Undergraduate Leadership Programs

The Robert J. Coury Applied Leadership Program empowers first-year USC Marshall students to develop confidence, character, and courage through a free, non-credit curriculum. This inclusive program is open to all undergraduate business students, fosters a rich environment for personal growth, professional development, and cross-cultural leadership skills.

Students gain deep insights into their unique leadership qualities and values through Gallup CliftonStrengths and VIA Character Strengths assessments. Interactive seminars and cohort meetings focus on strengths-based and values-based leadership, culminating in a competitive capstone experience that puts learned skills into action. Upon completion, students earn a certificate and digital badge, with opportunities to become paid mentors for future cohorts. The application period for all Marshall and Leventhal first year students and new transfers is November-December for admission in the following Spring.

The Emerging Leaders Program is a partnership between top universities (University of Southern California, Howard University, North Carolina A&T State, Prairie View A&M, University of Texas at El Paso, University of the West Indies) and industry. The program aims to develop the next generation of risk management leaders for an increasingly complex business environment through application-based learning, professional development activities, and internships. This is a five-day academic and professional development program run by the Arkley Institute of Risk Management on the USC campus followed by a summer internship program.

The Marshall Global Leadership Program is the Dean’s invitation-only program for the top 10% of our incoming freshman class. It is a curated, year-long leadership experience designed to help students develop the discipline needed to become an effective global business leader.

GLP is a year-long program designed to kickstart extraordinary careers consisting of two immersive courses: Freshman Leadership Seminar in the Fall and Global Leadership Seminar in the Spring. This includes an international trip aimed at developing leaders who can navigate volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments (VUCA leaders). At the end of their freshman year, GLP students can apply for an exclusive summer global internship.Students enjoy unique networking opportunities, social activities, and specialized advising throughout the program. GLP alumni can continue their involvement by mentoring new incoming students, planning events, and participating in additional international travel opportunities to further their understanding of global business.

GEMS is a highly selective early career development program for exceptional students in business, offering first-hand industry exposure and networking opportunities with professionals from leading companies.

Students engage in company visits, roundtable discussions with executives, and learn about potential internships and employment roles over a one-year period. Each student is paired with an industry mentor, providing customized guidance for personal and professional growth. Students also get professional presence and leadership training to ensure they are ready to shine as ambassadors of the school. Driven by a commitment to human-centered leadership, each student takes the lead in hosting financial literacy workshops in underserved Los Angeles neighborhoods. This hands-on experience allows them to put their knowledge into practice while fostering social awareness and a sense of civic responsibility. GEMS aims to propel gifted and highly motivated business students toward meaningful and impactful careers by harnessing their leadership potential while cultivating social consciousness. The competitive selection process involves a rigorous application review, interviews for finalists, and a Selection Weekend, with criteria including academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service.

The Hayes Barnard Fellowship is a two-year program designed for exceptional sophomores from all USC majors, aiming to deepen their knowledge and engagement in sustainability practices across various career paths.

Fellows participate in four specially tailored courses over four semesters, including a final 15-week practicum experience with hands-on sustainability work. The program features monthly sustainability community guest speakers, networking opportunities, and off-campus excursions to enhance learning and build relationships within the cohort. Students receive individualized mentoring and coaching to develop their leadership skills and work towards specific sustainability goals. The Hayes Barnard Fellowship seeks candidates with at least a 3.2 GPA who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, ethical leadership qualities, and cross-disciplinary interests, preparing them to become sustainability champions in their future careers.

The Undergraduate Social Impact Scholars program at the Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab (BSEL) is an exclusive nine-month experience that transforms rising juniors and seniors into the next generation of change-makers.

The program brings together visionary students from across USC who are passionate about careers in social impact. Scholars benefit from personalized mentorship by leading social impact professionals and entrepreneurs, gaining invaluable insights and connections in the field. The program also offers intensive professional development workshops, career shadowing opportunities, and access to BSEL's extensive network of innovators and thought leaders. Participants engage in monthly cohort meetings, fostering a community of like-minded peers dedicated to creating positive global change. This transformative experience equips students with the skills, network, and mindset to launch impactful careers and become influential leaders in the rapidly growing social impact sector. All majors are welcome.

The USC Warren Bennis Scholars Program is an interdisciplinary leadership development opportunity for outstanding juniors and seniors across all USC majors. Named after the pioneering leadership scholar Professor Warren Bennis, this two-year program selects students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership experience, and a passion for creating global impact. Scholars engage in a unique curriculum that includes honors colloquia, personalized mentoring, coaching, internship placement assistance, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The program aims to cultivate well-rounded leaders by fostering traits such as empathy, ethical courage, and intellectual curiosity. Recognized at graduation with a special transcript designation, Bennis Scholars are prepared to make significant contributions in their chosen fields, embodying the program's commitment to developing transformative leaders for the 21st century.