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Smiling student sitting in a classroom and working on a laptop, representing USC Pre-College online course “Political Science: Impact, Activism and Your Career,” where students learn flexibly and earn a Certificate of Completion.

Learn on your own time and earn a Certificate of Completion.

Politics is so much more than senators and presidents — it’’s about getting involved in making changes that can have a real impact on your community. From building a career as a political operative in D.C. to launching a local nonprofit to fight against climate change, there are many paths that you can pursue for a future in politics and public service. In this course, you’ll gain a realistic view of the many opportunities in politics and prepare for a future where you can have a real impact on your community.

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This course is the perfect fit for students who care about issues like homelessness, gun violence, the environment, civil rights, international aid, health care, foreign policy and more.

In this course, you’ll get a realistic view of what it is like to work in politics and the nonprofit industries.

We’ll explore why you should consider working in public service, what kinds of careers are available and how you can best prepare to land your dream job.

Featured Topics

  • Government at all levels
  • Activism and civic action
  • Campaigns and elections
  • Once in office
  • Pathways to a political future

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the main benefits and motivations for working in public service
  • Know the key roles in working in government across local, state and federal levels
  • Discover how nonprofits operate and support issue-based activism
  • Learn the fundamentals of working on political campaigns and running for public office
  • Explore how to get involved in politics on the global scale
  • Understand how to apply your skills and interests to prepare for possible career paths in public service

Format and Course Length

  • This course consists of recorded lectures, industry connections and activities. Each topic provides context for understanding viable career paths with professional case studies and media examples to inspire and inform students about a range of opportunities in politics and public service.
  • Combined coursework of recorded lectures, readings and assignments is approximately 20–25 hours, to be completed at the student’s own pace.
  • Students are expected to complete the course in four weeks but have 90 days of access if more time is needed.

Your professor in this course is Kamy Akhavan, executive director of the USC Center for the Political Future.

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Headshot of Kamy Akhavan.

  • Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants who submit a completed application can expect an admission decision within three to five business days.

    • Include basic contact information from you and your parent(s) or guardian.
    • Tell us why you want to take the course and a little about yourself through a short-answer essay.
    • Share a piece of writing, video or social media content that reveals something about yourself (optional).
    • Submit the $35 application fee.
    • Students must be at least 14 years old or older and enrolled in a high school or secondary program.

    Recent high school graduates, students taking a gap year or time off from college, and students who are older than 18 can request an exemption to apply by emailing precollegeonline@usc.edu. Please include a short paragraph (no more than 200 words) stating your interest and how this program will add value to your academic or career plans.

  • In addition to the requirements listed above, international applicants are expected to be proficient in English. International students who successfully complete an online course will receive a digital Certificate of Completion and, by request, a USC Pre-College Programs transcript at no additional cost.

  • Program Start DateApplication and Tuition Deadline
    Monday, November 10, 2025Wednesday, November 5, 2025
    Monday, November 24, 2025Wednesday, November 19, 2025
    Monday, December 8, 2025Wednesday, December 3, 2025
    Monday, December 22, 2025Wednesday, December 17, 2025
    Monday, January 5, 2026Wednesday, December 31, 2025
    Monday, January 19, 2026Wednesday, January 14, 2026
    Monday, February 2, 2026Wednesday, January 28, 2026
    Monday, February 16, 2026Wednesday, February 11, 2026
    Monday, March 2, 2026Wednesday, February 25, 2026
    Monday, March 16, 2026Wednesday, March 11, 2026
    Monday, March 30, 2026Wednesday, March 25, 2026
    Monday, April 13, 2026Wednesday, April 8, 2026
    Monday, April 27, 2026Wednesday, April 22, 2026
    Monday, May 11, 2026Wednesday, May 6, 2026
    Monday, May 25, 2026Wednesday, May 20, 2026
    Monday, June 8, 2026Wednesday, June 3, 2026
    Monday, June 22, 2026Wednesday, June 17, 2026
    Monday, July 6, 2026Wednesday, July 1, 2026
    Monday, July 20, 2026Wednesday, July 15, 2026

  • Application fee: $35

    Tuition: $1,990

    Tuition and fees cover access to the chosen online course and materials for up to three months after your chosen start date.

    Please note that application fees are nonrefundable. All course cancellations requests must be made in writing to precollegeonline@usc.edu. Any tuition paid to the university will be refunded, not including fees, if requested no more than three days past the course start date. Requests to drop the course more than three days after the start date will not be eligible for a refund.

    The university will not refund tuition for USC Pre-College online exploration courses for students who are removed from the program due to a violation of our Letter of Understanding for Online Participation and our Student Code of Conduct.

Mr. Akhavan is a great professor.

— Pre-College Online Student, 2025
Smiling student sitting by a window with a laptop, representing motivated high school students applying to supplement their studies through USC Pre-College programs.
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