STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Get Involved!

As a Viterbi student, your experience is heightened with active participation in student organizations!

The USC Office of Campus Activities maintains information regarding university-wide student organizations. Below is a listing of current Viterbi-affiliated student organizations, designed to enhance your undergraduate and graduate years of study at USC. Visit their websites or contact them by email for more information on how to join these organizations.

Please Note: Due to the current ever changing COVID-19 situation, all Univesity sponsored (including student organization) events on and off-campus are cancelled. We encourage all student organizations to plan virtual engagment opportunities.

If you have any questions or concerns you may contact Myra Fernandez (myrafern@usc.edu).

RESOURCES FOR VITERBI STUDENT ORG LEADERS

**Are you a Viterbi student org leader or interested in learning more about creating a club at USC and Viterbi? Check out these resources!

Give Back!

As a donor, your contribution can make a direct impact on a student’s undergraduate and graduate experience.

By supporting any of our student organizations or design teams, you are allowing our students to take the knowledge they have acquired from our renowned faculty members in a classroom setting and apply them first-hand through their programming and team projects.

Viterbi Affiliated Organizations

3D Printing 4 Everyone, or 3D4E, is USC’s main 3D printing organization, dedicated to teaching students about the technology and designing and creating 3D printed solutions to community problems. No experience is necessary, as we cater to all learning levels and provide resources for students to also explore the field on their own! With a project-based format, we work on small teams through the stages of ideation, product design, prototyping, and final printing. The year culminates in a showcase, attended by schools from other chapters in our national organization. With over 20 3D printers and a fully equipped lab, we encourage you to put your ideas to printer! Whether it be printing prosthetics for children with congenital hand differences, a model to promote coral growth, or a wheelchair for dogs, the limit is your imagination, and we are here to support any and all ideas.

The Advanced Spacecraft Propulsion and Energy (ASPEN) Laboratory is an undergraduate research group focused on modeling nuclear-based spacecraft propulsion and power systems. Our current project, Hyperion-1, uses multiphysics simulation software to characterize the heating behavior of gas flowing through channels in NERVA-type solid-core nuclear thermal rocket engines. The heating model will then be experimentally validated using induction heating to simulate the internal volumetric heat generation from fission.

The AeroDesign Team of USC is a welcoming student organization that caters to those looking to design, build, and fly RC airplanes. ADT provides a hands-on approach for students, regardless of major, to learn and understand flight in a practical setting outside of the classroom. The team aims to be competitive by encouraging empirical innovation and providing a knowledge-rich platform to develop the next generation of leaders. We provide an opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills all while making friends and expanding your network.

The USC Chapter of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists was founded in spring of 2016 with the purpose of exploring and promoting a wide array of academic and career opportunities related to the fields of environmental engineering and environmental science. Through this exploration, we hope to connect those interested in such fields with other like-minded students, faculty, and professionals beyond USC. The AAEES at USC further aims to showcase and make available all the National AAEES resources, as well as USC Viterbi resources, to USC students, which may include but are not limited to the following: professional and student networking, mentoring opportunities, speaker events, training workshops, off-campus career exploration, and joint events with other USC organizations.

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) is the world’s leading organization for chemical engineering professionals. AIChE@USC is the premier organization for chemical engineers at USC, with over 150 registered members. Our chapter hosts professional development workshops, student- professor mixers, and community oriented service events. We focus on fostering a strong Chem-E community, creating an environment in which students can take full advantage of the opportunities provided to them.

AISC Steel Bridge is a project driven design team with the primary goal of competing in the regional Student Steel Bridge Competition (SSBC). Both Undergraduate and Graduate students are invited to collaborate in designing, fabricating, and constructing a steel bridge that adheres to the rules and specifications outlined by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). At the Steel Bridge Competition, the bridge is evaluated under the following categories: Construction speed, lightness, display, stiffness, economy, and efficiency. The ultimate goal is to design a multifaceted bridge that excels in all categories.

ASBME is a student run undergraduate biomedical engineering organization at USC that serves the engineering student body through academic, corporate, mentoring, social, and outreach events. Students gain clarity of their chosen field of study and the opportunities that being a BME major brings. Students are also able to get a foot in the corporate door at the annual ASBME corporate dinner, attended by USC alumni as well as other corporate representatives. Finally, our flagship event, the Makeathon, allows students to put their classroom knowledge to the test in a 30-hour medical device design challenge.

