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    Discover Engineering
    In-person Program

    Discover Engineering

    by USC Pre-College

    Explore engineering through design challenges, research and practical projects. Discover Engineering combines lectures, teamwork and field trips with building and testing real solutions.

    Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Discover Engineering at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    High school; completed ninth grade

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    University of Southern California, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, United States

    Cost

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next session

    21 June-15 July 2027

    Save program
    EngineeringBiomedical EngineeringComputer ScienceArtificial Intelligence
    Accommodation: Shared university residence-hall rooms
    Meals: Three daily meals for residents
    Campus experience: Libraries, computer labs and field trips
    Residential options: Residential and eligible local commuter
    Credit / Outcome: Three units of elective credit
    Tutors / Faculty: USC faculty and experienced professionals
    Instruction / Cadence: 5-6 instructional hours per day

    Discover Engineering summary

    Discover Engineering is USC Pre-College's introduction to engineering through lectures, classroom discussion and practical design work.

    Students investigate several engineering disciplines, build and test solutions, write a research paper and practice presenting project outcomes.

    It suits students who want to test their interest in engineering through teamwork and experimentation before choosing a college major.

    What is Discover Engineering?

    Discover Engineering is a USC Pre-College summer course that introduces the work of engineers through academic lectures, discussion and practical projects. Its study themes cover civil and environmental engineering, biomedical and electrical engineering, aerospace and chemical engineering, and computer science and robotics.

    Students work through the engineering design process by designing, building and testing solutions under real requirements and constraints. Activities include bridges, circuits, rockets and robots, alongside engineering research and presentations. Visits to engineering sites connect classroom work with professional challenges.

    Why Succeed highlights Discover Engineering

    • The weekly study themes let students compare several engineering disciplines before committing to a college major.

    • Design constraints, simulation and physical testing make the engineering process concrete.

    • Research writing and project presentations develop the ability to explain and defend technical decisions.

    • Engineering field trips connect projects with professional practice.

    • Successful completion earns university elective credit rather than attendance recognition alone.

    Who is Discover Engineering for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy building, troubleshooting and collaborating, and want to compare engineering fields through practical work.

    Not ideal if

    You want a light summer activity or highly specialized training in one discipline; the course combines substantial daily instruction with broad engineering exploration.

    Is Discover Engineering worth it?

    Discover Engineering can be worthwhile when your main goal is to test whether you enjoy engineering's combination of analysis, experimentation and teamwork. The mix of prototypes, research and presentations gives you concrete experiences to reflect on, while successful completion earns elective credit.

    The substantial family cost makes the decision depend on how much you value the campus experience and breadth of practical work. Financial aid is not offered, credit transfer is discretionary, and participation carries no admission guarantee. Compare it with a focused engineering course if you already know your preferred discipline.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $8,130; $11,570; $12,208; includes Five to six instructional hours per day., Textbooks, course materials and academic field trips., On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips., Student Health Center access., Residential option: shared residence-hall room and meal plan..

    Accommodation

    Shared university residence-hall rooms

    Meals

    Three daily meals for residents

    Supervision or safety information

    Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. Residence and dining halls require USCard access, and campus public safety provides 24/7 patrols.

    Provider details

    Review the USC Pre-College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    4 weeks; University of Southern California, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Discover Engineering need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin planning when 2027 application information arrives in November, allowing several weeks for documents and longer for international travel arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Balancing technical project work, teamwork and clear written explanations.

    Typical preparation

    • Review your pre-calculus or trigonometry preparation and determine whether you need the course waiver.

    • Give your recommender and school administrator several weeks to complete their application tasks.

    • Prepare an independent application essay explaining your interest in engineering.

    • Plan for a laptop, closed-toe shoes and, when applicable, immigration documents before travel.

    Useful if

    You want to test your readiness for college-level engineering study.

    What do students do on Discover Engineering?

    You connect engineering theory with practical design challenges, moving from models and prototypes to testing and explanation. The weekly outline progresses through structures, circuits, flight and robotics.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore green energy and structure design by simulating and building windmills and bridges.

    2. 2

      Study digital circuit design and build a working circuit.

    3. 3

      Investigate flight by launching rockets, programming drones and designing gliders.

    4. 4

      Build and program Arduino-based robots, explore AI robots and create an AI chatbot.

    5. 5

      Research an engineering concept, write a paper and practice presenting and defending project outcomes.

    6. 6

      Visit engineering sites to connect your studies with professional work.

    Discover Engineering dates and deadlines

    Application deadline

    8 May 2026

    2026 domestic applicant reference date; not a 2027 deadline.

    Past

    Application deadline

    13 March 2026

    2026 international applicant reference date; not a 2027 deadline.

    Past

    Discover Engineering — Summer 2026, domestic

    22 June-17 July 2026

    Reference session for domestic residential and commuter options.

    Past

    Discover Engineering — Summer 2026, international

    22 June-17 July 2026

    Reference session for international residential participants.

    Past

    Discover Engineering — Summer 2027

    21 June-15 July 2027

    Application information is expected in November; application dates are not announced.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • High school students who have completed at least ninth grade.

    • Applicants should pursue a rigorous high school curriculum.

    • Domestic and international students may apply.

    • Attend every required class meeting.

    • Complete pre-calculus or trigonometry, or submit the required waiver.

    • International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through tests or a waiver.

    • Commuters must live with a parent or guardian in eligible counties.

    • International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.

    How much does Discover Engineering cost?

