The application of data science to complex environmental problems has become increasingly important in evaluating large-scale environmental challenges. Data science technologies complement interdisciplinary analyses of complex environmental issues ranging over many topics such as climate change, water and air pollution, policy analysis, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem management, biodiversity and many others. The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to develop and use sophisticated analytical and computer-based methods to assess and protect the Earth’s natural resources. The USC Masters of Science in Environmental Data Science would provide students with the knowledge and skills to:
- Work at the intersection of interdisciplinary fields of environmental science and data science
- Leverage data to form and frame relevant questions in environmental management and sustainability, identify patterns, and make actionable insights to understand and protect Earth’s natural resources
- Understand the use of emerging technologies in data science and their application to environmental problems
- Efficiently integrate data science approaches and systems to analyze real-world environmental data
Students will gain a foundation in the central theories, concepts and principles of natural sciences while training them with data science skills that can be used for environmental problems.
The curriculum is designed to be accessible to students with any background, including students with an environmental sciences background and no computer science knowledge as well as students with a computer science knowledge and no environmental studies background. Students will acquire the necessary skills to analyze environmental data in a variety of contexts. Those with natural science backgrounds will acquire the necessary data science skills to exploit environmental data. Students with a computer science background will learn about the specific characteristics and frameworks necessary to evaluate environmental data from diverse sources and apply related analytics toward well-formulated environmental questions. At the start of the program, students will be offered specific opportunities in problems-based learning in partnership with the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies.
The program prepares students for a range of professional paths in research and environmental data management that aligns with skills requirements for positions in such areas as:
state and federal government natural resource regulation, academic research, environmental consultation and non-profit environmental advocacy, restoration planning, conservation and wildlife management, remote sensing specialists, and corporate responsibility and monitoring.
The M.Sc. in Environmental Data Science is offered jointly by the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences Environmental Studies Program and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering 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 Environmental Data Science
- 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.
|
Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- An undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering, math or a related social science from a regionally-accredited university.
- Programming experience or a strong math background are required for admission.
- Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average)
- (waived for summer and fall 2021 applicants-see below) Satisfactory GRE test scores. All scores must be officially reported to the university directly by ETS.
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
This degree is not available on DEN.