USC’s Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Design Team is a student-run organization that creates an AUV each year for the Robosub competition. USC AUV ensures that all members have a hands-on, practical engineering experience outside of the classroom that can be utilized in their careers. Every step of the design process, from planning, to fabrication, to testing, is decided by student members. Each member is given their own individual project to complete, ensuring that every member makes a significant and direct contribution to the team. Overall, USC AUV serves not just as a student organization, but also a way for each member to be prepared for their future careers in their chosen field.

AVL is dedicated to developing autonomous vehicles such as cars and drones for annual competitions across the country such as IGVC – Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition in Michigan. This club will function as an outlet for students interested in autonomous systems and applying engineering concepts from the classroom. It is planned as an interdisciplinary organization that aims to educate, innovate, and foster a community through various projects. The club will have different sub teams focused at mechanical design, electrical design, embedded systems, image processing design, application of control theory, environmental engineering, aerospace mechanics, material science, business and etc. Additionally, the club will facilitate peer to peer education through project-based workshops hosted by the sub teams. This will be a great opportunity for students to show potential employers their experience in rapidly advancing engineering fields

USC’s Earthquake Engineering Research Institute student chapter aims to offer students professional opportunities and exposure surrounding the design and construction of earthquake resistant buildings. The USC EERI Student Chapter also aims to help students stay up to date with the latest developments in the areas of earthquake and related civil engineering, and spark enthusiasm within fellow students and faculty from different departments. Our members are encouraged to further develop leadership and interpersonal skills, expand their practical experience, and receive valuable networking opportunities with recognized professionals of the earthquake engineering fields

Engineers Without Borders’ University of Southern California chapter (EWB-USC) is partnering with communities in some of the world’s toughest places to meet their basic human needs. We’re building footbridges to provide pathways to opportunities. We’re installing solar panels to bring light where it is dark. We’re digging for water so hope can spring from the ground. Each project builds the foundation for a community to thrive for years to come.

Girls in Tech University is dedicated to empowering, educating, and mentoring female college students interested in entering the technology field. The goal of the program is to create excitement about the industry and encourage those college and university students considering a career in technology to pursue their ambition and meet like-minded women in industry. Girls in Tech University hopes to provide educational resources, business oriented networking events and empowerment & leadership related seminars and workshops at the university level.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is one of the world’s most prominent professional Engineering societies. The IEEE (“eye-triple-E”) helps advance global prosperity by promoting the engineering process of creating, developing, integrating, sharing, and applying knowledge about electrical and information technologies and sciences for the benefit of humanity and the profession. The IEEE USC Student Branch shares a vision of creating an engineering community which promotes both intellectual and social growth for students. The organization achieves this goal by sponsoring various activities that allow for greater interaction among the engineering student body. From service events to project teams, IEEE USC provides opportunities for students in Viterbi to connect and bond beyond the academic setting.

The KIUEL Programming Committee is an undergraduate student committee that focuses on building community among the undergraduate engineers at USC. We coordinate a multitude of events to educate the student body about the various university and professional initiatives in an effort to create a community that desires to learn about and explore engineering. We aim to strengthen leadership within Viterbi and to connect students with Viterbi professors, staff, and organizations to promote involvement.

LavaLab, USC’s first product incubator, was founded in the Spring of 2013 by a group of students led by Eric Pakravan. Now in its sixth year, LavaLab has prided itself upon welcoming diverse cohorts of approximately 28 students from USC’s top talent in engineering, business, and design. Each semester, LavaLab conducts a comprehensive and iterative curriculum that culminates in a professional showcase of entirely student-created products to industry leaders.

MCAA strives to teach students about the mechanical contracting field which encompasses the design, estimation, and installation of mechanical systems in buildings. Students are able to participate in an annual mechanical contracting competition in which they design and estimate the mechanical components of buildings. MCAA allows students to interact with contractors at various professional events which enable students to have the opportunity to be hired for an internship and/or a job. We welcome all interested undergraduate and graduate members who want to learn more about the mechanical contracting field.

