The good news: You don’t have to have it all figured out before you apply.
At the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, choosing an engineering, computer science, or artificial intelligence major is simply the first step on your engineering journey.
As we have mentioned in previous blog posts, if you’re excited about solving problems, thinking creatively, and making an impact, you’re already thinking like an engineer.
We know this doesn’t address your worries. One of the most common questions we hear from prospective first-year students is:
“How do I know which engineering major is right for me?”
If you’ve been searching for the best engineering major or wondering about the different types of engineering, you’re not alone. Let’s start digging in…
Explore the Different Engineering Majors
Each engineering major focuses on solving problems in different arenas, but they all focus on human beings and making a better tomorrow. Whether you’re interested in developing AI, designing spacecraft, improving healthcare, creating sustainable infrastructure, building software, or powering the next generation of technology, there’s an engineering discipline that aligns with your interests.
USC Viterbi offers 11 engineering disciplines for first-year applicants. Within each discipline, you will find various tracks or emphases… making nearly 30 different unique undergraduate degrees:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Astronautical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
As you explore your options, please visit the academic pages at the link below for each engineering major. Learn what classes students are required to take for their engineering degrees, the types of projects they work on, and the careers each discipline can lead to. You may even discover an engineering field you hadn’t previously considered.
You Don’t Have to Get It Perfect
Many students worry that choosing the “wrong” engineering major will define their college experience. At USC Viterbi, that’s not the case. Once you’re admitted to the Viterbi School of Engineering, you have the flexibility to change your engineering major within our 11 engineering disciplines. Unlike some universities, Viterbi does not have impacted engineering majors, allowing students to explore different disciplines as their interests evolve.
My advice to uncertain students is to choose the major that sounds the most interesting when you apply! It really is that simple.
Your First Semester Helps You Decide
If you are still unsure which engineering major is right for you, that is okay. During your first semester, you’ll take an introductory course in your engineering discipline, giving you an early look at what engineers in that field actually do. As you begin taking classes, working on projects, and talking with faculty and fellow students, you’ll gain a better understanding of your interests and strengths.
For many students, that first semester confirms they’ve found the right engineering major. For others, it sparks an interest in a different discipline. That’s all part of the engineering journey, and Viterbi gives students the flexibility to make that change.
No matter which engineering major you choose, you’ll develop the same foundation of problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation that defines a USC Viterbi education.
Remember, choosing an engineering major isn’t about predicting your entire future. It’s about selecting a starting point. Your curiosity, creativity, and desire to make an impact will shape your path far more than your first major selection.
