This program is not available for 2024.
The MS in Computer Science - Software Engineering focuses on providing its graduates not only software development skills, but also systems engineering, customer collaboration, and management skills necessary for non-outsourceable careers and for leadership in software engineering. It emphasizes education for the future, including such emerging trends as software-intensive systems of systems, high assurance, agile methods, COTS integration, mobile and distributed network-centric architectures, and rapid software development and evolution. The program includes experience in real-client class projects and state-of-the-art evaluation assignments.
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 - Software Engineering degree
- Required Courses: 12 units
- Software Engineering Core Courses: 11-12 units
- Software Engineering Elective Course: 3-4 units
- Elective Course: 4-6 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
This program is not available for 2024.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are required to have completed or be in process of completing an undergraduate degree in computer science or its equivalent from a regionally-accredited university, and must possess substantial computing background. Please review detailed Computer Science eligibility criteria.
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.
- 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
Academic Year | Per Unit Rate | 3-unit Course | 4-unit Course |
Fall 2024 - Summer 2025* | $2,543 | $7,629 | $10,172 |
Fall 2023 - Summer 2024* | $2,424 | $7,272 | $9,696 |
* Tuition is the same for on-campus and online students |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE – 32 UNIT PROGRAM
STUDENT FEES
Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
Student Health Center Fee for 2023-24 (2024-25 not yet available) | $600/semester | | |
Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $11/semester | | |
Graduate Student Programming Fee (On-Campus students) | $40/semester | | |
Graduate Student Programming Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $20/semester | | |
Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
Transportation Fee | $117/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 | | |
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.
Core Requirement |
1 Courses - 4 units total. |
CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms (4 units) |
Emphasis Requirements |
Students must take the following 4 courses - 16 units total. |
CSCI 510 | Software Management and Economics (4 units) |
CSCI 577a | Software Engineering (4 units) |
CSCI 577b | Software Engineering (4 units) |
CSCI 578 | Software Architecture (4 units) |
Emphasis Electives |
12 units total. |
CSCI 568| Requirements Engineering (4 units) |
CSCI 591 Computer Science Research Colloquium (1 unit) |
Non-Computer Science Course from the approved list (3-4 units) |
600-level CSCI Course with adviser approval (4 units) |
Additional 500-level CSCI course (4 units) |
A maximum of 2 units of CSCI 591 may be applied |
Please complete the following form for more information.