CREATIVITY
INTERSECTION EXPERTISE AT THE
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
Prospective students, families, and partners:
At a time of rapid technological development and complex socioeconomic change, the vision that created the USC Iovine and Young Academy rings truer than ever. Education requires a new learning model that cultivates the unique abilities of creatives to engage the complexity of the human experience across all its dimensions and imagine novel products and processes that prompt reflection and advance meaningful transformation. This is the goal of the Academy’s unique Challenge-Based Reflective Learning framework, that immerses students in the challenge at hand, unconstrained by the discipline or a narrow outcome.
This rigorous academic environment fosters sociotechnical creativity, blending social and technical insights in innovative ways for purpose-driven change. Here you will design and develop new products, create novel interactions between humans and emerging technologies, and learn strategic methodologies essential for ideating, prototyping, and scaling solutions.
Academy students excel in gaining strategic employment in new industries ranging from extended reality and spatial computing to product development, software architecture, and design strategy. They collaborate to imagine and commercialize diverse startups before they even graduate.
As we navigate ahead, we are committed to supporting your aspirations and nurturing your potential. Welcome to the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Your futures start here.
BUILDING DIVERSE INNOVATION CAPACITY. CONNECTING HUMAN EXPERIENCE TO TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT. DRIVING STRATEGIC AND
INCLUSIVE CHANGE.
Thanassis Rikakis Dean, Iovine and Young Academy University of Southern California
Our undergraduate and graduate programs are dedicated to advancing expertise in key areas of the 21st-century economy:
Business of Innovation
Students gain a foundation of timeless concepts from traditional business education (including futures, strategy, value propositions, executive understanding of accounting, finance, market sizing, operations, branding, marketing, and data-driven decision making). These fundamentals are taught in the context of leading sociotechnical innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Design Strategy
The Academy’s Design Strategy area shapes leaders, entrepreneurs, and strategists skilled in analyzing complex challenges and creating equitable solutions for meaningful impact. Students master key methodologies like strategic foresight, communications strategy, and inclusive design, enabling them to critically address challenges of all kinds.
Extended Reality
The Academy’s Extended Reality area teaches essential skills and knowledge to build next-generation XR experiences and spatial computing systems. Students are introduced to exponential technologies, societal phenomena, decentralized business, and future concepts through foundational core classes and maker skills in augmented and virtual reality applications.
Interactive Technologies
The Academy’s Interactive Technologies area advances meaningful human interaction with computational intelligence through the development of novel 2D and 3D interfaces, and physical computing systems. The area includes courses on the front-end and back-end of device development, as well as courses on physical and body computing, cybersecurity, and human-centric design.
Product Innovation
The Academy’s Product Innovation area provides a holistic approach to product design, development, and management. It encompasses traditional physical and electronic products, digital apps and services, and hybrid or phygital development. Within our unique learning framework, students develop a foundational understanding of humancentered design principles, user research methodologies, iterative prototyping, and brand strategies to develop solutions that are desirable, feasible, and viable.
Transformative Artificial Intelligence
Faculty and students engaged in Transformative AI at the Academy aim to innovate the design of AI, the data used to support AI, and AI applications in society. Students develop project-driven competencies in areas including data structures and analytics, computational interfaces for augmented human performance, and machine intelligence for complex societal challenges.
Venture Development
At the Academy, creativity and ingenuity flourishes, and innovation is nurtured through hands-on learning, mentorship, and experiences designed to enrich the founder journey and develop student-led ventures. From ideation and development to branding, fundraising, and market expansion, students learn hands-on techniques to create a sustainable business advantage, lead teams, and scale concepts into companies.
Minors Designing for Digital Experiences
Designing Products
Disruptive Innovation
Extended Reality
Design and Development
Fashion
(in
Health Innovation
(in partnership with the Health
Learn more about the Academy’s areas of expertise.
ACADEMY THE DIFFERENCE
The USC Iovine and Young Academy was founded in 2013 through a visionary gift through entrepreneurs and Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young.
The Academy degrees leverage the unique Challenge-Based Reflective Learning (CBRL) framework, an approach based on learning through complex sociotechnical challenges provided by industry and community partners, as well as driven by students and faculty. Students, faculty, and industry partners work together to learn how to spot challenges and generate creative responses in complex and often under-explored territories. To accomplish this, students work in and out, back and forth, and through a series of stages for innovation:
DISCERN
Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to understand the problem spaces you are working within.
PROMPT
Write a challenge prompt; an ambitious and openended question that serves as the project’s North Star; dig deeper in areas related to your prompt.
PROTOTYPE
Learn and explore the challenge through active making.
FEEDBACK
Learn more about the Academy’s learning experience.
Access insights from a diverse network of stakeholders; plan to improve/next steps.
As students reflect on the relationship of varying complex challenges with specialized knowledge in different domains, they develop sociotechnical creativity techniques. Students forge their own learning paths, allowing them to create new technologies, ventures, and humane solutions for purposedriven societal change. They become prepared for a wide spectrum of career paths, ranging from product developer and software architect to business strategist and XR full stack developer.
