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How to Transfer

We Can Help You Get Here

Steps to Transfer

Our transfer students come to USC from a wide array of paths and backgrounds.

We know that people are unique and we appreciate the wide variety of paths students take to become Trojan Engineers.  There is no set formula to be admitted, you have a story to tell and we want to hear it.

Admission to the Viterbi School is determined through a comprehensive review of the entire admission application.  We strive to get to know you, your interests, and goals by reading your entire application.  While all factors are important, the most influential factor is your academic history. Remember, you can transfer to USC after just one year of study elsewhere.

There is no minimum GPA required to apply.  However, to be a competitive candidate for admission you should engage in the right courses, challenge yourself and demonstrate academic success, particularly in math, science/programming, and engineering related courses.

If you would like to hear about the school and the transfer process from a Viterbi admission counselor, click the link below to attend one of our Transfer Info Sessions.

Step 1: Transfer Requirements

View all the course requirements to transfer to the USC Viterbi School.

Step 2: Transfer Plans

Build a transfer plan for your Fall and Spring semesters to satisfy admission requirements and maximize the number of transferable courses.

Step 3: Transferable Courses

Already taken some college classes? Find out if they are equivalent to USC courses.

Step 4: Apply

Apply to USC using the Common Application.

Step 5: Financial Aid

Learn more about financial aid and scholarships at USC.

Do you want to stay connected with the Viterbi Office of Admission? Sign up to receive information and updates!

Step 1: Requirements & Guidelines

Below, you will find a list of requirements to apply to transfer to USC Viterbi. Keep in mind that you can be enrolled in a required course when you apply–you don’t need to have it completed. If you have a question, scroll down to see a list of our most frequently asked questions about requirements and guidelines.

To be eligible for admission, you should have the following completed or in-progress at the point of application:

  • Two math courses (either calculus or higher level math beyond calculus) after high school with a minimum of Calculus II in-progress at the point of application.
  • Two lab-based science courses (either chemistry, biology, or calculus-based physics) or programming courses. **See note below for computer science students.
  • The equivalent of WRIT 130/WRIT 150 (Required). This is typically the second course in your college or university’s English composition sequence. You can look up your school’s equivalent to WRIT 130/WRIT 150 on the articulation websites. See Step 3 for the correct link.
  • 30-32 transferable semester units per academic year (45-48 quarter units; one semester equals 1.5 quarter units)
    • Generally, this means taking a math class, science/programming class, writing class, and GE each semester/quarter. GEs, however, are not required, so you can take an extra math or science/programming class instead if you would prefer.
    • If you have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester units, we will still review your application, but we will use your high school transcript as part of our evaluation and/or wait to receive your spring-term grades.

There is no minimum GPA required to apply.  However, to be a competitive candidate for admission you should engage in the right courses, challenge yourself and demonstrate academic success, particularly in math, science/programming, and engineering related courses.

*Please visit the articulation websites in Step 3 to identify how many semesters are needed to meet these equivalents.

**Computer science students may take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer to USC. While programming courses very rarely transfer for course-equivalent credit at USC, they can be good preparation for placemnt exams. If a student does well enough on a placement exam for a particular course, the student may be able to waive that course requirement. Please visit the section on programming courses for more information.

Quick FAQ about Requirements and Recommendations

I already took Calc II. What should I take next?

Take a look at the Transfer Plans for your intended major. You can find those in Step 2 below. Then, choose the next math course in the sequence. For example, if your intended major is computer science, and already took Calc II, take Calc III. If you already took Calc III, take Linear Algebra & Differential equations. If you have taken every math class in your 4-Year Course Plan (course plans start on page 18 of the undergraduate handbook) then feel free to take a science class or a General Education class instead. Not sure if your current institution has an equivalent class? Check our articulation histories (a list of courses which have transferred to USC in the past) in Step 3.

I already took two semesters of a lab-based science. What should I take next?

Check the Transfer Plan for your intended major to see if there are other science courses you could take for your degree. You can find those in Step 2 below. For example, if your intended major is Biomedical Engineering, and already took two semesters of chemistry, you could take the next two chemistry courses in the sequence, or start working on your biology courses. If you already took every science class in your 4-year Course Plan (course plans start on page 18 of the undergraduate handbook),  then feel free to take another math class or a General Education class instead. Not sure if your current institution has an equivalent class? Check our articulation histories (a list of courses which have transferred to USC in the past) in Step 3.

