Masters Programs - USC Viterbi | Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science

Master's Programs

At the Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science (MFD), our graduates receive a well-rounded engineering education to meet the needs of industry, academia, and government labs, conduct pioneering research, and play an integrating and leadership role in the multidisciplinary community of science and engineering.

The MFD fosters and cultivates synergies among the three degree programs, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Petroleum Engineering, to further research and development in energy production and delivery, nanotechnology, biochemical processes and medical devices. With expertise in advanced materials, and computational simulations and methods, we strive to lead the development of cross-disciplinary synergies that serve citizens worldwide with profound scientific, technological, social, and humanitarian advances.

GRE scores are no longer needed for admissions into any MFD graduate programs for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
The USC Office of the Provost has granted a waiver.

Our Programs

MS in Chemical Engineering

MS in Materials Science

MS in Energy Engineering

MS in Petroleum Engineering

Application Deadlines

Fall 2025: December 15, 2024

Spring 2026: September 1, 2025

How to Apply

Complete and submit the USC Graduate Admission Application ($90 application fee)
Upload registrar-issued transcripts (electronic or scanned) from all colleges and universities attended. A registrar-issued transcript does not need to be mailed or emailed to the USC Graduate Admission Office as part of the application process. IMPORTANT: These instructions apply only to applicants to Viterbi School of Engineering Master's and PhD programs.
- - Submit an electronic/scanned copy of registrar-issued transcripts (.pdf recommended) and other degree-related documents through the online graduate application (International applicants, visit USC Graduate Admission’s Country Requirements page for details on required documents). Master's applicants are not required to submit hard copies of transcripts at the time of application – only electronic copies are required. This is a Viterbi School exemption only.
  - Transcripts should be on university letterhead
  - Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable
  - Transcripts marked unofficial are not acceptable
  - If the transcript includes a separate grading scale, make sure it is uploaded
  - For upload purposes, all transcript-related documents for a single school must be submitted as one document
- If you are admitted, you will be given specific instructions on submitting your hard-copy transcripts
Input Self-Reported Test Scores
- We ask that all applicants include self-reported test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) in the online graduate application (IMPORTANT: Official test scores are required also to be submitted electronically to USC by the testing agency. GRE scores are not required for Master's applicants for Spring and Fall 2024)
- Application Tip: Initial test scores (and additional test scores) may be added after the application has been submitted. Do not hold off on submitting the application because you are waiting for test scores.

CV/Résumé, Personal Statement, Letters of Recommendation
- Instructions for the submission of these materials can be found in the online graduate application
- Note: Go to our Program pages to check the application requirements to see which materials are required for admission to the program in which you are interested.
- Application Tip: Letters of Recommendation may be sent in by recommenders after the application has been submitted. Do not wait for letters to be received before submitting the application.
USC ID Number
- After you submit the USC Graduate Admission application you will receive a USC ID by email typically within 2-3 days of submitting the online application. You will need to include this USC ID with all submitted materials by mail and with all correspondence with USC. It is important to note that your USC ID is different from the CAS ID you will receive when you begin your application. The CAS ID is only required for technical support during the application process and is not issued by the university.
Scholarship Consideration
- If your application and other required materials are received by the application deadline, you will be considered for Viterbi merit-based scholarships. (NOTE: If selected as a finalist, you may be requested to submit additional information.)
- Prospective applicants who apply by published 2024 deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted.
- Online DEN@Viterbi applicants can view the Master's Scholarships (DEN@Viterbi) page for scholarship opportunities.
Applying for Multiple Programs
- Instructions can be found on our FAQ section

Submit Official TOEFL/IELTS Test Scores. Full information on USC’s English proficiency requirement and test score submission instructions can be found on the USC Graduate Admission English Proficiency page.
- Official TOEFL/IELTS scores must be sent electronically to USC by the testing service (ETS or IELTS).
- Valid TOEFL/IELTS scores must be dated within two years of the date you submit your graduate application.
IMPORTANT: Only scores received electronically from the testing service are considered official. USC does not accept self-reported test scores or paper scores sent via postal mail for final admit decision purposes. At-home TOEFL/IELTS exam scores will be accepted.
NOTE: USC does not accept the ETS iBT Best Score.

Find more information about how to apply here.

Tuition & Funding

Tuition & Fees

Both on-campus (residential) and online (DEN@Viterbi) students pay the same tuition.

Review the current tuition and fees for engineering Master's students in this link.

Scholarships

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is pleased to offer several merit-based funding opportunities for students who demonstrate exemplary potential for success in advanced engineering studies.

Find more information in this link.

Financial Aid

Explore need-based funding options including federal loan programs in this link.

Employer-Supported Payment Options

Find an overview of payment options available to students receiving tuition assistance from their employer in this link.