Degree Requirements
Educational Program Objectives
The undergraduate programs in Civil Engineering have the following objectives:
(1) Graduates will be expected to compete effectively in the world of rapid technological changes and to become leading professionals in industrial, academic or government institutions.
(2) Graduates will be prepared to tailor their undergraduate studies to embark into the engineering professions, or to continue their graduate studies in engineering, or to enter related areas such as computer science, business, law, medicine or a field of their choice and interest.
(3) Graduates will have demonstrated proficiency in mathematics, science and engineering principles to effectively solve engineering problems encountered in work and practice.
(4) Graduates will have the ability to communicate both verbally and orally and to function effectively as individuals or as members of multidisciplinary teams in a world of rapid technological changes and global competition.
(5) Graduates will understand the importance of contemporary engineering issues, decisions, risks and benefits in a global social and environmental context, as well as the importance of personal and professional ethics.
(6) Graduates will have the knowledge to design all or part of a system to meet the required constraints and specifications, as well as the desired economic, social, ethical, political, environmental and other necessary considerations.
(7) Graduates will have the capacity to conduct and design laboratory experiments with available state-of-the-art equipment, and to use the techniques to analyze and interpret the experimental data.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (131 Unit Program)
A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as for all courses taken within the Department of Civil Engineering. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 325. See also the
common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
First Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 106 | Design and Planning of Civil Engineering Systems | 2 |
CHEM 105aL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115aL | Advanced General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
WRIT 140* | Writing and Critical Reasoning | 4 |
General education* | Social Issues | 4 |
| | 18 |
First Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 107 | Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics | 3 |
CE 108 | Introduction to Computational Methods in Civil Engineering | 2 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 151L** | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| | 13 |
Second Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 205 | Statics | 2 |
MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
General education | 8 |
| | 18 |
Second Year, Second Semester | Units |
AME 310 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
CE 225 | Mechanics of Deformable Bodies | 3 |
CHEM 105bL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115bL | Advanced General Chemistry, or |
GEOL 305 | Introduction to Engineering Geology, or |
PHYS 153L | Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and Modern Physics | 4 |
MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
Third Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 309 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
CE 325 | Dynamics | 3 |
CE 358 | Theory of Structures I | 3 |
CE 471 | Principles of Trans- portation Engineering | 3 |
CE 404 | Fundamentals of Law for Engineers, or |
ISE 460 | Engineering Economy | 3 |
| | 15 |
Third Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 334L | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3 |
CE 402 | Computer Methods in Engineering | 3 |
EE 202L | Linear Circuits, or |
EE 326L | Essentials of Electrical Engineering | 4 |
Elective | Civil Engineering | 3 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 408 | Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering | 3 |
CE 453 | Water Quality Control | 3 |
CE 467L | Geotechnical Engineering | 4 |
Elective | Civil Engineering | 3 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 451 | Water Resources Engineering | 4 |
CE 480 | Structural Systems Design | 3 |
WRIT 340 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
General education | 4 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 17 |
The Department of Civil Engineering must approve all curricula leading to a degree; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waived for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress Department.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering Emphasis) (131 Unit Program)
A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as for all courses taken within the Department of Civil Engineering. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 325. See also the
common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
First Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 106 | Design and Planning of Civil Engineering Systems | 2 |
CHEM 105aL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115aL | Advanced General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
WRIT 140* | Writing and Critical Reasoning | 4 |
General education* | Social Issues | 4 |
| | 18 |
First Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 107 | Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics | 3 |
CE 108 | Introduction to Computational Methods in Civil Engineering | 2 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 151L** | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| | 13 |