*Note that computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer to USC. Please visit the section on programming courses for more information.

How Many General Education Courses do I need to take?

General Education (GE) courses are not required for admission. You might, however, still want to take one so that you have a full schedule. You can find courses at your current institution which will transfer to USC for GE credit in Step 3 below.

In general, which courses should I take to stand out as an applicant?

Since math and science courses are the foundation of engineering, we want to see you excel in these areas. If you have already followed the list of requirements and guidelines above, and you need one more class to complete your schedule, and you’re not sure which one to choose, picking a challenging math class won’t hurt.

I took AP/IB courses in high school. Will these waive requirements?

For a list of AP, IB, and A-Level courses which transfer to USC for course credit, please see our credit page. Note that there is a section on that page that will give you more information about how certain majors can receive credit for AP Physics C.

Do I need to submit SAT/ACT Scores?

If you have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester units by the end of the spring term, we will need further information for our decision from your high school record and/or SAT or ACT scores (if you choose to submit them). Please note that applicants to the 2023-2024 academic year are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, although you may still submit scores if you wish.

What are the requirements for 2nd Bachelor's candidates?

Second bachelor’s candidates have the same requirements as regular transfer students. Please see the 2nd Bachelor’s page for more information.

What are the requirements for 3+2 students?

Please see our 3+2 page for a guide to the 3+2 program.

Step 2: Transfer Plans

The most common question we get is: Which courses should I take before I transfer? This is where transfer plans come into play. Use the buttons below to find a one-year course plan for your major.

Engineering

See a sample transfer plan for all engineering majors (excluding Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science)

Computer Science

See a sample transfer plan for Computer Science Majors

Electrical & Computer Engineering

See a sample transfer plan for Electrical & Computer Engineering Majors

Transfer Plans for All Engineering Majors

(Excluding Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science)

FALL SCHEDULE FOR ALL ENGINEERING MAJORS (Excluding Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science)

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
Depending on your math placement level, take the equivalent of:

  • MATH 125 (Calculus I) or
  • MATH 126 (Calculus II) or
  • MATH 226 (Calculus III) or
  • MATH 245
  • ISE MAJORS ONLY: after MATH 226 (Calculus III), take MATH 225 (Linear Algebra)
Course 2:
SCIENCE
  • If you are taking: MATH 125 –> take the equivalent of CHEM 105aL (General Chemistry)*.
  • For students taking MATH 126 (Calc II) or higher level –> You may take the equivalent to CHEM 105aL* or PHYS 151L.

*A score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam or a 6 or 7 on the Chemistry IB HL Exam satisfies the requirement for CHEM 105aL.  Contact us directly for further advisement.

Course 3:
WRITING
Take your 1st English composition course.
Course 4:
GE COURSE
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

SPRING SCHEDULE FOR ALL ENGINEERING MAJORS (Excluding Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science)

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
Take the 2nd course in your math sequence (See Fall Math Recommendations)
Course 2:
SCIENCE
Most students will take the next level of science from your fall semester.

  • Aerospace, Astronautical, Civil, Civil (Building Science), Civil (Structural), Mechanical (all degree programs), and Industrial & Systems Engineering (all degree programs) majors:
    • DO NOT take the equivalent to CHEM 105bL because it is not required for your degree program.
    • Consider taking the equivalent to PHYS 151L, 152L, or 153L.
  • Biomedical (all degree programs), Chemical (all degree programs), Civil (Environmental), and Environmental Engineering majors:
    • Take CHEM 105bL or
    • Consider taking the equivalent to PHYS 151L, 152L, or 153L.
Course 3:
WRITING
Take the equivalent of WRIT 130/WRIT 150 (Writing & Critical Reasoning). This is typically the second course in your college or university’s English composition sequence.
Course 4:
GE COURSE
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

Transfer Plans for Electrical & Computer Engineering Majors

FALL SCHEDULE FOR ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING MAJORS

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
Depending on your math placement level, take the equivalent of:

  • MATH 125 (Calculus I) or
  • MATH 126 (Calculus II) or
  • MATH 226 (Calculus III) or
  • MATH 245
Course 2:
SCIENCE
Take the equivalent of PHYS 151L*

 

*A score of 4 or 5 on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam satisfies PHYS 151L. If you have AP credit, consider taking the equivalent of PHYS 153L

Course 3:
WRITING
Take your 1st English composition course.
Course 4:
GE COURSE
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

SPRING SCHEDULE FOR ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING MAJORS

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
Take the 2nd course in your math sequence (See Fall Math Recommendations)
Course 2:
SCIENCE
If your college’s articulation history/agreement requires more than one course to fulfill the equivalent of PHYS 151L course, please take the next course in that particular sequence following your fall course. Otherwise, consider taking the equivalent of PHYS 153L.

