USC
University of Southern California
black horizontal bar for print styles
Please note: Due to late revisions, some text on this page differs from what appears in the printed version of the USC Catalogue. The changes appear below as highlighted text, with corresponding explanations appearing in the right margin.

Degree Requirements

Educational Program Objectives

The undergraduate programs in civil engineering have the following objectives:

(1) Professional Achievement
Graduates will be successful in their chosen field of engineering, compete effectively as problem-solvers in a world of technological change and become leaders in industry, academic or governmental institutions.

(2) Societal Impact
Graduates will make use of their knowledge of global and societal issues, environmental considerations and sustainability objectives to create a safe and healthy world.

(3) Organizational and Team-Building Skills
Graduates will use their organizational abilities, communication skills and strengths in collaborative teamwork to foster a productive and efficient work environment in the organizations with which they are associated.

(4) Professional Development
Graduates will uphold high ethical and professional standards, be active in professional engineering organizations, support the advancement of the practice of engineering and obtain professional licensure.

(5) Continuing Education
Graduates will engage in lifelong learning and be prepared to pursue graduate studies in engineering or other diverse fields such as business, law or medicine.

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 (131 Unit Program)

The B.S. in civil engineering has three tracks: general, construction and water resources.

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.

Composition/writing requirementUnits
WRIT 140*Writing and Critical Reasoning4
WRIT 340Advanced Writing3

General Education (see here)Units
General education* +20

Pre-major requirementsUnits
Chemistry Requirement
CHEM 105aLGeneral Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aLAdvanced General Chemistry4

Math Requirement
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4

Physics Requirement
PHYS 151L**Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics4
PHYS 152LFundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4

Other Requirements
GEOL 305LxIntroduction to Engineering Geology, or
BISC 220LGeneral Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology4

Major requirementsUnits
Engineering
ENGR 102Engineering Freshman Academy2

Civil Engineering
CE 106Design and Planning of Civil Engineering Systems2
CE 107Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics3
CE 108Introduction to Computer Methods in Civil Engineering2
CE 205Statics2
CE 207LIntroduction to Design of Structural Systems2
CE 225Mechanics of Deformable Bodies3
CE 309Fluid Mechanics3
CE 325Dynamics3
CE 334LMechanical Behavior of Materials3
CE 358Theory of Structures I3
CE 402Computer Methods in Engineering3
CE 408Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering3
CE 451Water Resources Engineering3
CE 453Water Quality Control3
CE 456Design of Steel Structures3
CE 467LGeotechnical Engineering4
CE 471Principles of Transportation Engineering3

Capstone Courses
CE 473Engineering Law, Finance, and Ethics3
CE 480Structural System Design, or
CE 465Water Supply and Sewage System Design3

Courses from Other Engineering Departments
EE 202LLinear Circuits, or
EE 326LEssentials of Electrical Engineering4
60

major electivesUnits
ElectiveCivil Engineering6
Design Kernel***Civil Engineering Design Kernel Course6
Total units:131

*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 140.

**Satisfies GE Category III requirement.

***Design kernel courses must be selected from the following list of design courses: CE 457, CE 465, CE 466, CE 476, CE 478, CE 482, CE 484 and CE 485.

+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.

Tracks

In addition to the core courses, students are required to select one of the following tracks: General, Construction or Water Resources.

General Track
Choose one of the following: CE 480 as the capstone course and CE 482 as a required design kernel course; or CE 465 as the capstone course and CE 466 or CE 476 as a required design kernel course.

The civil engineering electives may be chosen freely.

Construction Track
Select CE 480 as the capstone course and CE 482 as a required design kernel course. Replace CE 453 with CE 412. The civil engineering electives must be chosen from the following list: CE 460, CE 461 and CE 462.

Water Resources Track
Select CE 465 as the capstone course and select one of the following as a required design kernel course: CE 466 or CE 476. The civil engineering electives must be selected from the following list: CE 466, CE 476, CE 477 and CE 490.

The Department of Civil Engineering must approve all curricula leading to a degree; please note this includes transfer credit and units for courses waved for subject credit only, which have been approved through the Degree Progress department.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Structural 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 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.

