USC Catalogue: The Schools: USC Viterbi School of Engineering: Materials Science: Degree Requirements

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Degree Requirements

Minor in Materials Science

A minor in materials science is open to all undergraduate students in engineering. This minor provides students with the background and skills necessary to understand and use advanced materials in different engineering applications. Students are required to complete a minimum of 16 units of course work consisting of both core requirements and elective courses. Students must include at least four upper division courses of either three or four units in the minor program.

Students must apply to the Viterbi School of Engineering for the minor, and departmental approval is required. The program is outlined as follows:

Required courses units

CE 225 Mechanics of Deformable Bodies 3

CHE 476 Chemical Engineering Materials, or

CE 334L Mechanical Behavior of Materials 3

MASC 310 Materials Behavior and Processing 3

MASC 440 Materials and the Environment 3

Advisor approved electives (minimum) 4

16

Required courses	units
CE 225	Mechanics of Deformable Bodies	3
CHE 476	Chemical Engineering Materials, or
CE 334L	Mechanical Behavior of Materials	3
MASC 310	Materials Behavior and Processing	3
MASC 440	Materials and the Environment	3

electives units

BME 410 Introduction to Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering 3

CE 334L Mechanical Behavior of Materials 3

CE 428 Mechanics of Materials 3

CE 467L Geotechnical Engineering 4

CHE 472 Polymer Science and Engineering 3

CHE 476 Chemical Engineering Materials 3

MASC 350 Design, Synthesis, and Processing of Engineering Materials 3

MASC 439 Principles of Semiconductor Processing 3

electives	units
BME 410	Introduction to Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering	3
CE 334L	Mechanical Behavior of Materials	3
CE 428	Mechanics of Materials	3
CE 467L	Geotechnical Engineering	4
CHE 472	Polymer Science and Engineering	3
CHE 476	Chemical Engineering Materials	3
MASC 350	Design, Synthesis, and Processing of Engineering Materials	3
MASC 439	Principles of Semiconductor Processing	3

Master of Science in Materials Science

In addition to the general requirements for the Master of Science degree, add the following required courses: EE 471; MASC 501, MASC 503, MASC 504, MASC 505 and MASC 561. The nine remaining units for the degree may be electives chosen with departmental approval.

Engineer in Materials Science

Requirements for the Engineer in materials science degree are the same as set forth in the general requirements for graduate degrees.

Master of Science in Materials Engineering

Students with an interest in the characterization, selection and processing of engineering materials, and in materials problems related to engineering design may work toward a Master of Science in materials engineering. This degree is awarded in conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. Students may elect to work for this degree in either the Materials Science or Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering departments. The specific courses that constitute an acceptable program must be approved in advance by the administering department.

Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science

The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in materials science is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC Graduate School. It includes the course requirements for the Master of Science degree. See general requirements for graduate degrees.