The University of Southern California, founded in 1880, is a private, comprehensive university. As a major research university, USC provides undergraduates with an extraordinary range of academic programs and encourages study and research across disciplines. This breadth of programs means that students can combine both strong liberal arts and professional studies. USC''s 155-acre main campus location puts the incomparable resources offered by Los Angeles and southern California within easy reach. Students draw on these resources for research and internships, for exploring arts and community service and for working at the center of developing information technologies. Within this driven, forward-thinking, far-flung area, USC students maintain a strong sense of community.