The organization in 1910 of the Graduate Department of the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, under the supervision of a Graduate Council appointed by the president, marked the formal beginning of graduate studies at USC. On January 27, 1920, the Board of Trustees authorized the organization of the Graduate School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, which in 1923 became the Graduate School of the university.

The Graduate School is responsible for those academic and professional affairs of the university which relate to the degree programs offered through the Graduate School. The Graduate School also participates in general university affairs relating to graduate and professional education and research. The role of the Graduate School includes ensuring that the establishment and administration of graduate programs within the university are consistent with the academic goals of the university as a whole, fostering quality in all phases of graduate education in compliance with standards applied to the best graduate schools throughout the nation; encouraging the involvement of faculty in determining policies and standards for research and teaching, standards for admission and academic progress, and in the review and assessment of academic programs; and helping students entering graduate programs obtain the maximum benefit from the teaching, learning, and research activities of the university.

Administration

Jonathan Kotler, J.D., Dean of the Graduate School

John Dreher, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the Graduate School