<p>Is it possibly to take various courses across the different schools in USC, without having to apply to those schools?</p>
<p>yes .</p>
<p>Certain courses have restrictions on them, which have to be lifted by an advisor from that school, but otherwise, anyone can take them. If the section number of the course has a D next to it, then you need clearance. Otherwise, enjoy!</p>
<p>Contrast that with NYU, one of the most bureaucratic schools we encountered through the application process. It is such a turn-off to hear about the ridiculous restrictions they impose. The school has three art programs (Steinhardt, Tisch, and CAS), and the members of the cannot take classes in the other. Grrr…</p>