 

Contact us directly for further advisement if you have completed PHYS 151 and PHYS 153L.

Course 3:
WRITING
Take the equivalent of WRIT 130/WRIT 150 (Writing & Critical Reasoning). This is typically the second course in your college or university’s English composition sequence.
Course 4:
GE COURSE
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

Transfer Plans for Computer Science Majors

Select the Computer Science major you’re interested in below to see your appropriate plan

FALL SCHEDULE : Computer Science

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
Depending on your math placement level*, take the equivalent to one of the following courses:

  • MATH 125 (Calculus I) or
  • MATH 126 (Calculus II) or
  • MATH 226 (Calculus III) or
  • MATH 225 (Linear Algebra)**

*If you have satisfied all the math listed for your major, contact us directly for further advisement.

**If you are unable to take the equivalent to Math 225 at your current institution, you may take the equivalent to USC’s Math 245. The CSCI department will grant credit for Math 225 to students who transfer to USC with the equivalent to Math 245 on their transcripts.

Course 2:
SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING
Take the equivalent to 1 of the following courses to satisfy the CSCI Basic Science I requirement:

  • PHYS 151L* or
  • CHEM 105aL* or
  • BISC 120L*

*You have satisfied the Basic Science I requirement for Computer Science if you scored:

  • 6 or 7 on the Physics IB HL exam.
  • 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam or a 6 or 7 on the Chemistry IB HL exam
  • 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or a 6 or 7 on the Biology IB HL exam
  • Please see our credit page for more information on our AP Physics C credit policies.

If you have satisfied the Computer Science Basic Science I requirement: see the science recommendation for the spring semester.

**Computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer. See the section on programming courses below for more information

Course 3:
WRITING
Take your 1st English Composition Course
Course 4:
GE Course
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

SPRING SCHEDULE : Computer Science

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
See left for fall math recommendations, and take the next appropriate level of math.

*If you have satisfied all the math listed for your major, contact us directly for further advisement.

Course 2:
SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING
In order to satisfy the Basic Science II requirement, if you satisfied the equivalent to:

  • PHYS 151L in the fall, take the equivalent to PHYS 152L this semester.
  • CHEM 105aL in the fall, take the equivalent to CHEM 105bL this semester
  • BISC 120L in the fall, take the equivalent to BISC 220L this semester.

*You have satisfied the Basic Science II requirement for Computer Science if you scored:

  • 6 or 7 on the Physics IB HL exam.
  • Please see our credit page for more information on our AP Physics C credit policies.

**Computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer. See the section on programming courses below for more information

Course 3:
WRITING
Take the equivalent of WRIT 130/WRIT 150 (Writing & Critical Reasoning). This is typically the second course in your college or university’s English composition sequence.
Course 4:
GE Course
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

FALL SCHEDULE : Computer Science (Games)

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
Depending on your math placement level*, take the equivalent to one of the following courses:

  • MATH 125 (Calculus I) or
  • MATH 126 (Calculus II) or
  • MATH 225 (Linear Algebra)**

*If you have satisfied all the math listed for your major, contact us directly for further advisement.

**If you are unable to take the equivalent to Math 225 at your current institution, you may take the equivalent to USC’s Math 245. The CSCI department will grant credit for Math 225 to students who transfer to USC with the equivalent to Math 245 on their transcripts.

Course 2:
SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING
Take the equivalent to:

  • PHYS 151L* (Mechanics & Thermodynamics)

*A Score of 4 or 5 on the AP Physic C (Mechanics) exam or a 6 or 7 on the Physics IB HL exam satisfies the Computer Science (Games) Science requirement of PHYS 151L.

If you have satisfied the requirement for PHYS 151L, contact us directly for a course recommendation.

**Computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer. See the section on programming courses below for more information

Course 3:
WRITING
Take your 1st English Composition Course
Course 4:
GE Course
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

SPRING SCHEDULE : Computer Science (Games)

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
See left for fall math recommendations, and take the next appropriate level of math.

*If you have satisfied all the math listed for your major, contact us directly for further advisement.

