USC Viterbi Undergraduate Handbook 2024-2025

UNDERGRADUATE USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

HANDBOOK 2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR

A Community of Honor

Today, the world is relying more than ever before on engineering and technology’s ability to solve the grand challenges of our time — namely, grand challenge problems in sustainability, health, security, and life enrichment, which are challenges that improve the human condition and the natural world. Additionally, due to the inherent complexity of our world, we know extraordinary advances in technology also have unintended consequences. Although engineers are crucial in shaping a world that addresses grand challenge problems, they also shoulder an even greater responsibility in addressing and preventing any unintended consequences.

Therefore, our times require that we educate trustworthy engineers — engineers who have not only exceptional technical competence but also exceptional character, the combination of which produces trust. Our graduates must be trustworthy engineers — sorely needed in today’s times when our world is changing exponentially fast and when technology and humanity are intertwined as never before. This necessity determines our actions as an academic community at USC Viterbi as we strive to help engineer a better world for all humanity. HONOR CODE Engineering enables and empowers our ambitions and is integral to our identities. In the Viterbi community, accountability is reflected in all our endeavors. Engineering+ Integrity Engineering+ Responsibility Engineering+ Community Think good. Do better. Be great. These are the pillars we stand upon as we address the challenges of society and enrich lives. In this pursuit, “excellence in all our endeavors” becomes part of our vision and the combined excellence in competence and in character shapes our shared endeavors as students and faculty. It encompasses how we conduct ourselves in the classroom, in the lab, and outside the curriculum. As a vibrant cross-section of academic and social cultures, our school provides an ecosystem characterized by outstanding competence and character, high ethical standards, and adherence to human values. These principles govern our education, research, innovation, and impact. In this endeavor, the Viterbi School aspires to always be a “Community of Trust” and a “Community of Honor”, where the actions of one represent us all. With a lifelong commitment to excellence in all our endeavors, we aspire to outstanding competence and outstanding character and to be trustworthy in a world of constant change. As members of the Viterbi academic community, we hold ourselves up to the highest standard of academic integrity.

It is this vision that guides us.

Dean Yannis C. Yortsos

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Your Viterbi Journey Starts Here

Dear Students,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the Viterbi community. You are joining a support network of faculty, staff and students who will be key to navigating this journey. Our expectations are simple. We expect you to treat every experience as an opportunity for growth and development. We

“ When we give ourselves permission to fail, we, at the same time, give ourselves permission to excel. ” ELOISE RISTAD expect for you to experience both success and challenges during your time here, but we also expect that you will learn to see failure not as an obstacle but as part of the natural learning process. Finally, we expect you to honor your whole person and to be kind to yourself. You are embarking on a rigorous engineering curriculum program, which is why we would like to encourage you to draw on your Viterbi community and the full range of resources available to you. Remember that help is only a question away. And we get thousands of such questions! Each person you meet is one more opportunity to add to your network — to learn from each other’s experiences and grow from your own. Always remember that you have to be well in order to do well and that includes acknowledging and nurturing the emotional, physical and social parts of your lives. You don’t need to be everything. Just be yourself, find your passion and make your time here unique and purposeful. MAKE YOUR JOURNEY UNIQUE TO YOU.

Kelly Goulis, Senior Associate Dean

ENGAGE SC

Engineer your unique student experience at Viterbi by actively participating in activities and experiences that help you discover, engage and build support networks in four key success areas: academic, career, social and wellness. Learn more about ways to get connected, get involved and get support by downloading our university-wide engagement app, EngageSC (https://engage.usc. edu/).

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Viterbi WELLNESS & SUCCESS Viterbi Student Services are designed to provide you with as many opportunities as possible for support, exploration and personal development both in and outside the classroom. We do not expect you to do it all by yourself. Viterbi is dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive academic environment that ensures the well-being for all our students.

VITERBI OFFICE OF STUDENT WELLNESS The Office of Student Wellness provides students with one-on-one assistance in navigating complex issues that many students face during their time at USC. Our goal is to empower students to seek help whenever they need it and assist in identifying and connecting students

WHAT WE OFFER

Wellness Workshops

with relevant campus resources to address any challenges they may

Connection to Services

encounter in their academic journey.

Lorena Duran, LCSW, ED.D. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT WELLNESS LDURAN@USC.EDU

Student Check-In’s

WELLNESS RESOURCES TO HELP YOU THRIVE

Viterbi Well is a student-led branch of Viterbi Student Wellness dedicated to providing programming that promotes well-being viterbi.well@usc.edu

Student Counseling Services are available 24 hours at 213-740-WELL (9355).

The Office of Religious Life sponsors a variety of opportunities for exploring the spiritual dimensions of your life and learning.

Mindful USC offers a range of classes and workshops to the USC community. Download the Mindful USC app.

Viterbi Student Aid Fund & USC Basic Needs provides financial assistance to students experiencing food, housing or financial insecurity.

Take care of your physical health through primary care services at Engemann and Eric Cohen Health Services.

