The University of Southern California (USC) is a private, non-profit research university located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1880 and is the oldest private research university in the western United States. USC is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is ranked among the top 30 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings.
History
USC was founded in 1880 by a group of Methodist ministers and businessmen. The university’s first campus was located in downtown Los Angeles, but it moved to its current location in University Park in 1910. USC has grown significantly since its founding, and it now has over 45,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Academics
USC offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 100 undergraduate majors and 150 graduate programs. The university is particularly strong in the areas of business, engineering, law, and medicine. USC’s faculty includes some of the world’s leading scholars, and the university has been awarded over $1 billion in research funding in recent years.
Student Life
USC has a vibrant student life, with over 600 student clubs and organizations. The university also has a strong athletic program, and its football team, the Trojans, is one of the most successful in the country. USC’s campus is located in the heart of Los Angeles, and students have easy access to all that the city has to offer.
Notable Alumni
USC has a long list of notable alumni, including:
- Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon
- Buzz Aldrin, second man on the moon
- Michael Collins, command module pilot on the Apollo 11 mission
- Walter Cronkite, legendary CBS news anchor
- George Lucas, creator of Star Wars
- Steven Spielberg, Academy Award-winning director
- Neil Diamond, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter
- Will Ferrell, actor and comedian
- Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records
Fun Facts
- USC’s mascot is Tommy Trojan, a bronze statue of a Trojan warrior.
- The university’s fight song is “Fight On, Trojans.”
- USC’s colors are cardinal and gold.
- The university’s motto is “Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat,” which means “Let him who has earned the palm bear it.”
Conclusion
USC is a private, non-profit research university located in Los Angeles, California. It is a top-ranked university with a strong academic reputation. USC offers a wide range of academic programs, and its students have access to all that the city of Los Angeles has to offer.