Course 2:
SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING
If your college’s articulation history/agreement requires more than one course to fulfill the equivalent of PHYS 151L  course, please take the next course in that particular sequence following your fall course. Otherwise, take the equivalent of General Education Category D (Life Sciences) to satisfy your second lab science course.

**Computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer. See the section on programming courses below for more information

Course 3:
WRITING
Take the equivalent to WRIT 130/WRIT 150 (Writing & Critical Reasoning).
Course 4:
GE Course
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

FALL SCHEDULE : Computer Science/Business Administration

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
Depending on your math placement level*, take the equivalent to one of the following courses:

  • MATH 125 (Calculus I) or
  • MATH 126 (Calculus II) or
  • MATH 225 (Linear Algebra)**

*If you have satisfied all the math listed for your major, contact us directly for further advisement.

**If you are unable to take the equivalent to Math 225 at your current institution, you may take the equivalent to USC’s Math 245. The CSCI department will grant credit for Math 225 to students who transfer to USC with the equivalent to Math 245 on their transcripts.

Course 2:
SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING
Take the equivalent to 1 of the following courses:

  • PHYS 151L* or
  • CHEM 105aL* or
  • BISC 120L*

*You have satisfied the science requirement for Computer Science/Business Administration (PHYS 151L or CHEM 105aL or BISC 120L) if you scored:

  • 4 or 5 on the AP Physics C (Mechanics) or Physics C (Electricity & Magnetism) exam or a 6 or 7 on the Physics IB HL Exam
  • 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam or a 6 or 7 on the Chemistry IB HL Exam
  • 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or a 6 or 7 on the Biology IB HL Exam

*If you have satisfied PHYS 151L or CHEM 105aL or BISC 120L, contact us directly for a course recommendation.

**Computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer. See the section on programming courses below for more information

Course 3:
WRITING
Take your 1st English Composition Course
Course 4:
GE Course
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

SPRING SCHEDULE : Computer Science/Business Administration

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
See left for fall math recommendations, and take the next appropriate level of math.

*If you have satisfied all the math listed for your major, contact us directly for further advisement.

Course 2:
SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING
If your college’s articulation history/agreement requires more than one course to fulfill the equivalent of CHEM 105aL, BISC 120L, or PHYS 151L, please take the next course in that particular sequence following your fall course.

Otherwise, if you satisfied the equivalent to:

  • PHYS 151L in the fall, take the equivalent of General Education Category D (Life Sciences) to satisfy your second lab science course.
  • CHEM 105aL in the fall, take the equivalent of General Education Category D (Life Sciences) to satisfy your second lab science course.
  • BISC 120L in the fall, take the equivalent to General Education Category E (Physical Sciences) to satisfy your second lab science course.

**Computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer. See the section on programming courses below for more information

Course 3:
WRITING
Take the equivalent to WRIT 130/WRIT 150 (Writing & Critical Reasoning).
Course 4:
GE Course
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

FALL SCHEDULE : Computer Engineering & Computer Science

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
Depending on your math placement level*, take the equivalent to one of the following courses:

  • MATH 125 (Calculus I) or
  • MATH 126 (Calculus II) or
  • MATH 226 (Calculus III) or
  • MATH 225 (Linear Algebra)**

*If you have satisfied all the math listed for your major, contact us directly for further advisement.

**If you are unable to take the equivalent to Math 225 at your current institution, you may take the equivalent to USC’s Math 245. The CSCI department will grant credit for Math 225 to students who transfer to USC with the equivalent to Math 245 on their transcripts.

Course 2:
SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING
Take the equivalent to PHYS 151*L.

*Equivalent college course required. Cannot be satisfied by exam.

**Computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer. See the section on programming courses below for more information

Course 3:
WRITING
Take your 1st English Composition Course
Course 4:
GE Course
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

For students starting college before fall 2015: You must follow USC’s Roman Numeral GE System. Take 1 course from GE Category I, II, IV* or V. Category IV may be satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.  Pro Tip: Pull up an agreement/history for Fall 2014 to review which courses satisfy the Roman Numeral GE System.

*Category IV is satisfied by taking an additional course from Category I or II.

SPRING SCHEDULE : Computer Engineering & Computer Science

Review an articulation history or agreement to see if your school offers equivalents to the USC Courses in these sample plans.

Course 1:
MATH
See left for fall math recommendations, and take the next appropriate level of math.

*If you have satisfied all the math listed for your major, contact us directly for further advisement.

