Challenge-Based Learning

The Academy’s Bachelor of Science innovative degree offers a four-year course of study focused on the intersection of technology, business, human-centered design and communication. Through its signature integrated learning framework, students develop an agile mindset to analyze complex challenges, develop systems-level strategies, and intersectional expertise to lead transformational change and innovation in their desired career path. 

Through the Academy’s core, students achieve fluency in the languages and methodologies of technology, business, design, and communication, while learning how these disciplines work synergistically to spark new ideas, technologies, ventures, and humane solutions for meaningful impact. The Academy’s rich elective offerings focused on the cutting-edge of industry trends give students unparalleled opportunities to customize their educational experience according to their interests and career aspirations. 

The degree requires a total of 128 units which includes 52 units in the core, 36 units in major electives, and 40 units in university-required coursework. Students can select elective courses from the Academy's signature intersectional concentrations: Purpose-Driven Innovation and Business; Interactive Physical Computing; Extended Reality and Interactive Technologies; Data for Collaborative Innovation; Design Strategy; Product Innovation; Computer-Assisted Design; Health Innovation; and from future electives as they become available. Students can also choose their major electives from a list of pre-approved courses offered by USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, Marshall School of Business, School of Cinematic Arts, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and Keck School of Medicine. 

In consultation with their academic advisor, students may petition to take courses outside the pre-approved list offered by USC schools, as well as from the Academy’s Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology program. In addition to required courses, students may elect to participate in other experiences such as Industry/Impact Projects and Labs, internships, as well as USC study abroad programs. 

Through the Academy’s core, students learn applied skills and gain understanding of the theories, concepts, and ‘language’ common to the areas of technology, business, and human-centered design, as well as the innovative potential where they intersect. The core curriculum is infused with the Academy’s signature Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) approach which engages students with complex, real-world challenges in collaboration with industry partners and communities. The CBL experience includes professionalizing opportunities through industry-driven labs, projects, and culminates in the fourth-year “Garage Experience” course in which students develop original products, solutions, or ventures to address a meaningful problem. 

Academy majors will complete each of the following core courses:

Disruptive Innovation: Entrepreneurial Fundamentals and Mindset

Case Studies in Innovation: Business and Finance Fundamentals for Launching a Startup

The Practice of Design: Ideation to Innovation

Design Strategy: Problem Solving for Organizations

Industry Practicum I: Designing and Implementing Real-World Solutions 

The Garage Experience I and II: Developing your Venture

In addition to the above required core courses, students must choose two courses (8 units) from the following Intersectional Core Courses towards their 52 units of major core courses: 

 Narrative Technology and the Human Experience 

Introduction to Data Innovation and Analytics 

Introduction to Interactive Physical Computing

The Hacker Imagination: From Ancient Greece to Cupertino 

Dev III Designing Applications for Emerging Platforms  

Through the Academy’s electives, students can advance their understanding of cutting-edge innovations emerging from the intersection of technology, design and business. Electives are organized  per area of integrated innovation. The list of electives is continuously evolving to reflect emerging industry trends. 

**The list below is only indicative of current planning and is pending final university curriculum approval.**

Guided Research and Mentored Startup Development

Legal Essentials for Creative Entrepreneurs

The Community Playbook for Brands and Businesses

Purpose-Driven Innovation for Entrepreneurs

Purpose-Driven Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Extended Reality for Health, Wellness and Access

Storytelling and Collaboration in Convergent Spaces

Extended Reality and Interactive Technologies

Introduction to Data Innovation and Analytics

Cybersecurity Privacy and Trust in Connected Healthcare

Machine Learning and Augmented Human Intelligence

Advanced Analytics for Collaborative Innovation

Collaborative Prototyping in Health Innovation 

Cybersecurity Privacy and Trust for Connected Health

Evidence-Based Medicine for Health Innovators

Major Electives Offered by USC Partner Schools

Students can enhance their degree through collaborations with USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, Marshall School of Business, School of Cinematic Arts, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and Keck School of Medicine.  Elective offerings from partner schools cover areas include programming and development; artificial intelligence and machine learning; data science; mechanical engineering and materials; business and entrepreneurship; communication and media.

In addition to the Academy’s core curriculum and major electives, students must complete USC’s General Education courses which provide a comprehensive introduction to the breadth of knowledge required to be a well-educated person in the 21st century. For more information about USC’s general education requirements, visit the USC General Catalogue. 

B.S. Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation

Subscribe to our Newsletter