The objective of the USC Viterbi Master of Science in Applied Data Science is to train students with a range of backgrounds to be skilled data scientists.
This program allows strong students trained in either computer science or other engineering or scientific disciplines (or even social science disciplines with a demonstrated aptitude for math and science) to get the training to pursue a career in applied data science.
Students completing this degree will have learned the skills required to work as a data scientist, including a basic understanding of data science techniques, the ability to write data science programs in Python, knowledge and experience in working with both databases and big data infrastructure, skills in applying machine learning and data mining techniques, and knowledge of how to apply these skills to real-world problems.
Our students are immersed in the overall field of data analytics, the role of the analyst and/or data scientist, and the domains where informatics skills can be applied to critical organization missions. They understand how data management, data visualization, data mining, and artificial intelligence techniques (specifically machine learning) are critical to the analysis process and how these can be applied to real-world challenges.
The program features the application of knowledge and skill in hands-on type experiences, with the goal of having students leave the program having “lived in the data.” Through an extensive elective track and our unique professional practicum, students find the specializations that will help them better prepare themselves for the area(s) of analytics in which they hope to contribute.
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.
- The Master of Science in Applied Data Science requires a total of 32 units minimum to graduate
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
Detailed Program Curriculum and Requirements Schedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring 2023 | September 15, 2022 |
| Fall 2023 | December 15, 2022* |
* DEN@Viterbi (Online Delivery) Deadline Extension: An application extension for Fall 2023 is available for online DEN@Viterbi applicants who intend to pursue their entire degree program online and do not require a visa sponsorship. Please email den@viterbi.usc.edu to request an application extension.
On-campus students who apply by published deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted.
Online DEN@Viterbi applicants can view the Master's Scholarships (DEN@Viterbi) page for scholarship opportunities.
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Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related discipline. We also accept applicants from majors including, but not limited to: Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Economics, Information Technology, and Physics.
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.
- GRE: General GRE test scores are not required for 2023
- Letters of Recommendation (2 Highly Recommended): 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 2022 - Summer 2023* | $2,309 | $6,927 | $9,236 |
| Fall 2021 - Summer 2022* | $2,199 | $6,597 | $8,796 |
| * Tuition is the same for on-campus and online students |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE – 32 UNIT PROGRAM
MANDATORY STUDENT FEES - 2022/23
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
| Student Health Center Fee | $527/semester | | |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $8/semester | | |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (On-Campus students) | $40/semester | | |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $20/semester | | |
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
| Health Insurance (U.S.-based health insurance is required, but it does not have to be through USC) | Fall 2022: $805
Spring 2023: $1,468 | | |
Visit Tuition & Fees for more information
REEM ALMIJMAJ
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
I was fascinated with Data Science and found the USC program very compelling to its interdisciplinary coursework that provides a breadth of knowledge.
Tell us about an exciting and unforgettable experience from your two years at USC.
I cannot forget the joy I felt when I succeeded as a team member in finishing a project that helped calculate car carbon dioxide emissions; it reflected the experience and knowledge I acquired through studying at USC. Moreover, participating for the first time in AthenaHacks that the USC hosting in 2022.
What are some personal achievements or experiences you'd like to share?
I have worked on "Evaluating Alzheimer's Patients' Assistance Systems in HCI Domain," which was published in the International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas, and Innovations in Technology. In addition, being a member of the Women in Computing organization at USC, I gained valuable knowledge related to technology, and I had the chance to attend a couple of tech talks and workshops.
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside the classroom?
I am currently leading a Saudi Students Association at USC, sponsored by the Saudi Arabia Embassy (SACM).
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REHAN AHMED
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
Coming on a Fulbright Scholarship, initially, USC wasn’t in my plan but was suggested by my scholarship advisors. After doing my research, it became my preferred choice among the four US colleges I applied to. Viterbi’s reputation as an incredible engineering school, attended by such world-renowned names such as Neil Armstrong and its namesake, Andrew Viterbi, left me in awe. Moreover, its presence in Los Angeles was an added bonus and it felt like a moment straight out of a movie when I got the offer.
Tell us about an exciting and unforgettable experience from your two years at USC.
One of the most rewarding experiences studying here is the “Trojan” camaraderie. One example of it is as long as I wear the Trojan shirt or Trojan symbol, I can go anywhere in the US and I’ll find a fellow Trojan waving me the two-fingered salute. I was once cycling in Santa Monica, oblivious to this unspoken tradition, and a girl carrying a surfboard waved the V sign and yelled Trojans. Took me a while to get that she was gesturing to me before I yelled back. A similar experience happened to me while hiking at the Grand Canyon. Now, I’m the one who’s doing the yelling first.
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
I never went outside my home country before coming to USC. And living here, alone, away from my family and friends, it was a learning experience and a big personal achievement of mine to make it in a completely new environment and make new friends. USC and the environment it offers around campus has been instrumental in helping me with that.
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside of the classroom?
I worked on a research project as a part of Graduates Rising in Information and Data Science (GRIDS), which allows you to work on projects with Professors. I found it really rewarding and loved the experience. Following up with that, I decided to join my GRIDS Professor’s research team in a professional capacity as a Graduate Research Assistant, working on some cutting-edge research project. It was not only a challenging experience, but it has also helped me a lot in finding me a job after graduating.
What advice would you give future Viterbi students?
After every semester, I decide I’ll work every day to finish my work early and cycle on the weekends, or go for hikes, or go exploring. And then the semester starts and I get engrossed in completing assignments, meeting deadlines. Don’t be like me. Enjoy!
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 Courses
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| All Courses Required - 12 units total. |
| DSCI 551 | Foundations of Data Management (4 units) |
| DSCI 552 | Machine Learning for Data Science (4 units) |
| DSCI 553 | Foundations and Applications of Data Mining (4 units) |
| Electives |
| 5 Courses Required - 20 Units total. |
| DSCI 510 | Principles of Programming for Data Science (4 units) |
| DSCI 549 | Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science (4 units) |
| DSCI 550 | Data Science at Scale (4 units) |
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms (4 units) |
| CSCI 572 | Information Retrieval and Web Search Engines (4 units) |
| Additional Notes |
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Students with limited or no training in computer science should take DSCI 549, DSCI 510, and DSCI 550 before taking any other classes.
DSCI 550 should be taken prior to or in parallel with DSCI 551 and prior to taking DSCI 552 and DSCI 553.
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