About the
USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy

Four students gathering around a laptop discussing a project at the USC Iovine and Young Academy

01

The History of the USC Iovine and Young Academy

Education can be siloed. Students typically become proficient in a single discipline, not the fusion of studies necessary to succeed in today’s ever-evolving, tech-driven career landscape. 

Jimmy and Dr. Dre felt the need to change that. They wanted to create a learning framework that integrated technology and the liberal arts — a pivotal union that would help students flourish post-graduation.

In 2013, the same year Jimmy received his honorary doctorate in music at USC, the duo donated a transformational $70 million to bring their education vision to life. The USC Iovine and Young Academy welcomed its inaugural class of undergraduate students in the fall of 2014. In 2017, the Academy expanded its learning opportunities with a graduate degree program.

Grand staircase at Iovine and Young Hall at the USC Iovine and Young Academy

02

Academics and Programs

Bachelor of Science in Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation

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Transformative AI

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Product Innovation

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Extended Reality

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Interactive Technologies

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Business of Innovation

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Design Strategy

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Challenge-Based Learning

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Health Innovation

Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology

Both undergraduate and graduate students can partake in the Professional Practices Residential (PPR) program that places students in organizations to propel innovation. PPR puts students in contact with personnel, stakeholders, and users from these organizations and gives students the chance to implement human-centered design to develop solutions. 

The M.S. program was first available only online, but starting in fall 2024, the Academy will offer an in-person graduate program pathway. A hybrid program will also be available, which combines the online program with the use of the Academy’s fully outfitted studio and lab spaces. So, Academy students working toward advanced study in integration innovation can complete the program online, in-person, or via a combination of both. 

Students smile as they work on laptops at the USC Iovine and Young Academy
A group of USC Iovine and Young Academy students in front of a wall

03

The Learning Experience

The USC Iovine and Young Academy bestows an unrivaled multidisciplinary education from esteemed professionals and educators with backgrounds in information technology, arts, design, finance, entrepreneurship, and engineering. The Academy’s framework redefines how individuals will pursue their life’s work. Through this framework, the Academy cultivates graduates who are agile thinkers, adaptable, and multifaceted. 

The Academy embraces collaborative and inclusive education and supports different learning styles. Students develop a purpose-driven mindset; emotional, cultural, and social intelligence; and skills to communicate and collaborate across cross-disciplinary teams.

Challenge-based learning is at the core of the USC Iovine and Young Academy, using real-world prompts to solve complex problems facing local and global communities. Students gain knowledge through experimentation and reflection. These challenged-based learning experiences also extend to coursework regarding industry and society-driven challenges and student-driven ventures as part of the Academy’s rigorous curriculum. 

Because of the Academy’s multidisciplinary approach, students are in demand and securing competitive internships and full-time roles at tech giants and other companies, like DreamWorks, Google, Apple, Hulu, and Ernst and Young. Of the Academy’s graduates, 90% land jobs within six months of graduation. Additionally, graduates of the Academy are becoming industry pioneers, launching startups and other business ventures.

A group of USC Iovine and Young Academy students near the grand staircase at Iovine and Young Hall

04

Iovine and Young Hall

The Creator Studio influences creativity and is the ultimate maker space, with the following state-of-the-art amenities and tools:

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Electronics Room

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Wood Shop

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Metal Shop

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Equipment Cage

Line depiction of a printer, printing a picture of a mountain

Print Lab

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Laser Room

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Finishing Room

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Plastics / Composites Room

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CNC

USC Iovine and Young Academy student in the Academy's metalwork studio
Students in the Creator Studio at the USC Iovine and Young Academy

05

The USC Iovine and Young Academy Effect

The Academy’s students and graduates are making lists and driving change. See some examples: