Pre-Engineering

Next Steps


Step 1: Submit the Pre-Engineering Application

  • Students interested in a Computer Science Major (CSCI, CECS, CSBA, or CSGA), must submit a CSCI Pre-Computer Science Track Application in May of the academic year when the application form opens.
  • Students interested in an Engineering Major (AME,ASTE, BME, CHE, CE, ECE, ENE, or ISE), must submit a Pre-Engineering Track Application. The Pre-Engineering Track Application is open year round. 

    Step 2: Receive a semester course plan from a Pre-Engineering Advisor.

    • Approximately 3 weeks after you have submitted the Pre-Engineering Application, you will receive a course plan for the classes you should take this semester (if it's before the add/drop deadline) or for next semester (if it's after the add drop deadline, you will receive the course plan before next semester’s registration).
    • These courses will take into account any university requirements such as GEs, pre-engineering courses, and any other courses that will help you make progress toward your intended Viterbi major.
    • We will continue to give you a semester course plan in the middle of the semester, before registration, while you are in the pre-engineering process.
    • Please note that it is up to your discretion when being on the pre-engineering or pre-CS  track on taking pre-engineering or pre-CS classes versus your current major courses. Taking Viterbi related classes does not guarantee admission, and comes with the possibility of them becoming elective credit if not admitted and the classes are not used towards another major or minor. 
    • Depending on when you join the pre-engineering or pre-CS track, and when admission is granted or not granted, delays in degree completion may occur.

      Step 3: Keep in Contact.

      • Your current declared major advisor is still your main point of contact for university-related questions, mandatory advising, and lifting any advising holds on your student account. However, you can still meet with pre-engineering advisors if you have any questions about the pre-engineering process, need clearances for engineering-related courses, or need pre-engineering academic support.
      • Our team will send you an email towards the end of the semester if you are ready to be reviewed for admission at the end of that term. You will be automatically reviewed for admission to Viterbi at the end of your review term once all grades for the semester have been posted. You will be reviewed as long as you have submitted your pre-engineering application and the critical review courses have been completed. 
      • You will have the opportunity to submit a supplemental statement.  The submission link   will be emailed to you before being reviewed for admission. The supplemental statement is an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances affecting your academics, particularly if you fall below the criteria for top admission consideration.
      • Admission decisions are emailed approximately 4 weeks after the end of the semester. 
        • If you are no longer interested in the pre-engineering process, please email us at viterbi.studentservices@usc.edu.
          Published on November 30th, 2020Last updated on March 4th, 2025