Old Pre-Engineering Requirement

PEGR and Pre‑CS students who submitted their interest form before March 25, 2026 will continue to be reviewed under the previous admission eligibility criteria. However, please keep in mind that your entire USC academic history will be considered with a focus on Viterbi major-related courses taken at USC. 

PLEASE NOTE that if you are accepted into Viterbi through an engineering major (AME, ASTE, BME, CHE, CE, ECE, ENE, or ISE) via the pre-engineering process, you CANNOT switch into a CS-related major (CSCI, CSBA, CECS, CSGA) 

Intended Majors: AME, ASTE, BME, CE, CHE, ENE, or ISE: 

Top admission consideration is given to students who:    

  • Take 14 to 18 units per semester  
  • Have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA at USC 
  • Meet the B or better grade qualifiers for their pre-engineering courses 
    • MATH 126/129 or higher  
    • Science Course  
    • Engineering Course  
  • Starting Fall 2024 for Incoming Students and New Pre-Engineering Students: 
    •  For non-CS engineering major ECE, the two engineering courses consists of two EE courses, such as EE 105 & EE 155 or EE 141 & EE 155 (recommended EE coursework may vary per individual). *Although it is not a pre-engineering requirement, it is strongly recommended ECE pre-engineering students enroll in pertinent math and science courses as to not fall behind on the ECE curriculum*  
    • For Current Pre-Engineering Students who Applied Before Fall 2024 : 
      • For non-CS engineering major ECE, the two engineering courses have changed to also consist of two EE courses, such as EE 141 and EE 155 (recommended EE coursework may vary per individual). ECE pre-engineering students who have taken or are enrolled in two EE courses by Fall 2024 will automatically be eligible for admissions review by the end of the semester.  

    Intended Majors: CS (Student who were selected for the Pre-CS Pathway in 2025) 

    Students who are selected for the Pre-CS Pathway must meet the following criteria by the end of the Spring term of the academic year in which they were accepted into the Pre-CS Pathway to earn official admission into the CS Department: 

    • A grade of B or better in each of the following courses: CSCI 102, CSCI 103, and CSCI 170 
    • An overall GPA of 3.0+ 

    Additional Notes: 

    *The Computer Science Department does not accept transfer coursework to waive or substitute USC Computer Science coursework. All required CSCI coursework for your intended CS major must be completed at USC, regardless of any previous coursework from external institutions.  

    *If selected to the Pre-CS track, CSCI 103 and CSCI 170 must be taken at USC. CSCI 103 cannot be waived with a Challenge Exam. 

    *Core computer science courses with a grade of C- or below must be repeated; these courses may only be retaken once. Keep in mind that having received a grade of C- or lower falls below the B or better grade qualifier for top admission consideration, so it is up to your discretion if you choose to continue in the Pathway. 

    *Changes in the Pre-CS track does not affect students who are currently in the pre-engineering track (e.g., submitted a CS Pre-Engineering application in Spring 2024 or earlier) and who are on track for review for a CS major.* 

     

     

    Published on May 27th, 2026Last updated on September 16th, 2026