About University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. As one of the oldest private research universities in California, USC has grown into a global center for arts, technology, and international business, enrolling over 49,000 students across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Its mission emphasizes interdisciplinary education, research innovation, and community engagement, with a commitment to fostering leaders who address societal challenges. Key achievements include producing numerous Nobel laureates, Rhodes Scholars, and Academy Award winners, particularly through its renowned School of Cinematic Arts. USC's campuses span the University Park Campus in central Los Angeles and the Health Sciences Campus, along with satellite locations for specialized programs. The university is home to top-ranked schools such as the Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, and Gould School of Law. For more details, visit the University of Southern California Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, and Academic Jobs in Los Angeles.
USC's history is marked by resilience and growth; it was established when Los Angeles was a frontier town and has since become integral to the city's cultural and economic fabric. The university boasts a diverse alumni network, including figures like Neil Armstrong and George Lucas, reflecting its impact on space exploration, entertainment, and beyond. With over 4,000 faculty members, USC emphasizes research with annual funding exceeding $900 million, focusing on areas like biotechnology, urban planning, and digital media. Its location in Los Angeles provides unique advantages, including proximity to Hollywood, Silicon Beach, and major healthcare institutions, enhancing collaborative opportunities. USC is also known for its athletic prowess as part of the Pac-12 Conference, with the Trojans teams achieving numerous national championships. For academics and professionals, USC offers a dynamic environment that blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation, making it a top choice for higher education jobs University of Southern California and academic careers at University of Southern California.
In terms of campus life, USC features state-of-the-art facilities, including the USC Village, a mixed-use development with housing, dining, and retail. The university's commitment to diversity is evident in its student body, representing over 115 countries, and initiatives like the Trojan Family network for lifelong support. Key departments include the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, which is the largest and offers broad liberal arts education, and the Keck School of Medicine, renowned for medical research. USC's contributions to society include advancements in cancer research, sustainable urban development, and AI ethics. Whether you're interested in professor positions University of Southern California or research jobs University of Southern California, USC provides a fertile ground for intellectual growth and professional achievement.
For those exploring faculty jobs University of Southern California, the university's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration stands out, with centers like the USC Institute for Creative Technologies pioneering virtual reality applications. USC also ranks highly in national surveys, often in the top 25 U.S. universities by U.S. News & World Report. Its endowment, over $8 billion, supports extensive scholarships and research grants, ensuring accessibility and innovation.
Faculty Job Opportunities at University of Southern California
💼 Faculty job opportunities at University of Southern California are abundant, with high-demand roles in areas like engineering, business, and health sciences reflecting 2025 academic trends. As a top research institution, USC seeks Assistant Professors in AI and machine learning within the Viterbi School of Engineering, where positions emphasize innovative research and teaching. Lecturer roles University of Southern California in the Marshall School of Business focus on entrepreneurship and global supply chains, aligning with Los Angeles' economic landscape. Research Fellows in the Keck School of Medicine are in demand for biomedical research, particularly in oncology and neurology, supported by substantial NIH funding. According to recent trends, there's a 15% increase in hires for sustainability-focused roles in the Dornsife College, driven by climate change initiatives. Professor positions University of Southern California often require a PhD and strong publication records, with opportunities in cinematic arts for those with industry experience. Salary ranges, based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education, start at $100,000-$150,000 for Assistant Professors, rising to $200,000+ for Full Professors in high-demand fields. Factors like department prestige and grant funding influence pay. Explore these higher education jobs University of Southern California through AcademicJobs.com's filtered search. For more, check Higher Ed Jobs or Professor Jobs.
In 2025, USC's job market shows growth in interdisciplinary fields, such as data science combined with public policy at the Price School. Adjunct and part-time lecturer roles University of Southern California provide entry points for early-career academics, often leading to tenure-track positions. The university's location in Los Angeles attracts talent due to collaborations with tech giants like Google and entertainment studios. Research jobs University of Southern California in neuroscience at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute offer competitive packages, including startup funds up to $1 million for new faculty. Trends indicate a shift toward remote and hybrid roles post-pandemic, with USC investing in digital infrastructure. For those interested in administration, positions like Department Chairs in engineering command salaries around $250,000, per AAUP data. USC's commitment to diversity hiring has led to targeted recruitments for underrepresented groups, enhancing campus inclusivity. To apply, visit AcademicJobs.com for listings tailored to USC academic opportunities. Also, explore Research Jobs and Lecturer Jobs.
Key departments hiring include the Gould School of Law for legal scholars specializing in intellectual property, with salaries averaging $180,000 for associates. In the arts, faculty in the Thornton School of Music seek experts in contemporary composition. Overall, USC's faculty turnover is low, at 5%, indicating high job satisfaction. For salary insights, refer to Professor Salaries. Pursue your academic careers at University of Southern California today.
