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About USC Gould
USC Gould is a top-ranked law school with a 120-year history and reputation for academic excellence. We are located on the beautiful 228-acre USC University Park Campus, just south of downtown Los Angeles.
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Academics
Learn about our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and specialized areas.
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Admissions
USC Gould helps prepare you for a stellar legal career. You can pursue a JD degree, one of our numerous graduate and international offerings, or an online degree or certificate.
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Students
Participate in an unparalleled learning experience with diversity of people and thought. Get involved in the law school community and participate in activities that enhance your studies.
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Careers
We work closely with students, graduates and employers to support successful career goals and outcomes. Our overall placement rate is consistently strong, with 94 percent of our JD class employed within 10 months after graduation.
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Faculty
Our faculty is distinguished for its scholarship, as well as for its commitment to teaching. Our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio creates an intimate and collegial learning environment.
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MSL vs. LLM vs. JD: Which Law Degree Is Best for Your Career Path?
May 10, 2022
USC Online recently published an article discussing the benefits of our JD, LLM and MSL degrees, including the program requirements and the job opportunities that open up with each.
May 10, 2022
USC Online recently published an article discussing the benefits of our JD, LLM and MSL degrees, including the program requirements and the job opportunities that open up with each.
Alumni Spotlight: Devi Kane Zinzuvadia
April 1, 2022
Devi Kane Zinzuvadia (MSL 2020) is putting her MSL degree to work as public information officer for the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.
April 1, 2022
Devi Kane Zinzuvadia (MSL 2020) is putting her MSL degree to work as public information officer for the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.
Student Organization Spotlight: Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Society (PCLS)
March 31, 2022
The Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Society informs students about privacy law and cybersecurity and related legal careers. Learn more about how USC Gould’s newest student-run organization came to be and what they have in store as they continue to grow!
March 31, 2022
The Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Society informs students about privacy law and cybersecurity and related legal careers. Learn more about how USC Gould’s newest student-run organization came to be and what they have in store as they continue to grow!
Student Spotlight: Katie Morris
March 28, 2022
Katie Morris (MSL 2022), an online Master of Studies in Law student living and working in New York City shares a day in her life.
March 28, 2022
Katie Morris (MSL 2022), an online Master of Studies in Law student living and working in New York City shares a day in her life.
Alumni Spotlight: Gabe Hagen
March 4, 2022
After graduating Gabe Hagen (MSL 2021), used his master’s degree to pivot from a career in finance to becoming a small business entrepreneur.
March 4, 2022
After graduating Gabe Hagen (MSL 2021), used his master’s degree to pivot from a career in finance to becoming a small business entrepreneur.
Mediation's Future as a Profession
November 29, 2021
Q&A with USC Gould Lecturer Jack R. Goetz, president of nonprofit MC3 Mediation Certification.
November 29, 2021
Q&A with USC Gould Lecturer Jack R. Goetz, president of nonprofit MC3 Mediation Certification.
Office Hours: Compliance Courses and Careers for Non-Lawyers
November 24, 2021
Learn what it's like to study regulatory compliance and health care compliance — and how to choose if that career is right for you.
November 24, 2021
Learn what it's like to study regulatory compliance and health care compliance — and how to choose if that career is right for you.
Professor Richard Peterson Named 2021 L. Randolph Lowry Award Recipient
November 11, 2021
Each year the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA) presents the L. Randolph Lowry Award to a member of the dispute resolution community who has honored and inspired others through a passion and dedication to education in this important field.
November 11, 2021
Each year the Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA) presents the L. Randolph Lowry Award to a member of the dispute resolution community who has honored and inspired others through a passion and dedication to education in this important field.
Why study dispute resolution?
October 8, 2021
Fundamentally, people benefit from dispute resolution education by gaining a deeper understanding of issues underlying conflict and the processes available to resolve them.
October 8, 2021
Fundamentally, people benefit from dispute resolution education by gaining a deeper understanding of issues underlying conflict and the processes available to resolve them.
Emerging Careers in Cyber Law
September 27, 2021
Education in cybersecurity and data protection is vitally important — and so is critical and strategic thinking around how to resolve cybersecurity issues within evolving legal regulations.
