Satisfactory completion of at least 60 units of approved graduate level coursework beyond the baccalaureate, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is required of all PhD students in engineering. The 60 units minimum include research courses (590, 690, 790) and four units of 794a and 794b Doctoral Dissertation. PhD students must also complete the core requirement for their major as listed below. The core courses make a part of the 60 units requirement. The number of units taken at USC can be reduced by transferring graduate credits from another institution. Transfer/Waiver units are subject to approval by the Degree Progress Department (for course-work taken at institutions in the U.S.) or by International Admission (for course-work taken at institutions outside the U.S.), by the faculty advisor, and by each degree’s respective department directors. Faculty advisors may also request students to take additional courses outside of the core requirements including specific elective courses.