Second Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 205 | Statics | 2 |
CE 460 | Construction Engineering | 3 |
MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 17 |
Second Year, Second Semester | Units |
AME 310 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
CE 225 | Mechanics of Deformable Bodies | 3 |
GEOL 305Lx | Introduction to Engineering Geology | 4 |
MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
Third Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 309 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
CE 325 | Dynamics | 3 |
CE 358 | Theory of Structures I | 3 |
CE 471 | Principles of Trans- portation Engineering | 3 |
CE 404 | Fundamentals of Law for Engineers, or |
ISE 460 | Engineering Economy | 3 |
| | 15 |
Third Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 334L | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3 |
CE 462 | Construction Methods and Equipment | 3 |
EE 202L | Linear Circuits, or |
EE 326L | Essentials of Electrical Engineering | 4 |
General education | 4 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 17 |
Fourth Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 408 | Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering | 3 |
CE 409aL | Computer Aided Design | 3 |
CE 412 | Construction Law and the Property Development Process | 3 |
CE 461 | General Construction Estimating | 3 |
CE 467L | Geotechnical Engineering | 4 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 451 | Water Resources Engineering | 4 |
CE 480 | Structural Systems Design | 3 |
WRIT 340 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
General education | 4 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 17 |
The Department of Civil Engineering must approve all curricula leading to a degree; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waived for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress Department.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering Emphasis) (131 Unit Program)
A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as for all courses taken within the Department of Civil Engineering. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 325. See also the
common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
First Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 106 | Design and Planning of Civil Engineering Systems | 2 |
CHEM 105aL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115aL | Advanced General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
WRIT 140* | Writing and Critical Reasoning | 4 |
General education* | Social Issues | 4 |
| | 18 |
First Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 107 | Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics | 3 |
CE 108 | Introduction to Computational Methods in Civil Engineering | 2 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 151L** | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| | 13 |
Second Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 205 | Statics | 2 |
MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
General education | 8 |
| | 18 |
Second Year, Second Semester | Units |
AME 310 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
CE 225 | Mechanics of Deformable Bodies | 3 |
GEOL 305 | Introduction to Engineering Geology | 4 |
MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
Third Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 309 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
CE 325 | Dynamics | 3 |
CE 358 | Theory of Structures I | 3 |
CE 460 | Construction Engineering | 3 |
ISE 460 | Engineering Economy | 3 |
| | 15 |
Third Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 334L | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3 |
CE 402 | Computer Methods in Engineering | 3 |
CE 457 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 3 |
CE 458 | Theory of Structures II | 3 |
EE 202L | Linear Circuits, or |
EE 326L | Essentials of Electrical Engineering | 4 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 408 | Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering | 3 |
CE 409aL | Computer Aided Design | 3 |
CE 456 | Design of Steel Structures | 3 |
CE 467 | Geotechnical Engineering | 4 |
CE 478 | Timber and Masonry Design | 3 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 451 | Water Resources Engineering | 4 |
CE 459 | Introduction to Structural Dynamics | 3 |
CE 480 | Structural Systems Design | 3 |
WRIT 340 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
General education | 4 |
| | 17 |
The Department of Civil Engineering must approve all curricula leading to a degree; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waived for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress Department.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Water Resources Engineering Emphasis) (131 Unit Program)
A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as for all courses taken within the Department of Civil Engineering. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 325. See also the
common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
First Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 106 | Design and Planning of Civil Engineering Systems | 2 |
CHEM 105aL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115aL | Advanced General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
WRIT 140* | Writing and Critical Reasoning | 4 |
General education* | Social Issues | 4 |
| | 18 |
First Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 107 | Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics | 3 |
