Academic Preparation
Students interested in transferring to the Viterbi School of Engineering should have a strong foundation in math and science as well as an interest in analytical and creative problem solving. We recommend completing a minimum of 30 transferable units with at least a strong "B" average to be competitive for transfer admission.
We recommend taking as many of the following courses as possible. PLEASE NOTE -- you are not
REQUIRED to take these classes prior to transfer, but they will make you a stronger candidate for admission. We strongly recommend contacting a Viterbi transfer counselor to identify transferable courses you can take at your current institution to best prepare for engineering at USC.
Recommended FIRST year classes:
- Writing Composition (2 semesters)
- Calculus (2 semesters)
- Chemistry (1semester)
- Additional Biology, Chemistry, or Calculus-based Physics (varies by school, contact Viterbi Counselor)
- General Education (2-3 classes)
Recommended SECOND year courses:
- Calculus III (Differential equations)
- Additional Math Class (varies by major)
- C++ Programming (CSCI, CECS, ISE majors only)
- Additional Biology, Chemistry, or Calculus-based Physics (varies by school, contact Viterbi Counselor)
- Additional engineering courses such as Statics, Strength of Materials, Dynamics, Linear Circuits (if offered)
- Additional General Education
Advisement Resources
Transferring coursework from one academic institution to another can be a confusing process. We have created several resources to guide you through your coursework selection. Using these resources can better prepare you to transfer and increase the number of your transferable courses and units that USC will accept towards your degree.
We strongly encourage all students to meet with a Viterbi transfer admission counselor for in-depth advisement. The admission team will work with you to develop your personalized transfer plan.
Transfer Planning Guides
The Transfer Planning Guide identifies how course work from most California Community Colleges an other four or two year institutions will apply and transfer towards the various Engineering degree programs at USC.
Undergraduate Bulletin
The Viterbi Undergraduate Bulletin will be a helpful resource for students attending four-year institutions or community colleges outside of California. The Viterbi Undergraduate Bulletin lists all the courses required for a USC engineering degree. The Viterbi transfer admission counselors will work with you to match coursework offered at your current institution with USC requirements.
3/2 Program Agreement Guides
For 3/2 students, the 3/2 Program Agreement Guide will be your primary resource. The 3/2 Program Agreement Guide identifies the courses you need to take at your partner institution before transferring to USC. It also lists the engineering coursework that you will take after you transfer to USC. Please contact your 3/2 Program advisor or a
Viterbi transfer admission counselor for a copy of your 3/2 Program Agreement Guide.
