The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university in Los Angeles, California, founded in 1880. Its central mission is the development of human beings and society through the cultivation of the mind and spirit, achieved via teaching, research, artistic creation, professional practice, and public service. USC comprises numerous undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, offering a wide array of academic programs and known for its strengths in fields such as cinematic arts, business, engineering, and social work. The university is committed to academic excellence, research, and fostering a diverse and inclusive community, attracting a significant number of international students and operating numerous research institutes.