Is there a list of courses offered through DEN, along with course descriptions?
Yes, in fact we are continually adding courses on DEN every semester so students can have a wider selection of electives to choose from. Click here for the course descriptions.

What is D-Clearance?
Some courses may require D-Clearance in order to register. D-Clearance stands for Departmental Clearance and it is required for courses at the university designated in the Schedule of Classes as “D". It is important to note that D-Clearance gives you permission to register; it does NOT reserve a seat for you in a class. For information about how to obtain D-Clearance for a course, click here.

Courses with an "R" at the end of the Class Number indicates that NO D-clearance is needed from the department to register for the course.

How can I get in contact with an Academic Advisor?
If you have a specific question for an Academic Advisor, click here for the contact list.

How do I submit homework?
Unless directed otherwise by your instructor, all DEN homework should be submitted to the DEN Document Center by fax, email, or regular mail. Specific information, procedures and policies may be accessed by logging in to DEN, selecting your course, and clicking on the ‘DEN Homework’ link. If you have any questions, please contact the DEN Document Center at denhw@usc.edu or call (213) 740-9356.

I've taken a few graduate classes at another institution - can they be transferred? [back to top]
Up to four (4) units of graduate credit earned at another institution may be transferred into a USC graduate degree program. Transfer of units requires approval from the specific department. If you have a specific question about this, please e-mail studentaffairs@den.usc.edu.

What if I need to drop a class? [back to top]
Drops are defined as withdrawal from one class or part of registration. The refund schedule applies as of the date the drop is processed by the USC Registration Department. Failure to withdraw officially will result in the mark of "UW," which is computed in the GPA as zero (0) grade points. A student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty during the first 12 weeks of the semester. If the course is dropped within the first three weeks, it does not appear on the academic transcript; if the course is dropped within weeks four through 12, it will be recorded with the mark of "W." No course may be dropped after the end of the twelfth week. A student may not withdraw from a course in which he or she committed or was accused of committing an academic integrity violation. After registering, it is the student's responsibility to withdraw officially from a course if he or she decides not to continue in a course. Courses may be added only during the first three weeks of the semester.

What if I miss the drop/add deadline date? [back to top]
If the course is dropped within weeks four through 12, it will be recorded with the mark of "W." No course may be dropped after the end of the twelfth week. If you have a specific question about the drop/add deadline date, please e-mail studentaffairs@den.usc.edu.

Is there a tuition deferment program?[back to top]
Yes, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering Industry Deferment Program was established to assist industry students with the "up front" payment of tuition and mandatory fees if their companies reimburse after the semester is over and upon presentation of the final grade. The program only applies to tuition and mandatory fees. This program does not defer the DEN surcharge, and other fees such as parking. Please click here for eligibility requirements and information on how to apply for tuition deferment.

If I do not live in Los Angeles, how do midterms and final examinations work? [back to top]
For students outside of Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ventura County, DEN will arrange for exams to be proctored at local testing centers. These centers are usually open during standard business hours of 9am-5pm local time and frequently charge a fee for their services. Professional testing centers are not affiliated with USC and test for DEN out of professional courtesy. Proctoring fees should be paid to the testing center and are due at the time of the examination. Fees will vary from location to location. Remote location proctoring fees are estimated at $25-$50 per exam.

For students who work or reside in the Los Angeles region, examinations are taken on campus. If you have questions about exams and proctoring, please contact the DEN Exams Coordinator at denexam@usc.edu.

What kind of technical setup do I need for webcasts? [back to top]
DSL or cable Internet access is strongly recommended. Click here for minimum requirements. If you still have questions after reviewing the site, contact our Technical Help team at (213) 821-1321 or e-mail webclass@usc.edu.

Can I download lectures? [back to top]

Yes. Click here for more information.

I am a Limited student and would like to apply for formal admission. How do I obtain an USC Application for Graduate Admission form? [back to top]
The application requirements for each department may vary - please be sure to check the department website prior to applying.

To obtain an USC Application for Graduate Admission form, click here. To apply online, click here. To view the USC Viterbi School of Engineering Admission Requirements, click here.

During the peak admission period (from January through April), admission processing takes a minimum of four weeks after we receive your application. You will receive a letter notifying you when we receive your application. If something is missing from your application file, we will send you a letter to let you know. To check the status of your application, email viterbi.gradadmission@usc.edu with your full name and USC ID.

Whom can I talk to for more information about DEN and the new programs offered? [back to top]
For more information about DEN and programs offered, please e-mail info@den.usc.edu or call (213) 740-0116.

Does DEN offer other courses for professional development? [back to top]
Yes, the Office of Master's and Professional Programs offers a variety of seminars, certificate programs, custom and short courses via our DEN e-learning system. Please click here for more information. For specific questions about these courses, or for suggestions/requests, please contact Candance House at housec@usc.edu or call (213) 821-4172.

Do you offer Ph.D. programs via distance education?[[back to top]
The University of Southern California does not offer an online Ph.D.  It may be possible to take some of courses for the Ph.D. via DEN, however, all Viterbi School of Engineering doctoral candidates must be in residence which is defined as “a period of intensive study completed on the University Park campus.”

 

If you are interested in applying to a Ph.D.program, you should contact the department in which you are interested directly.  DO NOT ENROLL IN ANY COURSES TOWARD THE Ph.D. UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM.

 

You can find information about our departments and Ph.D. admission requirements by clicking here. Or click here to contact an Academic Advisor with your specific question.