The MS in Computer Science provides intensive preparation in the concepts and techniques related to the design, programming, and application of computing systems. Students are provided a deep understanding of both fundamentals and important current issues in computer science and computer engineering so that they may either obtain productive employment or pursue advanced degrees.
The MS in Computer Science program requires the student to take a broad spectrum of courses, while simultaneously allowing for emphasis in desired areas of specialization.
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 28 units is required for the general MS in Computer Science degree
- Required courses: 12 units
- Computer Science (CSCI) Elective Courses: 12 units
- Additional Elective Course: 4 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-CSCI course can be counted in the degree
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of ClassesAPPLICATION DEADLINES| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
|---|
| Fall 2019 (Scholarship Consideration Deadline) | December 15, 2018 |
| Fall 2019 (Final Deadline) | January 15, 2019 |
| Fall 2019 (Deadline to submit the Statement of Intent) | May 1, 2019 |
| Spring 2020 (Scholarship Consideration Deadline) | August 31, 2019 |
| Spring 2020 (Final Deadline) | September 15, 2019 |
Visit our Application Deadlines page for more information.
APPLICATION CRITERIA- An undergraduate degree in computer science or its equivalent from a regionally-accredited university.
- Applicants whose background is not in computer science may consider the MS in Computer Science (Scientists and Engineers).
- 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.
USC GRADUATE APPLICATION
APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR ALL APPLICANTS 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)
Personal Statement (Required): 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.
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 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 2019 - Summer 2020 | $2,075 | $6,225 | $8,300 |
| Fall 2018 - Summer 2019 | $2,005 | $6,015 | $8,020 |
TUITION & SAMPLE COURSE PLAN FOR 28 UNIT PROGRAM
STUDENT FEES
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
|---|
| Mandatory Fees (approximate) | Fall 2019: $475
Spring 2020: $420 | | |
| Health Insurance | Fall 2019: $730
Spring 2020: $1,311 | | |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $8/semester | | |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (On-Campus students) | $75/semester |
| |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $35/semester | |
|
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
Detailed Information on Tuition & Fees
This program is also available online to professional engineers through DEN@Viterbi. Because the DEN@Viterbi program provides a fully equivalent academic experience, the degree a USC engineering student earns is the same whether they are on-campus or online. 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@Viterbi
Detailed 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 Course |
| 1 Course Required – 4 units total. |
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms (4 units) |
| Required Courses |
| 2 Courses Required – 8 units |
| CSCI 561 | Foundations to Artificial Intelligence (4 units) |
| CSCI 585 | Database Systems (4 units) |
| Additional Required Elective Courses |
| Choose an additional 12 units of CSCI courses (*only one course may be 400-level) |
| Select any CSCI elective course from the department’s offerings on DEN (see list below) |
| CSCI Courses Available on DEN@Viterbi |
| CSCI 402x | Operating Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 455x | Introduction to Programming Systems Design (4 units) |
| CSCI 510 | Software Management and Economics (4 units) |
| CSCI 530 | Security Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 531 | Applied Cryptography (4 units) |
| CSCI 551 | Computer Networking (4 units) |
| CSCI 555 | Advanced Operating Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 556 | Introduction to Cryptography (4 units) |
| CSCI 561 | Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (4 units) |
| CSCI 568 | Requirements Engineering (4 units) |
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms (4 units) |
| CSCI 572 | Information Retrieval and Web Search Engines (4 units) |
| CSCI 573 | Probabilistic Reasoning (3 units) |
| CSCI 576 | Multimedia Systems Design (4 units) |
| CSCI 577a | Software Engineering (4 units) |
| CSCI 577b | Software Engineering (4 units) |
| CSCI 578 | Software Architectures (4 units) |
| CSCI 580 | 3-D Graphics and Rendering (4 units) |
| CSCI 585 | Database Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 589 | Software Engineering for Embedded Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 590 | Directed Research (1-12 units) |
| CSCI 651 | Advanced Computer Networking (4 units) |
| Required Elective |
| Complete 4 units from one or more of the following options. |
| Non-CSCI courses on DEN – check with an advisor before enrolling. |
| 600-level CSCI courses – faculty and departmental approval needed before enrolling. |
| Additional 500-level CSCI course |
Please complete the following form for more information.