CE 108 | Introduction to Computational Methods in Civil Engineering | 2 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 151L** | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| | 13 |
Second Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 205 | Statics | 2 |
MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
General education | 8 |
| | 18 |
Second Year, Second Semester | Units |
AME 310 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
CE 225 | Mechanics of Deformable Bodies | 3 |
CHEM 105bL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115bL | Advanced General Chemistry, or |
GEOL 305 | Introduction to Engineering Geology, or |
PHYS 153L | Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and Modern Physics | 4 |
MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
Third Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 309 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
CE 325 | Dynamics | 3 |
CE 358 | Theory of Structures I | 3 |
CE 471 | Principles of Trans- portation Engineering | 3 |
ISE 460 | Engineering Economy | 3 |
| | 15 |
Third Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 334L | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3 |
CE 402 | Computer Methods in Engineering | 3 |
EE 202L | Linear Circuits, or |
EE 326L | Essentials of Electrical Engineering | 4 |
Elective | Civil Engineering | 3 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 408 | Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering | 3 |
CE 453 | Water Quality Control | 3 |
CE 467L | Geotechnical Engineering | 4 |
Elective | Civil Engineering | 3 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 451 | Water Resources Engineering | 4 |
CE 485 | Wastewater Treatment Design | 3 |
WRIT 340 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
General education | 4 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 17 |
The Department of Civil Engineering must approve all curricula leading to a degree; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waived for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress Department.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Building Science) (135 Unit Program)
A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all courses taken at USC, as well as for all courses taken within the Department of Civil Engineering. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 325. See also the
common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
First Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 106 | Design and Planning of Civil Engineering Systems | 2 |
CHEM 105aL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115aL | Advanced General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
WRIT 140* | Writing and Critical Reasoning | 4 |
General education* | Social Issues | 4 |
| | 18 |
First Year, Second Semester | Units |
ARCH 114 | Architecture: Culture and Community | 2 |
CE 107 | Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics | 3 |
CE 108 | Introduction to Computer Methods in Civil Engineering | 2 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 151L**** | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| | 15 |
Second Year, First Semester | Units |
ARCH 205aL** | Building Science I | 4 |
CE 205 | Statics | 2 |
MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
Second Year, Second Semester | Units |
AME 310 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
ARCH 205bL** | Building Science I | 4 |
CE 225 | Mechanics of Deformable Bodies | 3 |
GEOL 305 | Introduction to Engineering Geology, or |
PHYS 153L | Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and Modern Physics | 4 |
MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I | 4 |
| | 18 |
Third Year, First Semester | Units |
ARCH 214b | History of Architecture | 4 |
ARCH 305aL** | Building Science II | 4 |
CE 309 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
CE 325 | Dynamics | 3 |
CE 358 | Theory of Structures I | 3 |
| | 17 |
Third Year, Second Semester | Units |
ARCH 305bL** | Building Science II | 4 |
CE 334L | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3 |
CE 457 | Reinforced Concrete Design | 3 |
CE 458 | Theory of Structures II | 3 |
General education | 4 |
| | 17 |
Fourth Year, First Semester | Units |
ARCH 405aL** | Building Science III | 4 |
CE 408 | Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering | 3 |
CE 456 | Design of Steel Structures | 3 |
CE 467L | Geotechnical Engineering | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
Fourth Year, Second Semester | Units |
ARCH 405bL** | Building Science III | 4 |
WRIT 340 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
General education | 4 |
Civil Engineering elective*** | 3 |
| | 14 |
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (130 Unit Program)
A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as for all courses taken within the Department of Civil Engineering. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 325. See also the
common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
First Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 110 | Introduction to Environ- mental Engineering | 4 |
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
WRIT 140* | Writing and Critical Reasoning | 4 |
General education* | Social Issues | 4 |
| | 16 |
First Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 108 | Introduction to Computer Methods in Civil Engineering | 2 |
CE 210L | Introduction to Environ- mental Engineering Microbiology | 3 |
