Dr. Scott Altman

Professor

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Biography

Scott Altman is the Virginia S. Fred H. Bice Professor of Law at USC Gould School of Law. His expertise includes jurisprudence, property, and family law, with a particular focus on child custody and divorce issues. He teaches courses such as Family Law, Property, and Jurisprudence in Community Property. Altman joined the USC Gould faculty in 1988 and has held various administrative positions, including associate dean and vice dean. His research explores the intricacies of child custody, addressing themes like judicial candor and the commodification of relational disputes. Notable publications include 'A Theory of Child Support' in the International Journal of Law and Policy Family and ‘Divorcing Threats Offers’ in Law & Philosophy. He earned his BA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his JD, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was developments chair of the Harvard Law Review. He clerked for Judge Dorothy Nelson on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and has been influential in legal education and scholarship during his tenure at USC.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

USC Gould School of Law • Los Angeles, California

Teaches Family Law, Property, and Jurisprudence. Focuses on child custody and divorce issues.

Associate Dean

— Present

USC Gould School of Law • Los Angeles, California

Oversaw academic and administrative functions of the law school.

Vice Dean

— Present

USC Gould School of Law • Los Angeles, California

Managed key administrative responsibilities within the law school.

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.