Diversity at USC's Viterbi School
The Viterbi School at USC takes pride as a preeminent engineering institution in sharing the responsibility of producing high-quality and diverse graduates fully reflective of our pluralistic society to fulfill the 21st century technical workforce needs of this country and the global community at large. Through our world-class faculty, rich academic programs, and stellar student services and mentoring resources, we are committed to attracting, retaining, training, graduating and placing outstanding men and women students from all backgrounds and demographic sectors of our multi-cultural, diverse world. Engineering professionals that are life-long learners and equipped with a diversified skill set are best suited to discover, integrate, and adapt to new knowledge and experiences dynamically and effectively as the technology, culture, and needs of the global society continue to evolve. The Viterbi School strives to be a national and international leader in their quest.
In fulfilling our mission, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering actively recruits engineering achievers from all backgrounds into its doctoral degree programs, particularly students historically underrepresented in the field (African-American, Latino and Native American). Through REACH, underrepresented engineering achievers get firsthand exposure to exciting research opportunities, world-class faculty, rich academic programs, and stellar student services and mentoring resources.
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2010 REACH Participants with
USC Faculty
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM
REACH is a three-day, all-expense paid, doctoral preview program that takes place at USC’s University Park Campus near downtown Los Angeles. Round-trip transportation, lodging and meals for REACH participants will be paid for by the USC Viterbi School. Attendees who later apply to the USC Viterbi School for doctoral study will also have their $85 application fee waived.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Selected participants will have the opportunity to:
- learn about Viterbi School engineering doctoral programs of study
- gain insight on the graduate application, admission and financial aid processes at USC
- interact with current and prospective doctoral students, faculty, and staff in the Viterbi School
- find out about summer research and distance learning opportunities in the Viterbi School
- benefit from special presentations and workshops by faculty and staff
- participate in tours of the USC campus, research labs, and departmental facilities
- experience USC campus life and living in the greater Los Angeles area
Schedule of Events
SELECTION CRITERIA
Eligible juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and master’s students are invited to apply to participate in the REACH program. Only those individuals who have a strong record of academic achievement and who intend or are seriously considering to pursue Ph.D. studies within the next one or two years are encouraged to apply.
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Making new friends is a part of REACH.
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Eligibility:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale
- Majors in engineering, applied mathematics or physical sciences
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Applications are particularly encouraged from students who are Black/African Americans, Latino/Chicano Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
Application:
- The on-line REACH application form, including a 500-word statement of intent
- Two letters of reference submitted by faculty on behalf of the applicant.
(Note: a third letter from a faculty, staff person, or researcher is optional)
- Unofficial academic transcript.
Registration Deadline Now October 6th.
Inquiries:
For questions about the program or the application/selection process, email Ms. Tracy Charles, Doctoral Programs Coordinator, at tcharles@usc.edu or contact her by phone at 213-740-6241
Are you interested in pursuing a Master's Degree? Are considering a PhD, but can't stay for the entire REACH program? Apply for the Viterbi Graduate Preview Day! Click here for more information.
What did the 2010 participants have to say about REACH?
"I have been to other similar programs in UMich and UMass, and this was definitely the best one!"
"I like that I got the chance to talk to the professors in my department. I got the chance to introduce myself and show them my resume. I think that this is a great opportunity not only to get to know the faculty, but also for the faculty to get to know us."
"I really liked how it felt as if everyone really wanted me to come to the school. I also liked how engineering was glorified. I felt like I could really make a significant change in the world."
"We were treated exceptionally from day one."
"The program was based around the students for the students. I felt like USC was inviting us to the program, not trying to sell us to it."
"The best part was talking to professors that were genuinely interested in getting to know me and giving me a detailed idea of why their research is awesome. There was a lot of great advice presented as well that will serve me well for years to come."
What will YOU discover through REACH?
