The current design practice in aerospace and mechanical engineering relies on a number of numerical tools to simulate structures, heat transfer, and fluid flows (e.g., NASTRAN, FLUENT, etc.) as well as mathematical packages for analyzing data (e.g., MAPLE, MATLAB, etc.). Similarly, the availability of advanced computers has resulted in the development of new approaches in research where the computational techniques are used to explain and predict fundamental physical phenomena important in aerospace and mechanical engineering.
In an environment of a typical large aerospace company, usually different engineers specializing in one of the core areas (structures, fluids, heat transfer, combustion) will handle different aspects of designing a product before their inputs are combined. The students graduating from the USC MS in Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering (Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics) program will be prepared to:
Interact with engineers across all core disciplines because the program prepares them in both solid and fluid mechanics; this also offers greater flexibility in job placement and advancement within a company. Pursue higher degrees (Engineer and PhD) in areas of computational mechanics and heat transfer. The coursework in the MS in Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics Program is designed to provide a necessary background in the core aerospace and mechanical engineering disciplines (solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer), the engineering mathematics, and the numerical techniques employed by computational packages and practical examples of their use.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
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 (Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics) degree
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
Detailed Program Curriculum
List of All Courses
Schedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| 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.
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Ready to Apply page for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines including but not limited to: Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace 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
- 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.
- GRE: General GRE test scores are not required for 2023
- 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.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
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.
APPLY NOW - USC GRADUATE APPLICATION
The following is an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition.
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 | | |
Detailed Information on Tuition & Fees
WU BOWEI
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
For aerospace engineering, USC is one of the best. My English is not that good and USC offers an opportunity to have an excellent English course from the American Language Institute. Also, students here are all very nice and friendly as well as eager to learn. What's most important is its location. It's really convenient and fascinating and the school is located right beside downtown LA.
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
There are lots of working and intern opportunities around the school. Every couple of months there are events held by the career center. I am a research assistant, and have learned a lot from the position.
What advice would you give future Viterbi students?
Explore your life in the USC and challenge yourself everyday. Alway beat yesterday and step out of your comfort zone. As an engineer, we have plenty of chances to explore the future. Don't be afraid. Just do it!
Alumni Employment
- ABL Space Systems - Systems and Operations Engineer
- University of Southern California - Resource Employee
- Williams International - Engineer
This program is also available online to professional engineers through DEN@Viterbi. Because the DEN@Viterbi program provides a fully equivalent academic experience, the degree a USC engineering student earns is the same whether they are on-campus or online.
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.
Learn More About DEN@Viterbi
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) |
| 13-14 units Required core courses |
| 3-4 units Required elective from Computational Technical Electives |
| 3-5 units Required elective from Technical Electives |
| Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics Core Courses |
| Required Core Courses |
| AME 509 | Applied Elasticity (4 units) OR CE 507 |
| CE 507 | Mechanics of Solids I (3 units) OR AME 509 |
| AME 530a | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids (4 units) |
| AME 535a | Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics (3 units) |
| CE 529a | Finite Element Analysis (3 units) |
| Computational Technical Electives |
| Recommended Electives |
| AME 535b | Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics (3 units) |
| CE 529b | Finite Element Analysis (3 units) |
| MASC 575 | Basics of Atomistic Simulation of Materials (3 units) |
| MASC 576 | Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Materials and Processes (3 units) |
| Technical Electives |
| Recommended Electives |
| AME 511 | Compressible Gas Dynamics (4 units) |
| AME 516 | Convection Processes (3 units) |
| CE 541a | Dynamics of Structures (3 units) |
Please complete the following form for more information.