CHEM 105aL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115aL | Advanced General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 151L** | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| | 17 |
Second Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 205 | Statics | 2 |
CHEM 105bL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115bL | Advanced General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
Second Year, Second Semester | Units |
AME 310 | Engineering Thermodynamics | 3 |
CE 225 | Mechanics of Deformable Bodies | 3 |
ENE 400 | Environmental Engineering Principles | 3 |
MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I | 4 |
PHYS 153L | Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and Modern Physics, or |
GEOL 305 | Introduction to Engineering Geology | 4 |
| | 17 |
Third Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 309 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
CE 325 | Dynamics | 3 |
CE 358 | Theory of Structures I | 3 |
CE 408 | Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering | 3 |
CE 453 | Water Quality Control | 3 |
| | 15 |
Third Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 334L | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3 |
CE 463L | Water Chemistry and Analysis | 3 |
ENE 428 | Air Pollution Fundamentals | 3 |
General education | 4 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 467L | Geotechnical Engineering | 4 |
WRIT 340 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
General education | 4 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 14 |
Fourth Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 451 | Water Resources Engineering | 4 |
CE 485 | Wastewater Treatment Design | 3 |
CE 404 | Fundamentals of Law for Engineers, or |
ISE 460 | Engineering Economy | 3 |
General education | 4 |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
| | 17 |
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering (132 Unit Program)
The degree has two tracks: Track I: Environmental Systems and Processes; Track II: Environmental Biotechnology. A cumulative scholarship average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as for all courses taken in the Civil Engineering Department. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205 and ENE 410. See also the
common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
First Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 110 | Introduction to Environ- mental Engineering | 4 |
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
WRIT 140* | Writing and Critical Reasoning | 4 |
General education* | Social Issues | 4 |
| | 16 |
First Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 108 | Introduction to Computer Methods in Civil Engineering | 2 |
CE 210L | Introduction to Environmental Engineering Microbiology | 3 |
CHEM 105aL | General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 151L** | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| | 17 |
Second Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 205 | Statics | 2 |
CHEM 105bL | General Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
Second Year, Second Semester | Units |
ENE 400 | Environmental Engineering Principles | 3 |
MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering | 4 |
Track Requirement | 8 |
Track I: |
BISC 220L | General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology | 4 |
General Education | 4 |
Track II: |
BISC 320L | Molecular Biology | 4 |
CHEM 322aL | Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| | 15 |
Third Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 453 | Water Quality Control | 3 |
ENE 410 | Environmental Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
WRIT 340 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
Track Requirement | 7-8 |
Track I: |
CE 408 | Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering | 3 |
CHEM 322aL | Organic Chemistry | 4 |
Track II: |
CHEM 322bL | Organic Chemistry | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 16-17 |
Third Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 463L | Water Chemistry and Analysis | 3 |
GEOL 305Lx | Introduction to Engineering Geology | 4 |
General Education | 4 |
Track Requirement | 3-4 |
Track I: |
Kernel course*** | | 3 |
Track II: |
BISC 330L | Biochemistry | 4 |
| | 14-16 |
Fourth Year, First Semester | Units |
CE 465 | Water Supply and Sewerage System Design | 3 |
CE 484 | Water Treatment Design | 3 |
CHE 330 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | 4 |
ISE 460 | Engineering Economy, or | |
CE 404 | Fundamentals of Law for Engineers | 3 |
PTE 463L | Introduction to Transport Processes in Porous Media | 3 |
| | 16 |
Fourth Year, Second Semester | Units |
CE 451 | Water Resources Engineering | 4 |
CE 485 | Wastewater Treatment Design | 3 |
General education | 4 |
| Track Requirement | 6-7 |
Track I: |
ENE 429 | Air Pollution Control | 3 |
ENE 486 | Solid and Hazardous Waste Engineering | 3 |
Track II: |
ENE 428 | Air Pollution Fundamentals | 3 |
ENE 487 | Environmental Biotechnology and Bioremediation | 3 |
ENE 495 | Seminars in Environmental Engineering | 1 |
| | 17-18 |
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Information Management) (134 Unit Program)
A cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) is required in all courses taken at USC, as well as for all courses taken within the Department of Civil Engineering. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205, CE 225, CE 309 and CE 325. See also the
common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.
