Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture
Application Deadlines
Spring 2018: September 15, 2017
Fall 2018: January 15, 2018
USC GRADUATE APPLICATION- Program Overview
- Application Information
- Tuition & Fees
- DEN@Viterbi - Online Delivery
- Request Information
The program exposes students to the concepts, principles, and state-of-the-art methods in software architectures; introduces principles and approaches for modeling systems using SysML; applies software engineering process models and management approaches for design and architecture of large software systems; and guides the architect through every phase of the conception, implementation, deployment, and finally systems retirement. If students are later admitted to the Master of Science in Computer Science, the courses taken for the certificate may be applied toward that degree.
Please Note: Requirements for graduation, course offerings, course availability, track offerings, and any other degree requirements are subject to change. Students should consult with an academic advisor prior to registering for any classes.
- A minimum of 16 units is required to earn the Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture
- Required Courses: 14 units
- Elective Course: 3-4 units
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
|---|---|
| Spring 2018 (scholarship consideration) | August 31 |
| Spring 2018 (FINAL) | September 15 |
| Fall 2018 (scholarship consideration) | December 15 |
| Fall 2018 (FINAL) | January 15, 2018 |
- An undergraduate degree in engineering, math or hard science from a regionally-accredited university.
- Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average).
- Satisfactory GRE test scores. All scores must be officially reported to the university directly by ETS.
- Substantial background in computing constitutes a minimum requirement.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
GRE General Test: Satisfactory and valid test scores. Valid GRE scores must be dated within five years of the start of the intended application semester. The fall semester starts in August, and the spring semester starts in January. Official scores must be reported from ETS directly to USC using ETS school code 4852. A department code is not required.
Resume/CV (Required)
Statement of Purpose (Optional): The statement of purpose should succinctly describe your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
Letters of Recommendation (Optional): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study.
English Language Proficiency: In addition to the general admission criteria listed above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination to be considered a candidate for admission. There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission to the Viterbi School. For possible exemption from additional language requirements, you must achieve an Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90, with no less than 20 on each section or an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score. For more details on English Proficiency Criteria for the University of Southern California, please visit USC Graduate Admission – Proficiency in English.
The following is an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition.
TUITION
| Academic Year | Per Unit Rate | 3-unit Course | 4-unit Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2016 - Summer 2017 | $1,845 | $5,535 | $7,380 |
| Fall 2017 - Summer 2018 | $1,937 | $5,811 | $7,748 |
STUDENT FEES
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Fees (approximate) | Fall 2017: $450 Spring 2018: $400 | ||
| Health Insurance | Fall 2017: $646 Spring 2018: $1,170 | ||
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $8/semester | ||
| ENGR Computing Access Fee | $35/semester | ||
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course |
If you are interested in beginning classes as a DEN@Viterbi student next semester, explore the requirements and steps to enrolling as a Limited Status Student.
Learn More About DEN@ViterbiDetailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
DEN@VITERBI ONLINE COURSE OFFERINGS
The following courses and program requirements serve as program planning for DEN@Viterbi students. Course offerings and availability are subject to change. Please consult with advisor if you have any questions.
| Required Courses |
| All courses are required – 14 units total. |
| CSCI 568 | Requirements Engineering (4 units) |
| CSCI 578 | Software Architectures (4 units) |
| SAE 549 | Systems Architecting (3 units) |
| SAE 547 | Model-Based Systems Architecting & Engineering (3 units) |
| Elective Courses |
| One course required – 3-4 units total. |
| CSCI 510 | Software Management and Economics (4 units) |
| CSCI 530 | Security Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 555 | Advanced Operating Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 577a | Software Engineering (4 units) |
| CSCI 577b | Software Engineering (4 units) |
| EE 557 | Computer Systems Architecture (4 units) |
| SAE 541 | Systems Engineering Theory & Practice (3 units) |