The electric power industry is presently experiencing what has been described as the most revolutionary (and exciting) set of technological changes since the days of Edison. Apart from environmental pressures that demand a revised portfolio of energy resources, utilities are anticipating the development of a so-called “smart grid” that promises new opportunities for efficient and reliable use of electric power. The skills that electric power engineers will require are changing accordingly.
The MS in Electrical Engineering (Electric Power) is a program option for students seeking careers in the electric power industry. The plan of study combines traditional topics in power generation, transmission, and distribution with cutting-edge topics such as the integration of renewable energy sources in the “smart grid.”
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 Electrical Engineering (Electric Power) degree
- Required courses: 15 units
- Approved Elective courses: 12 units
- Other Elective courses may be used upon department approval
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of ClassesAPPLICATION DEADLINES| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
|---|
| Fall 2019 (Scholarship Consideration Deadline) | December 15, 2018 |
| Fall 2019 (Final Deadline) | January 15, 2019 |
| Fall 2019 (Deadline to submit the Statement of Intent) | May 1, 2019 |
| Spring 2020 (Scholarship Consideration Deadline) | August 31, 2019 |
| Spring 2020 (Final Deadline) | September 15, 2019 |
Visit our
Application Deadlines page for more information.
APPLICATION CRITERIA- An undergraduate degree in engineering, math or hard science from a regionally-accredited university.
- Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average)
- Satisfactory GRE test scores. All scores must be officially reported to the university directly by ETS.
- Satisfactory performance in required coursework:
- Two years of college math including differential equations
- One year of engineering physics or electronics with lab
- In addition, the following coursework is recommended:
- One course in circuit theory. One course in computer science or experience with a high level programming language
USC GRADUATE APPLICATION
APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR ALL APPLICANTSTranscripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
GRE General Test: Satisfactory and valid test scores. Valid GRE scores must be dated within five years of the start of the intended application semester. The fall semester starts in August, and the spring semester starts in January. Official scores must be reported from ETS directly to USC using ETS school code 4852. A department code is not required.
Resume/CV (Required)
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.
Personal Statement (Required): The personal statement should succinctly describe 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.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTSEnglish Language Proficiency: In addition to the general admission criteria listed above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination to be considered a candidate for admission. 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. For more details on English Proficiency Criteria for the University of Southern California, please visit USC Graduate Admission – Proficiency in English.
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 2019 - Summer 2020 | $2,075 | $6,225 | $8,300 |
| Fall 2018 - Summer 2019 | $2,005 | $6,015 | $8,020 |
TUITION & SAMPLE COURSE PLAN FOR 27 UNIT PROGRAM
STUDENT FEES
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
|---|
| Mandatory Fees (approximate) | Fall 2019: $475
Spring 2020: $420 | | |
| Health Insurance | Fall 2019: $730
Spring 2020: $1,311 | | |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $8/semester | | |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (On-Campus students) | $75/semester |
| |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $35/semester | |
|
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
Detailed Information on Tuition & Fees
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.
| Required Courses |
| All Courses Required – 15 units total. |
| EE 443 | Introduction to Power Systems (4 units) |
| EE 444 | Power Systems Technology (4 units) |
| EE 521 | Power System Analysis and Design (4 units) |
| SAE 515 | Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (3 units) |
| Elective Courses |
| At least four courses required at least one from each area. |
| Transmission, Distribution, and Planning Area |
| CE 501 | Functions of the Constructor (3 units) |
| EE 524 | Transients in Power Systems (3 units) |
| EE 525 | Power System Protection (3 units) |
| EE 526 | Renewable Energy in Power Systems (4 units) |
| High-Voltage Equipment and Design |
| EE 528 | Power Electronics (3 units) |
| Power-System Control and the Smart Grid |
| EE 527 | Net-Centric Power System Control (3 units) |
| EE 543aL | Digital Control Systems (3 units) |
| EE 585 | Linear System Theory (3 units) |
Please complete the following form for more information.
