Pre-Engineering (PEGR)
What is Pre‑Engineering (PEGR)? Pre‑Engineering (PEGR) is designated for non‑Viterbi USC students who are interested in changing from a non-Viterbi major to an engineering Viterbi program. (Students who are already enrolled in a Viterbi major and wish to switch to another Viterbi major should contact their academic advisor for guidance.)
The timeline to complete the pre‑engineering requirements varies according to each student’s academic background, application timeline, and course availability. Typically, students complete the admission requirements within 2–3 semesters.
How to get started? Students interested in an Engineering Major must first submit a Pre-Engineering Interest Form. The interest form is open year-round and enables the advising team to share important information including upcoming deadlines, helpful links, announcements, and updates to interested students.
Submitting the interest form is just the first step: it does not imply admission to an engineering major, nor guarantee enrollment in Viterbi courses.
Pre-Engineering Admission Requirements
After submitting the Pre-Engineering Interest Form and taking at least three USC major-related pre-engineering courses (a math course, a science course, and an engineering course) for a letter grade, you can apply to be reviewed. These pre-engineering courses vary by major: please see the required pre-engineering courses tab for more information on the major-specific pre-engineering courses.
Admission decisions are based on students’ academic performance at USC with special attention given to the three required courses. To be competitive, you are advised to complete 16 units of academically rigorous, letter-graded coursework in each term of enrollment. There must not be any unresolved grades (IN, MG, NS) on your USC academic record. You must be enrolled during the time of application.
Upon posting the final grade for the last of the three required courses, you may apply for admission review during the application windows at the end of the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms if you meet the following requirements:
- Took 14–18 units per semester
- Earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA at USC
- Earned a B+ or better grade in each of your three pre-engineering courses. (See the required pre-engineering courses tab for more information)
*PEGR and Pre‑CS students who applied before March 25, 2026 will continue to be reviewed under the previous admission eligibility criteria. Please click here for more information.*