PDF version of this chapterGeneral Information
Degrees Offered
At the undergraduate level, the school offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts. The Bachelor of Arts (fine arts-studio arts) is offered in conjunction with the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The School of Fine Arts also offers five minor programs in studio arts and participates in a 3-D animation minor in conjunction with the School of Engineering's Information Technology Program.Degrees offered at the graduate level are: Master of Fine Arts, Master of Public Art Studies, and a dual degree, Master of Public Art Studies/Master of Planning.
Minimum Grade Point Average Requirements
A minimum grade of C (2.0) or higher is required in all studio and art history courses for all undergraduate majors and minors in the School of Fine Arts. A grade of C- or lower will not satisfy a major or minor requirement. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained by all candidates for the Master of Fine Arts and Master of Public Art Studies.Undergraduate Admission
Admission to the School of Fine Arts at the undergraduate level is granted through the USC Office of Admission. A supplementary application form must be obtained from and returned to USC School of Fine Arts, University Park, Watt Hall 104, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0292 or http://finearts.usc.edu. Applicants applying before January 10 for the fall semester and September 15 for the spring semester will receive priority consideration for admission to the university. The deadline for transfer applicants for the fall semester is March 1.A portfolio consisting of 10-15 slides, in addition to the supplemental application, is required for all B.F.A. or B.A. (Fine Arts-Studio Arts) studio applicants. Portfolios must be sent directly to the School of Fine Arts. For additional information, please write or call the USC School of Fine Arts, Watt Hall 104, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0292, telephone (213) 740-2787.
Students who have not been admitted to the School of Fine Arts may complete a maximum of 20 units at USC. No further course work may be taken until admitted. Students who complete the maximum number of units without gaining admission to the school will be advised to select another major. Students are encouraged to contact the school's Student Services Office, Watt Hall 116, (213) 740-7567, for advisement and assistance.
Graduate Admission
Applications for admission to the graduate programs of the School of Fine Arts are evaluated by the USC Office of Admission before being forwarded to the school. Students must be admitted by both the Graduate School and the School of Fine Arts. The Graduate School's general admission requirements include official transcripts of all previous college and university work.Applicants to all graduate programs in the School of Fine Arts must submit a supplemental application, available from the USC School of Fine Arts, Watt Hall 104, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0292 or http://finearts.usc.edu, and three letters of recommendation from instructors or persons able to comment on the applicant's creative work. Please note the additional admission requirements on the supplemental application form.