March 2023: This program is expected to undergo a revision regarding the required number of units for completion of the Masters degree. The proposed revision would change the required units from 27 to 28 units. Updates to the requirements will be posted here when available.
The MS in Product Development Engineering is an interdisciplinary degree program jointly offered by the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and the Daniel J. Epstein Industrial and Systems Engineering Departments. The Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department will manage this joint degree program.
Developing new products is the essence of human intelligence in general, and engineering professions in particular. The growth of our economy has been largely determined by the engineer's performance and effectiveness in new product developments. The ever-increasing demands for product functions, coupled with low cost, high quality, and short lead-time requirements have made product development a very complex and inter-disciplinary activity. The recent high-tech revolutions and stringent environmental concerns have further contributed to the complexity of modern product development. There exists a great human resource need in the areas of new product developments.
There are three interrelated disciplines in product development: art, management, and engineering. The MS in Product Development Engineering program focuses on the engineering discipline, ranging from technology to systems. From the engineering viewpoint, product development can be seen as a process from invention, design, planning, production, to service phases. Three types of knowledge are needed for an engineer to go through these phases:
- knowledge to generate new product ideas
- knowledge to evaluate these ideas
- knowledge to structure and manage the development process
This innovative degree program provides students with an integrated education experience, including modern theories and practical experiences, to acquire this knowledge systematically so that they can accomplish these phases efficiently.
The MS in Product Development Engineering program is mainly a coursework-based program; students can choose to complete the program with or without a thesis requirement. This program has two areas of specialization (AOS):
- Product Development Systems (PDS): prepares the student to become a product development manager
- Product Development Technology (PDT): prepares the student for a professional career as a new product development engineer
Students entering this program must declare their choice of an AOS at admission, and follow the requirements of each AOS to graduate.
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 Product Development Engineering degree
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule 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
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.
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 (3 Highly Recommended): 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
BRIAN HABING
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
Four reasons, all starting with P: Program, Proximity, Professors, and Prestige. Program -I was questioning whether I wanted to study mechanical engineering or systems engineering or something else for my master's degree. When I discovered the Product Development Engineering program at USC, it immediately became my top choice. Other universities in Southern California did not have this program, so USC Viterbi became my only interest. Proximity -I work full-time in El Segundo and I wanted to study for my masters degree part-time at a local university where I could still go on campus to meet people, professors, and TAs, as needed. Professors -every USC Viterbi professor whose class I have taken has brought interesting insight and experience from industry. They are not pure academics in an ivory tower. They have applied the engineering or management techniques in their field and can incorporate those lessons into their lectures. Prestige -I wanted to study for my masters degree at a renowned institution withcapable classmates from around the country and the world.
Tell us about an exciting and unforgettable experience from your two years at USC.
Working through group projects with international students has been an unforgettable experience that I was not exposed to during my undergraduate program. I worked with students from Mexico, Germany, China, and Kuwait. Collaborating with them, hearing their insights, and working across time zones was a valuable and unforgettable experience.
PATRICIA GARCIA
Tell us about an exciting and unforgettable experience from your time so far at USC.
My passion for utilizing a systems-perspective to collaborate across disciplines and design innovative, human-centered solutions to various 21st century challenges has driven my hunger to revolutionize the entrepreneurial world. As such, it was with no doubt in my mind that USC (given the vast opportunities for entrepreneurial growth the Trojan network) was where I was meant to be for my graduate studies. Coming from one the largest minority serving state institutions in the US, access to the resources such as those available at SC was nothing like I had experienced before. When I arrived at USC in August, I immediately immersed myself into the entrepreneurial culture that makes USC what it is today. This began by learning more about the opportunities available at theGreif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. That day I was informed about the Athena Female Founders Pitch Competition and was highly encouraged to apply. After many weeks of coaching and perfecting my pitch, I was selected as one of the winners and awardedseed funding for my venture focused on creating more inclusive, sustainable, and community focused college campuses! However, that was just the beginning. I also had the privilege of attending the ATHENA Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit where I had the opportunity to listen to so many inspiring women who are revolutionizing their respective industries. Seeing this powerful representation of these incredible women (who have some sort of affiliation to USC) has empowered me to strive for more not only during my time at SC but in life. I am a strong believer in the idea of “you can’t be what you can’t see” and the ATHENA Summit absolutely provided me with a glimpse of what my future could look like because of the trailblazing women who have come before him. It means so much to be when I stand on national platforms pitching my venture because I would not be where I am today without the support of the Trojan family. I am proud to call myself a Trojan and could not imagine being anywhere else at this point in my life.
