The MS degree in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), is one of the first programs of its type in the nation, and provides students with rigorous training in the theories and applications of deep learning and artificial intelligence. Topics include machine learning, statistics, computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics.
The program consists of:
Required Courses (20 units)
- CSCI 561 Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
- CSCI 566 Deep learning and Its Applications
- CSCI 567 Machine learning
- CSCI 570 Analysis of Algorithms
- CSCI 571 Web Technologies
Group Electives - take three courses, one from each group (12 units)
Group 1 (Machine Learning & Deep Learning)
- EE 546 Mathematics of High-Dimensional Data
- EE 588 Optimization for the Information and Data Sciences
- ISE 633 Large-Scale Optimization for Machine Learning
Group 2 (Natural Language Processing & Speech Recognition)
- CSCI 544 Applied Natural Language Processing
- CSCI 662 Advanced Applied Natural Language Processing
- EE 519 Speech Recognition and Processing for Multimedia
Group 3 (Computer Vision & Robotics)
- CSCI 445 Introduction to Robotics
- CSCI 545 Robotics
- CSCI 677 Advanced Computer Vision
- EE 569 Introduction to Digital Image Processing
NOTE: Students may use units of CSCI 599 or CSCI 699 toward the group elective requirements with department approval.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
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 32 units is required to earn the MS in Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence degree
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
Spring 2024 | September 15, 2023 |
Fall 2024 | December 15, 2023* |
* DEN@Viterbi (Online Delivery) Deadline Extension: An application extension for Fall 2024 is available for online DEN@Viterbi applicants who intend to pursue their entire degree program online and do not require a visa sponsorship. Please email den@viterbi.usc.edu to request an application extension.
On-campus students who apply by published deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted.
Online DEN@Viterbi applicants can view the Master's Scholarships (DEN@Viterbi) page for scholarship opportunities.
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Visit our
Ready to Apply page for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
Applicants are expected to have completed or be in process of completing an undergraduate degree in computer science or its equivalent. For those who do not, they should meet the eligibility criteria on our MSCS Eligibility Criteria page.
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The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts: Upload Electronic Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A mailed hard copy or official e-transcript is not required for admission to our programs.
- Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended) and other degree related documents through the online graduate application (International applicants, visit USC Graduate Admission’s Country Requirements page for details on required documents)
- Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable
- If the transcript includes a separate grading scale, make sure it is also uploaded
- For upload purposes, all transcript related documents for a single school must be submitted as one document
- If you are admitted, you will be given specific instructions on submitting your hard copy transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement: The personal statement should describe succinctly 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.
- GRE: General GRE test scores are not required for 2024
- 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.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
English Language Proficiency: In addition to application requirements above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. 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. Please review USC Graduate Admission – Proficiency in English.
IMPORTANT: USC does not accept Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials test scores.
APPLY NOW - USC GRADUATE APPLICATION
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
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Academic Year | Per Unit Rate | 3-unit Course | 4-unit Course |
Fall 2023 - Summer 2024* | $2,424 | $7,272 | $9,696 |
Fall 2022 - Summer 2023* | $2,309 | $6,927 | $9,236 |
* Tuition is the same for on-campus and online students |
MANDATORY STUDENT FEES - 2023/24
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Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
Student Health Center Fee | $600/semester | | |
Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $11/semester | | |
ENGR Student Programming Fee (On-Campus students) | $40/semester | | |
ENGR Student Programming Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $20/semester | | |
Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
Transportation Fee | $93/semester | | |
Health Insurance (U.S.-based health insurance is required, but it does not have to be through USC) | Fall 2023: $948
Spring 2024: $1,765 | | |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE - 32 UNIT PROGRAM
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This downloadable Cost of Attendance document breaks down the tuition and fees by semester. Although the actual number of courses taken each semester may vary by student as can the amount of time taken to complete the program, it can be submitted to banks and scholarship institutions.
PAYMENT
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USC students may pay their tuition and fees online, via wire transfer or using a payment plan. Details can be found on the USC Student Financial Services Payment Options page. You can check your account balance through the On-line Academic Student Information System (OASIS). Log into OASIS through MyUSC.
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USC also provides a Tuition Refund Insurance option that enables students to receive a 100% refund of term tuition and fees if they are are forced to withdraw for medical reasons.
PRASHANT VIBHOR AGARWAL
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
- The Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) program at USC is the first of its kind in the United States. No other university offers such a dedicated track for learning Artificial Intelligence.
- The cultural diversity at USC gives you an opportunity to see things from different perspectives allowing you to grow as an individual.
- Being one of top universities with world-class faculty doing cutting edge research and having an extensive alumni network doesn't hurt either.
Tell us about an exciting and unforgettable experience from your time so far at USC.
The grand Diwali festival held during my first semester at USC was an awesome experience for me. It gave me a sense of belonging, making it feel like a home away from home.
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside of the classroom?
I was a member of the E-board of HSO [Hindu Student Organization] which organized various events to celebrate religious occasions. I also served as a mentor in AthenaHacks, Southern California’s premier hackathon for women, femme, & non-binary students.
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RUIJUN DENG
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
I decided to pursue an MS in Artificial Intelligence at USC because I always wanted to get a taste of what AI research looks like at the graduate level. USC's MS in AI program definitely provides the opportunity and resources for me to gain a deeper insight into the field.
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
I was fortunate to intern as a Software Engineer at Uber and will be joining the company after graduation.
What advice would you give future Viterbi students?
Take advantage of the abundant research opportunities here at USC. The research labs actively recruit student workers all seasons. If students are interested in doing research, I highly recommend them to apply.
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SWARALI ATUL JOSHI
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
From never having lived alone to living alone in a foreign country, I've become much more independent. USC provides a strong support network to its students and I can truly say that it's a home away from home.
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside of the classroom?
I actively volunteer with Friends and Neighbors (FND), a community service program. It's a great opportunity to participate in varied volunteering opportunities and make new friends!
What do you like most about living in Los Angeles?
I love the weather! Los Angeles also has a lot of tourist attractions like the Griffith Park Observatory and Santa Monica beach.
This program is not available through DEN. For a full list of the 40+ engineering graduate programs available online, please visit Online DEN@Viterbi Offerings.
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