Course 2:
SCIENCE/PROGRAMMING
Take the equivalent to satisfy PHYS 152L.

**Computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer. See the section on programming courses below for more information

Course 3:
WRITING
Take the equivalent to WRIT 130/WRIT 150 (Writing & Critical Reasoning).
Course 4:
GE Course
Take 1 course from GE Categories A, B, or C.

Visit this page to see how AP/IB credit can satisfy GE requirements.

Programming Courses

 

Computer science students may take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer to USC. While programming courses very rarely transfer for course-equivalent credit at USC, they can be good preparation for placement exams. If a student does well enough on a placement exam for a particular course at USC, the student may be able to waive that course requirement. Below, you will find programming courses which have a placement exam and/or accept AP credit.

CSCI 102 Fundamentals of Computation
Fundamental concepts of algorithmic thinking as a primer to programming. Introduction to C++.

  • No Prerequisite.
  • AP Computer Science A Score of 4 or 5 will substitute for CSCI 102.
  • Placement Exam Option: Students with some programming exposure in any of the following languages are welcome to take the exam: C/C++, Java(script), or Python.
  • Course website: http://bytes.usc.edu/cs102/

CSCI 103 Introduction to Programming
Basic datatypes, assignments, control statements (if, switch, for, while), input/ output (printf, scanf, cin, cout), functions, arrays, structures, recursion, dynamic memory, file handling. Programming in C/C++.

  • Prerequisite: CSCI 102
  • Placement Exam Option: Students with a semester-length intro course in C++ are strong candidates for this placement exam.
  • Course website: http://bytes.usc.edu/cs103/

CSCI 170 Discrete Methods in Computer Science
Sets, functions, series. Big-O notation and algorithm analysis. Propositional and first-order logic. Counting and discrete probability. Graphs and basic graph algorithms. Basic number theory.

  • Prerequisite: CSCI 102
  • Transfer students with a prior discrete math course will have their course evaluated by the USC articulation department and the CSCI faculty. Most transfer students should expect to take our discrete math course.

CSCI 104 Data Structures and Object Oriented Design
Introduces the student to standard data structures (linear structures such as linked lists, (balanced) trees, priority queues, and hashtables), using the C++ programming language.

  • Prerequisites: CSCI 170 and CSCI 103
  • Students must complete the CSCI 103 programming placement examination and follow the petition procedures to request that the USC articulation department review any courses for which a given student hopes to receive credit for CSCI 104. The articulation department will, in turn, request a CSCI faculty member to review the student’s syllabi and programming assignments, copies of exams if available, etc. and make a determination if the course covered the necessary topics and was of the appropriate rigor. In some cases, the student may need to complete assignments from CSCI 104 and/or take the final exam to demonstrate proficiency in the course. Most transfer students should expect to complete CSCI 104 at USC.
  • Course website: http://bytes.usc.edu/cs104/

Step 3: Transferable Courses

Transferring courses for credit at USC.

In this section, you will find our articulation histories and agreements with other universities. “Articulation what?” you might ask. At USC, we have a department dedicated to determining which classes taught at other schools transfer for credit (or “articulate”) at USC. This is the Articulation Department. Over the years, the Articulation Department has compiled lists of courses from other universities that have transferred to USC for credit in the past. Please view the Quick FAQ section below before viewing the articulation history/agreement with your school(s).

If you were recently admitted to USC as a transfer student, you will receive a transfer credit report after you submit your commitment deposit to USC.

Tip: Before you look at an articulation history/agreement for your current school, look up a sample four-year course plan for your major at USC by visiting your academic department page, and then clicking on the ‘Curriculum’ button. This will give you the USC course codes you’ll need when you’re looking up equivalent courses at your current school. For example, MATH-125 is Calculus I at USC.

For students who attend a community college outside of California or a four-year institution

View the Articulation Histories

For students who attend a Community College in the state of California

View the Articulation Agreements

Quick FAQ about Articulation Agreements/Histories

What do Parts 1-4 mean?

Here is a quick breakdown of the four parts of an articulation history/agreement:

Part I: These are all the General Education (GE) courses which will transfer for credit at USC and waive a course in a USC GE category. Courses in this section do not need to be considered equivalent to a course at USC to waive a GE course requirement. To waive a requirement for that GE category, they simply need to be listed in Part I underneath one of the GE categories. For example, if you took Art 100 at your current school, and Art 100 is listed underneath Category A: The Arts, this means it fulfills one course requirement for Category A. Since only one course is required under Category A, you would have fulfilled all the requirements for Category A. Remember, these are graduation requirements. GE’s are not required for admission, and will not impact your admission chances.