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside of the classroom?
I am a part of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and Women’s Leadership Society (WLS) at USC Annenberg M{2e}. Outside of USC, I am a part of TECHNOLOchicas which is a national initiative of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Televisa Foundation.
Alumni Employment
- Abbott Laboratories - Operations Engineer
- Abbott Laboratories - Process Development Engineer
- Boeing - Lead Manufacturing Engineer
- Boeing - Systems Engineer
- Boeing - Weights Engineer
- Ford Motor Company - Research Engineer
- Honeybee Robotics - Mechanical Engineer
- Howmet Aerospace - Associate Product Manager
- JR286 - Product Engineer
- Left Field Labs - Junior Web Developer
- Medtronic, Inc. - Mechanical Design Engineer
- Medtronic, Inc. - Biomedical Engineer
- Medtronic, Inc. - R&D Advanced Surgical Tech Mechanical Engineering Intern
- Microsoft - Hardware Program Manager
- Northrop Grumman Corporation - Materials and Process Engineer
- Northrop Grumman Corporation - Test Engineer
- Rivian - Associate Engineer
- Southwest Airlines Co. - Associate Business Analyst in Technology
- The Aerospace Corporation - Supply Chain Project Management Staff
- United States Army - Mechanical Engineer
- Whirlpool Corporation - Project Engineer
Internships
Sprintray Inc.
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. |
| 13 units required courses |
| 6-8 units Required Technology Technical Electives |
| 9 units Approved 400 or 500 level elective courses from AME, ISE or SAE. |
| Depending on the academic background and career interests of students, the program offers two areas of specialization, product development technology and product development systems. The product development technology specialization will prepare students for a career as future product development engineers, while the product development systems specialization will prepare students as future product development managers. Students entering this program must declare their choice of an area of specialization and follow the requirements of each area of specialization to graduate. |
| Core Courses |
| Both classes required - 6 units. |
| ISE 501 | Innovative Conceptual Design for New Product Development (3 units) |
| ISE 545 | Technology Development and Implementation (3 units) |
| Product Development Technology Specialization |
| Both classes required - 7 units. |
| AME 503 | Advanced Mechanical Design (3 units) |
| AME 525 | Engineering Analysis (4 units) |
| Product Development Technology Electives |
| Select two courses. |
| AME 505 | Engineering Information Modeling (3 units) |
| AME 527 | Elements of Vehicle and Energy Systems Design (3 units) |
| AME 578 | Modern Alternative Energy Conversion Devices (3 units) |
| ASTE 523 | Design of Low Cost Space Missions (3 units) |
| ISE 576 | Industrial Ecology: Technology-Environment Interaction (3 units) |
| MASC 551 | Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials (4 units) |
| MASC 583 | Materials Selection (4 units) |
| SAE 549 | Systems Architecting (3 units) |
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| Product Development Systems Specialization |
| Both classes required - 6 units. |
| ISE 515 | Engineering Project Management (3 units) |
| ISE 544 | Management of Engineering Teams (3 units) |
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| Product Development Systems Electives |
| Select two courses. |
| ISE 514 | Advanced Production Planning and Scheduling (3 units) |
| ISE 525 | Design of Experiments (3 units) |
| ISE 527 | Quality Management for Engineers (3 units) |
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| ISE 561 | Economic Analysis of Engineering Projects (3 units) |
| ISE 562 | Decision Analysis (3 units) |
| ISE 580 |Performance Analysis with Simulation (3 units) |
| ISE 583 | Enterprise Wide Information Systems (3 units) |
| ISE 585 | Strategic Management of Technology (3 units) |
| SAE 541 | Systems Engineering Theory and Practice (3 units) |
| SAE 549 | Systems Architecting (3 units) |
| General Electives |
| 9 units of Adviser-approved electives (Must be upper-division 400- or 500-level courses; up to 4 units can be transferred from other institutions). |
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