September 27, 2021
Education in cybersecurity and data protection is vitally important — and so is critical and strategic thinking around how to resolve cybersecurity issues within evolving legal regulations.
Health Care Law and the Transformation to Telehealth
September 21, 2021
The way in which health care providers deliver information to patients looks very different now than it did a few years ago — and the pandemic has only accelerated that transformation.
September 21, 2021
The way in which health care providers deliver information to patients looks very different now than it did a few years ago — and the pandemic has only accelerated that transformation.
ADR Career Spotlight: Organizational Ombuds
September 20, 2021
An organizational ombuds is an employee of an organization, dedicated exclusively to assisting serving other employees through coaching, facilitation, problem solving, mediation and other techniques.
September 20, 2021
An organizational ombuds is an employee of an organization, dedicated exclusively to assisting serving other employees through coaching, facilitation, problem solving, mediation and other techniques.
Press Release: USC Gould School of Law Announces Expansion of Online Entertainment Law and Industry Certificate
April 7, 2021
The USC Gould School of Law is expanding its innovative Online Entertainment Law and Industry Certificate with new course offerings that include Music Law in Practice, Dealmaking in the Entertainment Industry, Digital Media Transactions, and Negotiation Skills.
April 7, 2021
The USC Gould School of Law is expanding its innovative Online Entertainment Law and Industry Certificate with new course offerings that include Music Law in Practice, Dealmaking in the Entertainment Industry, Digital Media Transactions, and Negotiation Skills.
Overcoming Interpersonal Mush
March 25, 2021
USC Gould Center for Dispute Resolution's Director, Richard M. Peterson, on the concept of "interpersonal mush."
March 25, 2021
USC Gould Center for Dispute Resolution's Director, Richard M. Peterson, on the concept of "interpersonal mush."
10 reasons to get a master’s at USC Gould
March 11, 2021
As you consider your options for a Master of Studies in Law degree (MSL), look out for programs that provide personal attention to your goals, support your learning and practically apply what you learn to the real world.
March 11, 2021
As you consider your options for a Master of Studies in Law degree (MSL), look out for programs that provide personal attention to your goals, support your learning and practically apply what you learn to the real world.
Special Education Dispute Resolution in the Era of COVID-19
December 9, 2020
One of the most fundamental precepts of public education is the provision of a safe learning environment for students and staff.
December 9, 2020
One of the most fundamental precepts of public education is the provision of a safe learning environment for students and staff.
Alumni Spotlight: Yankun Gao and Chuhong Qian
December 7, 2020
After graduating in May, USC Gould alumnae Yankun Gao (LLM 2020) and Chuhong Qian (LLM in ADR 2020) spent their summer interning with the Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center (APADRC).
December 7, 2020
After graduating in May, USC Gould alumnae Yankun Gao (LLM 2020) and Chuhong Qian (LLM in ADR 2020) spent their summer interning with the Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center (APADRC).
Legal insight into breaking news
October 16, 2020
News anchor Nick Ciletti, Class of 2022, is achieving his personal and professional goals with an MSL degree.
October 16, 2020
News anchor Nick Ciletti, Class of 2022, is achieving his personal and professional goals with an MSL degree.
Student Spotlight: Joseph Jeong
October 8, 2020
Meet Joseph Jeong (LLM in ADR '18). In the Q&A below, he shares what drove his passion for dispute resolution and his advice for using USC's resources to advance your career.
October 8, 2020
Meet Joseph Jeong (LLM in ADR '18). In the Q&A below, he shares what drove his passion for dispute resolution and his advice for using USC's resources to advance your career.
Student Spotlight: Apul Bhalani
October 2, 2020
Meet Apul Bhalani (MDR Class of 2021). In the Q&A below, he shares what drove him to pursue a legal education in dispute resolution and how his studies have shaped his work with Kids Manage Conflict.
October 2, 2020
Meet Apul Bhalani (MDR Class of 2021). In the Q&A below, he shares what drove him to pursue a legal education in dispute resolution and how his studies have shaped his work with Kids Manage Conflict.