Part II: These are all the courses which are considered equivalent to USC courses. These will transfer for credit at USC and waive a course requirement. Typically, you will use Part II to see if any of your math, science, and writing pre-requisites are equivalent to courses at USC. For example, MATH-125 is Calculus I at USC. If the Calculus I course at your current school is next to MATH-125 in Part II, that means it was considered equivalent to MATH-125 at USC. You can look up a a sample four-year course plan for your USC major by selecting your intended academic discipline and then clicking the ‘Curriculum’ button. You are unlikely to find engineering courses in Part II, but if you are a computer science student, you may want to visit our programming page to see if any programming classes you’ve taken will prepare you for our placement exams.

Part III: These are all the courses which will transfer for some form of credit at USC. However, if you don’t see the same course listed in Part II, this means the course will not waive a course requirement at USC. Keep in mind, this means you may receive elective credit for the course, but it will not waive any required course. Only courses listed in Part II are considered course-equivalent. You should avoid courses which are listed in Part III if they are not also listed in Parts I or II.

Part IV: These are all the courses which do not receive credit at USC. Avoid taking these courses.

My Class is in Part III but not Part II. Will I get credit for the course?

You may get elective credit for the course, but only courses in Part II waive course requirements. This is because only the courses in Part II are considered equivalent to a course at USC.

I'm in Part II. I found a course I took at my current school, along with its equivalent at USC, but I don't know what the USC course codes mean. Where can I look them up?

You can view a sample four-year course plan for your major at USC by visiting your academic department page, and then clicking on the ‘Curriculum’ button. This will give you the USC course codes you’ll need when you’re looking up equivalent courses at your current school. For example, you will notice that MATH-125 (Calculus I) is a required course for all engineering majors. To waive this course, you will need to have taken a course which is equivalent to MATH-125. You can look up the equivalent to MATH-125 in Part II of the articulation history/agreement for your school.

What's the difference between an Articulation History and an Articulation Agreement?

An articulation history is a list of classes at a particular school which have historically transferred for credit at USC.

Articulation agreements are pre-approved lists of courses which are guaranteed to transfer to USC. USC only has these agreements with California Community Colleges. These courses are updated every semester for accuracy.

Which 'Effective Period' should I use?

The most recent term, unless you started college before Fall 2015. If you started college before Fall 2015, set your effective period as Spring 2015.

I can't find my school

When using the dropdown menu to find your school, be on the lookout for alternative names. Some examples: The University of… or Univ of… or UC –… or ___ University. If you’re still having trouble, email us at vadmit@usc.edu.

My class isn't on the articulation history. When will it be reviewed?

If you don’t find your class on the articulation history, don’t panic. Articulation histories are just a list of courses which have transferred from another school to USC in the past. So, if you don’t see your school on the list, it just means we haven’t yet had a student transfer to USC with that particular class from that particular school on their transcript. But you could be the first!

After a student is admitted, the articulation department will review your transcript and give you a transfer credit report to help you understand which courses transferred for credit. For any class on your transcript which isn’t on the articulation history, but which might be equivalent to a class at USC, the articulation department will ask a professor to compare the syllabus of your class with a class at USC.

Due to the volume of requests, we unfortunately cannot review courses for prospective students; only students who are admitted will have their transcripts reviewed.

I started college before Fall 2015. Do I still follow the new GE System?

No. Students who started taking college classes before Fall 2015 only have to fill the requirements of the old GE system.

If you went to a California Community College, use this articulation history.

If you went to a four-year college or a CC outside of California, select “Spring 2015” as your effective date on the articulation history.

Do engineering classes usually transfer for credit?

It depends on the class. Some engineering classes will transfer for elective credit, but since engineering is taught differently from school to school, it’s rare to find an engineering course at another school that is considered directly equivalent to a USC engineering course. Math, science, and GE courses, on the other hand, are much more likely to transfer over.

With that being said, our articulation department will have the department review the course you took and determine if it is equivalent to a course at USC after you submit your commitment deposit to USC.

How many units can I transfer to USC?

You can transfer up to 64 units to USC. Another 64 units must be taken at USC to graduate with a USC degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Do you want any extra documents (resume, CV, portfolio) as part of my application?

