University of Southern California-Viterbi School of Engineering
The University of Southern California (USC) is consistently a top US destination for international students. Of the thousands of Indian nationals who come to USC, over 70 percent attend the university’s Viterbi School of Engineering.
Please see the following updates from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and the larger university.
Today, University of Southern California President Carol Folt shared on social media: “USC has joined an amicus brief strongly supporting the lawsuit recently filed by @MITand @Harvard– and we are actively considering all other legal options.” https://twitter.com/PresidentFolt/status/1280937250105122816?s=20
As of 7/7/2020, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering specifically has the following plans for the Fall 2020 semester:
- 513 regular classes are currently scheduled, of which 190 are offered in a hybrid mode and 323 online.
- Additionally, 148 directed research and thesis research classes are offered in hybrid mode.
- Computational labs are primarily online; physical labs are offered primarily in hybrid mode.
- Approximately 50% of USC Viterbi graduate courses are offered in hybrid mode.
- Approximately 30% of USC Viterbi undergraduate courses are offered in hybrid mode
Classes conducted will comply with all guidelines set by the Los Angeles County Department of Health.
For individuals taking online courses:
At the Viterbi School of Engineering, the online learning environment is not new–we have considerable experience with distance learning, which was pioneered at USC Viterbi in 1971 for graduate students who were practicing engineers and could not attend on campus instruction. It is important to know, though, that our online system is a truly hybrid system, in that it allows at the same time both an online and an on-campus, in person, option. Students can freely take any option they desire and they can switch between options seamlessly. This feature is unique among all schools of engineering. Today, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering offers more than 40 graduate degree programs in this hybrid mode. It has been recognized amongst the top such programs in the world by the US News and World Report, with its Computer Science program being the #1 such program over the last 8 years in a row.
We have also attached as an annexure to this document, which is a memo from USC Viterbi School of Engineering Dean, Yannis C. Yortsos to international students.
Appended below is his statement Dean Yannis C. Yortsos, who himself came to the United States as an international student, receiving his masters and doctorate while studying in the Southern California region.
“Let me first state that I relate very closely to all of you, as several years ago, I was myself an international student. I share many of your frustrations at the disruption that COVID-19 has brought to your education, your growth and development, and your plans, and the concerns it has caused you and your families. I understand them fully. As well, I understand your aspirations, your tenacity, and your dreams. My colleagues at USC Viterbi and I will work as hard as we can to help you reach your goals. We consider it our moral responsibility to you”