Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Application
Deadlines
Spring 2023:
September 15, 2022
Fall 2023:
December 15, 2022
- Program Overview
- Application Information
- Tuition & Fees
- Meet Our Students
- Career Outcomes
- DEN@Viterbi - Online Delivery
- Request Information
The MS degree in Aerospace Engineering is designed to give students exposure to at least two different areas of Aerospace Engineering through concentration and breadth requirements, while at the same time allowing students to pursue their interests through flexibility in the selection of technical electives.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
- This program takes 1.5 - 2 years to complete
- Chat with a USC Viterbi Graduate Student Ambassador
- Visit our Profiles Page to learn more about our students and alumni
Please Note: Requirements for graduation, course offerings, course availability, track offerings, and any other degree requirements are subject to change. Students should consult with an academic advisor prior to registering for any classes.
- A minimum of 27 units is required to earn the MS in Aerospace Engineering degree
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | September 15, 2022 |
| Fall 2023 | December 15, 2022* |
| * DEN@Viterbi (Online Delivery) Deadline Extension: An application extension for Fall 2023 is available for online DEN@Viterbi applicants who intend to pursue their entire degree program online and do not require a visa sponsorship. Please email den@viterbi.usc.edu to request an application extension. On-campus students who apply by published deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted. Online DEN@Viterbi applicants can view the Master's Scholarships (DEN@Viterbi) page for scholarship opportunities. |
|
Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines including but not limited to: aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering.
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts: Upload Electronic Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A mailed hard copy or official e-transcript is not required for admission to our programs.
- Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended) and other degree related documents through the online graduate application (International applicants, visit USC Graduate Admission’s Country Requirements page for details on required documents)
- Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable
- If the transcript includes a separate grading scale, make sure it is also uploaded
- For upload purposes, all transcript related documents for a single school must be submitted as one document
- If you are admitted, you will be given specific instructions on submitting your hard copy transcripts
- Resume/CV
- GRE: GRE scores are not required for 2023.
- Personal Statement : The personal statement 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.
- Letters of Recommendation (optional): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study.
English Language Proficiency: In addition to application requirements above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission to the Viterbi School. For possible exemption from additional language requirements, you must achieve an Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90, with no less than 20 on each section or an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score. Please review USC Graduate Admission – Proficiency in English.
IMPORTANT: USC does not accept Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials test scores.
GRADUATE ENGINEERING TUITION
| Academic Year | Per Unit Rate | 3-unit Course | 4-unit Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 - Summer 2023* | $2,309 | $6,927 | $9,236 |
| Fall 2021 - Summer 2022* | $2,199 | $6,597 | $8,796 |
| * Tuition is the same for on-campus and online students | |||
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE - 27 UNIT PROGRAM
MANDATORY STUDENT FEES - 2022/23
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Health Center Fee | $527/semester | ||
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $8/semester | ||
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (On-Campus students) | $40/semester | ||
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $20/semester | ||
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | ||
| Health Insurance (U.S.-based health insurance is required, but it does not have to be through USC) | Fall 2022: $805 Spring 2023: $1,468 |
Visit Tuition & Fees page for more information
MATTHEW BAYER
What was the main reason you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
I chose USC because of the flexibility of USC's remote learning platform and the graduate courses offered in Aerospace Engineering. I wanted to continue my academic education while working, and taking courses remotely on my own schedule allows me to continue working in my professional career full-time.
Alumni Employment
- Boeing - Aerospace Structural Engineer
- Boeing - Guidance Navigation and Controls Engineer
- Boeing - Senior Aerodynamics Engineer - Aero-Stability & Control Analysis
- Boeing - Manager, Design & Integration Engineering
- Boeing - Flight Test Engineer
- Boeing - Mechanical Engineer
- Boeing - Aerodynamics Engineer
- Boeing - Spacecraft Systems Engineer
- Boeing - Electronics Packaging Product Design Engineer
- Boeing - Nondestructive Evaluation Engineer
- Collins Aerospace - Product Support Engineer
- Deloitte - Solutions Engineer
- Frontier Aerospace - Propulsion Test Engineer
- General Veneer Manufacturing Co. - Quality Engineer
- Honeywell - Manufacturing Engineer
- Lasertec U.S.A., Inc. - Field Service Engineer
- Linquest - Cyber Security Systems Engineer
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory - Systems Engineer
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory - Mars 2020 Systems Testbed Engineer
- Northrop Grumman Corporation - Systems Engineer
- Relativity Space - Propulsion Engineer
- Rivian - Aerodynamics Engineer
- Spike Aerospace - Engineering Consultant
- Vision Creative LLC - Engineer
Internships
Plane View Partners; Meta Platforms, Inc.
