Office Portfolio

The Office of the Provost oversees the academic enterprise of the University of Southern California, including schools and administrative units across the university.

Academic and Faculty Affairs

Over 6,500 faculty members – including Nobel Laureates, National Medal Winners, National Academy Members, and experts of world-renown – comprise an exemplary teaching and mentoring community, dedicated to student learning, pedagogical innovation, and research.

Academic Deans

The Provost oversees deans of schools across USC.

Dean Review Process

USC deans are typically hired for five-year terms. Reviews focus on five broad areas: academic excellence; hiring; diversity, inclusion and equity; fundraising and school budget; and leadership/school culture.

Dean Searches

USC conducts dean searches under the leadership of the Provost. We search for exceptional leaders from a diverse pool of candidates who have the background and experience, and demonstrate the personal and professional capacity, to advance their schools and strengthen the University’s academic excellence and global leadership.

Academic Programs

Academic Programs creates and reviews academic programs consistent with the University Mission. In formulating standards for academic integrity, clear learning objectives, and metrics to assess effectiveness, students are ensured a rigorous, world-class education that prepares them for future success.

Enrollment Services

USC received more than 71,000 applicants for its Fall 2021 freshman class, an acceptance rate of 12.5 percent. The number of students who are the first in their families to attend USC has been growing steadily for five years — 23 percent of the Class of 2025 class are first-generation college students, and 32 percent are students of color. With one of the most abundant financial aid pools in the country, USC provides more than $640 million in scholarships and aid. Students from families earning $80,000 or less each year attend tuition-free. Enrollment Services maintains admission, financial aid, academic records and registrar services, while providing a wide range of logistical and financial support to students and alumni.

Global

Uniquely positioned along the Pacific Rim where nations and economies are experiencing unprecedented growth, USC is poised to take a leadership role in driving progress through “the century of cities.” USC enrolls over 11,700 international students which makes for an academic community of diverse perspectives and an ever-expanding global alumni network.

Libraries

The USC Libraries system includes 23 libraries, holding over four million volumes. In addition, the USC Digital Library has over one million items.

Museums

Founded in 1939, the USC Fisher Museum of Art houses an impressive permanent collection of 1,800 works by classic and contemporary artists and features exhibitions throughout the year of local, international, and emerging artists.

The USC Pacific Asia Museum is committed to furthering intercultural understanding through the arts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is the only museum dedicated to the Pacific Rim and Asia that is located in a research university.

Religious and Spiritual Life

Los Angeles is one of most religiously diverse cities in the world, and this is reflected in USC’s vibrant, multi-faith religious community. USC’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life fosters spiritual reflection, offers programs and counseling, and helps to facilitate 55 student religious groups.

Schools and Units

USC is a thriving academic community where students are encouraged to explore broad disciplines and approaches to learning. Degree programs are offered through 23 academic units and professional schools.

Student Life

Students are the lifeblood of USC. Cultivating a broad engagement with programs and activities that stimulate intellectual, social, moral and physical development prepares these learners to make positive contributions in our dynamic world. Student Affairs provides leadership and support for students to pursue scholarly aspirations and to develop new interests.