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Your FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE Whether you are coming from high school or a transfer institution, your first year at USC will be one of exploration and foundational building towards your overall success. The clubs, organizations and events on campus, both within and outside of Viterbi, are designed to facilitate that exploration. We encourage you to build community at USC and step outside your comfort zone by engaging in new personal and academic experiences. Everyone’s experience will look different and will be unique for each student, so do not feel like you are not doing enough your first year.

Remember, your first year is just the start of your journey!

ORIENTATION & WELCOME WEEK

The USC Welcome Experience begins with orientation and continues through your first semester. Academic advisors will help you enroll in courses during orientation while peer orientation advisors will be available to offer guidance as you transition to college. You will also have the chance to attend welcome week events across campus where you will get to meet your fellow peers. Mark your calendars for Viterbi’s New Student Welcome in August 2024!

TRISHA KHANDELWAL , AEROSPACE ENGINEERING, Class of 2023

“ As a Freshman Academy coach, I have had the opportunity to mentor and help students navigate the challenges of their first year in college by providing guidance and support. I’ve seen the positive impact of mentoring on a student’s academic success, personal development and overall college experience. ”

Viterbi Involvement ● Lead Coach, Freshmen Academy ● President, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) ● USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (USCRPL) ● NAE Grand Scholar

USC Involvement ● Residential Assistant

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR Viterbi academic advisors are here to help you get the most of your academic experience and are dedicated to helping you define and accomplish your academic, co-curricular and professional goals here at USC. As the first point of contact, your major advisor will be there from orientation to graduation to assist you along your journey. They are your advocate and resource in helping you get connected across campus.

KEEMIA BEIZAI , INDUSTRIAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, Class of 2023

Viterbi Involvement ● Lead Coach, Freshmen Academy ● 3D4E ● Women in Engineering (WIE) ● Viterbi Career Ambassador

● Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers ● Virtual Peer Mentor, MAD Lab ● Lab Teaching Assistant for ISE375 - Facilities Design

“ Mentoring first-semester engineering students is a rewarding feeling because we are able to make students feel like they have a community and a home here at USC during a challenging time in a

FRESHMAN ACADEMY (ENGR 102) All first-year students in Viterbi are invited to enroll in Freshman Academy, a tw0-credit class that encourages new Viterbi students to learn about different engineering fields, understand how engineers think and approach problem solving, and examine the ethical, societal and political impact of engineering. The course is supplemented with co-curricular activities, both in and outside the classroom, and will connect you with Academy coaches, peers, and guest lectures in the field! new environment. My goal is always to help them feel like they are not alone and to find ways to grow and develop their interests despite the challenges of your first semester in college. ”

Upper-division engineering students who serve as mentors and resources for questions about Viterbi student life

coaches

STUDENTS LEARN FROM

Experienced and enthusiastic professors who get to know students individually and provide insight on their research and careers

faculty

Professionals, innovators, researchers, and USC alumni in the engineering field who share their experiences just for Academy students

leaders in the field

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Viterbi

COMMUNITY

The relationships you build at Viterbi are an important part of your undergraduate experience. This is your time for self-exploration, leadership development, service and interpersonal and professional growth. We encourage you to start creating a strong community and network of faculty, peers and staff who can help guide and support you throughout your undergraduate career.

The Viterbi Impact Program is your gateway to service learning and volunteering. Viterbi students participate in a variety of one-time and semester-long opportunities. From rolling up your sleeves to help at a local tree planting project to inspiring the next generation of engineers through hands- on STEM activities and robotics competitions, Join Viterbi Impact and make a difference in the local Los Angeles Community! VITERBI IMPACT PROGRAM

PARTNERSHIPS

Friends and Neighbors Day with Viterbi

Viterbi K-12 STEM Center Viterbi Impact volunteers support programs like Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA), CS@SC, and Mission Science that focus on providing equitable and culturally-responsive access to STEM education through hands-on projects and activities at local partner schools. Friends & Neighbors Day is a Trojan Tradition and campus-wide effort to give back to the local community. Once a month, Viterbi students have the opportunity to join a Viterbi-sponsored service project or choose one of the many opportunities offered by the USC Volunteer Center. Viterbi Student Organizations like SHPE, SciBAT, AIChE, IISE, ITE, RoboPals, USC Makers, SWE, NSBE, 3D4E, and ASBME coordinate outreach events that promote STEM education to local elementary, middle, and high school students. By facilitating interactive workshops, sharing their engineering journeys or showcasing their design projects, Viterbi student organizations do their part to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. Learn more about Viterbi affiliated student organizations on EngageSC. Viterbi Student Organizations

Visit Viterbi Impact Program to start your service journey!