MEDesign seeks to provide students, regardless of major or experience, with an environment to design and prototype medical devices to meet real patient needs in order to allow students to gain hands-on experience in the medical device field. Anyone interested in medical devices (any major) is invited to join our organization. We aim to provide resources so that our students can design and build independent projects, compete in design competitions, network with industry professionals and university faculty, and understand the biotechnology industry. This is a place for students to apply their classroom knowledge and work on real projects.

NSBE’s purpose is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. NSBE works to increase the number of minority students studying engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. NSBE encourages members to seek advanced degrees in engineering or related fields and to obtain professional engineering registrations. New and innovative project ideas are generated and implemented throughout the year.

Open Alpha USC

o·pen al·pha /ōpən alfə/ noun a cycle of testing a game in an early stage, wherein the test group is much larger than that of closed testing and typically open to anyone who is interested. Build games with awesome people: that’s the idea Open Alpha was founded on. As a member, you’ll make games with fellow students from the world’s best games school. You’ll bring your own talent and vision to a real-world project in an exciting and fast-paced development environment. And best of all, you’ll join the tight-knit Open Alpha family and partake in awesome community events throughout the semester. Every semester, we’ll be publishing a free-to-play game to open alpha release. At the beginning of the development cycle, we brainstorm as a cohort what we’re going to be making in the next semester. Artists, audio engineers, game designers, and programmers work together to use our unique talents to build something great. All the while, we learn from each other so that each of us becomes a better game developer. Check out our website for more information!

Our organization is dedicated to supporting queer students in STEM majors. We are a Viterbi organization, but welcome all queer STEM majors as well as allies. We host professional networking events, study nights, and discussions about overcoming the challenges specific to queer people in STEM. We also organize service events to include queer youth in the STEM fields. Overall, our organization’s goal is to develop a network for queer people to connect, grow, and thrive within the STEM community.

The USC Rocket Propulsion Lab is a group of largely undergraduate students ardently focused on pushing the state-of-the-art in rocket propulsion technology. Armed with determination and the goal of putting a scratch-built rocket into space, the students associated with this group spend their free time designing, building, and testing experimental rocketry and propulsion hardware both in the lab and at their Mojave test and launch site.

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) was founded in November 2007 to help Asian heritage scientific and engineering professionals achieve their full potential. Organizations existed for other affinity groups – The National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers – and there was a need for a similar organization where students representing all of the pan Asian cultures could connect and support each other.

Our mission is to be the central contact for recruiters looking for inventive, driven, and effective leaders in the cosmetics industry. SCC@USC students are the best of the best, and we aspire to match them with companies who share the same priorities and ambitions as we do. How we achieve this mission is by inviting professionals, touring facilities, learning about brands, and presenting members with career opportunities. Our vision is to inspire those who would like to pursue a career in the cosmetics industry by offering opportunity and community. We would like to prepare our members by giving them true insight into different career possibilities within cosmetics. This career is a unique one in that creative and scientific thinkers work together to create products that people care about.

SC Esports – Promoting competitive gaming at the University of Southern California! Since it’s foundation in 2009 by Bada Kang and Jane Chen, the organization has striven to promote the culture of Esports on USC’s campus as well as foster an environment in which both casual and competitive gamers can connect. Now in its 10th year, the organization is growing faster than ever with the expansion of the competitive gaming scene in the United States. We hope to continue promoting the community through our own members!

We are the University of Southern California chapter of Formula SAE (FSAE). We are an entirely student-run organization that designs, constructs, tests, and races high performance autocross racecars. Every year we compete against universities from across the globe in an ultimate test of our car’s abilities. Winning teams combine cutting-edge research and analysis with skilled hands-on manufacturing. Teams must also be highly organized and present a business case for their car to a panel of industry judges. By taking students out of the classroom and allowing them to apply textbook theories to real-world problems, Formula SAE produces some of the most talented and highly desired graduates in the country.

Formula SAE Electric is an international, intercollegiate engineering design competition hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) emphasizing teamwork, entrepreneurship, creativity, and academics. This competition presents the unique opportunity for students to collaboratively develop an electric vehicle by utilizing skill sets from diverse collegiate fields, including electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, and business decisionmaking. Each year, Formula SAE electric teams are challenged by a fictional manufacturing company to design and develop a small, electric formula-style racing car. Hundreds of teams from around the world compete in one of the several Formula SAE events held internationally.

