Since 1912, the University of Southern California has awarded honorary degrees at Commencement, the highest award the university confers.

USC’s award of honorary degrees demonstrates our university values, by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary achievements in scholarship, science, the professions, or other creative activities, or have made outstanding contributions to the welfare of their communities.

Faculty members, academic departments, staff, students, alumni, and trustees are all invited to nominate candidates.

The honorary degree process is managed by a faculty committee that includes representatives of the undergraduate and graduate student governments, alumni, and retired faculty. The chair of the Committee is Margo Apostolos, Professor, USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. The Provost’s office works closely with the committee.