The MS in Computer Science – Data Science provides students with a core background in Computer Science and specialized algorithmic, statistical, and systems expertise in acquiring, storing, accessing, analyzing, and visualizing large, heterogeneous and real-time data associated with diverse real-world domains including energy, the environment, health, media, medicine, and transportation.
View a previously recorded webinar that discusses the MS in Computer Science (Data Science) program:
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 – Data Science degree
Required Courses: 12 units
Group Elective Courses: 9-12 units (minimum of one course from each of two groups)
Additional Elective Courses: 8-11 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
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) or MS in Applied Data Science.
Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average)
Satisfactory GRE test scores. All scores must be officially reported to the university directly by ETS.
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.
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 ClassesDEN@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 Courses
4 Courses Required – 12 units total.
CSCI 561 | Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (4 units)
CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms (4 units)
CSCI 585 | Database Systems (4 units)
Group Elective Courses
Three courses required from Group Electives – minimum of one course per group – 9-12 units.
Group 1 – Data Systems (Students must take CSCI 572)
CSCI 572 | Information Retrieval and Web Search Engines (4 units)
Group 2 – Data Analysis (Students must take at least one course from this group)
CSCI 567 | Machine Learning (4 units)
CSCI 573 | Probabilistic Reasoning (3 units)
Additional Electives
8-11 units should be selected with the approval of a department advisor.
Please complete the following form for more information.