COMPOSITION/WRITING REQUIREMENTSUnits
WRIT 140*Writing and Critical Reasoning4
WRIT 340Advanced Writing3

GENERAL EDUCATION (see here)Units
General education*+ 20

PRE-MAJOR REQUIREMENTSUnits
Chemistry Requirement
CHEM 105aLGeneral Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aLAdvanced General Chemistry4

Math Requirement
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4

Physics Requirement
PHYS 151L**Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics4
PHYS 152LFundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4

Other Requirements
GEOL 305LxIntroduction to Engineering Geology4
32

MAJOR REQUIREMENTSUnits
Engineering
ENGR 102Engineering Freshman Academy2

Civil Engineering
CE 106Design and Planning of Civil Engineering Systems2
CE 107Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics3
CE 108Introduction to Computer Methods in Civil Engineering2
CE 205Statics2
CE 207LIntroduction to Design of Structural Systems2
CE 225Mechanics of Deformable Bodies3
CE 309Fluid Mechanics3
CE 325Dynamics3
CE 334LMechanical Behavior of Materials3
CE 358Theory of Structures I3
CE 402Computer Methods in Engineering3
CE 408Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering3
CE 451Water Resources Engineering3
CE 456Design of Steel Structures3
CE 457Reinforced Concrete Design3
CE 458Theory of Structures II3
CE 459Introduction to Structural Dynamics3
CE 460Construction Engineering3
CE 467LGeotechnical Engineering4
CE 473Engineering Law, Finance, and Ethics3

Capstone Course
CE 480Structural System Design3
CE 482Foundation Design3

Courses from Other Engineering Departments
EE 202LLinear Circuits, or
EE 326LEssentials of Electrical Engineering4
69

MAJOR ELECTIVESUnits
Elective***Civil Engineering3
Total units:131

*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 140.

**Satisfies GE Category III requirement.

***The civil engineering elective must be selected from the following courses: CE 409a, CE 478.

+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.

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) (136 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 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.

COMPOSITION/WRITING REQUIREMENTUnits
WRIT 140*Writing and Critical Reasoning4
WRIT 340Advanced Writing3

General Education (see here) Units
General education* +20

PRE-MAJOR REQUIREMENTSUnits
Chemistry Requirement
CHEM 105aLGeneral Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aLAdvanced General Chemistry4

Math Requirement
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4

Physics Requirement
PHYS 151L**Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics4
PHYS 152LFundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4

Other Requirements
GEOL 305LxIntroduction to Engineering Geology4

MAJOR REQUIREMENTSUnits
Engineering
ENGR 102Engineering Freshman Academy2

Civil Engineering
CE 106Design and Planning of Civil Engineering Systems2
CE 107Introduction to Civil Engineering Graphics3
CE 108Introduction to Computer Methods in Civil Engineering2
CE 205Statics2
CE 207LIntroduction to Design of Structural Systems2
CE 225Mechanics of Deformable Bodies3
CE 309Fluid Mechanics3
CE 325Dynamics3
CE 334LMechanical Behavior of Materials3
CE 358Theory of Structures I3
CE 408Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering3
CE 456Design of Steel Structures3
CE 457Reinforced Concrete Design3
CE 458Theory of Structures II3
CE 467LGeotechnical Engineering4

Architecture courses
ARCH 114Architecture: Culture and Community2
ARCH 214bHistory of Architecture4
ARCH 205abL***Building Science I4-4
ARCH 305abL***Building Science II4-4
ARCH 405abL***Building Science III4-4

MAJOR ELECTIVESUnits
Elective****Civil Engineering3
Total units:136

*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 140.

**Satisfies GE Category III requirement.

***The School of Architecture requires a minimum grade of C in ARCH 205ab, ARCH 305ab and ARCH 405ab in order to continue in the building science design sequence.

****The civil engineering elective must be selected from the following courses: CE 451, CE 453, CE 460, and CE 471.

+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.

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 (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 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.

composition/Writing requirementUnits
WRIT 140*Writing and Critical Reasoning4
WRIT 340Advanced Writing3

General education (see here)Units
General education* + 20

pre-major requirementsUnits
Chemistry Requirement
CHEM 105aLGeneral Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aLAdvanced General Chemistry4
CHEM 105bLGeneral Chemistry, or
CHEM 115bLAdvanced General Chemistry4

Math Requirement
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4

Physics Requirement
PHYS 151L**Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics4
PHYS 152LFundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4

Other Requirement
BISC 220LGeneral Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology, or
GEOL 305LxIntroduction to Engineering Geology4

major requirementsUnits
Engineering
ENGR 102Engineering Freshman Academy2

Civil and Environmental Engineering
CE 108Introduction to Computer Methods in Civil Engineering2
CE 110Introduction to Environmental Engineering3
CE 205Statics2
CE 210LIntroduction to Environmental Engineering Microbiology3
CE 225Mechanics of Deformable Bodies3
CE 309Fluid Mechanics3
CE 325Dynamics3
CE 334LMechanical Behavior of Materials3
CE 358Theory of Structure I3
CE 408Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering3
CE 451Water Resources Engineering3
CE 453Water Quality Control3
CE 463LWater Chemistry and Analysis3
CE 467LGeotechnical Engineering4
CE 473Engineering Law, Finance, and Ethics3
CE 485Wastewater Treatment Design3
ENE 400Environmental Engineering Principles3
ENE 428Air Pollution Fundamentals3
ENE 429Air Pollution Control3

Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
AME 310Engineering Thermodynamics I3
61

major electiveUnits
Design kernel***6
Total units:130

*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 140.

