Fall 2025 application deadline has been extended to
February 15, 2025

• An undergraduate degree in engineering, math or hard science from a regionally-accredited university
• Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average).
• A minimum of three years of industrial experience is highly recommended prior to taking systems architecting, systems engineering, and design experience courses. This program is not recommended for bachelor's degree graduates without industrial experience.

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.
• Letters of Recommendation (3 Required): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study.

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.

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

STUDENT FEES

Want to find out where our graduating class of 2019 MS in Systems Architecting & Engineering students went after commencement? Visit our Systems Architecting & Engineering Employment Outcomes page.

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.