No. If you have anything else you want us to see, please take advantage of the “Additional Information” section of the Common App. You can also link to a personal website there if you wish.

Is it more difficult to get into Viterbi than other majors at USC?

No.  It is no more difficult to be admitted to Viterbi than the rest of the university.  We admit our students at a similar rate as the university, and the average GPA for Engineering students is the same as the average GPA for all USC students.

Which engineering major is the hardest/easiest to get admitted to?

Your chances of being admitted to one engineering major are the same for all engineering majors. The application requirements are also the same for all majors. If you are admitted to one of our programs, you are admitted to all of our programs.

What is the average GPA for engineering students?

3.7, but a GPA only tells us so much.  The courses you take are so much more important than the number at the bottom of your transcript. And although we do look at every course you have taken, we also notice grade trends and pay closer attention to your math, science, and engineering related coursework.

My GPA/Scores are lower than your average. Should I even apply?

Our averages are just that…averages.  Some students are admitted with higher GPAs, and some students are admitted with lower GPAs.  The actual numbers are less important than your overall prep. Taking the right courses that prepare you for a degree in engineering is what you should be focusing on.

The only guarantee we can give is that you can’t be admitted if you don’t apply!

What are the min/max number of units I need to transfer?

We neither have a minimum nor a maximum number of units to transfer.  However, if you have earned fewer than 30 transferable semester units by the end of the spring term, we will need further information for our decision from your high school record and/or SAT or ACT scores (if you choose to submit them). Please note that applicants to the 2023-2024 academic year are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, although you may still submit scores if you wish. And, even if you have a lot of units completed, you will still need to complete 64 units of coursework at USC to receive a degree from USC.

Do I need to finish all my GE requirements before I apply?

No.  We don’t care if you take any GE courses before you apply.  You can take GE’s to fill in your schedule (you want to make sure you are taking a full load of courses each semester), but we are much more concerned with math and science courses.  Make sure you are enrolled in those before you add any GE’s to your schedule.

Do I need to complete all the transferable courses on the Transfer Planning Guide before I apply?

No. The Transfer Planning Guide is designed to help students figure out which courses will transfer for their intended major.  You do not need to complete all of the listed courses.  Please see our list of recommended courses in the Transfer Plans section above.

I have taken a non-traditional route. Is that going to hurt my chances of being admitted?

We know that every transfer student has a different story. Some students transfer after 1 or 2 years at an institution they started right out of high school, while others take time off school to work, raise families, or have other experiences.  Whether you are continuing your education or returning after a long break, we encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

What if I can't take 2 semesters of science prior to my target transfer date? Can I still apply?

You can still apply even if you haven’t taken two semesters of a lab based science. Sometimes students (particularly those who are planning to transfer after just one year to USC) are unable to take two semesters of science. That said, if you have the time in your schedule to take science – you should.

*Note that computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer to USC. Please visit the section on programming courses for more information.

Do the two semesters of a lab-based science have to be the same type of science?

No. However, it may help you maximize the number of units you can transfer to USC if you take two semesters of the same science. You can learn more about which courses transfer to USC here.

*Note that computer science students may also take programming courses instead of, or in addition to, lab-based science courses before applying to transfer to USC. Please visit the section on programming courses for more information.

General Questions

I have attended more than one college/university. Is that okay?

Yes.  We review each student based on the courses they take and not the school where they take them.  We understand that there is limited availability at some colleges and students need to go to more than one school to fill their schedule. That is fine.

Is it better to go to a 4-year institution before transferring?

No. We review each student based on the courses they have completed, not the school they are attending.

Can I apply for a 2nd Bachelor's Degree?

Yes.  We accept a number of 2nd bachelors degree students every year. Just follow the same transfer recommendations as all other transfer students.  If your first degree was not in math, science, engineering or another related field, you may need to complete some courses at another institution before applying. You can learn more about earning a second bachelor’s degree here.

Can I apply for Spring?

No.  USC only accepts applications for the fall semester. However, if you are admitted for the fall semester, you can request to defer your admission to the spring. Please keep in mind that space is limited, and deferrals are not guaranteed.

I do not attend a 3+2 partner school. Can I still apply to the 3+2 program

No.  The 3+2 Engineering program is a specially designed curriculum with specific, named, partner schools.  Articulation agreements have been designed, developed, and signed by the partner institutions.  Student must take very specific courses at the 3+2 partner school to be considered as part of the 3+2 program.  Student who do not attend a 3+2 partner school can apply to transfer through our regular transfer admission process.

