How to Apply to a Ph.D. Program
- Deadline for Application
- Fall: January 26
- Spring: October 1
- Summer: February 15
- Deadline for Fellowships and Financial Aid: December 14 (Note that all supplemental materials [GRE & TOEFL scores, transcripts, statement of purpose, 3 letters of recommendation] must be received by USC by December 14 to ensure consideration for PhD fellowships.
- Step 1: Fill out the university application for admission
- Application fee is required.
- Apply Online - applying through the USC web-based application system.
- 3 letters of recommendation
- self-reported TOEFL scores
- self-reported GRE scores including verbal, quantitative, analytical and writing
- statement of purpose
- Optional (but suggested) information:
- copies of technical papers
- Step 2: If you apply for a PhD program or a financial aid, complete the supplemental application in USC web-based application system.
- Select your area of interest and your potential research advisor
- You are automatically considered for a financial aid from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Viterbi School of Engineering when you apply to a PhD program.
- If you have your own funding, please indicate its source as an additional comment in your supplemental form.
- Step 3: Arrange to have the following information sent to the USC Office of Admission
- Official Transcripts
- For domestic students, submit Official Transcripts from every college and university attended.
- For International students, documents required for Admissions differ by country.
Please refer to Admission requirements by country.
In most cases, both original language transcripts and English translations must be submitted.
- GRE scores officially sent through ETS.
- TOEFL scores officially sent through ETS (for applicants from non-English speaking countries).
- Verified Statement of Financial Support (International students only).
International students will not receive I-20 form until they have provided this material.
- Mailing address of USC Office of Admission
University of Southern California
Graduate Admissions
615 Childs Way
Los Angeles, California 90089-0911
Once you have received the notification of admission, you should do the following:
- Check your mail for the Admission/Welcome to USC package.
- Contact USC for orientation, registration and housing info. Be sure to arrive on time for:
- orientation programs
- training programs
- registration
- For international students: once you have received the I-20 form, you will need to apply for F-1 visa through the American Consulate in your city/country.
For questions, please contact ceedept@usc.edu
