University of Southern California Best Programs & Majors 2026

University of Southern California Best Programs & Majors for International Students 2026

University of Southern California's strongest programs and what each is genuinely known for — beyond marketing copy. With BrightKey's view on which serves international students best.

University of Southern California's strongest programs include School of Cinematic Arts, Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering.

Notable programs

School of Cinematic Arts

Ranked number one globally for film and television; graduates dominate Hollywood directing, producing, and animation with alumni including George Lucas, Ryan Coogler, and Shonda Rhimes

Marshall School of Business

US top-15 undergraduate business program with exceptional Trojan Network hiring loyalty and strong placement into LA tech, consulting, and investment banking

Viterbi School of Engineering

US top-15 for computer science and engineering with heavy recruitment from Snap, SpaceX, Riot Games, Amazon, and Google LA offices

Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Top-5 nationally for communications and journalism with unmatched LA media industry access and internship pipelines

Keck School of Medicine

Top-30 nationally for research with Keck Hospital providing clinical training and strong placement into Southern California medical systems

Gould School of Law

Consistently ranked in the national top 20 with strong entertainment law specialization leveraging LA industry proximity

Compare in the same discipline

Business & Management in United States →Computer Science & Engineering in United States →Medicine & Health Sciences in United States →Law in United States →

Common questions

What are University of Southern California's best programs?

School of Cinematic Arts: Ranked number one globally for film and television; graduates dominate Hollywood directing, producing, and animation with alumni including George Lucas, Ryan Coogler, and Shonda Rhimes Marshall School of Business: US top-15 undergraduate business program with exceptional Trojan Network hiring loyalty and strong placement into LA tech, consulting, and investment banking Viterbi School of Engineering: US top-15 for computer science and engineering with heavy recruitment from Snap, SpaceX, Riot Games, Amazon, and Google LA offices Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism: Top-5 nationally for communications and journalism with unmatched LA media industry access and internship pipelines Keck School of Medicine: Top-30 nationally for research with Keck Hospital providing clinical training and strong placement into Southern California medical systems

What kind of student fits University of Southern California?

Aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters, and entertainment industry professionals seeking the top global program Business students wanting a tight-knit alumni hiring network concentrated in LA tech and finance Engineering students targeting LA-based companies like Snap, SpaceX, Riot Games, and aerospace firms