The MS in Electrical Engineering (VLSI Design) is an area of emphasis for the electrical engineering student interested in the current and expanding field of VLSI circuit design.
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 Electrical Engineering (VLSI Design) degree
- Fundamental Courses: 13-14 units
- 3 required VLSI Design elective courses: 9-11 units (Students must take 2 courses from one of the three areas and 1 course from a second area)
- No more than 12 units at the 400-level may be counted toward the degree
- 18 units must be taken at the 500- or 600-level
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 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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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- 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 previous coursework related to the intended major
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
Alumni Employment
- Apple Inc.
- Huawei - Digital Design Engineer
- Texas Instruments Incorporated - Digital Design Engineer
- Western Digital Corporation
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.
| Fundamental Courses |
| All courses are required with either EE 536b or EE 577b - 13 units total. |
| EE 536a | Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design (4 units) |
| EE 577a | VLSI System Design (3 units) |
| EE 536b | Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design (or EE 577b) (4 units) |
| EE 577b | VLSI System Design (or EE 536b) (3 units) |
| EE 552 | Asynchronous VLSI Design (3 units) |
| Required Courses |
| Two courses from one area and one course from another area required - 9-11 units total. |
| VLSI/CAD Area |
| CSCI 455 | Introduction to Programming Systems Design (4 units) |
| EE 658 | Diagnosis & Design of Reliable Digital Systems (3 units) |
| Circuits and Devices Area |
| EE 536a | Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design (4 units) |
| EE 536b | Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design (4 units) |
| Computer Systems Area |
| CSCI 455x | Introduction to Programming Systems Design (4 units) |
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms (4 units) |
| EE 557 | Computer Systems Architecture (3 units) |
| EE 577b | VLSI System Design (3 units) |
| Suggested Elective Courses |
| EE 457 | Computer Systems Organization (4 units) |
| EE 477L | MOS VLSI Circuit Design (4 units) |
| EE 479 | Analog Integrated Circuit Design (4 units) |
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