Frequently Asked Questions
We have divided up our FAQ into categories for you to sort through. While this list is in no way comprehensive of all the questions you may have, please feel free to contact us in Admission & Student Affairs with your unique question. If you need assistance beyond these responses, please make an appointment with an
academic advisor in Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs.
Whom to See for Advisement
Who is my advisor and how do I make an appointment?
You have the option of meeting with one of many advisors. Our
"Who is my Advisor?" page explains all of the options in relation to your major or unique situation.
How can I change my major from one type of engineering to another?
I’m in an engineering major but I don’t think I want to do engineering anymore. What should I do?
I’m in a non-engineering major but I’m considering switching to engineering. How do I do that?
We recommend visiting our
"Exploring Engineering" page so that you may learn about all of the possibilities within the Viterbi School. In addition, you should stop by the walk-in advising hours of one of the advisors in the Viterbi Admissions and Student Affairs office. You can view the walk-in hours for the current semester
here.
How do I complete a minor with my engineering major?
Every student who is interested in pursuing a minor with their engineering curriculum may find themselves in a unique situation. With over 100 minors across the University, we understand that academic advisement needs to be taken on a case-by-case basis. Please be sure to
make an appointment with an advisor in the Admission & Student Affairs Office as early as possible in your collegiate career to talk about your personal options. In additon you can refer to our
Double Majoring or Minoring section in Academic Policies & Procedures.
Academic Policies & Procedures
How do I calculate my GPA?
Please refer to the
Grading Policy section of our Academic Policies & Procedures page for GPA calculation information.
How do I get my STARS report updated?
You may access your STARS report anytime through
OASIS. STARS reports are updated automatically every semester in early October and early February.
In your request, be sure to give us your name and USCID!
How many classes may I take on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis?
Please refer to the
Other Enrollment Options section of the Academic Policies & Procedures page for Pass/No Pass information.
What should I do if I'm considering a Leave of Absence (LOA)?
Please refer to our
Leave of Absence section of the Academic Policies & Procedures page for Leave of Absence Information.
How does advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB) exam credit apply toward my USC engineering degree?
The following documents outline the details associated with both AP and IB exams.
How do I file an extension for time to complete an incomplete (IN) grade in a class?
Please refer to our section on
Incompletes in the Academic Policies & Procedures page.
I’ve been gone for a long time, what do I do if I want to come back to USC?
How can I get help if I’m struggling in one or more of my classes?
We have put together a list of resources and helpful tips for you at our
Help with Classes page.
How can I transfer in a course during the summer?
How does freshman forgiveness work?
How do I register if I am on Academic Probation?
Please refer to the
Academic Probation section in the Academic Policies & Procedures page.
How do I file a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal since I am not eligible for financial aid?
Please refer to the
SAP section in the Academic Policies & Procedures page
Unique Viterbi Programs
Where can I find information about Overseas Studies Programs?
Can I join the Engineering Honors Program?
What student organizations are there in engineering, and how can I get involved?
Please refer to the
Engineering Student Organization page. Almost all of the individual organizations have websites and/or contact information so you can get involved. In addition, the Engineering Student Council may have valuable insight into joining student organizations.
Graduation and Graduate School
How do I register for a graduate level course as an undergraduate?
How do I arrange to take a graduate level class now and reserve it for graduate credit?
If I haven’t finished my degree, can I still walk/participate at Commencement in May?
Do I need tickets for Commencement?
Scholarships, Research and Work
What types of scholarships are available for current students and how do I apply for them?
If you are a continuing student, please refer to our
Scholarship page for more information and the application.
How do I get more funding through my Trustee or Presidential scholarship?
How can I get involved in research?
There are many ways in which undergraduates can get involved in research. Please refer to our Undergraduate Research section for more information. In addition, you are encouraged to approach your
department and/or professors and ask them how you can get involved with their research.
How can I get an on-campus job if I don’t have work-study funding?
In addition to kiosks and bulletin boards on campus, these web sites may have postings:
How do I find out about summer internships?
Please refer to the
Viterbi Career Services website which includes specific information on finding internships and cooperative education jobs.