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Engaging your Community We recognize that you are more than just an engineering student and that your classroom experiences, affiliations, and participation in organizations can intersect and overlap in dynamic ways. As you expand your network, learning spaces and perspective, your opportunities to engage in whatever ways you choose will also expand. Viterbi’s Women in Engineering program offers professional, academic, and social services to students who identify as women and non-binary. WIE recognizes the unique challenges that women and non-binary engineering students face and seeks to provide resources and overall support that addresses these challenges. Both undergraduate and graduate students serve and lead the WIE Board by facilitating events with industry professionals who showcase their expertise and work, outreaching to middle and high school students, hosting social/well-being events, and providing a mentorship program. Visit WIE and EngageSC to learn more. WOMEN IN ENGINEERING (WIE)

Mentorship Professional Development

Outreach

Events

ELLIE XING , Computer Science, Class of 2026

Viterbi Involvement ● Director of Events, Women in Engineering (WIE) ● Course Producer, CS 103 - Intro to Programming” ● CURVE Research Fellow, ICT Intelligent Human Perception Lab

● Scope, Women in Computing

USC Involvement ● Minor, Business Law

“ My past two years as a woman in engineering at Viterbi have been full of challenges and growth. I am surrounded by smart and supportive

individuals – from fellow students to mentors and professors – which makes this journey feel natural and empowering. USC is so diverse and full of life, with many opportunities to learn, network and make lifelong friends – from record-breaking rocket launches to region-wide hackathons. There’s always something going on that anyone can take part in. Fight On! ”

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Engaging your Community

CED

JOHN BROOKS SLAUGHTER CENTER FOR ENGINEERING DIVERSITY (CED)

The mission for the John Brooks Slaughter Center for Engineering Diversity (CED) is to advocate, promote, and center the academic, professional, and personal development of our Native American, Black, and Latinx students by providing access to programs, services, and resources that foster community, belonging, and build capacity in engineering. CED provides space to develop an authentic, supportive network of: PEERS Connect with new friends by coming to our study lounge and events.

STAFF Advocates to connect you with resources.

FACULTY Opportunities to connect with faculty one-on-one outside of the classroom

“ My journey with CED has been a transformative experience, highlighting USC’s profound commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. As part of the Peer Mentor program, I have had the privilege ABDELAZIZ ABDELRHMAN , Electrical & Computer Engineering, Junior, Class of 2025 Viterbi Involvement ● Center for Engineering Diversity (CED) ● Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) ● National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE) ● Freshman Academy Coach ● SC Solar Car ● USC Makers USC Involvement ● Muslim Student Union ● Intramural Sports (IMs)

of guiding freshmen and transfer students and helping them acclimate to USC’s vibrant campus life. My cherished memories included engaging activities designed to strengthen bonds within our diverse community, like participating in friendly competitions, such as bowling, and collaborating to solve puzzles in escape rooms. These experiences have not only been immensely enjoyable but have also served as a testament to the power of unity and teamwork. ”

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Student organizations are a great way for you to get involved and connect with your peers. Many student organizations actively sponsor a number of professional, social, and service programs. Can’t find exactly what you are looking for? Start your own! We recognize that you are more than just an engineering student and that your classroom experiences, affiliations, and participation in organizations can intersect and overlap in dynamic ways. As you expand your network, learning spaces, and perspective, your opportunities to engage in whatever ways you choose will also expand. Visit EngageSC to explore student organizations and events on campus!

TYPES OF GROUPS

3 (CybOrg) ● LavaLab ● Makers ● Science Based Academic Tournaments (SciBAT) Design & Competition Teams ● RoboSub ● Rocket Propulsion Laboratory ● SC Solar Car Team ● USC Racing Interest-Based Groups ● Lava Lab ● Cybersecurity and Forensics Organization

Identity-Based Groups ● National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) ● Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology (QuEST) ● Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) ● Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

Professional Organizations ● American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) ● American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) ● Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering (ASBME) ● Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Engaging Your Community Locally and globally

VITERBI GRAND CHALLENGE SCHOLARS PROGRAM The Grand Challenges program promotes the ideals of life quality, health solutions, security, and sustainability through research, entrepreneurship, service, and global engagement. You can design your own unique educational experience by addressing one of the 14 challenges below. Join a global network of students who graduate as an National Academy of Engineering (NAE) recognized Grand Challenge Scholar! Sustainability ● Make solar energy economical ● Provide energy from fusion ● Develop carbon sequestration methods ● Manage the nitrogen cycle ● Provide access to clean water Health

Security ● Secure cyberspace ● Prevent nuclear terror ● Restore and improve urban infrastructure Joy of Living ● Enhance virtual reality ● Advance personalized learning ● Engineer the tools of scientific discovery

● Engineer better medicines ● Advance health informatics ● Reverse-engineer the brain

Viterbi Grand Challenge Scholars use the Five Mindset framework to inform and solve for a Grand Challenge we face in our global community. Students accomplish this by demonstrating how the Five Mindsets intersect through participating in activities in and outside of the classroom.

THE FIVE MINDSETS

SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

2 3 4 5

TALENT/RESEARCH

MULTICULTURAL

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

As a Viterbi Grand Challenge Scholar, you will: ● Demonstrate your understanding of foundational elements to global engagement as it relates to a Grand Challenge ● Develop an approach to solving societal problems to take beyond your undergraduate education ● Apply each of the Five Mindsets through curricular and co-curricular activities

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Viterbi BEYOND THE CLASSROOM At Viterbi, we believe that learning can occur in all spaces. We encourage you to take advantage of any opportunity to put your classroom knowledge into practice — through undergraduate research, internships, student organizations or volunteer activities.

