At USC Annenberg, we prepare the next generation of scholars and professionals to shape the future of communication, journalism, public diplomacy and public relations.
You will build a broad base of knowledge and sharpen the skills that make you an exceptional communicator and critical thinker. You will see connections among complex ideas and engage in highimpact learning opportunities. You will learn and grow at the global crossroads of media, technology and culture.
Our location in Los Angeles, one of the great media capitals of the world, positions you in an ecosystem where content is created, produced and distributed.
Be innovative.
To be innovative is to approach common problems with uncommon solutions, to make bold and persuasive arguments, to develop new skills and methods, and to learn from the past as you create the future.
bold .
BeTo be bold is to ask difficult questions in the face of accepted wisdom, to study and wonder, to be a student, scholar and critic of global society, and to explore all that you don’t know.
This is your moment to think comprehensively about the impact you want to make in addressing some of the most difficult social, cultural and political challenges of our time.
Learn and grow at the dynamic intersection of communication, journalism and public relations. You will be trained to be a critical thinker and a highly skilled practitioner ready to be at the forefront of actively forming a more ethical and just world.
Best study spots
A USC Annenberg’s Digital Lounge, a quiet place to work with on-site digital experts
B Wallis Annenberg Hall Forum, an atrium spanning four floors of nooks, crannies and tables close to USC Annenberg classrooms
C McCarthy Quad, USC’s central lawn where students study and socialize
D Doheny Library reading room, with quintessential academic vibes for quiet study sessions
Study and collaborate in the company of extraordinary peers, distinguished faculty, mentors, advisers and accomplished alumni who reflect the broad diversity of the world you are preparing to transform.
Work together with our advisers in one-on-one counseling sessions to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Join USC Annenberg’s Trojan Family, a global network that allows you to expand your learning and professional development outside the classroom with opportunities to connect and give back.
Be curious.
To be curious is to defy boundaries, to seek out new experiences and viewpoints, to thrive at the horizon of the unknown, and to forge new paths of discovery.
USC Annenberg is positioned in the heart of Los Angeles, a city where media, technology, entertainment, art and culture are experiencing vibrant growth.
Amplify the depth of your education as prominent scholars, leaders and cultural icons, who are drawn by the city’s convergence of fields and industries, share their professional perspectives and knowledge.
A A student contemplates an exhibit at the Natural History Museum at Exposition Park across the street from the USC campus.
B USC Annenberg students participate in an on-court ceremony recognizing winners of the Chick Hearn Scholarship at a Los Angeles Lakers game.
C An Annenberg Media student reporter interviews rapper and entrepreneur Travis Scott at the launch of a new apparel collaboration.
D A student explores offerings at a bookstore in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.
E L.A.’s thriving automobile culture is shown off at this vintage car show.
F The public art piece and L.A. landmark “Urban Light” illuminates Mid City.
G Shoes are for sale on L.A.’s historic Olvera Street.
With its many multicultural neighborhoods, Los Angeles is home to people from more than 140 countries and speakers of 220 languages.
Expand your learning outside the classroom through internships, community service, and an array of cultural experiences.
A Lanterns in L.A.’s Little Tokyo light up cultural and community events.
B The view from a USC Annenberg student’s role as a Marvel Studios intern.
C Students studying abroad in Rome visit the Coliseum.
D Students explore Mexico City after a professional excursion during one of USC Annenberg’s Spring Break Immersion programs.
E Awaiting quintessential German cuisine in a restaurant outside of Berlin, students discuss their Spring Break Immersion program’s excursions and insights.
F A family on a motorbike near the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai, India, photographed during one of USC Annenberg’s Spring Break Immersion programs.
Depending on your degree program, you can pursue study abroad opportunities around the globe that allow you to gain new perspectives and practical insights.
Be brave.
To be brave is to pursue excellence with integrity, ethics and creativity, to inspire confidence and courage, to manage complexity and navigate flux, and to redefine what it means for everyone to succeed.
Thrive in a rigorous academic environment that positions you at the forefront of best practice, thought leadership and emerging research in our fields.
A (bottom left), B (right)
Acquire a foundation in communication fundamentals and professional ethics — qualities and skills that have never been more necessary and that will place you in high demand.
A (left), B (right)
Leverage our industry partnerships across the media, technology and communications ecosystem to gain hands-on experiences and build meaningful relationships that allow you to chart your unique pathway to success.
A A student attends the NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum as a member of the media.
B A recruiter from communications agency Zeno Group speaks with a student at a USC Annenberg Career Fair booth.
