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 28 units is required to earn the MS in Electrical Engineering (Electric Power) degree
- Required courses: 15 units
- Approved Elective courses: 13 units
- Other Elective courses may be used upon department approval
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring 2024 | September 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2024 | December 15, 2023* |
* DEN@Viterbi (Online Delivery) Deadline Extension: An application extension for Fall 2024 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
- An undergraduate degree in engineering, math or hard science from a regionally-accredited university.
- Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average)
- 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
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 2024
- 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
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| Academic Year | Per Unit Rate | 3-unit Course | 4-unit Course |
| Fall 2023 - Summer 2024* | $2,424 | $7,272 | $9,696 |
| Fall 2022 - Summer 2023* | $2,309 | $6,927 | $9,236 |
| * Tuition is the same for on-campus and online students |
MANDATORY STUDENT FEES - 2023/24
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| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
| Student Health Center Fee | $600/semester | | |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $11/semester | | |
| ENGR Student Programming Fee (On-Campus students) | $40/semester | | |
| ENGR Student Programming Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $20/semester | | |
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
| Transportation Fee | $93/semester | | |
| Health Insurance (U.S.-based health insurance is required, but it does not have to be through USC) | Fall 2023: $948
Spring 2024: $1,765 | | |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE - 28 UNIT PROGRAM
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This downloadable Cost of Attendance document breaks down the tuition and fees by semester. Although the actual number of courses taken each semester may vary by student as can the amount of time taken to complete the program, it can be submitted to banks and scholarship institutions.
PAYMENT
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USC students may pay their tuition and fees online, via wire transfer or using a payment plan. Details can be found on the USC Student Financial Services Payment Options page. You can check your account balance through the On-line Academic Student Information System (OASIS). Log into OASIS through MyUSC.
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USC also provides a Tuition Refund Insurance option that enables students to receive a 100% refund of term tuition and fees if they are are forced to withdraw for medical reasons.
WILLIAM LI
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
I chose the program for its strength in its electrical engineering program while being in the heart of Los Angeles.
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
I was a former Apple engineer after my undergraduate before coming to pursue my graduate education at USC!
What do you like most about living in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has been one of the most diverse cities I’ve ever lived in. The combination of food, people, and atmosphere has really made it a treat to live in the area
Alumni Employment
- Arup - Electrical Engineer
- EXP
- Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. - Electrical Engineer
- Korea Electric Power Corporation - Engineer
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Patrick Engineering - Sr. Electrical Engineer
- RER Energy Group - Electrical Engineer
- Saudi Aramco
- Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc.
- tk1sc - Electrical Engineer
- University of Southern California
- Xiaolian Xue - 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.
| 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 | Construction Practices (4 units) |
| EE 524 | Transients in Power Systems (3 units) |
| EE 525 | Power System Protection (4 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.