This is a new education for a new world—interdisciplinary, collaborative, real-world. Academy students have the edge because they’re learning to understand multiple points of view and innovate at the intersection of tech, design, culture, and business.”
—JIMMY IOVINE
I think technology and creativity go hand in hand. If you can master both techniques I think you have the upper hand, especially in today’s world.”
—ANDRE
“DR. DRE” YOUNG
Check out The Pulse for student and alumni spotlights, faculty profiles, news, and more.
CAREER PATHWAYS
Career paths for sociotechnical creatives are increasing in quantity and variety.
VENTURE FOUNDER
The Academy collaborates closely with industry leaders to ensure that our learning outcomes are directly applicable to the ever-evolving landscape of today’s workforce.
Academy students are securing highly competitive internships, fellowships, and full-time positions at a roster of companies that includes: Apple, EY, Disney, Google, Nvidia, Microsoft, Tesla, and Warner Bros. to name a few. Graduates are equipped with the confidence, creativity, and hands-on experience to tackle complex challenges that transcend traditional boundaries and pioneer new mission-driven careers.
Some of the internship roles and positions our graduates excel in include:
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
DESIGN RESEARCHER DESIGN STRATEGIST
NON-PROFIT FOUNDER
MANAGING DIRECTOR
PRODUCT DEVELOPER UX & UI DESIGNER
SIMULATIONS DEVELOPER
UNIQUE PRACTITIONER
XR FULL STACK DEVELOPER
Learn more about careers and learning outcomes.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
A highlight of the Academy learning experience is how industry partners participate in multiple ways throughout the program. The unique caliber of our students and ways of engaging through innovation challenges have drawn renowned industry partners that include global marketleading companies, startups, not-for-profits, as well as social and government organizations.
The industry partners provide leaders and executives who serve as guest lecturers, clients in industry challenge courses, judges in the Academy venture pitch competitions, and collaborators in new ventures.
The benefits to students from our industry partnerships include unmatched opportunities for hands-on learning experiences, student mentoring, internships, startup collaborations, and long-term career placement.
Recent collaborations include those with:
▪ Adidas ▪ Adobe
▪ American Heart Association
▪ Audi
▪ Activant Capital
▪ Apple
▪ Banco Bradesco
▪ Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
▪ Coff ee Bean
▪ Cognixion
▪ Crenshaw YMCA
▪ Dell
▪ Deloitte
▪ Ellison Institute ▪ EY
Fender
FYI
▪ Fisher-Price ▪ Game Thinking ▪ Genies
Google ▪ Harvard Business Publishing
▪ Jump Associates
▪ Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
▪ Mattel/HotWheels
▪ McKinsey
▪ Meta
▪ Mighty Health
▪ Moment
▪ NASCAR Innovation Team
▪ Netflix
▪ Nickelodeon Music
▪ Pulp Pantry
▪ PwC
▪ Red Bull
▪ Samsung
▪ Seaside Ventures
▪ SJA
▪ Snap Inc.
The Iovine and Young Academy is rocket fuel for entrepreneurs—nurturing creativity and building the skills necessary to turn big ideas into big businesses.”
EVAN SPIEGEL, CEO OF SNAPCHAT
▪ SoLa
▪ ThinkWell ▪ Toms
▪ Trillicon Valley ▪ Verizon
▪ ZipRecruiter
DISCERN SCALE LAUNCH
At the Academy, opportunities are cultivated and ambitions are realized. From the annual Innovation Quest experience to industry collaborations and alumni mentorships, a founder community is bolstered and students are prepared to discern their own challenges and transform them into viable startups and companies.
Venture Showcase
The annual IYA Venture Showcase highlights studentled ventures at the Academy. Students present their ideas to judges for funding and feedback. The Venture Showcase is the capstone of Innovation Quest, demonstrating the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial talent nurtured at the Academy.
Innovation Quest
Innovation Quest accelerates student-led ventures in business, technology, and creative practice. This yearlong journey empowers founders, fosters innovation, and creates lasting impact. It begins with a fall Founders Bootcamp, awards Ignite Grants, includes a mentor program, and ends with an annual Venture Showcase.
PROMPT
Founders Bootcamp
A one-day immersive experience exploring entrepreneurship. Participants gain insights from industry leaders, connect with peers, and build founder toolkits.
Seed Grants
As part of the annual Innovation Quest experience, the Academy awards Ignite Grants to a select number of qualified teams. These grants support the development of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) for general startups, with the intention of accelerating our founders’ progress and supporting their venture journey.
Spaces that Drive Innovation
IOVINE AND YOUNG HALL
Iovine and Young Hall is a state-of-the-art space dedicated to instruction, collaboration, discovery, networking, and incubation.
The first floor of IYH houses 10,000 square feet of prototyping labs including labs for digital fabrication; data and computing; sensors, microcontrollers, and interfaces; materials research and development; 3D capture and modeling; immersive (XR, AR, VR) environment creation, multimodal content editing; and podcasting. It currently houses the most powerful in lab GPUs on campus.