“ In my classes, there’s always a correct answer — in research, you’re the one that has to come up with the answer, and I find that to be one of the most exciting things that an undergrad has the opportunity to participate in. ”

MIKE SHAO , Chemical Engineering, Class of 2021 Viterbi Involvement ● Freshman Academy Coach ● Mentor in APASS Peer Mentor program ● VP of Finance for American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) ● Engineering Honors Program (EHP) ● Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) ● Minor in Business Finance ● Undergraduate Researcher in Armani Research Lab USC Involvement ● Discretionary Fund Director, Undergraduate Student Government (USG)

“ As a lower-division student, I was able to get a better idea of how I wanted to shape my academic career by talking to various juniors and seniors, and I love doing the same for the new students. ” W.V.T. RUSCH UNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERING HONORS PROGRAM (EHP) The W.V.T. Rusch Undergraduate Engineering Honors Program (EHP) is designed to enrich the academic experience of highly motivated and talented Viterbi undergraduate students. EHP students will have the opportunity to enhance their engineering curriculum through the completion of a significant self-directed honors project in the form of either a thesis project (Research Track) or commercialization plan (Innovation Track). The vision of the Engineering Honors Program is to enhance the competitiveness of students for post-graduate opportunities.

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Undergraduate Research Viterbi is committed to making undergraduate research accessible to all Viterbi students. Students benefit from undergraduate research programs by building faculty connections, gaining access to institutional resources, increasing technical skills and exploring personal and professional interests. CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN VITERBI ENGINEERING (CURVE) The Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering (CURVE) is Viterbi’s centralized resource for undergraduate students to explore research opportunities early on in their undergraduate career. CURVE matches Viterbi students with research labs and gives students the opportunity to gain experience on a faculty-led research project. CURVE fellows receive funding while conducting research under guidance from faculty and graduate mentors.

JASMINE GONZALEZ , Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering), Class of 2025

“ CURVE has been an incredibly useful resource for navigating research and academia, from the process of joining a lab to considering a future in graduate school. As a first-generation student, understanding the subtleties of research felt daunting but CURVE advisors and peer mentors worked with me to understand what I needed in a lab and find the right fit. Now, I am conducting environmental chemistry research with goals of publishing soon. CURVE has provided me the chance to know where academia fits in my future and I am grateful for the enriching experience I’ve had as a CURVE fellow. ”

Research Project ● Faculty Mentor: Dr. Daniel McCurry ● Lab: McCurry Lab ● Project: Formation of N-nitrosoglyphosate from glyphosate and nitrite at neutral pH and occurrence in recycled wastewater

Viterbi Involvement ● Meshkati Lab Undergraduate Researcher ● Amazon Summer Research Experience Fellow ● Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

USC Involvement ● Grupo Folklórico de USC ● Environmental Student Assembly

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Global Experiences Find your passion, here and abroad Viterbi students can take advantage of a diverse range of international opportunities to help expand their worldview as future leaders in engineering. Through engineering-specific study abroad programs students can examine the Grand Challenges of Engineering from a global perspective.

Viterbi International Exchange Program Problems Without Passports

Viterbi iPodia Program USC Semester Abroad Viterbi GlobalXP Programs

VITERBI GLOBALXP PROGRAMS Viterbi GlobalXP programs (Spring Break, Maymester, and Fall Lead) examines a global Grand Challenge in an interactive and dynamic class space. GlobalXP enables students to make progress towards their engineering degree while traveling abroad for one-three weeks, depending on the program. Students will have the opportunity to visit companies, hear from guest lecturers, and engage in cultural field trips to gain a nuanced global perspective on engineering.

ALYSSA JAIPERSAUD , Industrial & Systems Engineering, Class of 2024 Viterbi Involvement ● Progressive Degree Program (PDP), Green Technologies/Sustainable Engineering

● Queers in Engineering, Science, and Technology (QuEST) ● Research Fellow, Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering (CURVE) USC Involvement ● Minor in Law & Public Policy ● Student Sustainabiity Committee ● Trojan Archery Team

● Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) ● Viterbi GlobalXP Program, Toyko, Japan ● Viterbi Funding Board ● Engineers Without Borders (EWB) ● Semi-Finalist, Min Family Challenge ● Peer Mentor, Women in Engineering (WIE)

“ The opportunity to participate in Viterbi’s GlobalXP Program in Tokyo, Japan, was a significant highlight of my time at USC. It allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, develop friendships, and learn more about the type of engineer that I want to be. ”

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Global Experiences

SUMMER RESEARCH ABROAD Students in the Viterbi Summer Research Abroad program participate in research with faculty for a summer at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Students learn first hand the differences in research approaches while also gaining a global engineering perspective.

LYDIA DIBLASIO , Computer Science, Class of 2023

“ The Viterbi Berlin WRIT 340 GlobalXP experience was the highlight of my Junior year! Every day was an adventure - from analyzing Central Station architecture, walking alongside the Berlin Wall, hearing directly from German engineering professionals, eating at cafes every day, hopping through Museum Island, and everything in between! I was amazed at how quickly I became immersed in the intersection of computer science, Berlin culture, and addressing the Grand Challenges of Engineering on a global scale. Being in Berlin also inspired me to see my career path more creatively and helped me

realize that my work at USC can have a global impact. ”

Viterbi Involvement ● Progressive Degree Program (PDP) in Computer Science

USC Involvement ● Christian Challenge/Ministry Team ● Mixed Martial Arts Club

● President, AthenaHacks Organizer ● Research Assistant, Interaction Lab ● Society for Women in Engineering (SWE)

VITERBI INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM The Viterbi International Exchange Program is an excellent opportunity to live and study at a top university abroad for a full semester. Students in the exchange program pursue academic work that compliments their major and gain a deeper understanding of global engineering while becoming fully-integrated into the culture and lifestyle of the host institution.

