3+2 Program

A Transfer Program for Students at Specific Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities

Overview

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering has established 3+2 programs with four-year liberal arts colleges.

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.  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.

Step 1: Eligibility

Ensure you are enrolled at one of the 3+2 partner institutions.

  • BIOLA University
  • Claremont McKenna College
  • Pepperdine University
  • Pitzer College
  • Scripps College
  • Whittier College

Step 2: Student Guides

Complete the course requirements outlined in the 3+2 Program Student Guide for your school

Step 3: Apply

Apply to USC as a transfer student using the Common Application.

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.

Student Guides:  What Classes Should You Take at Your Partner Institution?

Click on a school to check out the 3+2 Program Student Guide for that school to see the courses students should take prior to transfer to USC.  As a 3+2 applicant, you will complete the same application process as a transfer student.  We recommend that you visit our Transfer Page for up to date information on important dates and deadlines.

August 1st

Common App Opens

Deadlines are made official when the Common Application opens August 1st

Mid-February, 2026

Application Deadline for Fall 2026**

Deadlines are made official when the Common Application opens August 1st

Submit your official high school and college transcripts AFTER you submit your application

**USC only accepts applications for the Fall semester

Decisions/Request for Spring Grades Sent by May 31st

Students who receive a request for spring grades will hear back from USC with an admission decision in mid- to late July

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.

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.

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.

No, you must attend a 3+2 partner school to be part of this program.

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.

Yes, it’s very important for you to complete all of your partner school’s GE courses prior to transfer to USC.

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).

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.

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.