Pacific Admissions Group
How to transfer to USC Viterbi: requirements and deadlines
Requirements, deadlines, competitive majors and prerequisites for California community college students transferring to USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
26%
Admit Rate (similar to USC overall)
3.7
Average GPA (Engineering)
54%
USC Transfers from CA CCs (Fall 2026)
Feb 15
Application Deadline
USC Viterbi transfer quick facts
Location
Los Angeles, California
Admit terms
Fall Only
No spring or winter transfer admits
Minimum Units
No minimum
Under 30 transferable units, USC weighs your high school record more heavily
Minimum GPA
None
Viterbi cites a 3.7 average GPA for engineering students
USC Viterbi transfer requirements
Academic Requirements
Viterbi is highly selective for transfer engineers:
- All USC general transfer requirements apply
- Viterbi cites a 3.7 average GPA for engineering students
- Extremely strong performance in math and science courses expected
- Viterbi looks for academic rigor - honors courses and challenging sequences
- Apply to USC on the Common App and choose a Viterbi major
Viterbi Prerequisites
Viterbi's transfer course requirements:
- Two math courses after high school, with at least Calculus II in progress when you apply
- Two lab-based science courses (chemistry or calculus-based physics) or programming courses, taken in person for a letter grade
- Writing: equivalent of USC WRIT 130/150
- Computer science applicants can use programming courses in place of, or with, lab science
- Linear algebra and differential equations help for some majors but are not required to apply
- Check USC's Additional Coursework by Major document and CC articulation
Common App + USC Supplements
Viterbi transfer application process:
- February 15 deadline
- Choose your Viterbi major in the Common App
- USC supplemental short answers
- Strong emphasis on explaining your engineering interest and career vision
- Letters of recommendation not required for Viterbi
- Technical project experience or research strengthens applications
What Viterbi Values
Viterbi seeks problem-solvers and innovators:
- Excellence in quantitative coursework - especially calculus, physics, and CS
- Hands-on project experience, hackathons, or engineering competitions
- Research experience or technical internships
- Clear articulation of engineering career goals
- Viterbi values diversity of thought and non-traditional paths
- LA's tech ecosystem provides unique opportunities for Viterbi students
Competitive transfer majors at USC Viterbi
Viterbi School of Engineering
Computer Science
Viterbi's most competitive and sought-after program. Strong CS and math prerequisites.
Very Low
Accept Rate
3.8+ (est.)
Competitive GPA
Viterbi School of Engineering
Computer Engineering
Hardware and software integration. Highly competitive.
Very Low
Accept Rate
3.7+ (est.)
Competitive GPA
Viterbi School of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Strong program with industry partnerships.
Low
Accept Rate
3.6+ (est.)
Competitive GPA
Viterbi School of Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Core engineering discipline with research opportunities.
Low
Accept Rate
3.6+ (est.)
Competitive GPA
Viterbi School of Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Growing interdisciplinary program.
Low
Accept Rate
3.6+ (est.)
Competitive GPA
Viterbi School of Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Benefits from LA's aerospace industry connections.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.5+ (est.)
Competitive GPA
USC Viterbi transfer timeline
August 1
Common App Opens
Begin your USC/Viterbi transfer application.
February 15
Transfer Application Deadline
Submit completed application with all supplements.
March 2, 2027
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
FAFSA and CSS Profile due for need-based aid. California residents should also file for Cal Grant.
Late May / mid-July
Admission Decisions
By the end of May, you get a decision or a request for spring grades. If USC asks for spring grades, you hear by mid-July.
How we help you get into USC Viterbi
Technical Positioning
Viterbi wants to see technical depth. We help you highlight projects, labs, research, and hands-on engineering experience.
Math/Science Sequence Planning
The calculus-physics-CS prerequisite chain is critical and must be sequenced correctly. We map this out semester by semester.
Engineering Essay Strategy
Your USC and Viterbi short answers need to be specific and technically grounded. We help you go beyond surface-level answers.
STEM Recommendations
Letters aren't required for Viterbi. If you choose to send one, we help you pick a STEM instructor who can speak to your technical abilities.
Articulation Planning
We use USC's CC articulation agreements to ensure your engineering courses transfer and fulfill Viterbi requirements.
Career Vision
Viterbi values engineers with clear goals. We help you articulate how Viterbi's LA location and industry connections serve your vision.
See how our transfer consulting works and our prices and packages, or read whether a consultant is worth it for you.
About the author
Manraj, Founder of Pacific Admissions Group
Manraj transferred from a California community college and was admitted to UC Berkeley Haas, UCLA Business Economics, USC Marshall and UC Irvine Merage. He enrolled at Haas. More about us
Official sources
Requirements and deadlines change every year. Confirm the details for your major on the official pages below. Last reviewed October 2026.
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