**Satisfies GE Category III requirement.

***Kernels must be selected from the following list of design courses: CE 465, CE 466, CE 476, CE 482, CE 484, ENE 486.

+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.

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 Environmental Engineering (132-134 Unit Program)

The degree has two tracks: Track 1: Environmental Systems and Processes (132 units); Track II: Environmental Biotechnology (134 units). A cumulative scholarship average of C (2.0) is required for all courses taken at USC as well as for all courses taken civil engineering. In addition, a minimum grade of C must be earned in each of the following courses: CE 205 and CE 309 or ENE 410. See also the common requirements for undergraduate degrees section.

COMPOSITION/WRITING REQUIREMENTUnits
WRIT 140*Writing and Critical Reasoning4
WRIT 340Advanced Writing3

GENERAL EDUCATION (see here)Units
General education* +20

PRE-MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (Both Tracks)Units
Chemistry Requirement
CHEM 105aLGeneral Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aLAdvanced General Chemistry4
CHEM 105bLGeneral Chemistry, or
CHEM 115bLAdvanced General Chemistry4
CHEM 322aLOrganic Chemistry4

Math Requirement
MATH 125Calculus I4
MATH 126Calculus II4
MATH 226Calculus III4
MATH 245Mathematics of Physics and Engineering I4

Physics Requirement
PHYS 151L**Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics4
PHYS 152LFundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism4
36

PRE-MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (Track II only)Units
Chemistry Requirement
CHEM 322bLOrganic Chemistry4

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (Both Tracks)Units
Engineering
ENGR 102Engineering Freshman Academy2

Civil and Environmental Engineering
CE 108Introduction to Computer Methods in Civil Engineering2
CE 110Introduction to Environmental Engineering.3
CE 205Statics2
CE 210LIntroduction to Environmental Engineering Microbiology3
CE 309Fluid Mechanics, or
ENE 410Environmental Fluid Mechanics3
CE 408Risk Analysis in Civil Engineering3
CE 451Water Resources Engineering3
CE 453Water Quality Control3
CE 463LWater Chemistry and Analysis3
CE 465Water Supply and Sewage System Design3
CE 473Engineering Law, Finance, and Ethics3
CE 484Water Treatment Design3
CE 485Waste Water Treatment Design3
ENE 400Introduction to Environmental Engineering Principles3
ENE 428Air Pollution Fundamentals3
ENE 486Design of Solid and Hazardous Waste Engineering Systems3

Courses from Other Departments
CHE 330Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics4
GEOL 305xLIntroduction to Engineering Geology4
56

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (Track I Only)Units
Civil and Environmental Engineering
ENE 429Air Pollution Control3

Courses from Other Departments
BISC 220LGeneral Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology4
PTE 463LIntroduction to Transport Processes in Porous Media3
10

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (Track II Only)Units
Civil and Environmental Engineering
ENE 487Environmental Biotechnology and Bioremediation3

Courses from Other Departments
BISC 320LMolecular Biology4
BISC 330LBiochemistry4
11

MAJOR ELECTIVES (Track I Only)Units
Design kernel***3
Total (Track I):132

Total (Track II):134

*GE Category VI is taken concurrently with WRIT 140.

**Satisfies GE Category III requirement.

***Kernels must be selected from the following design courses: CE 443, CE 466, CE 476, or CHE 442.

+The university allows engineering majors to replace the GE Category IV with a second course in Categories I, II or VI.

Minor in Environmental Engineering

See listing here.

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, architecture, environmental studies, and other areas; and a unique opportunity for professional focus to students in the USC College.

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, architecture 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, MATH 208, PPD 404x, PSYC 274, SOCI 314 and similar courses. The statistics course must be at least three units.

Core CoursesUnits
CE 460Construction Engineering3
CE 461General Construction Estimating3
CE 462Construction Methods and Equipment3
PPD 358Urban and Regional Economics4
PPD 362Real Estate Fundamentals for Planning and Development4
17

electives (select one)Units
CE 404Business and Intellectual Property Law for Engineers3
CE 412Contracts and Specifications3
CE 472Construction Labor Management3
PPD 437Advanced Finance and Investment for Planning and Development4

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. Students are advised to take CE 460 and CE 461 before taking CE 462. Students electing PPD 437 must have completed PPD 358.

