USC Biology Program Rank?

Hey y'all, I'm looking into USC for studying biology. I'm wondering, does anyone know where USC's biology program ranks nationwide? Is it considered competitive? And if you have insider info, how is the curriculum? Any insight would be appreciated!

Response: Hi there! The University of Southern California (USC), as of the most recent data available, has well-ranked biological sciences program. In the U.S. News and World Report rankings, USC's biological sciences program is ranked 65th in the nation, but keep in mind that the quality of a program is not only determined by its ranking. It's also about the type of experience and opportunities you'd have access to as a student, and USC certainly offers many in those respects.

As for the competitiveness, it is indeed a competitive program. USC is a prestigious institution with a low acceptance rate overall, so any major you select at USC would be inherently competitive due to the profile of the student body. USC's strong emphasis on research can make for a rigorous and in-depth curriculum in biology.

As for the curriculum, USC's program offers a diverse array of biology courses and has a strong emphasis on research. They have research opportunities in numerous fields, from neurobiology to marine biology, which would allow you to explore various subfields and possibly delve deeper into one you're particularly passionate about. But like many programs, the first few years are typically spent on foundational science coursework, and then you're able to specialize more in upper-level classes.

Do consider reaching out to current USC biology students or alumni for more insider information about their experiences, especially since those can vary individual to individual. That said, USC's biology program should prepare you well for a number of paths, whether that's graduate school, medical school, research, or a career straight after your bachelor's degree.