty shine on the global stage, launching ventures, shaping policy, earning prestigious scholarships and tackling worldwide challenges. From entrepreneurial showcases and climate leadership to STEM breakthroughs and Fulbright awards, these stories reflect the university’s academic excellence and real-world impact.
USC Innovators Take the Stage
At the 2025 USC Iovine and Young Academy Venture Showcase, 13 student-led startups pitched their ventures to a panel of judges, competing for support and funding. Now in its third year, the event highlights USC’s next generation of founders and underscores the Academy’s role in mentoring innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rising Researchers: USC Students Secure Goldwater Scholarships
Two USC Dornsife students have received Goldwater Scholarships, a prestigious national award recognizing excellence in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. Their achievements highlight USC’s strong commitment to undergraduate research and scientific leadership on the national stage.
An Astronaut Scholar for STEM
USC Viterbi student Alara Berkman has been named a 2025 Astronaut Scholar by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, a prestigious honor recognizing undergraduates conducting advanced STEM research, in recognition of her work on pediatric cancers.
From L.A. to Buenos Aires: Immersive Maymester in Public Policy
Sixteen USC Price students traveled to Buenos Aires for a two-week Maymester, examining public policy challenges at the intersection of formal and informal sectors such as housing, labor and land. Partnering with local academics and practitioners, they interviewed street vendors and produced video essays comparing policy approaches in Los Angeles and Buenos Aires.
USC Recognized as Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars and Students
USC was named a top producer of Fulbright students and scholars for 2024–25, with 24 students and recent alumni receiving U.S. Student Program grants and five faculty and graduate scholars earning U.S. Scholar grants. The recognition affirms the university’s strength in global research, teaching and cross-cultural exchange.
Future Policy Makers Tackle Global Climate Change
Keck School of Medicine of USC students are stepping into leadership roles in climate policy and global sustainability. Through workshops, simulations and expert-led panels, they deepened their understanding of climate science, governance and advocacy—preparing the next generation to influence policy and advance climate-resilient solutions.
USC and the Big Ten: Driving Health, Opportunity and Stronger Communities
USC joins fellow Big Ten universities in advancing healthier lives, stronger communities and greater opportunities nationwide. Together, we deliver lifesaving medical breakthroughs, build safer food systems and fuel economic growth through education and innovation. With more than 817,000 students educated each year and $19.6 billion in research conducted, the Big Ten is shaping a brighter future — in Los Angeles and across America.
Spotlight: USC Rossier School of Education
The USC Rossier School of Education is a national leader in transforming education systems through equity-focused teaching, research and leadership. From preparing educators to advancing policy and practice, USC Rossier drives meaningful change in K–12 schools, higher education and communities around the world.
Around the University
USC Chan 2025 White Coat Ceremony
The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy invites students and their families to the 2025 White Coat Ceremony. This meaningful tradition marks the start of each student’s professional journey as they don the white coat, a symbol of clinical excellence, compassion and commitment to the highest standards of care.
Faculty, families and friends will gather to celebrate and recognize the dedication and promise of USC’s next generation of occupational therapy leaders.
Friday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.
New Thermobimetal Studies
Explore the future of sustainable design with Professor Doris Sung, award-winning architect, inventor and researcher.
As principal of DOSU Studio and a faculty member at USC Architecture, Sung is redefining how buildings interact with the environment through smart, zero-energy materials — such as thermobimetals — that self-ventilate, self-shade and even self-assemble in response to temperature changes.
Wednesday, Oct. 8, noon
Keys to Life with Elisabeth Arnold Weiss
Keys to Life is a motivational discussion series designed to support student success and well-being through purposeful reflection and holistic professional identity. Led by Professor Elisabeth Arnold Weiss, the series encourages personal growth through guided conversations and USC’s signature “Purpose Walks” across campus.
Participants will strengthen emotional intelligence, confidence and ethical clarity while developing essential mindset skills for navigating today’s complex world. Each session offers space for meaningful dialogue, self-discovery and leadership development.
Wednesdays through Nov. 18, 1 p.m.
