About the Department
Because the department encompasses three engineering disciplines, the faculty research interests are diverse. Subject areas include the study of advanced semiconductor materials and nanostructures, advanced ceramics and metal composites, biotechnology, advanced computation, membrane separations, reactor design, and oil and gas exploration. This diversity is expected to grow even further with the recruitment of new tenure track faculty.
Within the department there are extensive core facilities for materials characterization and imaging, iotechnology research, and for advanced computation, including the Nanostructure Materials and Devices Laboratory, the Center for Photonic Technology, the Center for Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis, the Center for Composites Research and the Center for Interactive Smart Oilfield Technologies, among others.
Master's Degree Programs Offered [back to top]
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Master of Science in Materials Engineering
Master of Science in Materials Science
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies)
Application Criteria [back to top]
The following is a summary of the application criteria. For further information about the department and its programs, please visit the department website.
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science from a regionally-accredited institution
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Admissions Materials:
| Program |
Transcripts
|
GRE*
|
Statement of Purpose
|
Letters of Recommendation
|
Resume
|
TOEFL
|
| Chemical Engineering |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Required
|
3
|
Required
|
International Only
|
| Materials Engineering |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Required
|
3
|
Optional
|
International Only
|
| Materials Science |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Required
|
3
|
Optional
|
International Only
|
| Petroleum Engineering |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Required
|
3
|
Required
|
International Only
|
| Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies) |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Required
|
3
|
Required
|
International Only
|
* Average GPA of admitted students is 3.5; average GRE Quantitative score is 760.
How to Apply [back to top]
Please submit the following, if necessary, to the USC Office of Graduate Admission via the online application system by
clicking here.
- Statement of Purpose
- The statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. If unable to submit through the online application, letters should be submitted on official letterhead.
Please arrange to have the following sent to the USC Office of Admission (USC Graduate Office of Admission, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915):
- Official Transcript(s) from all post-secondary schools you have attended, and official translations if they are not in English.
- Official general GRE scores (no older than 5 years) sent through ETS to the University of Southern California, ETS code 4852
- Official TOEFL scores (for international students, no older than 2 years) sent through ETS to the University of Southern California, ETS code 4852.
Application Deadlines [back to top]
In order to evaluate any application for admission, application materials must be submitted by the deadlines listed:
| Program |
Spring
|
Summer
|
Fall
|
| Chemical Engineering |
October 1
|
February 15
|
June 15
|
| Materials Engineering |
October 1
|
February 15
|
June 15
|
| Materials Science |
October 1
|
February 15
|
June 15
|
| Petroleum Engineering |
October 1
|
Not Available
|
June 15
|
| Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies) |
October 1
|
Not Available
|
June 15
|
Contact Information [back to top]
For the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science:
http://viterbi.usc.edu/mork
Chemical Engineering
Karen Woo
Student Programs Advisor
Chemical Engineering Program
Tel: (213) 740-2227
Email: chedept@che1.usc.edu
Petroleum Engineering
Idania Takimoto
Student Programs Advisor
Petroleum Engineering Program
Tel: (213) 740-0332
Email: chedept@che1.usc.edu