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

ACADEMIC SUPPORT & RESOURCES

Viterbi’s academic resources are designed to support you in your transition to college. Whether you have a programming or physics question, finding help for your courses is only one question away. There’s no one way to be a Viterbi student and there’s no one way to learn.

VITERBI LEARNING PROGRAM The Viterbi Learning Program (VLP) is your resource in enhancing your educational experience by supporting your classroom learning through peer mentoring, tutoring, academic success events, and group study sessions. Viterbi certified peer tutors are students who were once in your spot and can offer advice, insight and ability to help you hone in on specific course questions.

RIYANA JENNIFER GOBIN , Electrical & Computer Engineering, Class of 2023 Viterbi Involvement ● Viterbi Learning Program Tutor ● Co-Chair, Klein’s Institute for Undergraduate Engineering Life (KIUEL)

● Teaching Assistant for CS@SC ● Center for Engineering Diversity ● Director of Membership, USC Makers ● Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) ● Undergraduate Research in the Space Engineering Research Center

“ Through the Viterbi Learning Program, I’ve been able to offer academic support as well as mentorship to Viterbi students. I’ve also had the opportunity to pilot a Virtual Reality Tutoring platform which

adds an exciting realm to tutoring! ”

WAYS WE CAN HELP

One-on-one tutoring with certified peer tutors

Tutor Scheduling Service to find available tutors for your classes

3 Academic Success Events for group study sessions, networking, and skill building 4 Drop-in tutoring for quick questions on specific subjects 5 Writing consultations for help on essays and research papers

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

your timeline through

ADVISING

Viterbi students meet with their academic advisor every semester for mandatory advisement. Appointments take place before your assigned registration date and time each semester. Advising sessions help ensure that you are working towards your goals, meeting your degree requirements, and staying on track for graduation.

END OF SEMESTER Still have questions? You can still meet with your advisor to help you finish out the semester strong. Stay Connected!

SEMESTER START Have questions about the drop/add deadline, how to get involved, or anything else? Take advantage of in-person or online Drop-In Advising for quick questions! MID-SEMESTER Viterbi advisors meet with students each semester for mandatory advisement to talk about classes and explore how to make your interests a reality. Check your STARS Report for the most up-to-date information on your degree progress.

REGISTRATION The Registrar’s Office will assign you a Permit to Register—a specific day and time you are eligible to register for next semester’s classes. Until that time, you can build your ideal

schedule through my.usc.edu and Web Registration.

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

degree

REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS USC’s General Education requirements, or “GE” for short, prepare you to become an informed citizen of the 21st century by learning to think critically and evaluate competing ideas. These requirements are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the challenges of a globalized world.

GE B Humanistic Inquiry (2 classes required) GE C Social Analysis (2 classes required) GE D Life Sciences GE E Physical Sciences GE F Quantitative Reasoning GE A The Arts GE G Citizenship in a Global Era GE H Traditions and Historical Foundations

GESM General Education Seminar

GESM, GE G, and GE H courses can double count for two requirements. GESM course should be taken in Category A, B, or C. Talk to your advisor and check your STARS report. GENERAL EDUCATION SEMINAR (GESM)

WRITING REQUIREMENT All majors are required to complete two writing courses: WRIT 150 (Writing and Critical Reasoning) and WRIT 340 (Advanced Writing) as part of your degree requirements.

All first-year students must take one of the Core Literacy courses in the GE Seminar format. These specially-designed seminars take place in a small classroom setting.

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Degree Requirements Students may receive a combined maximum of 32 elective units for college courses taken prior to high school graduation and/or examinations (e.g., AP, IB, or other international exams) taken before matriculation at a two-year or four-year college.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMS SCORE OF 4 OR 5 Calculus AB -> MATH 125 + GE-F Calculus BC (score of 4) -> MATH 125 + GE-F Calculus BC (score of 5) -> MATH 126 + GE-F Chemistry -> CHEM 105AL + GE-E Biology -> BISC 120L + GE-D Physics -> GE-E Art History -> GE-A Statistics -> GE-F

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) HL EXAMS SCORE OF 5, 6, OR 7

Mathematics (5, 6, or 7) -> MATH 125 + GE-F Chemistry (6 or 7) -> CHEM 105aL + GE-E Biology (5, 6, or 7) -> BISC 120L + GE-D Physics -> GE-E Economics -> GE-F History of Africa & the Middle East -> GE-H History of Asia/Oceania -> GE-H History of the Americas -> GE-H History of Europe -> GE-H Dance, Film, Music, Theatre, or Visual Arts -> GE-A Global Politics -> GE-G

Macroeconomics -> GE-F Microeconomics -> GE-F European History -> GE-H U.S. History -> GE-H World History -> GE-H

Please refer to your advisor for additional exam equivalencies.

