Katie Jensen
Image copyright: http://college.usc.edu/enviro/private/campus1.jpg
USC as a whole offers over 150 majors. There are two undergraduate major programs at the USC Roski School of Fine Arts: the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the studio arts degree program. There are also a number of minors programs. These include Art for Games, Painting, Drawing, Two Dimensional Studies, Sculpture & Ceramics, Communication Design, Digital Media-Based Imaging, and Photography. The Roski School offers photography exhibits, lecture series from prominent figures in the art world, and design shows. They also connect students with internships and work after college.
First, you have to be accepted to the whole university system. This is pretty competitive, as there is only a 22% acceptance rate. The average GPA is a 3.7, and ACT scores range from a 28-33. Interviews are optional. Then, to get into the Roski arts program you need a portfolio. All undergraduate applicants must upload a portfolio of 10-15 recent images of artwork (completed within the last two years) via “SlideRoom.” Then you have to write a artist statement explaining why you would like to study art at USC, etc. Once at USC, you can apply to the minors program. To get into the minor program, you should usually take one course in the Roski School to see if it’s a good fit. Then you have to take at least four courses that apply to your intended minor.
The tuition for a full-time student is $39,274. Financial aid is available through FAFSA, Cal grant, and other private scholarships. Every student who is determined to need financial aid is given 100% of their estimated need. Financial aid adjusts every year based on the changes in their financial situation. They offer a number of scholarships and you are automatically eligible by completing the application and turning it in by December 1.
Average cost is $11,458 per year for room & board. Housing on campus is guaranteed for the first two years, and after that most students live off campus at a comparable price in the surrounding neighborhood.
Overall, I really like the art program Roski has to offer. I like that it is at well-known and respected university. Also, you can study many different areas other than art, and if decide that art isn’t for you, you can transfer to a different department within the school. Even though USC isn’t primarily an art school, it seems to have a very good department and many more things to offer than just art. I would be interested in the photography minor if I went to this school.
