Mechanical Engineering

Program Description [back to top]

The USC Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree provides the technical education needed for engineering professionals in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy and power, utilities, petrochemical, design, manufacturing and transportation. While the field of Mechanical Engineering encompasses this broad set of technical areas, this degree program encourages focused education in selected areas of interest.

As an MSME student, you will choose from one of three recommended programs of study:

• Thermal & Fluid Sciences
• Engineering Design
• Mechanics & Materials
  
  

The course program for each track is designed to provide you with an education that is strong in both fundamentals and application, preparing you for doctoral programs, as well as for continuing your engineering career in the industry.

Application Criteria [back to top]

• B.S. degree in engineering, math, or science from a regionally-accredited university
  
  
• Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
  
  
• Satisfactory scores on the general GRE test (650 - quantitative, 350 - verbal) are required.
  
  
• Two letters of recommendation
  
  
• Statement of Purpose (optional)
  
  
• For international students whose first language is not English, in order to be excused from the mandatory International Standard English (ISE) placement exam, applicants must score at least:
  
  
  • 250 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL
  • 600 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL
  • 100 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no less than 20 on each of the four individual sections

Graduation Requirements [back to top]

A minimum of 27 units is required for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering degree.

• Required Engineering Analyses courses: 6 units
  
  
• Engineering Electives: 3 to 6 units (please obtain faculty advisor approval for these courses
  
  
• Specialization Track Core Courses: 9 to 18 units (please obtain advisor approval for these courses)
  
  
• 500 level courses in major department: 12 units
  
  
• Approved 400 or 500 level courses: 9 units
  
  
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation.

Thesis Option: With the approval of a supervising professor, qualified students may be allowed to pursue a thesis option. For more information, please refer to the USC Catalogue.

Course Descriptions [back to top]

Specialization Tracks [back to top]

How To Apply [back to top]

In order to evaluate any application for admission, application materials must be submitted by the deadlines listed:

June 1st Fall admission
October 1st Spring admission
February 15th Summer admission

Please submit the following to the USC Office of Graduate Admission via the online application system by clicking here.

• Statement of Purpose (optional)
  • The statement of purpose 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.




• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. They should be written on official letterhead.

Please arrange to have the following sent to the USC Office of Admission as a hard copy (USC Graduate Office of Admission, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, CA  90089-0915):

• Official Transcript(s) from all post-secondary schools you have attended, and official translations if they are not in English.
  
  
• General GRE scores (no older than 5 years). Official scores must be sent through ETS to the University of Southern California, ETS code 4852)
  
  
• TOEFL scores (required for international students)

NOTE:  If you meet our minimum qualifications, you can get started BEFORE you are formally admitted to USC, as a "LIMITED" student! Click here for more information.

Contact Information [back to top]

For the USC Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department:

Samantha Graves
Student Services Advisor
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Tel: 213-740-1735
Fax: 213-740-7774

Email: smgraves@usc.edu

Faculty Contacts for the Specialization Tracks :

Engineering Design
Dr. Yan Jin, yjin@usc.edu.

Thermal and Fluid Sciences
Combustion: Dr. Paul Ronney, ronney@usc.edu
Fluid Dynamics: Dr. Charles Campbell, campbell@usc.edu
Heat Transfer: Dr. Sati Sadhal, sadhal@usc.edu

Mechanics & Materials
Dr. Marijan Dravinski, mdravins@usc.edu


For the USC Distance Education Network (DEN):

Ray Fujioka
Master's and Professional Programs [MAPP]
Tel: (213) 740-4488
Fax: (213) 821-0851
Email: info@den.usc.edu