The MS in Mechanical Engineering degree provides the technical education needed for engineering professionals in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy and power, utilities, petrochemical, design, manufacturing, and transportation. While the field of Mechanical Engineering encompasses this broad set of technical areas, this degree program encourages focused education in selected areas of interest.
Students in this program will choose from one of ten recommended areas of study:
- Advanced Manufacturing Specialization
- Combustion Specialization
- Design Specialization
- Dynamics and Control Specialization
- Energy Conversion Specialization
- Fluid Dynamics Specialization
- Heat Transfer Specialization
- Mechanics and Materials Specialization
- Solid and Structural Mechanics
- Quantitative Medical Engineering Specialization
The course program for each track listed above is designed to provide you with an education that is strong in both fundamentals and application, preparing you for doctoral programs as well as for continuing your engineering career in the industry.
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 for the MS in Mechanical Engineering 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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Visit our
Application Deadlines 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, Mechanical Design, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, and Mechatronics.
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 | | |
Visit Tuition & Fees for more information
LAURA JHOANA LOPEZ
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
USC has a great Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering program. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering with a minor in Computer Engineering from Chico State, I wanted to return to Southern California specifically near the L.A. area.
Tell us about an exciting and unforgettable experience from your time so far at USC.
I am currently finishing up my first year at USC and I have already been sponsored to attend conferences in and outside of the state.
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
I helped recreate the Women's Rugby team here on campus. At Chico State I was part of the Women's Rugby team. Once I got to USC I was informed that the Women's team hadn't been active for about 3 years. I asked around and got connected with someone else who was interested in recreating the women's team here at USC. Due to COVID we weren't allowed to form a new club for Fall 2021, but the team is now official. Although I am no longer eligible to compete competitively, I can always stop by and support the team when I have the chance.
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside of the classroom?
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE),Society of Women Engineers(SWE), Women In Engineering (WIE), and Trojan Women's Rugby team.|
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JEFFREY WEST
Jeffrey West first visited University of Southern California as part of a research project he undertook during his undergrad. During his visit, he connected with USC professors and learnt more about the university and the research opportunities it provided. “I wanted to go to a prestigious school which invested a lot on research projects and USC, I knew, has a track record of funding and doing big research projects,” says West explaining his decision to pursue graduate studies at USC. A year later, he was a part of the USC’s Trojan family, studying Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Viterbi School of Engineering.
Born and raised in Ohio, West did his undergraduate at Ohio Northern University where he majored in Mechanical engineering. In 2012, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue higher studies and spent the next five years at USC. After getting a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, West then pursued and earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. West was also drawn towards the emphasis USC placed on its student population and the resources provided to them. Additionally, the location was a big draw. “Los Angeles is a big city with huge prospects. With USC having one of the highest international student population, it was easy to meet people from all the over world and learn about different cultures.”
During his five years at USC, West also took on teaching and research assistantships along with his studies. He was a part of Viterbi Graduate Mentorship program where he guided and coached new graduate students to adjust to the life at USC and the city of Los Angeles.
Alumni Employment
- A&C Capital - Entry Level Mechanical Engineer
- A&C Capital - Mechanical Engineer
- AesculaTech, Inc. - Product Development Engineer
- Amazon
- Apogee Composites, LLC - CEO/Co-Founder
- Apple Inc. - Display Engineer
- Beijing Oriental Electronics Group - Computer Vision Algorithm Engineer
- Boeing
- Boston Consulting Engineer - Associate
- Buro Happold - Graduate Mechanical Engineer
- CAL ENG SOLUTIONS - Engineer
- CHTC USA Inc.
- CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co., Ltd. - Engineer
- Cubic Machinery - Robotics Application Engineer
- Draco K Enterprises, LLC
- Edwards Lifesciences - Engineer
- Faurecia -R&D Engineer
- Fullerton School District - Substitute Teacher
- GeneFluidics - Mechetronics Engineer
- General Atomics - Engineer
- General Motors - Design Release Engineer
- Greenpower Motor Company Inc. - Project Manager
- Grey Matter Robotics - CEO/Co-Founder
- Gulfstream - Associate Mechanical Engineer
- Honeywell
- Huawei - Algorithm/Software Testing Engineer
- Hyperloop One - Dynamics Engineer
- Intuitive Surgical, Inc - Robotic Algorithms and Controls Engineer
- Kontron America - Mechanical Engineer
- LEXMA Technology
- Medcaptain - Mechanical Engineer
- Meggitt - Graduate Engineer
- Metronom Health - Senior Process Engineer
- NCSIST - System Engineer
- NeighborNosh Inc
- Netease Games - Game Designer
- NIO USA - Sr. AI Scientist
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- PARI Robotics Inc.
- Pinduoduo - Backend Software Engineer
- Raytheon Technologies
- Relativity Space - Robotics Engineer
- SAIC - Digital Simulation Engineer
- Saudi Aramco - Engineer
- Seqgen
- Southern California Gas Company - Associate Engineer
- SpaceX
- Stratio, Inc. - AI Software Engineer
- The Aerospace Corporation
- TRC Robotics
- Turner Construction Company - Field Engineer
- UBTECH North America Research and Development Center Corp
- University of Southern California
- USC Marshall School of Business - Student Assistant
- Virgin Hyperloop - Quality Engineer
- Yutong Bus - Management Trainee
Internships
3Diligent Corporation; AesculaTech, Inc.; Amazon.com Services, Inc.; Amphenol Alden Products Company; Apple Inc.; Autodesk, Inc.; Berkshire Grey, Inc; Divergent Technologies, Inc.; Facebook, Inc.; Fyto, Inc.; Graymatter Robotics; HK Auto Repair, Inc.; NOW Diagnostics; OffWorld Inc; PBC Linear; Rivian; Robowind LLC; Sprintray Inc.; Tesla, Inc; U.S. Galactic Aerospace & Exploration, Corporation; Virgin Hyperloop; Volvo Car USA LLC; Wayfair
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) |
| 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. |
| Thermal and Fluid Sciences Track |
| The Thermal and Fluid Sciences encompasses concentration in one of the following areas: (1) Combustion, (2) Fluid Dynamics, and (3) Heat Transfer. |
| Thermal and Fluid Sciences Track Combustion Core Courses |
| AME 436 | Energy and Propulsion (3 units) |
| AME 513a | Fundamentals and Applications of Combustion (4 units) |
| AME 530a | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids (4 units) |
| Thermal and Fluid Sciences Track Fluid Dynamics Core Courses |
| AME 457 | Engineering Fluid Dynamics (3 units) |
| AME 511 | Compressible Gas Dynamics (4 units) |
| AME 530a | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids (4 units) |
| AME 535a | Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (3 units) |
| Thermal and Fluid Sciences Track Heat Transfer Core Courses |
| AME 457 | Engineering Fluid Dynamics (3 units) |
| AME 515 | Advanced Heat and Mass Diffusion (4 units) |
| AME 516 | Convection Processes (3 units) |
| Design Track |
| Design Track Core Courses |
| AME 503 | Advanced Mechanical Design (3 units) |
| AME 505 | Engineering Information Modeling (3 units) |
| AME 509 | Applied Elasticity (4 units) |
| Design Track Recommended Elective Courses |
| AME 404 | Computational Solutions to Engineering Problems (3 units) |
| AME 527 | Elements of Vehicle and Energy Systems Design (3 units) |
| AME 541 | Linear Control Systems II (4 units) |
| ASTE 520 | Spacecraft System Design (3 units) |
| ASTE 523 | Design of Low Cost Space Missions (3 units) |
| SAE 549 | Systems Architecting (3 units) |
| CE 529a | Finite Element Analysis (3 units) |
| Mechanics and Materials Track |
| Mechanics and Materials Track Core Courses |
| AME 509 | Applied Elasticity (4 units) |
| AME 560 | Fatigue and Fracture (3 units) |
| MASC 551 | Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials (4 units) |
| Mechanics and Materials Track Recommended Electives |
| AME 588 | Materials Selection (4 units) |
| CE 529a | Finite Element Analysis (3 units) |
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