Minor in Engineering Technology Commercialization

See listing under the Special Educational Opportunities section.

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 Viterbi 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 engineering; geotechnical engineering; structural engineering; environmental engineering; and transportation engineering. 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. Students pursuing this program will choose between the following special options: general, earthquake engineering, structural mechanics, water resources or ocean and coastal 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 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 6 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 coursesUnits
ENE 495Seminars in Environmental Engineering1
ENE 510Water Quality Management and Practice3
ENE 518Environmental Systems Engineering and Management3
ENE 535Air Pollution Management: Exposure, Health Effects and Risk3
MPW 950Technical Writing3
13

engineering elective option (technical elective courses; choose one)Units
CE 504Solid Waste Management3
CSCI 576Multimedia Systems Design3
ENE 502Environmental and Regulatory Compliance3
ENE 505Energy and Environment3
ENE 506Ecology for Environmental Engineers3
ENE 516Hazardous Waste Management3
ENE 526Particulate Air Pollutants: Properties/Behavior/Measurement3
ENE 526Environmental Pollutants: Monitoring and Risk Assessment3
The title for this course will change in fall 2010. Show revised version
Business communication/Management and Organization Elective (choose one)Units
BUCO 445Oral Communication in Business4
BUCO 485Business Communication Management for Nonprofits4
BUCO 485Business Communication Management4
The title of this course will change in fall 2010.

See revised version

MOR 469Negotiation and Persuasion4

business administration and entrepreneurship/management and organization elective (choose one)Units
BAEP 451The Management of New Enterprises4
MOR 462Management Consulting4

Project CourseUnits
ENE 590Directed Research6

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 and Environmental Engineering and the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development. A single application is made to the Department of Civil and Environmental 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. The Master of Construction Management also includes courses from the Marshall School of Business.

Applicants to the program are expected to have completed undergraduate course work in engineering economy or business finance.

Core CurriculumUnits
ARCH 511LSeminar: Building Systems4
CE 501Functions of the Constructor3
CE 502Construction Accounting and Finance, or
GSBA 510Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting3
CE 556Project Controls – Budgeting and Estimating3
CE 566Project Controls – Planning and Scheduling3

Track Requirement: Two courses, both from track 1, track 2 or track 3Units
Track 1: Real Estate Markets Track
RED 509Market Analysis for Real Estate, or
RED 598Real Estate Product Development4
RED 542Finance of Real Estate Development3

Track 2: Finance Track (if Track 2 is chosen, GSBA 548 must be taken as a prerequisite)
FBE 570Advanced Topics in Real Estate Finance3
FBE 591Real Estate Finance and Investment3

Track 3: Real Estate Development Track (If Track 3 is chosen, GSBA 548 must be taken as a prerequisite)
FBE 565Economics of Urban Land Use: Feasibility Studies3
FBE 566Advanced Topics in Real Estate Finance3
Additional advisor approved technical and advanced electives10-11
Total minimum units33

The minimum requirement for the Master of Construction Management degree is 33 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 and Environmental 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 June 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 on joint degree programs.

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 coursesUnits
Structural Analysis (two courses, 6 units)
CE 459Introduction to Structural Dynamics3
CE 529aFinite Element Analysis3
CE 540Limit Analysis of Structures3

Structural Design (four courses, 12 units)
CE 528Seismic Analysis and Design of Reinforced Concrete Bridges3
CE 536Structural Design for Dynamic Loads3
CE 537Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design3
CE 538Prestressed Concrete Design3
CE 539Advanced Steel Structures3

Design Project (one course, 3 units)
CE 549Building Design Project, or
CE 590Directed Research3

Elective Courses (three courses, 9 units)
CE 457Reinforced Concrete Design3
CE 458Theory of Structures II3
CE 478Timber and Masonry Design3
CE 480Structural Systems Design3
CE 482Foundation Design3
CE 488Computer Applications in Structural Analysis and Design3
CE 501Functions of the Constructor3
CE 525bEngineering Analysis3
CE 533Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering3

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, construction engineering and management, 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 Engineering Technology Commercialization

See listing under the Special Educational Opportunities section.

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 contemporary high level programming language.

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.

The courses taken for the certificate may be applied later to the Master of Science in Civil Engineering, transportation option.

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 RequirementsUnits
CE 471Principles of Transportation Engineering, or
CE 519Transportation Engineering3
CE 583Design of Transporation Facilities, or
CE 585Traffic Engineering and Control3
ISE 515Engineering Project Management3
PPD 633Urban Transportation Planning and Management4
PPD 634Institutional and Policy Issues in Transportation4