Academic & Special Programs
This type of USC program allows students to begin working on their master’s degree while still completing their bachelor’s degree.
What is a Progressive Degree Program?
USC students often flash this hand sign, resembling a peace sign as a symbol of the university’s slogan and spirit.
What is the “Fight On” sign?
This USC alum became the first African American woman to create and produce a Top 10 network series, “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Who is Shonda Rhimes?
This iconic statue in the center of the USC campus represents the five Trojan virtues.
What is Tommy Trojan?
This summer research program provides GRE prep, workshops, housing, and a $2,800 stipend to prepare students for graduate school applications.
What is the USC Gateway Scholars Research Program?
With more than this many student organizations, USC hosts concerts, lectures, cultural events, spirit rallies, and conferences year-round.
What is 800+?
Although he earned his USC master’s after Apollo 11, this astronaut is best remembered for being the first person to walk on the moon.
Who is Neil Armstrong?
During rivalry week, students wrap Tommy Trojan in duct tape to prevent vandalism from this rival school.
What is UCLA?
Each year, more than 2,000 students enroll in this service-learning and volunteer initiative that has won national awards.
What is the Joint Educational Project (JEP)?
This type of dance team combines marching band energy with dynamic choreography and debuted at USC in 2022.
What are the Cardinal Divas?
This filmmaker, who attended USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, revolutionized special effects and storytelling with “Star Wars.”
Who is George Lucas?
USC’s official motto, meaning “Palmam qui meruit ferat,” translates to this phrase.
What is “Let whoever earns the palm bear it”?
This Viterbi initiative recognizes undergraduates who address pressing global issues through five “mindsets” of interdisciplinary problem solving.
What is the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP)?
Since 1932, this annual event has honored alumni for their professional achievements and services to the Trojan community.
What are the Alumni Awards?
Originally a football scholarship student at Cal Poly Pomona, he switched to USC’s conservatories, studied opera, then drama, and later won an Oscar.v
Who is Forest Whitaker?
This residential and retail complex has become a hub for student life.
What is USC Village?
USC’s Financial Aid Office partners with departments to help students plan these opportunities.
What are Overseas Programs?
USC earned this nickname because of its long history of Heisman-winning running backs, including O.J. Simpson, Marcus Allen, and Reggie Bush.
What is “Tailback U”?
This running back won the 2005 Heisman Trophy and helped USC secure two national championships, once recording 513 all-purpose yards in a single game.
Who is Reggie Bush?
This annual 24-hour event emphasizes philanthropy and community giving at USC.
What is Day of SCupport?