The USC Viterbi School of Engineering has established 3+2 programs with four-year liberal arts colleges around the country.
While 3+2 is not the only way to transfer to USC Viterbi, it offers a unique opportunity to earn two bachelors degrees in 5 years. The first degree in a liberal arts field from the first institution and one in engineering from USC.
Overview
Are you Eligible?
The 3+2 Engineering program is a specially designed curriculum with specific, named, partner schools. Typically, students spend their first 3 years at a partner liberal arts school completing specific, predetermined coursework in one major, and then apply to transfer to USC and spend 2 years completing their engineering program.
Please note: Admission to USC through the 3+2 program is not guaranteed and you must attend a partner schools to participate in the 3+2 program.
Prepare
- Attend a partner school
- Complete the course requirements outlined in the 3+2 Program Student Guide for your school
Apply Junior Year
- Complete the Common App for Transfer Students on or before Feb 15th
- Submit official college transcripts
Student Guides
What Classes Should You Take?
Click on a school to check out the 3+2 Program Student Guide for that school to see the courses students should take based prior to transfer to USC.
Current Partner Institutions
Legacy Partner Institutions
The following schools’ agreements expired as of August 1, 2023. We will continue to consider 3+2 applications from students at these institutions until and including the Fall 2026 application cycle. If you enroll at these schools after Fall 2024, you cannot be considered a 3+2 applicant, but are welcome to apply as a standard transfer applicant.
FAQS
Below are answers to 3+2 FAQs. 3+2 applicants are considered transfer applicants so we would recommend you review our Transfer FAQs as well.
Is there a separate 3+2 application?
No, you will apply through the Common App as a transfer student. Once you complete and submit your Common App, there is nothing else you need to do. Your 3+2 status will be verified through your partner institution.
Is admission to USC guaranteed through the 3+2 program?
No, admission to USC is not guaranteed.
Typically, competitive 3+2 applicants have completed (or have in progress at the time they submit their application) all of the courses listed in the student guides and are doing well in these classes – and overall. We recommend that you aim to earn A’s and B’s in your classes and engage in a rigorous curriculum.
I do not attend a 3+2 partner school. Can I apply for the 3+2 program?
No, you must attend a 3+2 partner school to be part of this program.
I receive finanical aid at my current school? Will my financial aid package be the same at USC if I transfer?
Probably not. USC’s financial aid process is need-based and to determine your need the USC Financial Aid Office asks you to complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile. This information (and sometimes additional info) is used to determine your financial aid package.
We encourage all applicants who are eligible for financial aid to engage in the financial aid process. Typically, we recommend that you submit your application for admission by February 15th and then start working on the financial aid process. You should not wait to get an admission decision from USC and then apply for financial aid.
Do I have to complete all my General Education courses prior to transfer to USC?
Yes, it’s very important for you to complete all of your partner school’s GE courses prior to transfer to USC.
Is it easier to be admitted to USC under the 3+2 program?
No. The 3+2 program is just a different way to transfer to USC. It’s not the preferred way or an easier way. Just different.
In terms of time – it usually takes longer to transfer to USC under the 3+2 program versus just applying as a regular transfer student (you can apply as a regular transfer student after just one year elsewhere).
Can I apply as an undeclared engineer?
No – undeclared engineering is an option designed for first year applicants. As a 3+2 student, you need to declare a major on the application.
I am an international student. Do I still need to submit a TOEFL, IELTS or PTE exam score as a 3+2 applicant?
Yes – international applicants must submit a TOEFL, IELTS or PTE exam score. For more information about this visit https://admission.usc.edu/apply/international-students.
