The University of Southern California
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the University of Southern California is one of the nation's major private research universities. Since its founding in 1880, USC has conferred degrees on more than a quarter-million students-leaders who have helped southern California grow to become a national trendsetter in architecture, public policy, engineering, economics, business affairs, scientific research, law, cinema, education, and health care. Today, USC and its graduates continue a tradition of leadership by developing innovative ideas, exploring new fields of scholarly investigation, and establishing a widening network among Pacific Rim partners.
Academic Programs
USC maintains a tradition of academic strength at all levels of higher education. Students may select from nearly 500 degree combinations in 129 areas of study. In addition to the thousands of courses offered by the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, the University's professional schools of engineering, cinema, urban planning, fine arts, music, and business offer minors and coursework of particular interest to architecture students.
Faculty
USC emphasizes research and scholarship as well as the professional credentials of its faculty. Since 1969, the university has been a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). USC is proud of the academic and professional awards it has received from such prestigious organizations as the National Endowment for the Arts; American Institute of Architects; Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture; National Academy of Science; the National Academy of Engineering, the National Institute of Health; and the National Science Foundation. In 1994 Professor George Olah was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry. Each year, USC's distinguished faculty and modern facilities attract 200 million dollars in external funding for educational and scientific research. USC currently ranks among the top ten private universities in receiving federal funds for research.
Students
Diversity is the hallmark of the USC student community. USC students come from all 50 states and 107 other countries. USC's international students make up 15% of the student body. Ranking in the top 4 American universities in international enrollment. Like architecture, close to 25% of the University's entering class were honor students. The average SAT score of the Freshman class in 2001 was over 1300.
Community Relations
USC is an active partner in efforts to improve the social, economic, physical, and cultural quality of the neighborhoods that surround the campus. Thousands of students and faculty participate in more than 300 community service programs contributing 1.2 million hours of volunteer work. Partnerships with local schools; scholarship programs; programs for children, youth and the elderly; health services; internships; and venture for the transfer of information and technology to the business community are included in these efforts. It is of interest to note that the University is the largest private employer in the city of Los Angeles.
Cultural Life and Recreation
[USC Students] USC and its graduates play an important role in making Los Angeles one of the world's great centers for the arts. The Schools of Architecture, Fine Arts, Cinema, Theatre, and Music produce a regular series of exhibitions, screenings, plays, concerts, and other events. USC varsity sports involve more than 500 of the nation's top-ranked athletes. In their pursuit of athletic and academic excellence, USC teams have won more national championships than all but one NCAA member institution. The Intramural Recreation Department welcomes students to participate in five separate intramural programs offering more than 80 sports, some 30 on campus interest clubs and 15 club sport teams. Additionally, students and faculty participate in open recreational activities, taking advantage of the year-round mild climate. Much of this activity takes place at the Lyon Center. A 66,000 square foot facility with racquetball and squash courts, a weight room, a cardiovascular exercise center and two gymnasia. Relax after your work out in the sauna or whirlpool. The MacDonald Swim Stadium is next door. Built for the 1984 Olympics the stadium has a diving and a swimming pool. You can use the facilities on your own or with your team.
Environment
USC was founded in 1880. It has been on the same site since then and is currently 155 acres. Three miles south of the Los Angeles Civic Center campus is adjacent to the museums and parks of Exposition Park. Nearby freeways provide access to most cultural, business and recreational areas of southern California. There are 132 buildings on campus including an excellent collection of Italian-Romanesque style buildings. Situated in one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the country, the university has made a commitment to the urban environment of Los Angeles and is enthusiastic about the opportunities it provides students to participate in the future of our city. This interaction of academia and community creates an unparalleled laboratory to engage the problems and possibilities of urban settings. USC is also one of the safest urban campuses in the United States. This has been accomplished through joint programs with our neighbors and campus programs that provide students with excellent personal safety and security.
