We are thrilled that you are considering the University of San Diego's Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering in your search for a school to finish your undergraduate degree. Our nationally-ranked programs, small class sizes and hands-on advising make USD a great choice for those who've already begun their college education — and we’re working hard to make it a smooth transition for you.
The USD Core Curriculum
Educating the mind and spirit of our students.
The University of San Diego core curriculum prepares students to be life-long learners who have the necessary skills to navigate their future careers and live meaningful lives. As you consider transitioning to USD’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, it is likely that courses you've already taken will meet many of our core requirements.
Transferring College Credits
Start your Journey Here
If you are planning to transfer to the University of San Diego from another college or university, many of your general education credits may be transferrable. We invite you to start your journey by exploring our transfer admission roadmap — your step-by-step buide to transferring to USD.
Where are you transferring from?
Here is a list of equivalent San Diego community college course(s) for these USD courses, as well as many of lower division course requirements. Even if you earn credits from a different community college or other institution, your institution will likely have very similar courses to the ones listed below.
USD Course Requirements are in parentheses.
Math Courses:
- Mathematics 150 Calculus/Analytic Geometry I (equivalent to USD MATH 150)
- Mathematics 151 Calculus/Analytic Geometry II (equivalent to USD MATH 151)
- Mathematics 252 Calculus/Analytic Geometry III (equivalent to USD MATH 250)
- Mathematics 255 Differential Equations (we will accept in place of USD MATH 310)
Physics Courses:
- Physics 195 Mechanics (equivalent to USD PHYS 270 and PHYS 270L)
- Physics 196 Electricity and Magnetism (equivalent to USD PHYS 271 and PHYS 271L)
Chemistry Courses:
- Chemistry 200 General Chemistry I (equivalent to USD CHEM 151)
- Chemistry 200L General Chemistry I Lab (equivalent to USD CHEM 151L)
Engineering Courses: (you MAY receive credit for the following - please contact us for verification)
- Engineering 101 Introduction to Engineering (equivalent to 1.5 of 3 units of USD ENGR 101)
- Engineering 111 Intro to Computer Aided Design (we will accept for ENGR 101 or 102)
- Engineering 152 Engineering Design (equivalent to ENGR 102)
- Engineering 198 Computer Applications in Engineering (equivalent to ENGR 102)
- Engineering 200 Statics (MENG 210)
- Engineering 260 Electric Circuits (equivalent to 3 of 4 units for ELEC 201; prepares students for all courses that require ELEC 201 as a prerequisite)
Other useful courses:
- English 105 Composition and Literature (equivalent to FYW 150)
- Economics 120 or 121 Principles of Economics (Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering majors may fulfill the economics requirement; not suitable for Industrial and Systems Engineering majors)
- COMS 103 (equivalent to COMM 203 Intro to Public Speaking)
USD Course Requirements are in parentheses.
Math Courses:
- Mathematics 180 Calculus/Analytic Geometry I (equivalent to USD MATH 150)
- Mathematics 280 Calculus/Analytic Geometry II (equivalent to USD MATH 151)
- Mathematics 281 Calculus/Analytic Geometry III (equivalent to USD MATH 250)
- Mathematics 285 Differential Equations (we will accept in place of USD MATH 310)
Physics Courses:
- Physics 140 Mechanics (equivalent to USD PHYS 270 and PHYS 270L)
- Physics 200 Electricity and Magnetism (equivalent to USD PHYS 271 and PHYS 271L)
Chemistry Courses:
- Chemistry 141 General Chemistry I (equivalent to USD CHEM 151)
- Chemistry 141L General Chemistry I Lab (equivalent to USD CHEM 151L)
Engineering Courses:(you MAY receive credit for the following - please contact us for verification)
- Engineering 100 Introduction to Engineering (equivalent to ENGR 101)
- Engineering 119 Intro to Computer Aided Design (we will accept for ENGR 101 or 102)
- Engineering 129 Solid Modeling (equivalent to MENG 352)
- Engineering 120 Computer Applications in Engineering (equivalent to ENGR 102)
- Engineering 200 Statics (MENG 210)
- Engineering 220 Dynamics (will get lower division credit to satisfy MENG 375)
- Engineering 260 Engineering Materials (will get lower division credit to satisfy MENG 311)
- Engineering 210 Electric Circuits (equiv to 3 of 4 units for ELEC 201; prepares students for all courses that require ELEC 201 as a prerequisite)
Other useful courses:
- English 120 Composition and Literature (equivalent to FYW 150)
- Economics 120 or 121 Macro or Micro Economics (Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering majors may fulfill the economics requirement; not suitable for Industrial and Systems Engineering majors)
- COMM 122 (equivalent to COMM 203 Intro to Public Speaking)
How can I be Most Prepared?
The most helpful courses to complete before coming to USD are math and physics. In general, the more math and physics you come in with, the further along you will be in our programs. We invite you to take a look at the lower-division program requirements for USD engineering and computer science majors in the boxes to the right. Click through to the curriculum of each degree program to find out the order in which these courses are taken.
For Engineering Students
MATH 150: Calculus I
MATH 151: Calculus II
PHYS 270: Mechanics
When you have completed these three courses, you will meet the requirements to enter the engineering program at a sophomore level.
For Computer Science Students
Calculus I
Calculus II
Linear Algebra
Discrete Math
All computer science courses will be individually evaluated.
Expand Your Horizons
Busting stereotypes and redefining "cool"
If you think all engineers and computer scientists are too focused on their studies to "have a life," think again. San Diego offers an ideal environment to get involved in campus activities while immersing yourself in a healthy, active lifestyle.
Academic Advising
Get more information
We can answer or direct your questions about transferring to USD.
Become a Torero
From the moment you step on campus, we hand you the reins to help you along your academic journey to uncover your talents and discover your dream job.


