Geological Sciences (BS) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The BS in Geological Sciences requires 68 units covering an introductory geology course, chemistry, calculus and physics or biology, upper-division geology courses, and 28 units of electives.

Duration: 68 units (major) | Intake: Early Decision/Early Action deadline November 1; Regular Decision January 10 (performing arts majors December 1) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

An introductory GEOL course, chemistry, calculus I and II, physics or biology sequences, minerals and earth systems, undergraduate team research, field geology or directed research, a senior thesis and 28 units of upper-division geology electives.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

First-year applicants to USC (Common Application): Early Decision and Early Action (most majors) November 1; Regular Decision (most majors) January 10, performing arts majors December 1. SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional policy). Required: Common Application, transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and any additional materials required by the major; fall grades submitted when available. No admission interviews are conducted. International applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English proficiency exam; recommended minimums are TOEFL iBT 100 with no section below 20 (exams before 21 January 2026) or 5 overall with no section below 4 (on or after 21 January 2026), IELTS 7, PTE 68, Cambridge C1 Advanced 185 (169 per skill), SAT EBRW 650 or ACT English 27; Duolingo minimum 130 accepted if an approved exam cannot be taken. International applicants must document funds to cover the first year.

Requirements published at program group level.

USD 75,384 a year (2026-27). Estimated undergraduate tuition for two semesters (12-18 units per semester), the USC rate for full-time undergraduates; excludes fees ($1,952), housing, food, books and the $450 new student fee. The same tuition applies to in-state and out-of-state resid Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action or Regular Decision.

First-year deadlines for 2027 entry: Early Decision (most majors) November 1; Early Action (most majors) November 1; Regular Decision for performing arts majors (Dance, Dramatic Arts, Thornton Music) December 1; Regular Decision for most majors January 10. Early Decision applicants are notified by mid-December, Early Action in late January and Regular Decision by April 1.

Applications are made through the Common Application; the undergraduate application fee is $85 for all applicants, with fee waivers available except to international students. SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional); USC school code is SAT 4852 and ACT 0470.

Transfer applications for 2027-28: December 1, 2026 for selected programmes and February 15, 2027 for all other majors; SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.usc.edu/

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