A-LEVEL EXAMS Chemistry -> CHEM 105A + GE-E Physics -> GE-E Mathematics -> MATH 125 + GE-F

SPECIAL PHYSICS NOTE FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE, ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING, AND INDUSTRIAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AP Physics C (Mechanics and Electricity/Magnetism), IB Physics (HL) and A-level physics exams are not equivalent to PHYS 151 or PHYS 152 but students may be able to fulfill the science requirements for these majors with exam credits. Talk to your academic advisor if you took any of these exams.

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering Aerospace and mechanical engineers (AME) design complex mechanical, thermal, fluidic, acoustical, optical, and electronic systems, with characteristic sizes ranging from microns to tens of kilometers. Such systems are used everywhere, from the depths of the ocean to near-earth, planetary, interplanetary and galactic space.

JOIN ONE OF AME’S DESIGN TEAMS ● Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion and ENergy (ASPEN) ● AeroDesign Team (ADT) ● USC Racing (FSAE) ● USC Formula Electric ● Recumbent Vehicle Design Team (RVDT) ● Solar Car* ● Autonomous Underwater Vehicle* ● Advanced Composites Design Team (ACDT) *also in CSCI and ECE POPULAR STUDY ABROAD SITES

PROFESSIONAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ● American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) ● SAE International ● American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

● University of Auckland ● University of Edinburgh ● University of Melbourne ● Queen Mary, London

Thinking about studying abroad? Spring of sophomore year is the recommended time for AME students.

RESEARCH

CAREERS Alejandro Gonzalez Class of 2019, Aerospace Engineering Advanced Concepts Engineer at The Boeing Company

Dr. Paul Ronney

LAB: Combustion Physics Lab RESEARCH FOCUS: Combustion problems but more generally on “chemically-reacting flows” RESEARCH PROJECT: Efficient propulsion systems for clusters of small

My job is to create future aircraft and aircraft technologies. Specifically, I use engineering tools to evaluate new concepts that can be applied to aircraft in order to better improve them for customers and the world as a whole. I love that I get to do exactly what I went to school for. You often hear that people attend college and get a degree that they “never use” but I use the fundamentals and skills that I learned at USC every day.

satellites COURSES: AME 101 (Intro to Mechanical Engineering) and AME 436 (Automotive & Flight Propulsion) FUN FACT: Dr. Ronney was the Payload Specialist Astronaut (Alternate) for two Space Shuttle missions in 1997

Advice? Get involved with the AeroDesign Team!

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Aerospace Engineering

FOURTH YEAR

FIRST YEAR

SECOND YEAR

THIRD YEAR

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

WRIT 340 WRIT 150

AME 201 MATH 125 or 126 or 226

GE C

WRIT 150 GESM (GE B)#

GE A*

GE D*

AME 261

AME 310 PHYS 151 and MATH 125 or 126 or 226

AME 204 AME 201

AME 301 AME 201, (MATH 245)

AME 436 AME 310

AME 105

GE B

MASC 310L

GE C

MATH 126 or MATH 129* MATH 125

MATH 226 or MATH 229 MATH 126 or 129

AME 309 AME 201, (MATH 245)

MATH 125 (GE F)*

AME 451 AME 302a, AME 302b

AME 308 AME 204, (AME 301)

MATH 245 MATH 226 or 229

AME 481

4 4

CHEM 105AL or MASC 110L*

PHYS 151L (GE E) MATH 125 or 126 or 226

PHYS 152L PHYS 151L, (MATH 226)

AME 441a AME 341a, AME 341b

AME 208 PHYS 152, (MATH 245)

AME 341aL PHYS 152, AME 208

AME 341bL AME 341a

PHYS 153 PHYS 152

OPTIONAL ELECTIVE

AME 302a MATH 245

AME 302b AME 302a, MATH 245

OPTIONAL ELECTIVE

ENGR 102

ITP 168

2 2

MATHEMATICS (16 UNITS) MATH 125: Calculus I*

WRITING (8 UNITS) WRIT 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning WRIT 340: Advanced Writing ENGINEERING (70 UNITS) AME 105: Intro. to Aerospace Engineering AME 201: Statics AME 204: Mechanics of Materials & Structures AME 208: Mathematical Methods in Engineering AME 261: Basic Flight Mechanics AME 301 : Dynamics AME 302a: Systems AME 302b: Systems AME 308: Computer-Aided Engineering AME 309: Dynamics of Fluids AME 310 : Engineering Thermodynamics I AME 341aL: Measurement & Instrumentation Laboratory AME 341bL : Measurement & Instrumentation Laboratory AME 436: Automotive & Flight Propulsion AME 441aL: Senior Projects Laboratory AME 451: Linear Control Systems I AME 481 : Aircraft Design ENGR 102: Engineering Freshman Academy ITP 168: Introduction to MATLAB MASC 310L: Materials Behavior and Processing

SPECIAL NOTES Courses with the * symbol may be satisfied with AP, IB or A-Level exams. See page 18 for more information. GESM#: GESM can be taken from GE categories: A, B, C, or D. Courses listed in the guide are options for a four-year course plan. GE: Engineering students are encouraged to satisfy GE-G and GE-H with a course that also satisfies a Core Literacy. GE-H may be satisfied by AP/IB. Additionally, your GESM course should be taken in categories A, B, C, or D only. See page 17 for more information and consult your advisor for detailed assistance. OPTIONAL ELECTIVES: Consult with your academic advisor to explore optional elective courses. These courses are not required. PHYSICS REQUIREMENT: PHYS 161-163 and PHYS 171-173 are acceptable towards this requirement.