First Year, first semester | units |
CE 106 | Design and Planning of Civil Engineering |
| Systems | 2 |
CHEM 105aL | General Chemistry, or |
CHEM 115aL | Advanced General >Chemistry | 4 |
MATH 125 | Calculus I | 4 |
WRIT 140* | Writing and Critical Reasoning | 4 |
General Education* | Social Issues | 4 |
| | 18 |
First year, second semester | units |
CSCI 101L | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | 3 |
CE 107 | Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics | 3 |
MATH 126 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 151L** | Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics | 4 |
| | 14 |
second year, first semester | units |
CE 205 | Statics | 2 |
CSCI 102L | Data Structures | 4 |
MATH 226 | Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS 152L | Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetics | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 18 |
second year, second semester | units |
CE 225 | Mechanics of Deformable Bodies | 3 |
CE 460 | Construction Engineering | 3 |
CSCI 201L | Principles of Software Development | 4 |
GEOL 305 | Introduction to Engineering Geology, or |
PHYS 153L | Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics |
| and Modern Physics | 4 |
MATH 245 | Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I | 4 |
| | 18 |
third year, first semester | units |
CE 309 | Fluid Mechanics | 3 |
CE 325 | Dynamics | 3 |
CE 358 | Theory of Structures I | 3 |
General education | 4 |
General education | 4 |
| | 17 |
third year, second semester | units |
CE 334L | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | 3 |
CE 402 | Computer Methods in Engineering | 3 |
GEOG 381L | Geographic Information Science | 4 |
WRIT 340 | Advanced Writing Course | 3 |
Design** | Design elective #1 | 3 |
| | 16 |
fourth year, first semester | units |
CE 408 | Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering | 3 |
CE 467L | Geotechnical Engineering | 4 |
CE 471 | Principles of Transportation Engineering | 3 |
CE 477 | Civil Infrastructure Information Systems | 3 |
Design** | Design elective #2 | 3 |
| | 16 |
fourth year, second semester | units |
CE 480 | Structural Systems Design | 3 |
CE elective | 3 |
CSCI 485 | File and Database Management, or |
IOM 435 | Business Database Systems | 4 |
Design** | Design elective #3 | 3 |
General education | 4 |
| | 17 |
**The Design electives must be selected from the following courses: CE 409a, CE 456, CE 457, CE 478, CE 465, and CE 476.
***Satisfies a general education requirement for Category III.
One general education elective must also satisfy the diversity requirement or additional units will be required.
Minor in Environmental Engineering
See listing under
Environmental Engineering.
Minor in Construction Planning and Management
This program covers the most current theories and practice of construction planning and management. The program provides a valuable adjunct credential to professional school students pursuing careers in business administration, public administration, environmental studies, and other areas; and a unique opportunity for professional focus to students in the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Construction activities are complex. In contemporary society, effective planning and management of these activities requires specialized knowledge of the technical, economic and policy environment. This program couples the knowledge of how construction activities are organized with a broader understanding of the urban system in which construction projects are embedded. With the exception of statistics, all of the required courses are within the Department of Civil Engineering and the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development.
Any USC undergraduate who has completed the equivalent of two full-time semesters in good standing is eligible to pursue the minor program. This minor program is rigorous enough to serve as an introductory credential for students subsequently electing to pursue advanced studies in development, urban planning, construction management or allied fields.
Courses required
Seven courses consisting of at least 23 units are required for the minor.
Statistics
Students must complete an advisor approved course in statistics. Candidate courses include ECON 317, EE 364, ISE 220, PPD 404x, PSYCH 274, SOCI 314 and similar courses. The statistics course must be at least three units.
