USC Engineering Majors Overview

Hey peeps! I'm planning on applying to USC for engineering, but I'm not exactly sure which engineering major to choose. Can someone help break down the differences between the various engineering majors offered at USC? What are some unique aspects or strengths of each program? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! USC offers a wide range of engineering majors, and I'm happy to help you understand some of the differences and strengths of each program:

1. Aerospace Engineering: This major focuses on designing and analyzing aircraft and spacecraft. Courses cover topics like flight mechanics, propulsion systems, and aerospace structures. USC's Aerospace Engineering program has strong ties to the industry, including partnerships with companies like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman.

2. Biomedical Engineering: This interdisciplinary field brings together engineering and life sciences to come up with medical innovations. At USC, you'll take courses in biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, and tissue engineering, among others. The program's strong emphasis on research and collaboration between the engineering and medical schools is a standout feature.

3. Chemical Engineering: This major deals with the large-scale production of chemicals, materials and energy. It includes courses on process control, plant design, thermodynamics, and separation processes. USC's Chemical Engineering program is known for its research in areas like advanced materials, biotechnology, and energy applications.

4. Civil Engineering: This discipline focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. Courses include structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering. USC's program boasts a wide range of electives, allowing students to specialize in subfields like Environmental Engineering or Construction Engineering and Management.

5. Computer Engineering: This major combines electrical engineering with computer science to design and develop computer systems. You'll learn about digital logic, microprocessors, and computer architecture. The program at USC is distinct for its collaboration with organizations such as Intel and Qualcomm, enabling students to respond to real-life challenges.

6. Computer Science: While not a traditional "engineering" major, Computer Science involves problem-solving, programming, and algorithms. USC's program offers a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of computer science and emphasizes interdisciplinary research opportunities.

7. Electrical Engineering: This major deals with the design of electrical systems, such as circuits, signal processing, and power systems. Students take courses in communications engineering, electronic devices, and more. USC's program is well-regarded for its research in areas like communications and information technology, sensing and imaging systems, and energy and sustainability.

8. Industrial and Systems Engineering: This field focuses on optimizing systems and processes across various industries. At USC, students take courses in operations research, manufacturing systems, and engineering management. The program is known for its strong research in operations, logistics, and big data analytics.

9. Mechanical Engineering: This branch of engineering deals with the design and analysis of machines and mechanical systems. Courses include fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and robotics. USC's program offers specializations in areas like energy systems, mechatronics, or materials engineering.

These are just brief overviews of each engineering major at USC. It's essential to dig deeper into each program to determine which one aligns best with your interests. I recommend visiting USC's Viterbi School of Engineering website to explore each major further and learn more about research, student projects, and internship opportunities available. Good luck!