The MS in Systems Architecting and Engineering program is recommended to graduate engineers and engineering managers responsible for the conception and implementation of complex systems. Emphasis is on the creative process by which these systems are conceived, planned, designed, built, tested, certified, used, and retired.
Engineers with several years of work experience will learn tools and approaches for making decisions in the technical environment of today's corporations and institutions. The architecting experience can be applied to industries in defense, space, aircraft, communications, navigation, sensor, computer software, computer hardware, and commercial systems and activities. Industrial relevance is maintained through regular meetings with industry contacts and industry experienced instructors.
The Master of Science in Systems Architecting and Engineering is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Astronautical Engineering in cooperation with the departments of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and the USC Marshall School of Business.
- Specialization Tracks are available in the following areas:
- Aerospace and Mechanical Systems
- Artificial Intelligence/Neural Networks
- Automation and Control Systems
- Communication & Signal Processing Systems
- Computer and Information Systems
- Construction
- Engineering Management Systems
- Integrated Media Systems
- Manufacturing Systems
- Network-centric Systems
- Software Process Architecture
- Systems
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
APPLICATION DEADLINESFall 2025 application deadline has been extended to
February 15, 2025
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring | September 1 |
| Fall | February 15 |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants to the master's of science programs in Systems Architecting and Engineering are required to have a bachelor’s degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree. Degrees in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines are frequently represented among our program applicants, including but not limited to the following:
Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree in the preferred majors listed above will only be considered with coursework and demonstrated proficiency in the acceptable courses listed below (or equivalent).
For tips on completing your application visit
Ready to Apply
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Calculus 1-3
Differential Equations
Engineering Economics
Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis/Methods
Operations Research
Probability/Statistics |
Applications are reviewed holistically; simply taking these courses does not guarantee admission.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (3 required)
NOTE: The GRE is not required for 2025 applications.
The following link will take you to an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students, including payment information. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition
TUITION AND FEES OVERVIEW
Use the link below to download the Cost of Attendance to see a summary of tuition and fees by semester. The document is a typical example and the number of courses, and time to complete the program, will vary by student.
Estimated Cost of Attendance - 27 Unit Program
OBINNA GINIGEME
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
First and foremost because of the reputation! USC is a great school and its Engineering programs (go Viterbi School of Engineering!) are one of the best in the world. Secondly, USC offers a great school-work-life balance!
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
My greatest achievement would be how I was able to work full time, attend classes, raise two kids under two years old (during the pandemic) and be in the Air Force Reserve. Being able to juggle all these things at the same time and keep a smile on my face has been my personal best achievement and blessing.
What is one characteristic or quality about yourself that would surprise others?
This might not be a special quality but I like to think of myself as someone who likes learning -this will be my 3rd Master's Degree (all in Engineering) and I love Airplanes, I only have about 12 flight hours under my belt but someday I hope to increase that then gain my private pilot license.
What advice would you give future Viterbi students?
It is okay to be scared, to be unsure of the next step(s), to not know the answer to a question(s), to make mistakes etc. Whatever the case may be, NEVER be afraid of failure or of failing...Don't stop trying and always give it your best! You can do much more than you think you can, all you have to do is just START! If I can do it, anyone can do it!
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
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| Every plan of study requires prior written approval by the director of the systems architecting and engineering program recorded on the study plan in the student’s file. |
| All courses required, students may take ISE 460 or SAE 560, SAE 547 or SAE 548 - 15 Units Total. |
| ISE 460 | Engineering Economy or SAE 560 (3 units) |
| SAE 560 | Economic Considerations for Systems Engineering or ISE 460 (3 units) |
| SAE 541 | Systems Engineering Theory and Practice (3 units) |
| SAE 542 | Advanced Topics in Systems Engineering (3 units) |
| SAE 547 | Model-Based Systems Architecting and Engineering or SAE 548 (3 units) |
| SAE 548 | Systems/System-of-Systems Integration and Communication or SAE 547 (3 units) |
| SAE 549 | Systems Architecting (3 units) |
| Elective Courses |
| Technical Management Area |
| One Advisor-approved Course Required - 3 Units Total. |
| ISE 515 | Engineering Project Management (3 units) |
| ISE 544 | Management of Engineering Teams (3 units) |
| ISE 562 | Decision Analysis (3 units) |
| ISE 585 | Strategic Management of Technology (3 units) |
| SAE 550 | Systems Architecting and the Political Process (3 units) |
| SAE elective course required. 3 units total. |
| Technical Specialization Area Courses |
| 6 units required- Any two courses from any Viterbi grad engineering area. Example- Can be any two courses from ASTE area or AME area, ISE and etc. |
Please complete the following form for more information.
