Interdisciplinary Studies
It’s common for students applying to USC to wonder: If you’re interested in more than one subject, do you have to pick just one?
At USC, many students have diverse academic interests. The university is a great fit for students who want to connect different fields and learn in ways that mirror the real world. Whether you’re interested in both the arts and sciences, technology and communication, or business and history, USC gives you the flexibility to shape an interdisciplinary academic path.
Interdisciplinary study involves finding meaningful ways to blend your interests into an academic path that makes sense for you. There are several ways to do this: you can pair majors and minors, take classes across different schools, select a joint program or look into progressive degree options. Instead of pushing you into a single academic track, USC encourages exploration combined with structure and guidance.
Academic Flexibility Across USC’s Schools
One of the best parts about USC is that you’re not limited to just one school or department. Students can take classes across the entire university. Plenty of students start in one area and discover new interests along the way. Every student completes ten General Education courses across different schools. For example, a Communications major in Annenberg might take a Biological Sciences class in Dornsife to fulfill a science requirement, or a Business Administration major might take a film class in the School of Cinematic Arts to cover an arts requirement. This setup lets you explore new topics beyond your major while still working toward your degree.
Majors, Minors and More
USC offers a wide range of majors and minors that complement one another. Many students use a minor to dive deeper into another subject. This flexibility allows you to personalize your academic experience as your interests grow and change. Some programs may have more units or requirements for graduation, but academic advisors are on hand to help you plan your classes and make sure you meet your requirements without any extra stress. There are also specialized programs, such as the Business of Cinematic Arts (BCA), that already incorporate two subjects into a single degree program.
Additionally, students can add a pre-professional emphasis program to their major and minor combination. It’s important to note that a pre-professional emphasis is not a major because students will not earn a degree in a pre-professional program. You can add a pre-professional emphasis by indicating one on your application for admission, just below your first-choice and second-choice majors. You can also add a pre-professional emphasis later on, by speaking with an academic advisor after starting classes as a USC student. Pre-professional emphasis programs do not have a required major attached to them. When you declare a pre-professional emphasis, you are simply ensuring that you will be notified of any advising sessions, workshops andevents related to the emphasis you have chosen.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Interdisciplinary learning at USC goes far beyond the classroom. You can put what you learn into practice through research with different departments, student groups, internships around Los Angeles, and collaborative projects. And since USC is in the heart of LA, you’ll have access to industries that value people with diverse skills like entertainment, tech, healthcare, public policy and entrepreneurship.
Support for Exploration and Growth
When you apply to USC, you will select a first-choice and (optionally) a second-choice major. USC knows that your interests can evolve over time. Changing your major, picking up a minor or shifting your career goals is a normal part of the college experience. Faculty mentors, advisors and career counselors are all available to help you figure things out and connect your studies to future opportunities.
At USC, interdisciplinary study isn’t out of the ordinary. In fact, about half of the current USC student population is pursuing two areas of study. The university helps students prepare for a world where thinking across fields is an advantage. USC encourages students to think broadly, explore what excites them, and create an academic experience that’s a good fit for their goals. If you’re curious, motivated and passionate about multiple subjects, USC gives you the flexibility to make those interests work together.
Written by: Lucy Jordan - Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Admission