MATH 126 or MATH 129: Calculus II* MATH 226 or MATH 229 : Calculus III MATH 245 : Mathematics of Phys. and Engr. PHYSICS (12 UNITS) PHYS 151L: Mechanics and Thermodynamics PHYS 152L: Electricity and Magnetism PHYS 153L: Optics and Modern Physics CHEMISTRY/MATERIALS SCIENCE (4 UNITS) CHEM 105aL: General Chemistry* or MASC 110L: Materials Science GENERAL EDUCATION (32 UNITS) GE A The Arts (1 Course)* GE B Humanistic Inquiry (2 Courses)

GE C Social Analysis (2 Courses) GE D Life Sciences (1 Course)* GE E Physical Sciences (1 Course)*

GE F Quantitative Reasoning (1 Course)* GE G,H Global Perspectives (2 Courses)* GESM General Education Seminar (1 Course)

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Mechanical Engineering

FOURTH YEAR

FIRST YEAR

SECOND YEAR

THIRD YEAR

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

WRIT 340 WRIT 150

AME 208 PHYS 152, (MATH 245)

MASC 310L

WRIT 150 GESM (GE B)#

GE B

GE C

AME 310 PHYS 151 and MATH 125 or 126 or 226

AME 101L (MATH 125)

AME 201 MATH 125 or 126 or 226

AME 204 AME 201

AME 301 AME 201, (MATH 245)

AME 431 AME 310, (AME 309)

GE A*

GE D

MATH 126 or MATH 129* MATH 125

MATH 226 or MATH 229 MATH 126 or 129

AME 309 AME 201, (MATH 245)

MATH 125 (GE F)*

TECHNICAL ELECTIVE

AME 308 AME 204, (AME 301)

MATH 245 MATH 226 or 229

CHEM 105AL or MASC 110L*

PHYS 151L (GE E) MATH 125 or 126 or 226

PHYS 152L PHYS 151L, (MATH 226)

PHYS 153L PHYS 152

AME 341aL PHYS 152, AME 208

AME 341bL AME 341a

AME 441aL AME 341a, 341b

CAPSTONE ELECTIVE

OPTIONAL ELECTIVE

AME 302a MATH 245

OPTIONAL ELECTIVE

ENGR 102

ITP 168

MATHEMATICS (16 UNITS) MATH 125: Calculus I*

WRITING (8 UNITS) WRIT 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning WRIT 340: Advanced Writing ENGINEERING (68 UNITS) AME 101L: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering AME 201: Statics AME 204: Mechanics of Materials & Structures AME 208: Mathematical Methods in Engineering AME 301: Dynamics AME 302a: Systems AME 308: Computer-Aided Engineering AME 309: Dynamics of Fluids AME 310: Engineering Thermodynamics I AME 341aL: Measurement & Instrumentation Laboratory AME 341bL: Measurement & Instrumentation Laboratory AME 431: Heat Transfer AME 441aL: Senior Projects Laboratory AME CAPSTONE ELECTIVE ENGR 102: Engineering Freshman Academy ITP 168: Introduction to MATLAB MASC 310L: Materials Behavior & Processing TECHNICAL ELECTIVES

SPECIAL NOTES Courses with the * symbol may be satisfied with AP, IB or A-Level exams. See page 18 for more information. GESM#: GESM can be taken from GE categories: A, B, C, or D. Courses listed in the guide are options for a four-year course plan. GE: Engineering students are encouraged to satisfy GE-G and GE-H with a course that also satisfies a Core Literacy. GE-H may be satisfied by AP/IB. Additionally, your GESM course should be taken in categories A, B, C, or D only. See page 17 for more information and consult your advisor for detailed assistance. PHYSICS REQUIREMENT: PHYS 161-163 and PHYS 171-173 are acceptable towards this requirement. AME CAPSTONE: See academic advisor for approved list of courses. TECHNICAL ELECTIVES: Any upper-division course in engineering, chemistry, physics or mathematics. OPTIONAL ELECTIVES: Consult with your academic advisor to explore optional elective courses. These courses are not required.

GE C Social Analysis (2 Courses) GE D Life Sciences (1 Course)* GE E Physical Sciences (1 Course)*

GE F Quantitative Reasoning (1 Course)* GE G,H Global Perspectives (2 Courses)* GESM General Education Seminar (1 Course)

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

Astronautical Engineering The Astronautical Engineering (ASTE) program provides the fundamentals of science and engineering with specialized courses in astronautic and technical electives. ASTE students learn spacecraft and launch vehicle design and operations, propulsion, orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics and control, navigation, instrumentation and sensors, and much more.