C The Riot Games headquarters hosts one of USC Annenberg’ Career Treks, which connect students with industry.
D USC Annenberg students visit studios at Paramount Pictures as part of a CBS/ Paramount Career Trek.
E Students visit the set of CBS Mornings with hosts Gayle King and Vladimir Duthiers, as well as alumna and executive producer Shawna Thomas, during the New York City Maymester program.
F J.J. Italiano, head of global hits at Spotify, and Kimiko Jensen, then director of digital marketing at Atlantic Records, discuss data and analytics at a faculty-led event on the music industry.
G USC Annenberg students explore Grupo Acir’s radio booth during a spring break trip to Mexico City.
PhD
Communication (PhD)
Learn cutting-edge theory and research methodologies through rigorous classes and independent and collaborative research projects as you prepare for careers in academia, industry, government and NGOs.
Master’s
Communication Data Science (MS)
(with USC Viterbi School of Engineering)
Develop the skills to uniquely connect the communication, media and technology industries by applying communication theory to big data projects.
Communication Management (MCG)
Build a foundation in theory and applied research to design and execute effective communication strategies and tactics across a range of business functions.
Digital Social Media (MS)
Learn the theory, practice and strategic mindset that are essential for developing and managing social media platforms, digital media, apps and online communities.
Global Media and Communication (MA)
Examine the transformational role of communication and media in our globalizing world from two media capitals — London and Los Angeles — while earning master’s degrees from USC and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Journalism (MS)
Develop into a deadline-driven multimedia journalist producing cross-platform stories in a converged news environment.
Public Diplomacy (MPD)
Understand how governments and non-state actors use media and communication to shape public opinion, international relations and public diplomacy for domestic and global audiences.
Public Relations and Advertising (MA)
Prepare to advocate on behalf of a person, brand or organization by executing strategies informed by audience insights, and producing multiplatform storytelling grounded in ethical frameworks and data intelligence.
Specialized Journalism (MA)
Produce high-level, long-form reporting grounded in content-area expertise developed by taking courses across the university.
Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture) (MA)
Learn to report on and magnify the arts, food and culture while building multimedia journalism skills.
Online Degree Programs
For more information on online degree programs, visit annenberg.usc.edu/academics.
Undergraduate majors
Communication (BA)
Gain a theoretical framework and critical understanding for how messages — from interpersonal to mass media — are informed, created, distributed and consumed.
Journalism (BA)
Guided by rigorous journalistic and ethical standards, report, write and produce news stories across platforms — while harnessing emerging technologies.
Public Relations and Advertising (BA)
From developing brand messages and establishing content strategy to implementing social media campaigns, learn how to advocate on behalf of a person, brand or organization.
Student photographers
These students served as our professional creative partners in capturing the USC Annenberg experience through their eyes and lenses.
Tamara Almoayed
BA in Journalism
1B, 30D, 32A, 43
Maddy Brown
BA in Journalism 7, 13, 28
Tomoki Chien
BA in Journalism
20, 22A, 22B, 26E, 30C, 38B
Callie Cirilli
BA in Public Relations and Advertising 26D, 41
Megan Duncan
BA in Journalism 1C
Fido Fan
BA in Communication 11B, 19B, 27J, 37B, 44
Jules Feeney
MS in Journalism 33F
Joyce Gao
BA in Public Relations 31G
Midori Jenkins
MA in Public Relations and Advertising 32B
Benti Kaur
BA in Public Relations and Advertising 1D
Jessica Kovalick
MCG in Communication Management 1C, 17B, 26A, 27G, 31E, 38C
Use the online USC Graduate Admission Application to apply for admission to a USC Annenberg graduate degree program.
Visit annenberg.usc.edu/apply for more information regarding the graduate admissions process.
Undergraduate Application
Apply to USC using the Common Application and select a first- or second-choice USC Annenberg major.
Visit admission.usc.edu for information regarding the undergraduate admissions process.
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For questions about compliance with the notice of non-discrimination, the university has designated a Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX Coordinator, Linda Hoos, who can be reached at eeotix@usc.edu, (213) 740-5086, USC Credit Union Building, 3720 South Flower Street, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, California 90089-0704. For disability-related questions, the University has also designated an ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, Christine Street, Associate Vice President, Disability Access and ADA Compliance, who can be reached at streetc@usc.edu, (213) 821- 4658, 3601 Trousdale Parkway, Bldg. #89, Los Angeles, California 90089.
The university’s full nondiscrimination policy can be found at policy.usc.edu.
