The MS in Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering (Dynamics and Control) educates and trains multidisciplinary professionals in the modeling, analysis, simulation, and control of complex time-evolutionary systems. It is a unique program of study that encompasses advanced analytical dynamics, nonlinear dynamical systems, linear and nonlinear dynamics and vibrations, and linear and nonlinear control. The program equips students to apply their knowledge to a variety of complex systems encountered in nature and society, especially those in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering and applied mechanics.
This degree provides the graduate student with a broad, well-rounded, advanced education that can be applied to many specific technologically-advanced fields in which dynamics and control play a pivotal role. Upon completion of the program, students are brought to the cutting edge of current research as well as relevant areas of application.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring | September 1 (extended to October 1) |
| Fall | December 15 (Scholarship consideration)
January 15 (Final deadline) |
Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants to the Master of Science program in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering - Dynamics and Control must have a bachelor’s degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree. Most applicants have degrees in engineering or closely related fields, such as Aerospace, Aeronautics, Mechanical, and Mechatronics.
Applicants without a bachelor's degree in a directly related field may still be considered if they have completed and demonstrated strong proficiency in the following coursework (or equivalent):
| |
| Computer |
| Engineering |
| Linear Systems |
| Programming |
This is not an exhaustive list. Applications are reviewed holistically; simply taking these courses does not guarantee admission.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
NOTE: The GRE is not required for 2026 applications.
The following link will take you to an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students, including payment information. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition
TUITION AND FEES OVERVIEW
Use the link below to download the Cost of Attendance to see a summary of tuition and fees by semester. The document is a typical example and the number of courses, and time to complete the program, will vary by student.
Estimated Cost of Attendance - 27 Unit Program
Alumni Employment*
Companies & Job Titles (multiple positions may be listed)
- The Aerospace Corporation - Guidance & Control Engineer / Member of Technical Staff
- Boeing - Flight Engineer / Guidance Navigation & Controls Engineer
- Lockheed Martin Corporation - Guidance Navigation & Controls Engineer
- LTA Research - GNC Engineer
Additional career outcomes information can be found on our general MS in Aerospace Engineering and MS in Mechanical Engineering pages.
* Information is based on voluntary surveys and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive view of program alumni.
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 |
| Applied Math Requirement |
| Select one course - 4 units total |
| AME 525 | Engineering Analysis (4 units) |
| AME 526 | Partial Differential Equations for Engineering Applications (4 units) |
| Core Requirements |
| 20 units required coursework. |
| Remaining units Approved 400 or 500 level elective courses. Elective courses may be from AME or other Engineering Departments. |
| Required Dynamics and Control Courses |
| AME 521 | Engineering Vibrations II (4 units) |
| AME 522 | Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, Vibrations, and Chaos (4 units) |
| AME 524 | Advanced Engineering Dynamics (4 units) |
| AME 541 | Linear Control Systems II (4 units) |
| AME 552 | Nonlinear Control Systems (4 units) |
| Recommended Elective Courses |
| Not Required, but also in the Dynamics and Controls area. |
| AME 420 | Engineering Vibrations I (3 units) |
| AME 451 | Linear Control Systems I (3 units) |
| EE 543a | Digital Control Systems (3 units) |
Please complete the following form for more information.