How many years will I have left at USC after I transfer?

That depends on a lot of factors.  If you will be transferring after your 2nd year at your current institution, it does not necessarily mean that it will only take 2 years to complete your degree at USC.  You are choosing to leave the current path that you are on and the degree requirements that you started, for a new path and set of degree requirements.  Some courses may not transfer.  To find out which courses are likely to transfer from your current school, visit our the Transferable Courses section above.

I just finished my Junior year. Can I do my last year at USC?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Although we have no limit to the number of units you can complete before transferring to USC, you must complete at least 64 units (1/2 the normal required units for an undergraduate degree) at USC to get a degree from USC.  This will usually take 2 years.

I am a current student at USC and I would like to change my major to engineering. Do I need to go through the admission process?

No.  If you are already a current student at USC and you want to change your major to engineering, you will need to work directly with the academic advisers in the Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs Office.  You can email them at viterbi.studentservices@usc.edu.

Application Questions

How do I complete my application to USC?

Transfer Application Checklist
Submit These Items
  • Common Application
  • Official & final high school transcript with date of graduation.
  • All official college transcripts
  • SAT or ACT Scores (only from some students)
    • Scores are only required from applicants who have completed fewer than 30 semester units of college coursework.
International students must also submit:
  • Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support: www.usc.edu/financialstatement
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic Scores, if the student’s native language is not English.

Can transcripts be submitted after February 15th?

Yes. You have met the application deadline if you submit the Common App by Feb 15th.  Supporting documents – such as official transcripts – can be submitted soon after the deadline.

That being said, please get your transcripts to us as soon as possible, because we cannot review your application until we get them!

Are transfer applicants required to submit a letter of recommendation?

No. However the Common App (not USC) may require you to assign an Academic Evaluator in order to finish the application.  We will consider your application for admission complete even if whoever you assigned as your Academic Evaluator does not complete a recommendation on your behalf.

Do I need to submit the Registrar Report? How about the “Additional Forms” : the Final Report, Mid-term Report, and College Report?

No.  We do not need (or want) the Registrar Report, Final Report, Mid-term Report, or the College Report.

Which classes should I list as my “current” classes in Common App?

We’re asking about your current academic year  – the classes you are taking while applying. You should list all the classes you took in the fall semester and the courses that you are taking/will take in the winter (if applicable) and spring of the year you are submitting your application.

How am I supposed to answer the question about full time enrollment on the Common Application?

Is this question confusing you?

“For each college or university term (excluding summer) in which you were enrolled in less than four semester-unit courses or three quarter-unit courses, please provide a brief explanation as to why you were unable to enroll full time. (250 word limit) “

Were you ever enrolled in less than 4 courses in a semester (or less than 3 classes/quarter)? If so, just provide a brief explanation that explains why you didn’t enroll in more courses. That’s it!

And yes, taking 1 class at one school and 3 classes at another school in the same semesters means you were enrolled in four classes.

If you’ve always been a full-time student (4 or more classes/semester) you can simply write “N/A”.

Where should I send my transcripts?

If you are mailing your official transcripts  please send them to:

USC Office of Admission (UG)
Univ. Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0911

Note, you can use the address above for follow-up transcripts, application materials, and all other types of correspondence.

Do I have to send my official transcripts to the USC Office of Admission and to the USC Viterbi Admission Office?

No need to send duplicates.

When you send documents to USC they are uploaded into your file – and all offices can view your file/the documents you sent.

How can I verify that my application is complete?

You may get an update on the status of your online application by logging in to your application portal here: admission.usc.edu/status

Please keep in mind, it can take 7-10 business days (after USC receives) documents  – like transcripts – to upload into your file.  Do not be alarmed if you recently sent in your transcripts and they are not yet in your file. 

USC will contact you if you are missing any required application documents.

No need to send duplicates.

When you send documents to USC they are uploaded into your file – and all offices can view your file/the documents you sent.

When will I hear back from USC?

USC will mail an admission decision or request for spring grades by May 31st.

Do not expect to hear back from us before May 31st.  We use the entire time allotted to review your application so that we can conduct a comprehensive review of your application. We want to know your story, and it takes us time to read through each application.

Do you want me to send my SAT II Subject scores?

SAT Subject Test scores are not required. If you did not take any, this will have no impact on your chances of being admitted. However, if you already took a test and would like to send us your scores, you are free to do so.

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