    Application fee

    $85 — Nonrefundable.

    Funding or discounts

    • Domestic commuter total: $8,130 — 2026 estimated program total.
    • Domestic residential total: $11,570 — 2026 estimated total including room and board.
    • International residential total: $12,208 — 2026 estimated USC total, including required international service fees.
    • Deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable and credited toward the total.
    • Financial aid: Not offered
    • Visa application fee: $185 — When required; paid to the U.S. government.
    • SEVIS I-901 fee: $350 — For applicable international participants.

    What's included

    Five to six instructional hours per day., Textbooks, course materials and academic field trips., On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips., Student Health Center access., Residential option: shared residence-hall room and meal plan.

    How to apply to Discover Engineering

    1. 1

      Create an account or log in to USC's Summer Programs application portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application using an email address you check regularly.

    3. 3

      Write your own 300-500 word essay using the portal's instructions.

    4. 4

      Request an online recommendation from a teacher, counselor or mentor.

    5. 5

      Ask a school administrator to upload your PDF high school transcript.

    6. 6

      Add the mathematics waiver and English-proficiency documents when required.

    7. 7

      Pay the nonrefundable application fee, complete every task and click Submit.

    8. 8

      After acceptance, pay the credited deposit and complete assigned supplementary forms.

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    What does Discover Engineering cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Civil and Environmental Engineering

    Study green energy and structure design by simulating and building windmills and bridges.

    Biomedical and Electrical Engineering

    Explore digital circuit design and simulate and build a working circuit.

    Aerospace and Chemical Engineering

    Investigate rocket design, flight and atmospheric testing through rockets, drones and gliders.

    Computer Science and Robotics

    Practice programming and AI through Arduino-based robots, AI robots and an AI chatbot.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Discover Engineering?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic day

    Five to six instructional hours per day, with lunch breaks or Los Angeles field trips.

    Residential activities

    Residential advisors and staff supervise activities such as games, socials and outdoor movies.

    Recreational excursions

    Trips may visit local beaches, theme parks or sports events; residents attend organized activities.

    Residential routine

    Residents must be in their hall by 10 p.m., with lights out at 11:30 p.m.

    Who teaches on Discover Engineering?

    USC Summer Programs courses are taught by USC faculty and experienced professionals from the USC academic community. Discover Engineering also incorporates a guest speaker in its first weekly study theme.

    Where do students stay on Discover Engineering?

    Residential plan

    • Shared residence-hall rooms: Students live in university halls with gender-specific roommate and floormate assignments.
    • Residential meal plan: Room and board covers three daily dining-hall meals and specified field-trip meals.
    • Residential support: Advisors live in the halls, with USCard-controlled access and 24/7 public-safety patrols.
    • Evening campus activities: Staff supervise social activities, while residents follow a 10 p.m. hall curfew.

    Non-residential plan

    • Local commuter option: Eligible students live with a parent or guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County.
    • Commuter activities and travel: Commuters attend academic sessions and field trips and may join recreational activities with permission.
    • Commuter meals: Commuters purchase meals separately; dining-hall cash payments are not accepted.

    Roommate requests cannot be accommodated. International participants and domestic participants living abroad must live on campus.

    What happens after Discover Engineering?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn three units of university elective credit upon successful completion.

    Develop an engineering research paper and practical project work.

    Request an official USC transcript with your course grade.

    Explore engineering fields before choosing a college major.

    Build faculty connections that may lead to recommendation letters.

    Recommendation letters are potential outcomes, credit transfer depends on the receiving institution, and participation does not guarantee USC admission.

    Where does Discover Engineering take place?

    The program takes place at USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles, with access to campus libraries, computer labs and student health services. Engineering field trips visit relevant sites around the city.

    All academic and recreational field-trip travel uses USC Summer Programs transportation, including for commuters.

    Discover Engineering FAQs

    The weekly outline covers civil and environmental engineering, biomedical and electrical engineering, aerospace and chemical engineering, and computer science and robotics.

    Applicants who will not have completed pre-calculus or trigonometry before June 15, 2027 must submit the Pre-Calc/Trig Waiver with their application to be considered.

    Successful completion earns three units of university elective credit. Another college or university decides whether to accept those units.

    Eligible local participants can commute while living with a parent or legal guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County. International participants and domestic participants living abroad must live on campus.

    Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. Residence and dining halls require USCard access, and campus public safety provides 24/7 patrols.

    USC Summer Programs does not offer financial aid or assistance.

    No. Admission to or participation in USC Summer Programs does not guarantee admission to USC or its schools.

    Discover Engineering participants must bring their own laptop and at least one pair of closed-toe shoes for field trips.

    Alternatives to Discover Engineering

    Compare these engineering programs by subject emphasis, location and family budget.

    Alternatives to Discover Engineering

    Engineering Summer Course

    An engineering summer course in Cambridge

    Engineering
    Deadline: Not announced
    From £5495
    13-15
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Younger teens comparing engineering summer courses

    View details

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Summer Programs Application Management
    • USC Summer Programs Transcripts | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs FAQs | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Policies | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs International Application | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Residential and Commuter Experience | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Overview | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs Application and Admission | USC Pre-College
    • USC Summer Programs | USC Pre-College
    • Engineering Summer Program | USC Pre-College

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page reviewed

    • Session announcement checked

    • Application requirements reviewed

    • Historical deadlines identified

    • Estimated fee totals checked

    • Housing and meals reviewed

    • Credit conditions checked

    • Safety policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.