The MS in Computer Science – High Performance Computing and Simulation is designed to:
Train a new generation of MS students in Computer Science to solve challenging scientific and engineering problems using high-end parallel computers, high-speed networks, and advanced scientific visualization.
Support a unique dual-degree opportunity, in which students can obtain a PhD in the physical sciences/engineering and an MS in Computer Science, to attract high-quality students.
Train engineers from industry to solve real-world problems using state-of-the-art computational techniques. The program will satisfy the critical need to train students, who have expertise in the physical/biological sciences/engineering and computer science, as evidenced by the current and future trends in cutting edge research and in the job market.
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 – High Performance Computing and Simulation degree
- Required Courses: 16 units
- Technical Elective Courses: 9-12 units (a total of 3 courses with at least one from each group)
- Elective Courses: 5-7 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
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of ClassesAPPLICATION DEADLINES| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
|---|
| Summer 2019 (Deadline to submit the Statement of Intent) | March 15, 2019 |
| 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)
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.
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 2017 - Summer 2018 | $1,937 | $5,811 | $7,748 |
| Fall 2018 - Summer 2019 | $2,005 | $6,015 | $8,020 |
TUITION & SAMPLE COURSE PLAN FOR 32 UNIT PROGRAM (Residential Students Only)
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 (On-Campus students) | $75/semester |
| |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $35/semester | |
|
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
Detailed Information on Tuition & FeesThis program is not offered 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.
