Introduction to the University of Southern California: The University of Southern California, referred to as USC, is located in downtown Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1880 by the Board of Regents, it is the oldest private research university in California. It is a long-established, A world-renowned private university with high scientific research and teaching standards and rich campus cultural life. The school currently has more than 28,000 students, about half of whom are graduate students. It is one of the four private universities in the western United States selected by the Association of American Universities. There are many graduates who hold important leadership positions in business, government and professional fields. America, the Pacific and the world.