Is Freshman Science Honors right for you?

The Freshman Science Honors (FSH) program brings together first-year students with a passion for the natural sciences. It is not a pre-med program, though a number of students participating in it may be interested in pursuing health-related careers. To be eligible to apply, you must be a first-year student entering in the fall semester with a Dornsife major in a natural science or Health and Human Sciences.

FSH is comprised of four classes: advanced versions of general biology (BISC 121 and 221) and general chemistry (CHEM 115a and 115b).  One biology and one chemistry course is taken in each semester (fall and spring). If your major or pre-professional emphasis does not require these courses and/or you are not interested in taking these courses in your freshman year, Freshman Science Honors may not be a good fit for you. Please rest assured that there are many other opportunities at USC to engage in challenging science coursework and explore your interest in the natural sciences via academic research, internships, community service, and student organizations.

Students in the Freshman Science Honors program have typically done well in high school, especially in their science and math coursework. Most FSH students have taken AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or both, and scored a 4 or 5 on the associated exam. In addition, most FSH students have a strong mathematical background that includes AP Calculus AB and/or AP Calculus BC. A strong background in chemistry and math is strongly recommended. A physics course of any level is required for admission.

FSH students do not receive extra credit or a boost to their college GPAs for enrolling in FSH courses. There is also no special designation on a student’s diploma to indicate completion of FSH coursework.