USC Composition
Transfer Requirements and Classes
The major preparation USC lists for Composition transfers starts with WRIT 150, WRIT 340 and MUCD 348; the full list is below.
81 California community colleges have a current transfer agreement with USC for this major. Pick yours below to see which of its classes count.
Your community college
Which classes count at your community college?
Pick your college to see its class for each USC requirement.
Major Requirements
USC Composition Major Preparation
The courses USC lists as Composition major preparation for transfer applicants, for the 2026-27 academic year. Course numbers are USC's own; pick your community college above to see the matching class there.
Writing
Complete all of these
- WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches
- WRIT 340 Advanced Writing and Critical Engagement
Core Thornton Academic Courses (36 units)
Complete all of these
- MUCD 348 Instrumental Conducting and Orchestration
- MUCO 132a Aural Skills I
- MUCO 132b Aural Skills I
- MUCO 133a Theory I
- MUCO 133b Theory I
- MUCO 232a Aural Skills II
- MUCO 232b Aural Skills II
- MUCO 233a Theory II
- MUCO 233b Theory II
- MUHL 250g Music and Ideas
- MUHL 350g Western Art Music History I
- MUHL 351 Western Art Music History II
- MUSC 496 Careers in Music
Individual Instruction (24 units)
Complete all of these
- MUCO 137a Composition I
- MUCO 137b Composition I
- MUCO 237a Composition II
- MUCO 237b Composition II
- MUCO 337a Composition III
- MUCO 337b Composition III
- MUCO 437a Composition IV
- MUCO 437b Composition IV
Program Intensive (14 units)
Complete all of these
- MUCO 135 Counterpoint I
- MUCO 235 Counterpoint II
- MUCO 336a Orchestration II
- MUCO 336b Orchestration II
- MUCO 434 Analytical Techniques
Complete 2 units from these
- MPKS 250a Keyboard Instruction I
- MPKS 250b Keyboard Instruction I
Capstone Projects (4 units)
Complete all of these
- MUSC 480 Young Artist Project I
- MUSC 481 Young Artist Project II
Also listed by USC
USC lists these under the headings shown, apart from the list above.
Contemporary Division Electives (4 units)
4 units from these
- MPGU 145 Guitar Proficiency for the Pop Guitarist
- MPGU 150 Functional Skills for the Popular Guitarist
- MPPM 120 Popular Music Performance I
- MPPM 240 Drumming Proficiency for the Popular Musician
- MPPM 250 Keyboard Proficiency for the Popular Musician
- MPPM 370 The Vocal Edge: Contemporary Vocal Performance Techniques
- MTEC 245 Introduction to MIDI Sequencing
- MTEC 246 Introduction to Audio Recording and Editing
- MTEC 248 Introduction to Music Notation
- MTEC 249 Introduction to Web Design for Musicians
- MTEC 277x Introduction to Music Technology
- MUIN 272x Basics of the Music Industry
- MUIN 425 Live Music Production and Promotion
- MUJZ 141a Basic Keyboard Skills for the Improviser
- MUJZ 150 Beginning Jazz Improvisation
- MUJZ 218a Afro-Latin Percussion Instruments
- MUJZ 450 Intermediate Jazz Improvisation
- MUSC 255 Songwriting I
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USC have a Composition major for transfer students?
Yes. USC offers Composition and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.
What classes do I need to transfer to USC for Composition?
USC's Composition major preparation includes WRIT 150, WRIT 340, MUCD 348, MUCO 132a, MUCO 132b and MUCO 133a, with more courses in the list on this page. Pick your community college on this page to see which of its classes match.
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