Photo credit: Gus Ruelas
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering announced a new partnership with the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), one of India’s leading technological universities.
This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in strengthening international ties between two acclaimed institutions, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in education and research.
The recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) strengthens academic ties and foster innovation through joint research, educational initiatives and student and faculty exchanges. By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, this partnership will address emerging challenges in science, technology and engineering, creating impactful opportunities for students, researchers and faculty.
Further emphasis will be on collaboration in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, quantum computing and sustainable engineering, along with scholarly exchanges and participation in conferences. This partnership aligns with BITS Pilani’s vision of building a global ecosystem for higher education and research, further expanding its international footprint.
This collaboration includes several key initiatives. First, a combined Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) and Master of Science (M.S.) program will be launched. Highly qualified BITS Pilani students, after completing three years of their B.E. degree, will be eligible for early admission to the M.S. program at the USC Viterbi School. These students will complete their undergraduate requirements at BITS while simultaneously starting their M.S. coursework under the guidance of USC faculty.
Second, a short-term exchange program will allow USC students to spend two weeks at BITS Pilani campuses, participating in academic and cultural activities. Finally, the partnership will support USC faculty members visiting BITS, and vice versa, to teach courses, lead seminars and collaborate on joint research projects. This will facilitate the exchange of expertise and ideas between USC and BITS.
Yannis C. Yortsos, dean of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering said, “This partnership with BITS Pilani exemplifies our commitment to building global alliances that advance research and innovation. By combining the expertise and vision of both institutions, we aim to create transformative opportunities for students and faculty while addressing some of the most complex challenges of our time.”
Professor Ramgopal Rao, BITS Pilani group vice chancellor, added: “This partnership with the USC Viterbi School of Engineering represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide global opportunities for our students and faculty. By combining the strengths of both institutions, we aim to foster innovation, enhance learning experiences and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education and research.”
The agreement was formalized on June 5 at a ceremony held at USC’s Olin Hall of Engineering, with key representatives from BITS Pilani, including Rao, Professor Arya Kumar and Sachin Arya. USC attendees included Dean Yortsos; Anthony Bailey, USC vice president for global and online initiatives; Raghu Raghavendra, USC Viterbi vice dean for global academic initiatives; Kelly Goulis, USC Viterbi senior associate dean for admission and student engagement; and William Schwerin, director of graduate recruitment.
About BITS Pilani
The Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani is a premier institute for higher education in India. A deemed university, it was recognised by the Govt. of India 2020 as an Institution of Eminence. Founded by the late Mr. G.D. Birla, an eminent industrialist, a freedom fighter, and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, BITS Pilani has grown from a small school in the early 1900s into a renowned institution. Established as a university in 1964, BITS Pilani celebrates its 60th year in 2024.
About USC Viterbi School Engineering
Founded in 1905, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering was named in 2004 as the Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering, honoring USC alumnus Andrew Viterbi, who developed an algorithm to connect the world, and his wife Erna. Located in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology, business and innovation in the heart of the Pacific Rim, USC Viterbi draws undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world and has more than 10,000 students, 400 faculty across all ranks and appointment levels. With its vision of engineering a better world for all humanity, USC Viterbi which, is consistently ranked among the top engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report embodies the power of engineering (Engineering+) to advance discovery and solutions across all disciplines, to serve the world. In 2024, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering launched the School of Advanced Computing, thus creating a new “school within a school.”
Published on June 6th, 2025
Last updated on June 6th, 2025