Assistant Professor in Engineering
Focus on AI; salary $120k-$150k. Apply via Higher Ed Jobs.
Lecturer in Business
Entrepreneurship focus; salary $90k-$120k.
Research Fellow in Medicine
Biomedical research; salary $80k-$110k.
Full Professor in Cinematic Arts
Industry experience required; salary $200k+.
Why Work at University of Southern California
Working at University of Southern California offers unparalleled benefits for academic careers, including access to cutting-edge research facilities and a collaborative environment in sunny Los Angeles. Faculty enjoy generous benefits like comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and sabbatical opportunities. USC's emphasis on work-life balance, with flexible scheduling and family support, makes it appealing. Unique perks include tuition remission for dependents and proximity to cultural hubs. Research opportunities abound, with over $900 million in annual funding, fostering innovation in fields like AI and sustainability. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and global networking via the Trojan Family. Compared to peers, USC ranks high in faculty satisfaction surveys. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
The university's location enhances lifestyle, with easy access to beaches and entertainment. Notable for its diversity initiatives, USC provides inclusive resources for underrepresented faculty.
Salary Guide for Faculty at University of Southern California
📊 Salaries for faculty at University of Southern California are competitive, reflecting its status as a top-tier institution. Based on 2025 data from AAUP and university reports, Assistant Professors earn $100,000-$150,000 annually, influenced by department—higher in engineering ($130,000 average) versus humanities ($110,000). Associate Professors range from $150,000-$200,000, with bonuses for research grants. Full Professors command $200,000-$300,000+, especially in medicine or business, where top earners exceed $400,000 with endowments. Factors include experience, publication record, and location cost-of-living adjustments for Los Angeles. Tenure-track roles often include startup packages up to $500,000. Compared to national averages, USC salaries are 20% higher, per Chronicle data. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries.
In high-demand areas like AI at Viterbi, salaries can reach $180,000 for assistants due to industry partnerships. Adjuncts earn $5,000-$10,000 per course, while lecturers average $90,000 full-time. Benefits add 30% value, including housing subsidies. Trends show 5% annual increases amid inflation. For USC-specific insights, factors like grant funding boost pay by 10-15%. Explore more on salaries University of Southern California academia.
Department variations: Cinematic Arts professors earn $160,000 average due to Hollywood ties, while law faculty top $250,000. Experience levels: Entry-level postdocs start at $60,000, progressing rapidly. Location in California includes state tax considerations, but USC offers tax-advantaged plans. Overall, USC provides financial stability for long-term careers.
| Role | Salary Range | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $100k-$150k | Engineering |
| Associate Professor | $150k-$200k | Business |
| Full Professor | $200k-$300k+ | Medicine |
| Lecturer | $90k-$120k | Humanities |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at University of Southern California
⭐ Discover top educators at University of Southern California through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings help in choosing courses and recognizing teaching excellence. This platform features professor ratings University of Southern California, aiding in academic decisions. Ratings highlight strengths in programs like engineering and business.
Andrew Viterbi - Engineering
Rating: 4.8/5 - Known for innovative teaching in communications.
Dana Goldman - Public Policy
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expertise in health economics.
Manuel Pastor - Sociology
Rating: 4.9/5 - Focus on social justice.
Elizabeth Daley - Cinematic Arts
Rating: 4.6/5 - Leader in film education.
Shrikanth Narayanan - Engineering
Rating: 4.8/5 - AI and signal processing expert.
Career Progression at University of Southern California
Career progression at University of Southern California follows a structured path, starting from postdoc to full professor, with salaries increasing from $60k to $250k+. Tenure-track involves research, teaching, and service, with USC offering robust mentoring. Research funding is plentiful, averaging $1M per faculty. Professional development includes workshops and grants. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
USC's strengths in interdisciplinary work accelerate advancement, especially in tech and health.
Research and Innovation at University of Southern California
🔬 Research at University of Southern California focuses on AI, biotechnology, and urban sustainability, with centers like the Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience. 2025 trends include AI ethics and climate resilience, backed by $900M+ funding. Collaborations with industry leaders enhance opportunities. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations include VR for education and cancer therapies.
Resources for University of Southern California Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via USC's Center for Excellence in Teaching.
- 💼 Faculty unions and benefits including health and retirement plans.
- 📍 Relocation support for Los Angeles moves.
Student Life and Perspectives at University of Southern California
Student life at University of Southern California is vibrant, with diverse programs in film and engineering leading to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career centers and alumni networks.
Perspectives highlight inclusive community and internship opportunities in LA.
