Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Intelligent Robotics. +Students may include in their programs research for an optional master’s thesis conducted in collaboration with industry.
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 for the MS in Computer Science - Intelligent Robotics degree
- Required Courses: 16 units
- Intelligent Robotics Elective Courses: 16 units
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
- A maximum of 4 units may be taken from approved 400-level courses in either Electrical Engineering or Computer Science; the remaining units must be approved courses at the 500 or 600 level
- Only one doctoral (600-level) course can be counted in the degree
- Only one non-CS course can be counted in the degree
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring 2024 | September 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2024 | December 15, 2023* |
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.
HEJIA ZHANG
Why did you choose to enroll at USC?
I believed USC would become a right place for me to purse my robotics dream because it is one of the few universities that have a robotics specialized program. USC also has a very strong school of engineering where I could get inspiration and collaboration from different fields from different fields such as electrical engineering and mechanical engineering
What's an experience at USC that you'll never forget?
I will never forget the project which finally lead to my first "first-author" paper. This project grounded my research skills and gave my a deeper insight into robotics. On the other hand, this project also could not be done without help and support from my supervisor Professor Gaurav Sukhatme who is always open to different ideas and willing to support his students to do the research they are interested in, Professor Stefanos Nikolaidis who is willing to edit the paper again and again to pursue perfection.
What did you enjoy most about living in California?
I would say the weather is perfect. In Los Angeles, I could also find many Asian restaurants.
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STEFAN NICULAE
Why did you choose to enroll at USC?
I chose USC because of its academic reputation and strong alumni network, both essential for future career paths, whether in the academia, the industry, or entrepreneurship. This, coupled with a great location and focus on not just learning but also personal growth. This made USC a top choice for me.
What's an experience at USC that you'll never forget?
Hearing the Marching Band for the first time. Never thought I'd tolerate even hearing it, but I instantly loved it!
What advice would you give future Viterbi students?
Get involved in as many things as you have energy for! Definitely sign up for your favorite activities, whether they are dancing, sport, robotics or anything else -- there is sure to be a group at USC that shares your passion. Also be sure to try something new -- go to a competition, try a hackathon, pickup a new hobby! But while it's all very exciting, don't forget to schedule time for yourself as well. It can quickly get overwhelming and you can end up burnt out, so definitely explore, but do so in moderation.
Alumni Employment
- Amazon
- Amazon Robotics - Software Development Engineer
- Cognitiv.ai - Machine Learning Engineer
- Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation
- Information Sciences Institute - Postdoc Research Fellow
- Intel - Automation Software Engineer
- Metecs - Robotics Engineer
- Near Earth Autonomy - Software Engineer
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.Please complete the following form for more information.