Core Courses | Units |
CE 460 | Construction Engineering | 3 |
CE 461 | General Construction Estimating | 3 |
CE 462 | Construction Methods and Equipment | 3 |
PPD 304 | Property Rights, Governance and the Environment | 4 |
PPD 358 | Urban and Regional Economics | 4 |
| | 17 |
Electives (select one) | Units |
CE 404 | Fundamentals of Law for Engineers | 3 |
CE 412 | Contracts and Specifications | 3 |
CE 472 | Construction Labor Management | 3 |
PPD 437 | Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning and Development | 4 |
Advisement is provided by the Department of Civil Engineering. Students will normally complete statistics before enrolling in CE 461 but can be permitted to complete statistics as a corequisite subject to advisor approval. CE 460 is a prerequisite for CE 461 for the purposes of the minor. Students are also advised to take CE 460 before taking CE 462. Students electing PPD 437 must have completed PPD 358.
Master of Science in Civil Engineering
The Master of Science in Civil Engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC School of Engineering. A student may receive the Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a special option by specializing in one of the following courses of study: construction; earthquake engineering; geotechnical engineering; ocean engineering; structural engineering; structural mechanics; environmental engineering; transportation engineering; and water resources. Students specializing in the transportation option and completing a thesis must include in their program 4 units of CE 594ab.
A general Master of Science in Civil Engineering without special designation is also given. Specific course requirements (at least 15 units) for a degree with special designation may be secured by request from the Department of Civil Engineering.
A student who wishes to pursue the Master of Science in Civil Engineering without special designation and who has an interest in public works may take a selected sequence of 12 units in the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development. For further information, see the Public Administration Professional Sequence section in the School of Policy, Planning, and Development.
Master of Science in Applied Mechanics
Students possessing a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, or physics may work toward the Master of Science in Applied Mechanics. A student may be required to satisfy certain deficiencies considered prerequisite to the listed courses.
The Master of Science in Applied Mechanics is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements for the Master of Science in Civil Engineering, except as modified by the following specific requirements. Students must include in their course work: (1) AME 530ab, CE 507, CE 508, CE 525ab, and CE 541b; (2) at least six units of electives from the following: CE 541a, CE 542, CE 543; (3) other electives may be substituted on approval of department chair; (4) there is no thesis option.
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
Students with a bachelor's degree in engineering or science may work toward the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. Students with degrees in fields other than engineering or science may be admitted on the recommendation of a program advisor and program director. Selection of courses will be determined through consultation with a program advisor to provide a maximum of training in the student's area of interest in environmental problems.
Master of Engineering in Environmental Quality Management
Environmental engineers with purely scientific and technological backgrounds are often excluded from certain high-level professional managerial positions in the manufacturing industry, public utilities or governmental agencies, although they are generally preferred for engineering, scientific and research positions. Their exclusion from these positions is often attributed to inadequate preparation in areas deemed important in recent years, including the following: project management, regulatory compliance, strategic and financial planning, decision making and human relations. Thus, effective and efficient management of modern environmental engineering projects requires broad technical knowledge and diverse skills in the above aspects. The Master of Engineering degree program in Environmental Quality Management intends to bridge the gap between the essentials of hard-core engineering and project management. The program is intended to provide the student with cutting edge instruction in the art and science of environmental management. It is also directed at teaching and training students how to integrate environmental considerations in the early planning of projects to improve environmental compatibility, reduce risks and incur financial savings in businesses and industries.
