USC Performance (Popular Music)
Transfer Requirements and Classes

The major preparation USC lists for Performance (Popular Music) transfers starts with WRIT 150, WRIT 340 and MPPM 350g; 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.

California community colleges with a transfer agreement for Performance (Popular Music)

Your community college

Which classes count at your community college?

Pick your college to see its class for each USC requirement.

Major Requirements

USC Performance (Popular Music) Major Preparation

The courses USC lists as Performance (Popular Music) 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 (30 units)

Complete all of these

MPPM 350g A History of Popular Music
MUCO 131a Harmony in Popular Music
MUCO 131b Harmony in Popular Music
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
MUHL 250g Music and Ideas

Complete 4 units from these

MUHL 350g Western Art Music History I
MUHL 351 Western Art Music History II
MUJZ 350g A History of Jazz Music
MUSC 102gw World Music
MUSC 115gp Western Music as Sounding History
MUSC 200gmw The Broadway Musical: Reflections of American Diversity
MUSC 210g Electronic Music and Dance Culture
MUSC 250gmw The Music of Black Americans
MUSC 320gmw Hip-hop Music and Culture
MUSC 371g Musical Genre Bending
MUSC 372g Music and Politics
MUSC 373g Writing About Popular Music
MUSC 460 Film Music: History and Function from 1930 to the Present
MUSC 465 Music, Television and American Culture

Program Specific Courses (45 units)

Complete all of these

MPPM 100 Forum
MPPM 120 Popular Music Performance I
MPPM 220 Popular Music Performance II
MPPM 320 Popular Music Performance III

Music Ensembles (2 units)

Complete all of these

MPPM 240 Drumming Proficiency for the Popular Musician
MPPM 325a Arranging in Popular Music
MPPM 325b Arranging in Popular Music
MTEC 448 Computer Music Notation and Preparation
MUIN 270 Introduction to the Music Industry
MUSC 255 Songwriting I
MUSC 496 Careers in Music
MTEC 245 Introduction to MIDI Sequencing
MTEC 246 Introduction to Audio Recording and Editing
MTEC 378 Introduction to Mixing and Mastering
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

Capstone Projects (2 units)

Complete all of these

MPPM 450a Final Project
MPPM 450b Final Project

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USC have a Performance major for transfer students?

Yes. USC offers Performance (Popular Music) and lists the major preparation it expects transfer applicants to complete.

What classes do I need to transfer to USC for Performance?

USC's Performance (Popular Music) major preparation includes WRIT 150, WRIT 340, MPPM 350g, MUCO 131a, MUCO 131b and MUCO 132a, 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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