Law School for Journalists
September 28, 2020
For journalist Ava-joye Burnett, MSL Class of 2020, legal education means better reporting.
September 28, 2020
For journalist Ava-joye Burnett, MSL Class of 2020, legal education means better reporting.
Mastering the Litigation Carve-Out
September 24, 2020
Frequently, negotiations over the choice for litigation or arbitration will lead contractual parties to draft a court litigation exception, or “carve-out”, within an arbitration clause. This piece considers some of those problems and potential solutions.
September 24, 2020
Frequently, negotiations over the choice for litigation or arbitration will lead contractual parties to draft a court litigation exception, or “carve-out”, within an arbitration clause. This piece considers some of those problems and potential solutions.
Faculty Spotlight: Allison E. Butler
December 18, 2019
Meet Allison E. Butler, Attorney at Law. Teaching Business Organizations and Topics in American Law to LLM and MSL students, Allison brings a global perspective to the classroom to further understanding of the law.
December 18, 2019
Meet Allison E. Butler, Attorney at Law. Teaching Business Organizations and Topics in American Law to LLM and MSL students, Allison brings a global perspective to the classroom to further understanding of the law.
Press Release: USC Gould Launches Online Certificate in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity
December 18, 2019
Data security and internet privacy concerns constantly inspire new legislation and policy, and this new online certificate offers crucial education in the legal parameters shaping our increasingly connected world. Students will explore how emerging regulations, legal issues, new technology and more are changing how businesses and individuals are affected by privacy and cybersecurity laws.
December 18, 2019
Data security and internet privacy concerns constantly inspire new legislation and policy, and this new online certificate offers crucial education in the legal parameters shaping our increasingly connected world. Students will explore how emerging regulations, legal issues, new technology and more are changing how businesses and individuals are affected by privacy and cybersecurity laws.
Alumni Spotlight: Djallon Dinwiddie
December 9, 2019
Meet Djallon Dinwiddie (MSL ‘19). In the Q&A below, she shares what made her choose the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program online at USC Gould, the impact on her career and her most memorable experiences as a student.
December 9, 2019
Meet Djallon Dinwiddie (MSL ‘19). In the Q&A below, she shares what made her choose the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program online at USC Gould, the impact on her career and her most memorable experiences as a student.
Alumni Spotlight: Terry Bayer
December 2, 2019
Meet Terry Bayer (ADR certificate '18). In the Q&A below, she shares what made her choose the USC Gould Center for Dispute Resolution, her decision to become a mediator and her best experiences studying at USC.
December 2, 2019
Meet Terry Bayer (ADR certificate '18). In the Q&A below, she shares what made her choose the USC Gould Center for Dispute Resolution, her decision to become a mediator and her best experiences studying at USC.
Alumni Spotlight: Jean Sprengel
November 25, 2019
Meet Jean Sprengel, MD (MSL '18). In the Q&A below, she shares what made her choose the Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program at USC Gould, her impact on the field of health care and her advice for future graduates.
November 25, 2019
Meet Jean Sprengel, MD (MSL '18). In the Q&A below, she shares what made her choose the Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Program at USC Gould, her impact on the field of health care and her advice for future graduates.
Faculty Spotlight: Susan L. Taylor
October 25, 2019
Meet Susan L. Taylor (JD, FACHE). Teaching Health Law, Business & Finance (Law 663) at USC Gould while serving as the CEO of College Hospital Costa Mesa, Susan brings real-world purpose behind her teachings of health care law that drive engagement and furthers understanding.
October 25, 2019
Meet Susan L. Taylor (JD, FACHE). Teaching Health Law, Business & Finance (Law 663) at USC Gould while serving as the CEO of College Hospital Costa Mesa, Susan brings real-world purpose behind her teachings of health care law that drive engagement and furthers understanding.
Press Release: USC Gould launches LLM degree in privacy law and cybersecurity
October 21, 2019
The University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law now offers an on-campus Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity, launching in Fall 2020. The new program prepares graduates for leading roles in protecting business and individual data with essential laws, policies and best practices that preserve digital integrity today.