Required core courses | units |
ENE 495 | Seminars in Environmental Engineering | 1 |
ENE 510 | Water Quality Management and Practice | 3 |
ENE 518 | Environmental Systems Engineering and Management | 3 |
ENE 535 | Applied Air Quality Management | 3 |
MPW 950 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| | 13 |
engineering elective option (technical elective courses; choose one) | units |
CE 504 | Solid Waste Management | 3 |
CSCI 576 | Multimedia Systems Design | 3 |
ENE 502 | Environmental and Regulatory Compliance | 3 |
ENE 505 | Energy and Environment | 3 |
ENE 506 | Ecology for Environmental Engineers | 3 |
ENE 516 | Hazardous Waste Management | 3 |
ENE 526 | Environmental Pollutants: Monitoring and Risk Assessment | 3 |
Business communication/Management and Organization Elective (choose one) | units |
BUCO 445 | Oral Communication in Business | 4 |
BUCO 485 | Business Communication Management | 4 |
MOR 469 | Negotiation and Persuasion | 4 |
business administration and entrepreneurship/management and organization elective (choose one) | units |
BAEP 451 | The Management of New Enterprises | 4 |
MOR 462 | Management Consulting | 4 |
Project Course | units |
ENE 590 | Directed Research | 6 |
The approved project work will be a research activity designed for about 3-4 months during the summer period, performed by the student under the direction and supervision of a full-time faculty member. The work will involve the participation of leading professionals from the private industry and/or governmental agencies with whom the faculty member might maintain a professional relationship. The project will address an area of importance and primary interest to the industrial entity in question. It is believed that this type of partnership will be mutually beneficial to the graduating student, private industry and university faculty in generating a friendly and long-term professional relationship among them.
Master of Construction Management
Students possessing a bachelor's degree and with sufficient training in capital management and statistics may pursue the Master of Construction Management. This is an interdisciplinary degree program offered jointly by the Department of Civil Engineering and the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development. A single application is made to the Department of Civil Engineering. The purpose of the Master of Construction Management program is to educate and train multidisciplinary professionals to understand and execute the broad array of technical and non-technical activities associated with construction management. The program provides special attention to the function of the constructor in real estate development. The core of the program is drawn from the MSCE program in construction engineering and management, and from the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development's Master of Real Estate Development program.
Core Curriculum | Units |
ARCH 511L | Seminar: Building Systems | 4 |
CE 501 | Functions of the Constructor | 3 |
CE 502 | Construction Accounting and Finance, or |
GSBA 510 | Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting | 3 |
CE 556ab | Project Cost Estimating, Control, Planning and Scheduling | 3-3 |
ISE 460 | Engineering Economy, or | 3 |
RED 541 | Finance Fundamentals for Real Estate Development | 2 |
RED 509 | Market Analysis for Real Estate | 4 |
RED 598 | Real Estate Product Development | 2 |
Additional advisor approved technical and advanced electives | 9 |
Total minimum units | 33-34 |
The minimum requirement for the Master of Construction Management degree is 33-34 units. At least three elective courses totaling at least 9 units are required for this degree. These may be taken from the Department of Civil Engineering, other engineering departments, the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development, the USC School of Architecture, the USC Davis School of Gerontology, the USC Gould School of Law or the USC Marshall School of Business subject to advisor approval. Admission to some classes requires advanced prerequisites and is subject to availability and approval of the instructor.
General Requirements -- Residence and Course Load
The normal time required for earning the Master of Construction Management is three semesters, including one summer semester beginning in July and continuing through the spring semester ending in May. Students are expected to participate in extracurricular activities associated with the Master of Construction Management program, including the speaker series and field trips. A candidate must complete the last four semester units of course work at USC.
Students who wish a leave of absence for a semester or longer must request it from the chairman of the Civil Engineering Department in writing. Such leaves may be granted for up to one year.
For further information see the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development section.
Master of Engineering in Computer-Aided Engineering
The Master of Engineering program educates and trains multidisciplinary professionals in the use of computational techniques in the planning, design and management of engineering projects. The emphasized computer-aided engineering subjects are modeling, simulation, visualization, optimization, artificial intelligence and advanced design, documentation, manufacturing and information management. The program provides the graduate with advanced education in a particular engineering subject area, associated with aerospace, civil or mechanical engineering. This advanced engineering education is coupled with an intensive concentration in computational procedures appropriate for that subject area. The program also includes substantial project work to provide a background in the application of CAE techniques in real world situations.
For further information see the listing under Computer-Aided Engineering.
