The GRE exam is required for admission to all graduate programs in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Official scores should be sent by ETS to the University of Southern California Office of Admission, ETS code 4852. You do not need to provide a department code.
Here at the University of Southern California we do a comprehensive review of all applications. We do not use a formula or have minimum test score and GPA requirements for admission to USC. In general, successful applicants have demonstrated outstanding quantitative ability and proven academic success in their intended field of study. Additionally, because our medium of instruction is English, students are expected to be able to understand and be understood in English.
The TOEFL is not required for admission to USC, however, we do administer an English placement (ISE) exam during orientation for all international students to determine if additional courses in English are needed. Students can place out of the exam with a score of 250 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL or 600 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL.
All international students who have been admitted to USC must submit a statement of financial support to be issued an I-20 or DS-2019. Your financial statement may be a bank statement, scholarship, or fellowship award that shows support for the required amount. Complete application instructions for international students, including information regarding the submission of financial statements can be found at:
http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/
I am an international student currently attending another University, so how do I transfer my I-20 or DS-2019?
Your I-20 or DS-2019 must be reissued by USC before you may attend. You will need to be released from your current institution through SEVIS. Contact your current school and set a release date. Then email gradadm@usc.edu stating your intent to enroll at USC and give your full name, release date, and your USC and SEVIS ID numbers. We will issue your I-20 after you have been released by your current institution. Complete application instructions for international students, including information regarding your I-20 or DS-2019 can be found at:
http://www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/international/All citizens and eligible non-citizens of the United States may qualify for Federal Financial Aid. To be considered for Federal Work Study or Stafford and Perkins Loans you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov. USC’s federal school code is 001328. You must also submit a complete signed copy of your federal income tax return to the USC Financial Aid Office.
There are a number of private financing options available to all students. You can find more information about available loans and the USC payment plan online at
www.usc.edu/admission
For a detailed explanation of your financial aid options, please visit the Financial Aid office’s website at:
http://www.usc.edu/finaid
I am unable to attend this semester. How do I defer my admission to a later semester?
USC does not defer admission, however you may update your application for up to one year. You can simply indicate on the “Intent to Enroll” form that you wish to update your application, as well as the desired term. Please note that you may need to submit new transcripts for any additional coursework you complete before the new term.
Can I take courses at USC without being admitted?
Limited status enrollment is not available in the Viterbi School of Engineering except in rare situations through the Distance Education Network.