October 21, 2019
The University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law now offers an on-campus Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity, launching in Fall 2020. The new program prepares graduates for leading roles in protecting business and individual data with essential laws, policies and best practices that preserve digital integrity today.
Student Spotlight: Mark Bond
October 16, 2019
Meet Mark Bond (MSL '19). In the Q&A below, he shares what made him pursue a legal master's degree, transitioning to an online learning environment and how he connects with other online students and the Gould community.
October 16, 2019
Meet Mark Bond (MSL '19). In the Q&A below, he shares what made him pursue a legal master's degree, transitioning to an online learning environment and how he connects with other online students and the Gould community.
Student Spotlight: Leonardo Graziottin
October 2, 2019
Meet Leonardo Graziottin (LLM ‘20). In the Q&A below, he shares what made him choose USC Gould, his experience moving his family to Los Angeles and his hope for the future impact of his degree.
October 2, 2019
Meet Leonardo Graziottin (LLM ‘20). In the Q&A below, he shares what made him choose USC Gould, his experience moving his family to Los Angeles and his hope for the future impact of his degree.
How is an MSL different from a JD?
September 9, 2019
Understanding the law is essential to reach a variety of professional goals, even if you don’t want to become a lawyer. The Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees offered by USC Gould School of Law provide comprehensive, in-depth legal knowledge to redefine your career.
September 9, 2019
Understanding the law is essential to reach a variety of professional goals, even if you don’t want to become a lawyer. The Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees offered by USC Gould School of Law provide comprehensive, in-depth legal knowledge to redefine your career.
Alumni Spotlight: Lydia Liberio
September 6, 2019
Meet Lydia Liberio (LLM in ADR '18). In the Q&A below, she shares what made her choose the Hollinger Program at USC Gould and how it has impacted her career development.
September 6, 2019
Meet Lydia Liberio (LLM in ADR '18). In the Q&A below, she shares what made her choose the Hollinger Program at USC Gould and how it has impacted her career development.
Three things LL.M. grads wish they knew when they started
August 26, 2019
Not every LL.M. student has the goal of staying in the U.S., but many do. Whatever your goal, there are things you can do to help achieve it.
August 26, 2019
Not every LL.M. student has the goal of staying in the U.S., but many do. Whatever your goal, there are things you can do to help achieve it.
Press Release: USC Gould receives compliance certification approval from CCB
August 22, 2019
The Gould School of Law at the University of Southern California (USC) is now accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB) for its online certificates in Compliance, Financial Compliance, Health Care Compliance, and Human Resources Law and Compliance. The certificates may be earned on a standalone basis or concurrent with an online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or Master of Laws (LLM) degree.
August 22, 2019
The Gould School of Law at the University of Southern California (USC) is now accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB) for its online certificates in Compliance, Financial Compliance, Health Care Compliance, and Human Resources Law and Compliance. The certificates may be earned on a standalone basis or concurrent with an online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) or Master of Laws (LLM) degree.
Alumni Spotlight: Mubarak Alrefaei
August 20, 2019
Meet Mubarak Alrefaei. In the Q&A below, he shares what made him choose an online education with USC Gould and his most rewarding – and challenging – experiences as one of its first online students.
August 20, 2019
Meet Mubarak Alrefaei. In the Q&A below, he shares what made him choose an online education with USC Gould and his most rewarding – and challenging – experiences as one of its first online students.
LL.M. Programs in California: From Hollywood to the Redwoods
August 15, 2019
With beautiful deserts in the south and towering forests in the north, it’s no surprise that the diverse state of California is the number one in America for international students. Originally published on LLM-Guide.com.
August 15, 2019
With beautiful deserts in the south and towering forests in the north, it’s no surprise that the diverse state of California is the number one in America for international students. Originally published on LLM-Guide.com.
ADR Career Spotlight: Organizational Ombuds
July 26, 2019
An organizational ombuds is an employee of an organization, dedicated exclusively to assisting with serving other employees through coaching, facilitation, problem-solving, mediation and other techniques. The ombuds exists to help resolve workplace conflict before it escalates, to teach individuals and groups to address conflict more productively, and to report concerns and trends to organizational leadership at the highest level.
