Could I Really Major in Engineering?
Last week in our Admission blog, we explored choosing a major within the 11 disciplines of Engineering that we offer. But what if you’re just starting to consider engineering and still asking yourself a simple question: Could I really do this? We meet so many high school students who may not have a clear idea of what an engineer does or of the wide range of engineering disciplines we offer.
Maybe you’ve always enjoyed math and science. Maybe you like figuring out how things work or solving puzzles. Or maybe you’ve heard that engineering is only for students who have been building robots or writing computer code since middle school. The truth is, there isn’t just one path to becoming an engineer.
At USC Viterbi, our students come into their first year with a wide range of interests and experiences. Some arrive with experience in engineering competitions. Some are painters, musicians, or athletes. Others are simply curious about how engineering can improve people’s lives. What they have in common isn’t that they already know everything. It’s that they’re excited to learn.
Engineering is about solving problems
When people hear the word “engineering,” they often think about building bridges, designing airplanes, or writing computer programs. Those are certainly part of engineering, but they’re only part of the story. Engineers are problem solvers. They develop cleaner energy sources, design medical devices that improve patient care, create technologies that help communities recover after natural disasters, and build systems that connect people around the world. Engineering touches nearly every part of our daily lives. The question isn’t whether you already know how to do those things. The question is whether you’re excited by the possibility of learning how.
Is engineering right for you?
At USC Viterbi, we look for students who are excited to challenge themselves academically and who have built a strong foundation through rigorous coursework, particularly in math and science. But admissions is about more than grades and test scores. We take a holistic approach, considering your academic preparation alongside your interests, activities, experiences, and the perspective you’ll bring to our community.
If you’re wondering what makes a strong engineering applicant or how to begin your application, we’ve created resources to help you every step of the way.
If you’re someone who enjoys learning, likes solving problems, and wants to make a meaningful impact, engineering may be worth exploring. We want you to know it’s ok if you’re still figuring out exactly what that looks like.
College is about discovering new interests as much as it is about building on the ones you already have. At USC Viterbi School of Engineering and Computer Science, you’ll find opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow while preparing for challenges that don’t even exist yet. In other words, you won’t be alone in a corner. You will find support through peer connections and professors who are excited to learn and teach right alongside you.
Ready to explore what’s possible?
Learn more about USC Viterbi’s undergraduate programs and discover where engineering could take you.
