USC Jazz Studies
Transfer Requirements and Classes
The major preparation USC lists for Jazz Studies transfers starts with WRIT 150, WRIT 340 and MUCO 132a; 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 Jazz Studies Major Preparation
The courses USC lists as Jazz Studies 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 (24 units)
Complete all of these
- MUCO 132a Aural Skills I
- MUCO 132b Aural Skills I
- MUCO 133a Theory I
- MUCO 133b Theory I
- MUSC 496 Careers in Music
- MUHL 250g Music and Ideas
- MUJZ 350g A History of Jazz Music
- MUSC 250gmw The Music of Black Americans
Individual Instruction (16 units)
Complete 14 units from these
- MUEN 305 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
- MUEN 326 Guitar Ensemble
- MUEN 329 Jazz Ensemble
- MUEN 332 Jazz Chamber Music
- MUJZ 311 Vocal Jazz Techniques
Program Intensive Courses (28 units)
Complete all of these
- MUJZ 195L Jazz Elements I
- MUJZ 197a Vocal Jazz Elements I
- MUJZ 197b Vocal Jazz Elements I
- MPPM 240 Drumming Proficiency for the Popular Musician
- MUIN 270 Introduction to the Music Industry
- MUJZ 141a Basic Keyboard Skills for the Improviser
- MUJZ 305a Advanced Jazz Theory
- MUJZ 305b Advanced Jazz Theory
- MUJZ 395 Jazz Elements II
- MUJZ 400 Arranging for Jazz Ensemble
Complete 2 units from these
- MPGU 415 Studio Guitar Pedagogy
- MUJZ 443 Jazz Pedagogy
Complete 4 units from these
- 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 443 Desktop Music Production
- MTEC 444 Non-Linear MIDI Sequencing
- MTEC 445 Advanced Desktop Music Production
- MTEC 446a Computer Assisted Recording and Editing
- MTEC 446b Computer Assisted Recording and Editing
Writing
Complete all of these
- WRIT 150 Writing and Critical Reasoning–Thematic Approaches
- WRIT 340 Advanced Writing and Critical Engagement
Core Thornton Academic Courses (24 units)
Complete all of these
- MUCO 132a Aural Skills I
- MUCO 132b Aural Skills I
- MUCO 133a Theory I
- MUCO 133b Theory I
- MUSC 496 Careers in Music
- MUHL 250g Music and Ideas
- MUJZ 350g A History of Jazz Music
- MUSC 250gmw The Music of Black Americans
Ensembles (6 units)
Complete all of these
- MUEN 326 Guitar Ensemble
- MUEN 329 Jazz Ensemble
- MUEN 332 Jazz Chamber Music
Complete 4 units from these
- MUEN 305 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Program Intensive Courses (26 units)
Complete all of these
- MPPM 240 Drumming Proficiency for the Popular Musician
- MUIN 270 Introduction to the Music Industry
- MUJZ 195L Jazz Elements I
- MUJZ 305a Advanced Jazz Theory
- MUJZ 305b Advanced Jazz Theory
- MUJZ 395 Jazz Elements II
- MUJZ 400 Arranging for Jazz Ensemble
Complete 2 units from these
- MPGU 415 Studio Guitar Pedagogy
- MUJZ 443 Jazz Pedagogy
Complete 4 units from these
- 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 443 Desktop Music Production
- MTEC 444 Non-Linear MIDI Sequencing
- MTEC 445 Advanced Desktop Music Production
- MTEC 446a Computer Assisted Recording and Editing
- MTEC 446b Computer Assisted Recording and Editing
Guitar Intensive Courses (10 units)
Complete all of these
- MPGU 160a Functional Skills for the Jazz Guitarist
- MPGU 160b Functional Skills for the Jazz Guitarist
- MPGU 260 Improvising and Arranging for Jazz Guitar
Complete 4 units from these
- MPGU 420 Guitar Styles
- MPGU 460 Advanced Improvising and Arranging for Jazz Guitar
- MPGU 462 Recording and Producing Techniques for the Guitarist
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USC have a Jazz Studies major for transfer students?
Yes. USC offers Jazz Studies and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.
What classes do I need to transfer to USC for Jazz Studies?
USC's Jazz Studies major preparation includes WRIT 150, WRIT 340, MUCO 132a, MUCO 132b, MUCO 133a and MUCO 133b, 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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