Majors & Minors

The requirement for the degree with an emphasis in structural engineering is 131 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 215, CE 225, and CE 309. See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.

The unit requirement for the degree with an emphasis in construction engineering and management is 134 units. A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as all upper-division courses applied toward the major, regardless of the department in which the courses are taken. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 215, CE 225 and CE 309. See also common requirements for undergraduate degrees.

Four courses in Classical Greek, of which one may be GR 220 and at least three must be at the upper-division level.

One additional upper-division course: either Classical Greek or Classics (CLAS).

TOTAL: five courses

The interdisciplinary minor in Classical Perspectives provides immersion in foundational ideas, texts and histories of the Greco-Roman tradition that speak to more contemporary topics and areas of study. How did the Greeks and Romans view love and sexuality, justice and mercy, wisdom and honor, war and peace, glory and shame? What insights might classical perspectives provide into artistic and political choices, professional practices, ethical controversies and social issues in other ages; or, into the study of psychology, sex, gender and sexuality, international relations, race relations, cinema, the sciences, business, theatre or popular culture?

The interdisciplinary 20-unit minor is meant to be easily adapted to any student’s program of study and allows students to double-count General Education and Thematic Option Honors courses. Students choose 20 units from the list below in consultation with a Classics faculty member or staff adviser. No more than 12 units may be taken in any one USC Dornsife department or USC school.

The major in classics has three tracks, with distinct but overlapping emphases. In the Classical Languages and Literatures track, students acquire advanced reading knowledge of one or both classical languages (Greek and Latin) and study the literature of Greece and Rome in historical and cultural context. In the Classical Humanities track, students study Greek and Roman intellectual, literary and aesthetic achievements and their impact on later traditions, while also acquiring basic reading knowledge of one classical language. The Ancient Civilizations track emphasizes study of society, politics and history of Greece, Rome and other civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean world in comparative perspective.

All three tracks emphasize critical thinking as well as practice in written and oral presentation as hallmarks of a liberal arts education.

Requirements for tracks are as follows:

The classics department minor requires one lower-division Classics course or one third-semester Latin or Greek course, and four upper-division Classics, Latin or Greek courses.

Director: Toben Mintz, PhD

Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on the mind and cognition from a variety of perspectives and approaches. The core and electives sample from courses in psychology, philosophy, linguistics, human and evolutionary biology, and computer science.

Cognitive Science Major with Honors 

The cognitive science major with honors requires the student to complete the requirements for the major with a GPA of 3.5 or above and to complete in addition CGSC 498 Honors Thesis with a grade of B or better. Intent to complete the cognitive science major with honors should be registered with the undergraduate adviser no later than the second semester of the junior year. 

The major consists of four fixed core courses, plus two tiers of flexible core courses. Tier 1 generally consists of more introductory courses, and Tier 2 consists of more advanced courses. Students must take two courses from Tier 1 and three courses from Tier 2. We provide suggested tracks through these tiers that allow students to concentrate on one or two subspecialities in this broad interdisciplinary field. Students may choose to focus on one of these tracks, or they may opt to tailor an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides in-depth exploration of a combination of areas. Electives allow students to take courses related to the core areas, but may cover a more specialized or applied area of study.

Students are encouraged to refer to the suggested tracks below, and to consult with their academic adviser.

The minor in comedy is designed to train students in the creation of comedic entertainment in film, television and new media.

Application Procedures

To apply to the minor in comedy, a student must be in good academic standing, have a declared major, and be currently enrolled in or have completed with a passing grade CTWR 404 Foundations of Comedy.

Applicants are required to submit the following materials: (1) Cinematic Arts departmental application, (2) curriculum vitae highlighting comedy experience, and (3) a personal statement of 250 words or less. Applications and admission information can be obtained from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Writing for Screen and Television division, (213) 740-3303.

Course Requirements for the Minor

A total of 16 units is required to complete the comedy minor.

The minor in comedy (performance) is a 16-unit minor for students who want to develop their comedic presence for a range of fields. Beginning with a foundation in the history of comic performance, students then select from comedy electives that focus on using improv, stand-up, clowning, and other forms of humor to be more effective and entertaining in any professional setting. The progression of the minor offers students a comprehensive theoretical and experiential education in the many differing disciplines of comedy.