University of Southern California

 

MAPP on Facebook
Linked In - DEN Connect
Twitter
USC Viterbi School Youtube Channel

 

 

|
Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The USC Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree provides the technical education needed for engineering professionals in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy and power, utilities, petrochemical, design, manufacturing and transportation. While the field of Mechanical Engineering encompasses this broad set of technical areas, this degree program encourages focused education in selected areas of interest.
As an MSME student, you will choose from one of three recommended programs of study:

  • Thermal and Fluid Sciences
  • Engineering Design
  • Mechanics and Materials

The course program for each track is designed to provide you with an education that is strong in both fundamentals and application, preparing you for doctoral programs, as well as for continuing your engineering career in the industry.

Available Online
This program is also available online to professional engineers through the Distance Education Network (DEN). Because the DEN program provides a fully equivalent academic experience, the degree a USC engineering student earns is the same whether they are on-campus or online. Please check the 'Program Details and Course Offerings' below to see the list of courses available online for this program.

Specializations are available in the following topical areas:
On campus
Online
Fluid and Thermal Sciences
Engineering Design
Mechanics and Materials

Application Criteria & Materials
Expand Section
Application Criteria
An undergraduate degree in engineering, math or hard science from a regionally-accredited university.

Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average)

Satisfactory GRE test scores. All scores must be officially reported to the university directly by ETS.

Satisfactory performance in previous coursework related to the intended major.

Application Materials
All Applicants
 
International Applicants

USC Online Application: All applicants must complete and submit the USC Online Application.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, sealed by the institution.

Mail transcripts to:

USC Graduate Office of Admission
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

If via private carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.):

University of Southern California Office of Admission & Financial Aid
3601 South Flower Street
Tyler 1
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

GRE General Test: Satisfactory scores less than five years old. Official scores must be reported from ETS directly to USC using ETS school code 4852. A department code is not required.

Letters of Recommendation (optional): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. They should be written on official letterhead.

Statement of Purpose (required): The statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.

 

TOEFL: The TOEFL is not required for admission to USC, however, we strongly encourage all international students to submit a TOEFL score. USC administers an English placement (ISE) exam during orientation for all international students to determine if additional courses in English are needed. Students can place out of the exam with a score of at least:

  • 100 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (with a minimum score of 20 in each section)
  • 250 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL
  • 600 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL

Students whose native language is English and/or obtained their bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university are also exempted from this requirement.

The TOEFL must have been taken within the last two years to be valid.



Graduation Requirements
Expand Section
  • A minimum of 27 units is required for the general MS in Aerospace Engineering degree.
  • Required Engineering Analyses Courses: 6 units
  • Core Requirements from your Specialization Track: 3, 6, or 9 units
  • Breadth Requirement - select one core course from a specialization track other than yours: 3 units
  • Recommended technical elective (at least one course): 3 units
  • Remaining units can be courses from technical electives within your selected program of study (consult and receive approval from an MSAE graduate advisor before enrolling in these courses).
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation.



Program Details and Course Offerings
Expand Section
Click on these icons next to a course name for more information:
Available Online through the Distance Education Network. Visit our 'Getting Started' section to find out more information.

Please note that the courses listed below are those typically available. Students should always consult with the USC Schedule of Classes and USC Catalogue for the most updated and official information. If you have any questions about these courses, please contact our office directly.

Required Engineering Analysis Courses (6 units)
Notes
AME 525 | Engineering Analysis
Available Online
AME 526 | Engineering Analytical Methods
Available Online