Master of Engineering in Structural Design
The Master of Engineering program emphasizes the design of engineered structural systems. The design of new structures and the upgrading of existing structures, for adverse loading conditions, requires additional studies which extend beyond the basic concepts stressed in an undergraduate program. Modern computational methods will be used to evaluate the functional demands on the designed system, and a comprehensive design project will be used to integrate the concepts presented during the course of study. The program is focused on the needs of students who are planning to enter professional practice and not continue for a more advanced degree and on the needs of practicing engineers who have been out of school for several years and who want to upgrade their engineering skills.
The course of study requires the successful completion of 30 semester units. It is designed to be completed in one year of study, including the design project which must be taken during the first, seven-week summer session.
required courses (18 units) | units |
CE 458 | Theory of Structures II, or |
CE 488 | Computer Applications in Structural Analysis and Design | 3 |
CE 459 | Introduction to Structural Dynamics | 3 |
CE 537 | Advanced Reinforced Concrete | 3 |
CE 538 | Prestressed Concrete | 3 |
CE 539 | Advanced Steel Structures | 3 |
CE 549 | Building Design Project 3 | |
elective courses (4 courses, 12 units) | units |
CE 480 | Structural Systems Design | 3 |
CE 482 | Foundation Design | 3 |
CE 501 | Function of the Constructor | 3 |
CE 525b | Engineering Analysis | 3 |
CE 528 | Seismic Analysis and Design of Reinforced Concrete Bridges | 3 |
CE 536 | Structural Design for Dynamic Loads | 3 |
CE 540 | Limit Analysis of Structures | 3 |
Engineer in Civil Engineering
Requirements for the Engineer in Civil Engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements.
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Environmental Engineering)
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in civil engineering and the Doctor of Philosophy with a major in engineering (environmental engineering) are also offered. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
Areas of specialization for Doctor of Philosophy level students are: structural engineering, structural mechanics, earthquake engineering, coastal engineering, water resources engineering, soil mechanics and foundation engineering, hydrology, hydrodynamics and transportation.
Certificate in Computer-Aided Engineering
The Certificate in Computer-Aided Engineering is a limited version of the Master of Engineering in Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) program. It is designed to focus on providing an understanding of the overall field of computer-aided engineering. It includes a course covering the necessary computer science skills and a course introducing basic simulation techniques used in computer-aided engineering. In addition, the certificate provides knowledge in the use of CAE tools in a project environment. See the listing under
Computer-Aided Engineering.
Graduate Certificate in Transportation Systems
The graduate certificate in Transportation Systems is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Civil Engineering. The certificate program allows students to specialize in transportation applications, while simultaneously receiving a degree in their home department. The certificate in Transportation Systems combines elements of transportation engineering with transportation policy, planning and project management. The program is especially appropriate for students intending to pursue careers as developers of transportation technologies, or as implementors of technologies within government agencies.
Students electing the certificate program apply to the Department of Civil Engineering. Course prerequisites for the program are:
(1) one course in statistics or uncertainty, equivalent to ISE 225, PPD 404x or CE 408;
(2) one course in engineering economy, equivalent to ISE 460;
(3) one course in microeconomics, equivalent to ECON 203; and
(4) one course in a high level programming language, such as C or Fortran.
These prerequisites may be satisfied after enrollment in the certificate program by taking the indicated courses or their equivalent. Graduate students cannot receive credit for courses numbered below 400. Detailed admissions requirements are published by the Department of Civil Engineering.
Qualified students holding a bachelor's degree also have the option of enrolling in the certificate program without receiving a separate graduate degree.
The curriculum consists of five graduate courses for a total of 17 units.
certificate Requirements | Units |
CE 519 | Transportation Engineering | 3 |
CE 585 | Traffic Engineering and Control | 3 |
ISE 515 | Institutional and Policy Issues in Transportation | 3 |
PPD 633 | Urban Transportation Planning and Management | 4 |
PPD 634 | Institutional and Policy Issues in Transportation | 4 |