Available Online
This program is also available online through DEN@Viterbi. DEN@Viterbi students undergo the same academic requirements, curriculum, and must adhere to the same academic standards as on-campus students; therefore, the diploma issued by the University of Southern California is the same. There is no difference between remote students and on-campus students.
Limited Status
If you are interested in beginning classes as a DEN@Viterbi student next semester, explore the requirements and steps to enrolling as a Limited Status Student.
State Authorization
Prior to enrolling in classes, DEN@Viterbi (online) students need to confirm that their academic program is authorized by their state for online delivery. Please confirm by reviewing the approved program lists, by state, on the DEN@Viterbi State Authorization webpage.
If you have any questions about a specific state or academic program, please email stateauthorizations@den.usc.edu.
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
DEN@VITERBI ONLINE COURSE OFFERINGS
The following courses and program requirements serve as program planning for DEN@Viterbi students. Course offerings and availability are subject to change. Please consult with advisor if you have any questions.
| General Requirements for Graduation Without Thesis |
| 27 units total with 3.0 GPA overall. |
| AME 525 | Engineering Analysis (4 units) |
| 15 units 500 level courses in AME department. Cross listed classes count as AME department courses. |
| 12 units Approved 400 or 500 level elective courses. Elective courses may be from AME or other Engineering Departments. |
| Recommended Courses by Specialization |
| Note: Specializations do not appear on transcripts or diplomas. |
| Aerodynamics / Fluid Dynamics Specialization Track |
| Specialization Track Core Courses |
| AME 511 | Compressible Gas Dynamics (4 units) |
| AME 530a | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids (4 units) |
| Recommended Specialization Track Electives |
| AME 457 | Engineering Fluid Dynamics (3 units) |
| AME 530b | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids (3 units) |
| AME 535a | Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics (3 units) |
| Aerospace Control Specialization Track |
| Specialization Track Core Courses |
| AME 532a | Flight Vehicle Stability and Control (3 units) |
| AME 541 | Linear Control Systems II (4 units) |
| Recommended Specialization Track Electives |
| AME 545 | Modeling and Control of Distributed Dynamic Systems (3 units) |
| AME 552 | Nonlinear Control Systems (4 units) |
| ASTE 585 | Spacecraft Attitude Control (3 units) |
| ASTE 586 | Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics (3 units) |
| Aerospace Design Specialization Track |
| Specialization Track Core Courses |
| AME 527 | Elements of Vehicle and Energy Systems Design (3 units) |
| Recommended Specialization Track Electives |
| AME 528a | Finite Element Analysis (3 units) |
| ASTE 520 | Spacecraft System Design (3 units) |
| Aerospace Structures Specialization Track |
| Specialization Track Core Courses |
| AME 529 | Aircraft Structures Analysis (4 units) |
| Recommended Specialization Track Electives |
| AME 509 | Applied Elasticity (4 units) |
| AME 521 | Engineering Vibrations II (4 units) |
| CE 541a | Dynamics of Structures (3 units) |
| AME 559 | Creep (3 units) |
| AME 560 | Fatigue and Fracture (3 units) |
| CE 529a | Finite Element Analysis (3 units) |
| Computational Fluid Dynamics Specialization Track |
| Specialization Track Core Courses |
| AME 530a | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids (4 units) |
| AME 535a | Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics (3 units) |
| Recommended Specialization Track Electives |
| AME 535b | Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics (3 units) |
| AME 511 | Compressible Gas Dynamics (4 units) |
| AME 530b | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids |
| Propulsion Specialization Track |
| Specialization Track Core Courses |
| AME 511 | Compressible Gas Dynamics (4 units) |
| AME 513 | Fundamentals and Applications of Combustion (4 units) |
| Specialization Track Electives |
| AME 436 | Energy and Propulsion (3 units) |
| ASTE 470 | Spacecraft Propulsion (3 units) |
| CHE 530 | Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers (3 units) |
Spotlight Series
Department Profile
Academic Disciplines
- Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
- Astronautical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering & Materials Science
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science & Cyber Security
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Financial Engineering
- Energy & Sustainability
- Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Systems Architecting & Engineering
Published on July 5th, 2017
Last updated on February 10th, 2023