ASTE operates world-class research facilities such as the Collaborative High Altitude Flow Facility (CHAFF) space simulation chamber, a six-meter cryogenically cooled chamber capable of testing propulsion systems in high vacuum. JOIN ONE OF ASTE’S STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ● Rocket Propulsion Lab ● Liquid Propulsion Lab ● Students for the Exploration & Development of Space (SEDS) USC Chapter POPULAR STUDY ABROAD SITES ● University of Auckland ● National University of Singapore ● Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

RESEARCH

CAREERS Lauren Potterat, BS, MS 2021, Astronautical Engineering Executive Engineer, Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (2020-2021) Starship Software Engineer, SpaceX

Dr. Dan Erwin

AREA OF RESEARCH: Astrodynamics, autonomous vehicles RESEARCH PROJECT: AI for low thrust spacecraft trajectory design

At SpaceX, I design and implement simulation software that stress tests Starship’s various operational configurations. I work closely with hardware, software, and flight operations engineers who use this software to verify vehicle readiness for flight. I have traversed several roles at SpaceX (including Mission Control Operations, Operator Training and Mission Management) and have found my experience in USC RPL critical in building the foundational engineering skills I apply daily - grit, willingness to fail quickly and iterate, and the importance of the interpersonal connections as we endeavor to make human spaceflight safer, faster, and more accessible than ever before. The most valuable lesson I learned from my time at USC (particularly USC RPL) was to fail forward, fail fast, and frequently (almost unapologetically) question your assumptions. Per aspera ad astra!

COURSES: ASTE 101 (Introduction to Astronautics) and ASTE 280 (Foundations of Astronautical Engineering) FUN FACT: Dr. Erwin likes to ride motorcycles and mentors the Rocket Propulsion Lab

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Astronautical Engineering

SECOND YEAR

FOURTH YEAR

FIRST YEAR

THIRD YEAR

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

AME 204 AME 201

ASTE 301 AME 201 (MATH 245)

PHYS 153L PHYS 152L

WRIT 150

GESM (GE B)#

GE C

GE B

AME 201 MATH 125 or 126 or 129

AME 208 PHYS 152 (MATH 245)

AME 341BL AME 341AL

TECHNICAL ELECTIVE

ASTE 421 ASTE 331B

ASTE 331 ASTE 280 (PHYS 153)

GE A*

ASTE 101L

ASTE 305 PHYS 153, AME 310 (MATH 245)

ASTE 475 PHYS 152L and ASTE 305 or AME 309

MATH 226 or MATH 229 MATH 126 or 129

MATH 126 or MATH 129* MATH 125

MATH 245 MATH 226 or 229

AME 310 PHYS 151, MATH 125

WRIT 340 WRIT 150

MATH 125 (GE F)*

PHYS 152L PHYS 151L, (MATH 226)

ASTE 280 MATH 226, PHYS 151L or 161L

PHYS 151L (GE E) MATH 125 or 126 or 226

ASTE 341aL PHYS 152, AME 208

AME 308 AME 204, (AME 301)

TECHNICAL ELECTIVE

CHEM 105aL or MASC 110L*

ASTE 404

OPTIONAL ELECTIVE

GE D*

ITP 168

ENGR 102

MATHEMATICS (16 UNITS) MATH 125: Calculus I*

ENGINEERING (70 UNITS) AME 201: Statics AME 204: Strength of Materials AME 208: Mathematical Methods in ENGR AME 301: Dynamics AME 308: Comp. Aided Analysis for Design AME 310: Engineering Thermodynamics I AME 341aL : Mechoptronics Laboratory I AME 341bL: Mechoptronics Laboratory II ASTE 101L: Intro. to Astronautics ASTE 280: Astronautics & Space Environment I ASTE 305: Astronautics Gas Dynamics ASTE 331: Spacecraft Systems Engineering ASTE 404: Computational Programming & Numerical Methods ASTE 421: Space Mission Design ASTE 475: Rocket Propulsion ENGR 102: Engineering Freshman Academy ITP 168: Introduction to MATLAB TECHNICAL ELECTIVES

SPECIAL NOTES Courses with the * symbol may be satisfied with AP, IB or A-Level exams. See page 18 for more information. GESM#: GESM can be taken from GE categories: A, B, C, or D. Courses listed in the guide are options for a four-year course plan. GE: Engineering students are encouraged to satisfy GE-G and GE-H with a course that also satisfies a Core Literacy. GE-H may be satisfied by AP/IB. Additionally, your GESM course should be taken in categories A, B, C, or D only. See page 17 for more information and consult your advisor for detailed assistance. TECHNICAL ELECTIVES: Any upper-division course in engineering, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. See academic advisor for exceptions/substitutions.

GE C Social Analysis (2 Courses) GE D Life Sciences (1 Course)* GE E Physical Sciences (1 Course)*

GE F Quantitative Reasoning (1 Course)* GE G,H Global Perspectives (2 Courses)* GESM General Education Seminar (1 Course) WRITING (8 UNITS) WRIT 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning WRIT 340: Advanced Writing

UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2024-2025

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