Navigating Admission Requirements for Business and Engineering Students

 

Thinking of transferring to USC’s Marshall School of Business or the Viterbi School of Engineering? Awesome choice! 🎉 Both programs are highly competitive, and ensuring you meet the math course requirements is a crucial step in the process. Let’s dive into what you need to know about Math 118, Math 125, and Math 126—because without these courses, you won’t be eligible for admission. But don’t worry, we’ll help you navigate it all! 

Start with the Transfer Brochure and Articulation Agreements 

Your transfer process begins with two key resources: the USC Transfer Brochure and the Articulation Agreement or History tools. These will guide you in understanding which courses will transfer to USC and what requirements you need to meet. 

• The Transfer Brochure provides an overview of the entire transfer process, tips for applying, and specific course recommendations for various programs. You can access the Transfer Brochure here. If you cannot find your major in the brochure, you can look at the program course catalogue. 
   

• The Articulation Agreement tools helps you confirm which courses at your current institution will transfer to USC. It’s essential to check this early in your process. 

1. California community college students, you’ll find a list of course equivalencies, making it easy to know which math and science courses transfer. This will be in the Articulation Agreement. 

2. Students at four-year universities, check past Articulation Histories to see if your courses have transferred. If your courses aren’t listed, this blog will help you understand what to look for. These will be in the articulation histories. 
    
   You can access the Articulation Agreement tool here. You can also find our Articulation Histories here.  
    

Here is some info about the specific course requirements. All the course names and numbers are the USC named courses. Your school will have different names and numbers, but should cover the same materials.  
 
  

Business Students: You Need Math 118 or Math 125 

If you’re planning to transfer to USC’s Marshall School of Business, you’ll need to complete either Math 118 or Math 125 before applying. Completing either of those courses is required for admission. We have no preference in which Math course you complete, so make sure you have or are currently enrolled in one of them at your current school. You should try to complete the Math requirement as soon as you possibly can. 

Important note: qualifying scores on AP (4 or 5 on AP Calc AB or BC) exams satisfy Math 118 or 125. Qualifying scores on IB Higher Level (Applications & Interpretations or Analysis & Approaches ) fulfill Math 118 only.  

Engineering Students: Calculus is a Must Have  

If you're transferring into USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, two math courses, either calculus or higher-level math beyond calculus, after high school graduation are required, with a minimum of Calculus II in-progress at the point of application. For most students, this typically ends up being Math 125 and Math 126. If you already have credit for these, via AP, IB, or other courses, continue to advance in the appropriate math for your major, usually Math 226, then Math 225 or Math 245. You must complete at least two of these courses at your current college/university to be eligible for admission, and at least Math 126 (Calculus II) must be in progress when you apply. Engineering is a math-heavy field, and these calculus courses are foundational to your success at USC. For more information about these requirements, please visit https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/transfer/.  

Here's what to know about each course if you can’t find it in the articulation agreement or history for your school.  

Math 118: Calculus for Business and Economics 

Math 118 is designed for business students and focuses on applying calculus concepts to real-world business problems. This course is required for admission to the Marshall School of Business, so if you’re aiming to transfer, make sure to complete it (or its equivalent). 

1. Topics covered: 

1. Limits and Continuity 

2. Derivatives and their applications 

3. Integration and its applications in business 
    
   This course is all about practical application and less about theoretical depth—perfect for business majors! You can find more information on Math 118 here. 
    
     

Math 125: Calculus I 

Some business students might prefer a more rigorous math foundation. Math 125 is an excellent alternative that also satisfies the requirement for business students and engineering students. It’s more in-depth than Math 118 and will prepare you well if you’re interested in areas like finance or operations. 

Topics covered: 

1. Advanced differentiation and integration 

2. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus 
    
   If you’re planning on applying to more quantitative business roles, Math 125 might be the better option. More info on Math 125 is available here. 

Math 126: Calculus II 

After completing Math 125, the next step is Math 126, which delves into more advanced calculus concepts.  

Topics covered: 

1. Advanced techniques of integration 

2. Sequences and series 

3. Parametric equations and polar coordinates 
    
   This course is essential for tackling the complex engineering coursework that lies ahead. You can learn more about Math 126 here. 

Engineering Students: Lab-Based Science or Programming Courses 

In addition to calculus, engineering applicants must also complete at least two lab-based science courses or two programming courses to be eligible for admission. This is another essential requirement that AP/IB credit alone will not satisfy. 

1. Lab-based science courses must be in chemistry or calculus-based physics (e.g., the equivalents of CHEM 105a or 105b and/or PHYS 151, 152, or 153).  

2. Programming courses can also meet this requirement if they are aligned with your intended major (i.e. Computer Science majors only. CSCI, CSBA, CECS, or CS Games.) 

Here are the descriptions for each lab-based science courses: 

1. CHEM 105A: General Chemistry 
    
   This course introduces essential chemical principles such as the periodic table, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, properties of solutions and gases, and thermochemistry, while emphasizing good lab practices and data-based decision-making. 

2. CHEM 105B: General Chemistry 
    
   This course introduces foundational chemical principles, including reaction kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry, with a focus on real-world applications. 

3. PHYS 151: Fundamentals of Physics I 
   This course focuses on Newtonian mechanics, covering fundamental concepts such as forces, motion, work, energy, and momentum, with an emphasis on applying calculus to physical problems.  

4. PHYS 152: Fundamentals of Physics II 
   Building on PHYS 151, this course explores electromagnetism, including electric forces, electric and magnetic fields, circuits, and electromagnetic waves.  

5. PHYS 153: Fundamentals of Physics III 
   The final course in this sequence, PHYS 153, introduces wave phenomena, optics and modern physics concepts such as relativity and quantum mechanics.  
    
   Pro Tip: Competitive applicants will not only complete these courses but show proven success in them. If you’ve already completed the requirement, continued academic rigor is expected. For example, if you’ve finished PHYS 151 and PHYS 152, it’s recommended to take PHYS 153 if it fits your major and schedule. 
    
     

Pro Tip: Stay Organized and Plan Ahead 

1. Check your courses early: Double-check your current courses with the articulation agreement. This ensures that you’re taking the right math classes to transfer seamlessly to USC. 

2. Meet all requirements: Without Math 118 (for business), Math 125, and Math 126 (for engineering) & Science for Engineering, you won’t be eligible for admission. Stay on top of this! 

3. Reach out for support: Have questions? We’re here to help! If you’re unsure about course equivalencies or deadlines, don’t hesitate to contact your admission counselor or the correct academic department. 

1. Office of Admission – Find your counselor  

2. Marshall School of Business – Email busadm@marshall.usc.edu  

3. Viterbi School of Engineering - Contact  

Stay Connected! 

You’re making great strides toward transferring to USC. If you have questions or need extra support, make sure to attend one of our transfer information sessions, review our transfer brochure, and use the articulation agreement tool to keep everything on track. 

Follow us on Instagram (@uscadmission) for updates, student stories, and more tips as you prepare to join the Trojan Family! Let us know if you have any other questions—USC is excited to see you take the next step in your journey! 

Written By: Tyler Swartout, International Admissions Officer – Office of Admission, In Collaboration with Angie Solares, Senior Associate Director – Viterbi School of Engineering & Kevin Fregoso, Associate Director – Marshall School of Business