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 ClassesAPPLICATION DEADLINES| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
|---|
| Spring 2021 (Final Deadline) | September 15, 2020 |
| Spring 2021 (Scholarship Consideration Deadline) | August 31, 2020 |
| Fall 2021 (Final Deadline) | January 15, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 (Scholarship Consideration Deadline) | December 15, 2020 |
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Note for DEN@Viterbi Applicants: Applicants interested in pursuing the MS in Applied Data Science online via DEN@Viterbi, please email DEN@Viterbi.usc.edu for more information.
Visit our Application Deadlines page for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTSBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines including but not limited to: Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Economics, Information Technology, Physics, Software Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
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
- 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
- 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 (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 APPLICANTSEnglish 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.
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 2020 - Summer 2021 | $2,148 | $6,444 | $8,592 |
| Fall 2019 - Summer 2020 | $2,075 | $6,225 | $8,300 |
TUITION & SAMPLE COURSE PLAN FOR 32 UNIT PROGRAM
STUDENT FEES
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
|---|
| Mandatory Fees (approximate) | Fall 2019: $475
Spring 2020: $420 | | |
| Health Insurance | Fall 2019: $730
Spring 2020: $1,311 | | |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $8/semester | | |
| ENGR Computing Access Fee (On-Campus students) | $75/semester |
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| ENGR Computing Access Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $35/semester | |
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| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
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 Courses
|
| 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 |
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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