Facilities Space includes:
Assembly and prototyping area
Fabrication lab for metal, wood, plastics, and electronics
3D printing and laser cutting area
Computing lab
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment
Extended Reality (XR) lab
Finishing and paint booth
Locker room
Materials library Podcast studio
Textiles room
Learn more about the Academy spaces and facilities.
UNDER- GRADUATE
Undergraduate Admission Process
Each fall, the Academy seeks to enroll a select number of students through a multi-stage admission process. Interested applicants must apply to the University of Southern California. From there, we will conduct a holistic review of your Common Application, in addition to a SlideRoom supplement.
All undergraduate applicants will need to select the Iovine and Young Academy as the 1st choice major under the Regular Decision timeline of the Common Application.
Undergraduate Application deadlines:
First-year Application Deadline: Dec 1
Transfer Application Deadline: Feb 15
Requirements for undergraduate admission:
Common Application
▪ Activity summary
▪ Personal statement
▪ ‘Why USC?’ (supplemental essay)
▪ Additional information (optional)
▪ Transcripts
▪ Letter of recommendation
▪ School profile
SlideRoom Supplement
▪ 2 Academy essay questions (Required)
▪ 1 (Optional) Portfolio of technical or creative works (5 submission max)
Learn more about the undergraduate admission process.
Graduate Admission Process
Candidates must apply to either the in-person or the online program but students may take courses from either program.
Graduate Application deadlines
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration: Feb 1
Final deadline: Mar 15
Application to graduate programs includes the following:
▪ Application form
▪ Resume
▪ Transcripts of all higher education institutions attended
▪ Responses to essay prompts
▪ A portfolio or collection of work (optional)
▪ Letters of recommendation (optional)
▪ Payment of a non-refundable application fee
GRADUATE
Learn more about the graduate admission process.
SCHOLARSHIPS
All undergraduate applicants who meet their respective deadline are automatically considered for USC Merit Scholarships. Amounts vary but include full, half-, and quarter-tuition awards. All graduate applicants who apply by February 1 are automatically considered for partial tuition scholarships. Please note that scholarship funding for graduate programs is limited.
Find out more information about USC scholarships here.
USC’s Affordability Initiative
Newly admitted first-year students from U.S. families with an annual income of $80,000 or less (with typical assets) are able to attend USC tuitionfree. This initiative boosts opportunities for students whose families earn too much to qualify for adequate aid but too little to aff ord a top-tier college education.
USC FINANCIAL AID
USC recognizes that many students and their families need assistance in meeting the costs of a private education. USC administers one of the largest financial aid programs in the United States, with a long tradition of meeting the USCdetermined financial need of applicants who meet all eligibility requirements and deadlines. More than two-thirds of USC undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, Federal Work-Study, and loans.
More information about financial aid can be found here.
USC IYA ALUMNI NETWORK
At the Academy, we pride ourselves on academic excellence and fostering lifelong connections through a robust alumni network. As a graduate, you will join a global community of accomplished individuals spanning various industries and continents. This network is more than just a directory; it’s a vibrant ecosystem where USC alumni support one another, forge collaborations, and share opportunities as a Trojan Network. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, career advice, or partnership opportunities, our alumni network stands ready to provide invaluable support throughout your professional journey. Beyond graduation, your affiliation with the Academy ensures that you remain connected to a diverse and influential community, creating continuous learning and growth opportunities.
Opportunities for lifelong connections and collaborations:
Alumni-driven projects
Alumni-initiated ventures
Career panels and workshops
Mentorship programs
Social events
Trojan Network
Communication
LA+USC LIFE
USC’s strategic location in Los Angeles, widely viewed as the creative and media capital of the world, provides an unrivaled opportunity for students to learn in a living laboratory where media and the visual arts are deeply intertwined. In addition, the university’s proximity to the city’s burgeoning Silicon Beach as well as Northern California’s Silicon Valley provides access to the world’s premiere technology companies from which students can learn and draw inspiration.
As a residential campus, USC’s on-campus resources are available at your doorstep. With residence halls, suites, and apartments, USC offers a variety of housing options to provide a welcoming transition to university life.
With more than 850 clubs and organizations, USC boasts one of the most dynamic and talented student populations in the country. Whether it’s intramural, club and Division I sports; Greek life; student government; or arts and cultural events, students can expand their academic knowledge, pursue an interest, test their leadership skills, or simply have fun at USC.
USC hosts a full and dynamic calendar of events from sports to performing arts to citywide cultural festivals. Off-campus, public and private venues in neighboring Exposition Park and Downtown Los Angeles are among the world’s best. The Trojan Family extends beyond a student’s four years at USC. Alumni form a close and supportive network, now more than 300,000 strong. Students become part of a remarkable group shaping the future of the planet.
For more information, visit www.usc.edu.
USC Iovine and Young Academy University of Southern California 3780 Watt Way Los Angeles, CA 90089 (213) 821-6140
iovine-young.usc.edu | usc.edu @USCIovineYoung
Admission Contact
Undergraduate: iyaadmission@usc.edu
Graduate: iya.gradprograms@usc.edu