July 26, 2019
An organizational ombuds is an employee of an organization, dedicated exclusively to assisting with serving other employees through coaching, facilitation, problem-solving, mediation and other techniques. The ombuds exists to help resolve workplace conflict before it escalates, to teach individuals and groups to address conflict more productively, and to report concerns and trends to organizational leadership at the highest level.
Benefits of providing advanced legal degrees to employees
June 24, 2019
Providing employees with advanced legal degrees, such as a Master of Studies in Law or legal master’s program, is a worthwhile investment for employers. It promotes business growth that yields profit, compliance with the laws and, above all, avoidance of costly legal complications.
June 24, 2019
Providing employees with advanced legal degrees, such as a Master of Studies in Law or legal master’s program, is a worthwhile investment for employers. It promotes business growth that yields profit, compliance with the laws and, above all, avoidance of costly legal complications.
Contract drafting essentials for business professionals
June 24, 2019
Business professionals come across contracts on a daily basis. Whether they are asked to draft a contract or review and comment on a contract, there are several key foundational contract concepts that business professional should know.
June 24, 2019
Business professionals come across contracts on a daily basis. Whether they are asked to draft a contract or review and comment on a contract, there are several key foundational contract concepts that business professional should know.
Teaching adult learners online
June 24, 2019
With a growing number of online law degrees and legal certificates currently being offered by top universities, many people over the age of 25 are keenly pursuing higher education opportunities.
June 24, 2019
With a growing number of online law degrees and legal certificates currently being offered by top universities, many people over the age of 25 are keenly pursuing higher education opportunities.
“Do I have an estate?” and other questions to ask an estate planning attorney – Part 1
June 24, 2019
Never be afraid to ask an estate planning attorney, “What is estate planning?” This article covers many of those questions you are too shy to ask, but that you should ask anyway.
June 24, 2019
Never be afraid to ask an estate planning attorney, “What is estate planning?” This article covers many of those questions you are too shy to ask, but that you should ask anyway.
The importance of early mediation in resolving disputes
June 24, 2019
What can we do to more effectively use mediation as a cost-saving tool? The answer: commit to early mediation in legal disputes.
June 24, 2019
What can we do to more effectively use mediation as a cost-saving tool? The answer: commit to early mediation in legal disputes.
“Do I have an estate?” and other questions to ask an estate planning attorney – Part 2
June 24, 2019
This is part two of an article containing important questions to ask an estate planning attorney.
June 24, 2019
This is part two of an article containing important questions to ask an estate planning attorney.
Benefit Corporations: Upholding the Triple Bottom Line
June 21, 2019
Benefit corporations are for-profit corporations; however, they differ from a traditional corporation in that it is created for a specific public benefit purpose, which can include providing low-income or underserved individuals or communities.
June 21, 2019
Benefit corporations are for-profit corporations; however, they differ from a traditional corporation in that it is created for a specific public benefit purpose, which can include providing low-income or underserved individuals or communities.
Seven benefits to earning a master of studies in law degree
June 20, 2019
Advanced knowledge of the U.S. legal system and the ways in which law intersects with business, finance, entertainment, health care, human resources and other fields is crucial to our graduates’ professional development
June 20, 2019
Advanced knowledge of the U.S. legal system and the ways in which law intersects with business, finance, entertainment, health care, human resources and other fields is crucial to our graduates’ professional development
Online master’s programs at law schools: Why online learning?
June 19, 2019
One fascinating but not often discussed aspect of online legal education is the recent growth in the number of 100 percent online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees and post-J.D. Master of Laws (LL.M.). There are several reasons why more law schools will, and should, offer online master’s programs in the near future.
June 19, 2019
One fascinating but not often discussed aspect of online legal education is the recent growth in the number of 100 percent online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degrees and post-J.D. Master of Laws (LL.M.). There are several reasons why more law schools will, and should, offer online master’s programs in the near future.
RECENT NEWS
A family’s saga
April 28, 2022
USC International Human Rights Clinic works to obtain humanitarian parole for Afghans
