Journalism (BA) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The undergraduate journalism degree at USC Annenberg teaches reporting, writing, investigation and multiplatform storytelling, with experiential learning in a student-led Media Center newsroom. The major requires 46 units, including 32 units of required core courses.

Faculty: USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism | Department: School of Journalism | Duration: 46 units for the major | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Core courses include Culture of Journalism, Reporting and Writing I and II, Visual Journalism, Introduction to Investigative and Data Journalism, Law of Mass Communication and The Business of News, plus an advanced reporting elective. Every Annenberg undergraduate completes a practicum (ASCJ 495).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General USC first-year requirements: First-year applicants to USC apply through the Common Application with transcripts and a letter of recommendation; SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional policy for 2027-28 entry). Deadlines: Early Decision and Early Action November 1, Regular Decision January 10 (December 1 for performing arts majors). International applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English test: TOEFL iBT 100 overall with at least 20 per section (exams before 21 January 2026) or 5 overall with at least 4 per section (from 21 January 2026), IELTS 7, Cambridge C1 Advanced 185 (169 per skill), PTE 68, SAT EBRW 650, ACT English 27, or Duolingo 130 (Duolingo-only admits sit the USC International Student Exam on arrival). International applicants must also document funds for 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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