Required Core Specialization Track - Choose One Track

Fluid and Thermal Sciences Specialization Track
Notes
A total of at least 27 units is required for the degree of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The Thermal & Fluid Sciences encompasses concentration in one of the following areas: (1) Combustion, (2) Fluid Dynamics, and (3) Heat Transfer. A coherent degree program in one of these concentrations will require four core courses (12 units), two required engineering analysis courses (6 units), two core electives (6 units), and one engineering elective (3 units) by advisement. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation. Additional requirements may need to be met as per the University Catalogue.
Core Requirements - Combustion Track
AME 436 | Energy and Propulsion
Available Online
AME 513 | Principles of Combustion
Available Online
AME 514 | Applications of Combustion and Reacting Flows
Available Online
AME 530a | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids
Available Online
Core Requirements - Fluid Dynamics
AME 457 | Engineering Fluid Dynamics
Available Online
AME 511 | Compressible Gas Dynamics
Available Online
AME 530a | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids
Available Online
AME 535a | Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics
Available Online
Core Requirements - Heat Transfer
AME 457 | Engineering Fluid Dynamics
Available Online
AME 515 | Advanced Problems in Heat Conduction
Available Online
AME 516 | Convective Processes
Available Online
AME 517 | Radiation Heat Transfer
Available Online
Core Electives (Choose one)
AME 436 | Energy and Propulsion
Available Online
AME 457 | Engineering Fluid Dynamics
Available Online
AME 511 | Compressible Gas Dynamics
Available Online
AME 514 | Advanced Topics in Combustion
Available Online
AME 515 | Advanced Problems in Heat Conduction
Available Online
AME 516 | Convection Processes
Available Online
AME 517 | Radiation Heat Transfer
Available Online
AME 530a | Dynamcis of Incompressible Fluids
Available Online
AME 530b | Dynamics of Incompressible Fluids
Available Online
AME 533 | Multi-Phase Flows
Available Online
AME 535a | Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics
Available Online
AME 535b | Intrduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics
Available Online
AME 537 | Microfluidics
Available Online
AME 620 | Aero and Hydrodynamic Wave Theory
AME 621 | Stability of Fluids
AME 651 | Statistical Theories of Turbulence
AME 652 | Turbulent Shear Flows
ASTE 552 | Spacecraft Themal Control
Available Online


Engineering Design Specialization Track
Notes
A total of at least 27 units are required for the degree of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The Engineering Design is a program concentration that focuses on engineering design process and techniques. A coherent degree program in this concentration will require two required engineering analysis courses (6 units), three core courses (9 units), two core elective courses (6 units), and two engineering electives approved by advisement (6 units). A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation. Additional requirements may need to be met as per the University Catalogue.
Core Requirements
AME 503 | Advanced Mechanical Design
Available Online
AME 505 | Engineering Information Modeling
Available Online
AME 509 | Applied Elasticity
Available Online
Core Electives (Choose two from the following)
AME 404 | Mechanical Engineering Problems
Available Online
ASTE 520 | Spacecraft System Design
Available Online
ASTE 523 | Design of Low Cost Space Missions
Available Online
AME 527 | Elements of Vehicle and Energy Systems Design
Available Online
AME 541 | Linear Control Systems II
Available Online
AME/SAE 549a | System Architecting
Available Online
CE 529a | Finite Element Analysis
Available Online


Mechanics and Materials Specialization Track
Notes
A total of at least 27 units are required for the degree of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. A coherent degree program in Mechanics of Materials will require two required engineering analysis courses (6 units), four core courses (12 units), one core elective course (3 units), and two engineering electives approved by advisement (6 units). A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation. Additional requirements may need to be met as per the University Catalogue.
Core Requirements
AME 509 | Applied Elasticity
Available Online
AME 559 | Creep
Available Online
AME 560 | Fatigue and Fracture
Available Online
AME 584 | Fracture Mechanics
Available Online
MASC 551 | Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials
Available Online
MASC 561 | Dislocation Theory and Applications
Core Electives (Choose two from the following)
AME 542 | Theory of Plates
AME 588 | Materials Selection
Available Online
CE 529a | Finite Element Analysis
Available Online

 


 

Contact Information
All General Questions
Please contact our office for all general questions about this program including the any courses through DEN.

Ph: 213-740-4488
Toll Free (in the U.S.): 877-740-1336
Fax: 213-821-0851

Request Information


Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department
Focusing on three major strategic themes: (1) exploration technologies; (2) the art, science and technology of design and manufacturing; and (3) aerospace / mechanical technologies for improving urban life quality.

http://viterbi.usc.edu/ame


 


USC Viterbi School of Engineering

Quick Links
Home
| Contact Us
USC Home Page | USC Viterbi School of Engineering | USC Schedule of Courses | USC Catalogue

© University of Southern California