The SC Solar Car Team’s goal is to design, build, and fund, and race USC’s first full-size solar-powered vehicle in the Formula Sun Grand Prix and American Solar Challenge races. The Solar Car Team aims to inspire the next generation of students, engineers, and thinkers by providing hands on experience in a project that tackles some of the world’s greatest challenges by pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge solar technology.

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at the University of Southern California aims to empower the Hispanic/Latinx community in STEM. We are made up of engineering students across all majors, and our members are students from freshmen to PhD students. We are one big familia supporting each other as Latinx engineering students, developing as future professionals, and giving back to the next generation of Latinx engineers. SHPE foucses on 5 pillars: academic excellence, professional development, community outreach, leadership development, and chapter development. We cater events to cater to all of these pillars! Members can get involved by attending our events and by joining committees that plan and put them on. We we welcome you to join our familia! Mission: SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. Vision: SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

The mission of the Society of Women Engineers is to “stimulate women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity.” Through this mission, USC-SWE aims to offer its members professional, social, and community service focused opportunities that promote the success of women in engineering.

Theta Tau is USC’s premier co-ed professional engineering society. Founded over 112 years ago, it is the oldest and largest Greek-lettered organization for engineers, with over 60 active chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Members focus on the three pillars: Community, Service, and Professionalism. The members of Theta Tau bond through volunteering, professional workshops and tech talks, as well as social events. The purpose of Theta Tau is to develop and maintain a high standard of professional interest among its members, and to unite them in a strong bond of communal fellowship. The Kappa Epsilon chapter of Theta Tau is one of the fastest growing organizations on campus, with members who are committed to not only academic excellence, but are also involved in a variety of things outside the organization.

Founded in 2001, the Trojan Consulting Group (TCG) is the official undergraduate consulting organization of the University of Southern California. The TCG team is a small group of actively involved and highly-motivated student leaders on and off-campus. TCG works in close contact with one client each semester to deliver actionable recommendations with a tangible impact. Clients can also benefit from post-engagement resources to assist them with the implementation of our recommendations. Our alumni have successfully transferred the skills that they developed within TCG to their current positions at some of the most prestigious firms worldwide. After graduation, they have continued to provide mentorship to existing members and guidance on current client projects.

USC ACM is the largest computer science organization at USC focused on providing professional, learning, and social opportunities for students interested in CS. Some of the events we host include Industry Night, a mini career fair for members in our organization focused on providing more face to face time with recruiters, TrojanHacks, our semesterly hackathon, and technical workshops, such as web development, Git, etc.

Makers was started in the Fall of 2016 by three engineering students at the University of Southern California as an effort to promote more innovation and interest in electronics on campus. The mission of Makers is to facilitate the exploration of concepts in electronics design and stimulate interest in fields of electronics such as the Internet of Things, Embedded Systems, and Robotics. The organization hopes to serve as a resource for its community by offering its assistance with electronics-related projects and hosting workshops that are open to the general public.

We are student-led design team competing in the VEX Robotics Competition, the largest robotics competition in the world. We have been competing for 6 years, and most recently awarded the World Champions Excellence Award, the highest honor given to any team. VEX is the world’s largest robotics competition organization involving competitors from high school level, through to collegiate level, and up to the professional rankings. Each year, VEX hosts the VEX Robotics World Championship, which revolves around a game challenge that teams design towards over the course of an academic year The VEX Robotics competition incorporates a wide range of engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, and Programming. USC VEX follows the standard engineering procedure which includes designing, prototyping, and testing to outscore the opposing team’s robot in a back-and-forth competition lasting 2 minutes.

WIC seeks to create a support group environment for undergraduate and graduate women pursuing computer science or computer engineering degrees. We do not exclude anyone, especially based on gender; all who possess a general interest in computing are welcome. Through speakers, panels, corporate recruiting, and mentoring events, WIC exposes women to different career paths and fuels an innovative spirit through various workshops. It is the organization’s intent to help women in underrepresented majors such as computer science and computer engineering gain encouragement from their mentors and peers. WIC fosters a collaborative atmosphere that helps women remain on the computing path.