A Community of Support
USC is full of opportunities and resources. While the sheer volume of what we offer students is exciting, we know that it can also seem a little overwhelming. Rest assured that there is a community of advisors within Dornsife who will help you navigate college life and design your ideal academic experience.
There are several helpful and important layers of support that will partner with you to make the most of your experience once you’re officially a USC Dornsife student. As a prospective student, please connect with our staff in the USC Dornsife Office of Admission and Student Success for any questions throughout your college search and application process, and prior to enrollment.
Academic Advising
Our academic advisors are full-time professional staff members who meet with you prior to registering for classes each semester to partner with you as you navigate your degree requirements. Dornsife First-Year Advising (FYA) facilitates your successful transition from high school to USC. At the end of the first year, you will feel supported and empowered to pursue their goals, connected to the Trojan community, and prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities of college life. Academic advisors are then assigned to you based on your major, so if you decide to take on a double major or major/minor combination, you will have multiple advisors who will make sure you are staying on track to graduate. Advisors also often provide assistance in learning more about research and/or internship opportunities associated with your major(s) or minor(s).
Transfer students have a similar path beginning in the Dornsife Transfer Experience, which is designed to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment in your first semester while preparing you for academic excellence and discovery at USC.
Career Advising
In addition to working with the USC Career Center, USC Dornsife students have access to a specialized team of career advisors in our Dornsife Career Pathways office.
Dornsife Career Pathways collaborates with academic advisors, other career counselors, faculty, and alumni to provide a network of resources to address students’ professional aspirations. Our advisors work to align your academic interests with career paths by helping you explore and engage in co-curricular opportunities such as internships.
One hallmark of USC Career Pathways is the Gateway Internship Program. This program prepares students for life after college by providing opportunities to explore a career through a paid summer internship experience with mentorship by a distinguished professional. Internship opportunities like these can serve as a pipeline for permanent positions.
Pre-Professional Advising
