General FAQs

Top 5 Reasons why USC should be your first choice:

• Distinguished faculty producing groundbreaking research that addresses critical issues facing our global society.
• More than 400 highly regarded graduate and professional programs that prepare students for leadership positions in research, education and professional practice.
• A strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, including productive collaborations among professional schools.
• A "learner-centered" approach to graduate education, fostering intellectual partnerships between faculty and students. Faculty play an active role in helping students hone their skills in locating, assessing, applying and presenting information.
• A global outlook and an urban location in a vibrant international city where more than 200 languages are spoken.

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering offers scholarship opportunities to qualified graduate students. You can get more information by visiting the following link: https://viterbigradadmission.usc.edu/programs/masters/tuition-funding/gradscholarships/.

Graduate programs at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering are consistently ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers visionary leadership, unique programs and a dynamic faculty, many of whom are members of the National Academy of Engineering and recipients of National Science Foundation Career awards. For a complete list of the programs offered, follow this link.

Next Steps for New Students can be found at https://viterbigrad.usc.edu/new-student-information-new/

USC has an immunization and screening policy requiring all incoming students to provide proof of the following: Measles / Mumps (MMR) Immunity, Varicella "Chicken Pox" Immunity, Meningococcal Vaccine (ACWY), COVID-19 Vaccines, Tuberculosis for international students, and other immunizations and screenings. Please go to the Health Center webpage for further instructions and current information: https://studenthealth.usc.edu/immunizations/.

I-94 card is an arrival/departure record for a person entering the United States. It is issued at the port of entry into the United States and is attached to a person’s VISA. Prior to landing, the flight attendant will distribute customs declaration forms and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) forms. One important form is the I-94 arrival/departure document.
Important reminders when filling out I-94 document:

• Print clearly, with one letter in each space
• Date of Birth is in order of MONTH, DAY, YEAR
• Any mistakes will result in a correction procedure that is quite time consuming. Minor mistakes can cause major delays with certain applications that may be filed upon arriving on campus so please be attentive and careful when filling out the I-94 document.

Prime Time Shuttle offers USC faculty, staff, students, and official guests shuttle transportation service at a 10% discount (10% off published rates). The discount applies to shuttle service to/from all Los Angeles basin airports and all USC campus locations (UPC, HSC, downtown etc.). To make reservations online, visit the link at: http://primetimeshuttle.hudsonltd.net/res?USERIDENTRY=TROJAN07&LOGON=GO
The LAX flyaway bus service provides transportation directly to/from LAX airport. To check the fees and timing schedule, visit the link at http://www.lawa.org/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=292. You can access this bus at the Union Station. For your convenience, the University provides a free tram service to the Union Station. For more information visit the link at: http://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/bus-map-schedules/.

The first thing that you need to do is Passport Verification (PPV). International students need to complete PPV with the Office of International Services for passport verification. Otherwise, you will not be able to register for your courses because you will have a restriction hold (STU50) on your account. Please visit the Office of International Services (OIS) website for instructions. You can also visit their office at Royal Street Parking Structure, Room 101. The CS Department does not handle Visa’s or I-20. You will need to contact the OIS office in regards to any I-20 questions, at (213) 740-2666, Fax: (213) 740-5194, or email: ois@usc.edu.

The USC campus map can be found online: www.usc.edu/maps/

All USC students are required to have a USC Id card that should be carried at all times while on campus. The card, which identifies you as a currently enrolled student, also entitles you to various other privileges and potential uses on and off campus. Your student ID entitles you to use the University Library System, the Lyon Center and other recreational facilities. It also provides you with check cashing privileges at the Cashier's Office and access to your USC Trojan Housing complex and computer centers located around campus.

You can begin the process of applying for the USCard online at www.usc.edu/uscard. However, the USCard cannot be issued until after you arrive at USC and after completing Passport Verification. After you complete Passport Verification you will receive an USCard application. The application along with the passport, SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 will be required to pick up your card either at a PPV session or during orientation.

Viterbi Engineering Master’s Student Orientation All incoming Master’s students pursuing on-campus programs of study are encouraged to attend the Viterbi School graduate orientation. The orientation will allow students to learn about their degree programs, registration procedures, university policies, resources, and student life. It will also be a chance for new students to network with faculty, department staff and their fellow classmates at the Viterbi School of Engineering.

Yes, you need to get a signature on your I-20 and a Letter of Standing from the Office of International services either via email or in person located at Royal Street Parking Structure, Room 101. More information and the forms and procedures to request the signature can be found at https://ois.usc.edu/students/travel/.