Maximizing Your USC Academic Experience: Making the Most of Your 18 Units Per Semester

Do you know how to maximize your units at USC? Most students may not be aware that your tuition covers 18 units each semester. So, while many students take four classes at four units each for a total of 16 units, many fun and exciting electives for 1 or 2 units will help you max out your units and try something new! There are many ways to get creative with your selections, from pickleball to chess to coding. Here are a few standouts: 

Move Your Body:  

PHED-120a/b Introduction to Yoga/Advanced Yoga (1 unit each)  

This first course introduces meditation, breathing techniques, and postures as a means of relaxation, increased muscle flexibility, and an understanding of basic anatomy and nutritional guides. It is also the prerequisite for PHED 120b, an intermediate/advanced yoga course. I took both of these classes when I was an undergrad and would highly recommend them to any student looking for a break in their week to wind down and relax. 

PHED-144 Pickleball (1 unit) 

Everyone seems to be obsessed with pickleball at the moment, so this is a great way to test it out, get some exercise in, and boost your GPA. This is an introductory course, so no previous experience is needed. 

PHED-115 Surfing (1 unit) 

If you have ever wanted to try surfing but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. The first class meets in the PED pool, but then classes move to Santa Monica Beach. Here, you will learn fundamental surfing skills, water safety, wave etiquette, wave recognition, and so much more!  

*It is important to note that you must pass a swim test to take this course. 

NAUT-001ax Introduction to Seamanship and Navigation (2 units) 

If you are not into surfing but still want to be in the water, this introduction to deepwater cruising could be perfect for you. Students will go through an experimental approach to sailing ships and seafaring, learning introductory oceanography and navigation as they are relevant to seamanship.  

PHED 148a Archery (1 unit) 

This archery course covers the fundamentals of archery, its historical origins, form, the shot cycle, mindfulness, scoring, equipment, and sport-specific training.  

PHED 129a Cardio Group Fitness (1 unit) 

This fitness class is great for anyone wanting to explore different cardio variations. Rather than just running, it incorporates HIIT workouts, cycling, step, circuits, and more. I took this class during my freshman year, and it was a great way to get some movement in a couple of days per week. 

Be Mindful: 

PHED 160 Stress Management for Healthy Living (2 units) 

If you are looking for a way to de-stress in the middle of your week, look no further than PHED 160. Students in this course will learn about the effects of stress as it relates to work, sports, and academics, as well as coping strategies and how to apply them. 

PHED 119 Introduction to Mindfulness (2 units) 

This introductory course on the principles of mindfulness will leave you feeling at peace and experiencing enhanced mind-body awareness. Students cultivate strategies to improve their physical and mental health. (This is one of my favorite electives that I took!) 

PHED 118 Sleep for Peak Performance (2 units) 

This class introduces sleep and its relationship to physical and mental performance. Students will focus on breathing and meditation to promote healthy sleep and learn about sleep systems, disorders, and strategies.  

PHED 124: Walking for Fitness (1 unit) 

Yes, you read that correctly–there is a USC course dedicated to walking. While this course mainly involves walking, students will also learn to build a strong fitness foundation. The curriculum also covers injury prevention, power walking, gait biomechanics, and strategies for special populations.  

PHED-161 First Aid (1 unit) 

USC offers a course in first aid safety education and infant, child, and adult CPR. This course will prepare students for Red Cross certification. If you have an extra unit to spare, you may be able to save a life someday! 

Take Up an Instrument:  

MPKS-150a-c Beginning Piano (2 units) 

For anyone looking to start learning how to play the piano, I recommend MPKS-150a. I took the B-level of this course knowing how to read music but needing to learn how to play the piano. You will learn the techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship. This course is offered explicitly to non-music majors, so it is beginner -friendly. There are three different levels of this course depending on your proficiency level.  

MPGU-120a-b Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar (2 units) 

The same thing applies to this intro to guitar course. You do not need any proficiency in the instrument to start. This course will teach you an introductory level of the performance technique of pop and rock guitar, as well as music theory fundamentals. 

MUCO-101X Fundamentals of Music Theory (2 units) 

This course is fantastic if you are interested in music theory or want to develop music writing skills. It is perfect for beginners, but it is recommended that you know how to read music.  

Learn a New Language:  

EALC-101x Conversational Chinese and Intercultural Communication (2 units) 

Students taking this class will learn basic Mandarin conversational skills for effective communication in familiar, everyday Chinese contexts and a better understanding of intercultural communication through content-based language acquisition. 

SPAN-280x Conversational Spanish 

Suppose you have already taken or tested out of Spanish levels I-III. In that case, this is a discussion-based course focusing on short films, cultural and literary texts, and features other activities designed to improve Spanish conversational skills. 

SLL-199: Chess and Critical Thinking (2 units) 

While this class is not technically a language class, it teaches you a type of Slavic culture: chess. In this course, students will analyze significant chess games, reflecting societal attitudes toward science, competition, art, gender, politic, and technology. 

Dive Into Film/Theatre: 

CTWR-416 Motion Picture Script Analysis (2 units) 

Students will experience a critical analysis of story structure from classic films to contemporary works and learn to identify key story components of the three-act structure. 

CNTV-375 Breaking Into the Entertainment Industry (2 units) 

This class is convenient for those interested in the entertainment industry. Students strengthen the skills needed to secure jobs and succeed in the marketplace. They will also gain a general understanding of the entertainment industry. 

THTR 122 Improvisation and Theatre Games (2 units) 

Students will participate in individual and group exercises to free themselves as actors physically and emotionally and to stimulate creativity, imagination, and self-expression. 

Hit the Dance Floor:  

DANC-188 International Style Ballroom Dance (2 units) 

An introductory dance course focusing on International Standard, International Latin, and American-style ballroom dances. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of ballroom dance, emphasizing partner connection, communication, and creativity, with the practical application of dance within a social setting. This class is one of the most popular classes at USC with about 200-250 students taking it each semester. It's taught by Jay Fuentes who was in Dirty Dancing. This is a great class to take with a friend on campus! 

DANC-183 Ballet (2 units) 

Whether you’re brand new to ballet or have been practicing for years, USC has a course at your fingertips. This course has four levels to accommodate a broad range of levels. You’ll learn classical ballet techniques with barre and center work focusing on body alignment, coordination, and musicality, as well as gain knowledge of ballet history and terminology. 

Take a Lesson in Coding: 

CSCI-102 Fundamentals of Computation (2 units) 

This computer science course will prime you for more advanced programming courses. It is a fantastic way to learn the fundamental concepts of algorithmic thinking and gain a general understanding of C++. 

ITP 104 Introduction to Web Development (2 units) 

Students in this course will learn about web publishing using HTML, CSS, and other web technologies, and incorporate concepts and theories of Website creation, page layout, and production. This course covers topics from introductory to advanced levels, so no matter your level of expertise, you can find something you’ll enjoy. 

Get Creative: 

ART-451 Large Format Photography (2 units) 

This class explores photographic traditions in large-format, high-resolution sheet film cameras, which have roots in the field, the studio, and commercial and documentary traditions. 

ART-443 Woodworking (2 units) 

Through this course, students will explore essential woodworking skills through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on training, including using joinery, relevant machinery, and hand tools. 

While this is an extensive list of opportunities, the complete list is even more vast. I highly recommend taking a look at the USC Catalogue to see if any of these classes (or others) look exciting to you. USC is a school focused on exploring ideas, so get out there and try something new with those extra two units! 

Written by: Lucy Jordan– Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission – USC Office of Admission