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Students in the musical theatre summer program dance on a dark stage.

What to expect at USC Summer Programs.

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USC’s four-week college immersion program provides high school students with university experience in a subject area of their choice. Courses are interactive, engaging and challenging, allowing participants to explore new areas of study or build on their high school coursework. Depending on their chosen course, participants may expect group work, hands-on lab experience, field trips, guest speakers and/or an encompassing final project.

[Photo] Students sit in a classroom facing the front of the room, where one student stands at a podium giving a presentation while others follow along on laptops or take notes. The room is arranged with rows of desks and office chairs, creating an attentive classroom setting.

Choose between 20+ academically engaging courses

[Photo] Two individuals lean toward each other in conversation across a classroom table, with one speaking and gesturing while the other listens thoughtfully with a hand resting on their chin. Open sketchbooks, sticky notes and drawing materials are spread across the table.

Learn from expert USC faculty and staff

[Photo] Six young adults pose together outdoors in front of a brick building, with one person holding a small wheeled robotics project overhead while the others smile or strike playful poses. The group wears casual clothing, and greenery and large windows frame the background.

Receive three units of elective credit upon successful completion of your course

Wondering what daily life will look like at USC Summer Programs? Participants will attend class from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, with breaks for lunch or field trips in Los Angeles. You’ll grab meals in USC’s dining halls or nearby restaurants and enjoy residential activities with friends in the evenings. Free afternoons are spent studying in beautiful campus libraries or hitting the gym to refresh your brain cells.

[Photo] Students sit around tables in a classroom, discussing ideas and taking notes while one student gestures with a pen during a small-group conversation. Presentation slides are projected at the front of the room, and notebooks, sticky notes and writing materials are spread across the tables.

Enjoy a variety of recreational activities on evenings and weekends to bond with peers and explore Los Angeles. Evening residential activities, created and supervised by residential advisors and program staff, include ice cream socials, game nights, movies on the lawn, intramural and field games, and more. On weekends, participants also get the opportunity to take day trips to local attractions like beaches, theme parks and sports events.

[Photo] Five young adults stand under an outdoor event tent, smiling at the camera while holding plates of food that include sandwiches, fries and desserts. Bright afternoon sunlight illuminates the group, with serving tables and other attendees visible in the background.

USC Summer Programs is an amazing experience that gives you a glimpse into college life through the schedule, the freedom to hang out with your friends you will make there and time management.

— Divine T., Maryland, USC Summer Programs 2022

USC Summer Programs is an excellent way to prepare you for college, both academically and socially. Being on a college campus and meeting people from all over the world is an opportunity that you won’t get as a high school student, so take it while you can.

— Zeyaan Q., USC Summer Programs 2022

USC Summer Programs gives you an opportunity to delve deep into a subject without having to commit to studying under that major for your entire college experience. It allows you to experiment with what major you want to go into.

— Macy C., California, USC Summer Programs 2021