The MS in Computer Science - Computer Security is a program created in response to a direct need specified by both industry and government. This unique degree highlights courses relevant to the practice of computer security research, development and deployment, and the secure operation of computer systems. Topics include development of systems that enforce security; cryptography and statistical analysis of attacks; and implementation and management of systems that depend on security technologies for correct operation.
Interested in this program but did not earn a BS in Computer Science? Visit our MSCS Eligibility Criteria page.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring 2024 | September 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2024 | December 15, 2023 |
Visit our
Ready to Apply page for more information.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
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.
Applications are reviewed holistically; simply taking these courses does not guarantee admission.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
NOTE: The GRE is not required for 2024 applications.
For tips on completing your application visit
Ready to Apply
The following link will take you to an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students, including payment information. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition
TUITION AND FEES OVERVIEW
Estimated Cost of Attendance - 32 Unit Program
Download the Cost of Attendance to see a summary of tuition and fees by semester. The document is a typical example and the number of courses, and time to complete the program, will vary by student.
Alumni Employment
- Boeing - Software Engineer
- National Company of Telecommunications and Information Security - Senior Research Engineer
- PayPal, Inc.
- U.S. Government - Computer Scientist
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.
Core Requirement
|
| 1 Course - 4 units total. |
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms (4 units) |
| Emphasis Requirements |
| 4 Courses Required - 16 units total. |
| 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) |
| Emphasis Elective |
| Students must take 1 of the following elective courses - 4 units. |
| CSCI 556 | Introduction to Cryptography (4 units) |
| CSCI 577a | Software Engineering (4 units) |
| CSCI 578 | Software Architectures (4 units) |
| Complete 8 Units From the Following |
| Students must take 8 units of directed research, CSCI 591 colloquium courses, Non-Computer Science course from the approved list, 600-level CSCI course (adviser approval required), or Additional 500-level CSCI course. |
| A maximum of 2 units of CSCI 590 and a maximum of 2 units of CSCI 591 may be applied. |
Please complete the following form for more information.
