Computer Engineering is the creative application of engineering principles and methods to the design and development of hardware and software systems. The MS in Computer Engineering encompasses the design, development, testing, and evaluation of components, systems, and networks.
Research in Computer Engineering strives to achieve higher performance in the systems and components that are built as well as in the design process. At USC, research is focused in three main areas: Computer Architecture and Parallel Processing, Design and Analysis of Computer Networks and their Protocols, and VLSI Design and Computer Aided Design and Verification of VLSI. This degree program is administered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
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 28 units is required for the MS in Computer Engineering degree
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule 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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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines including but not limited to: Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, EELEC Information Engineering, and Telecommunication 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
- 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 (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 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 – 28 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
PIYUSH KASERA
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
USC is highly regarded as one of the most diverse universities and I felt I could experience different cultures, meet with various kinds of people from across the world and make strong connections. My current graduate program at USC has excellent coursework which helps you get into the industry. The professors are really good and there is a strong link between the course structure and what the people in the industry want to see in us.
I love computer engineering and architecture and especially working on designing chips and the coursework has helped me gain a lot of insights into what I would experience once I enter the industry
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
One of my achievements has been to finally enter the graduate program at USC.
Also, before I joined USC, I used to work for Intel for 3 years. There I was recognized twice and was awarded with a Division Recognition Award for excellent work and for helping customers. Customer obsession was one of the main motives behind every work and I felt so happy to have worked for such a great company and to meet with different customers and help them at every point in time.
Which organizations/activities have you been involved with outside of the classroom?
Well, my coursework demands lots of hours and hence I did not get involved much outside the classroom. But, one thing I surely got involved in was the Viterbi Mentorship Program. This helped me guide and mentor the incoming students and help them settle smoothly into the graduate program.
Alumni Employment
- Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
- Amazon
- Apple Inc.
- Armorblox - Software Engineer
- Biancheng Yun - Course Designer
- BrainCo - Software Engineer Intern
- Bytedance - Android Engineer
- Cisco Systems
- Cloudera Inc. - Software Engineer
- DataServ Inc.
- Engineer.ai Corp
- Espressif - Digital IC Engineer
- ExLattice, Inc
- FLC Technology Group - Junior Designer
- Hong Kong Jockey Club - Management Trainee
- Horizon Robotics Inc. - System Software Engineer
- Huawei
- Intel
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - Software Developer
- Microsoft
- Northrop Grumman Corporation - Principal Software Engineer
- NVIDIA Corporation
- Oracle Corporation - Software Engineer
- Qualcomm Incorporated
- Raytheon Technologies - Multiple Discipline Engineer
- SambaNova Systems
- SpaceX - Broadband Communications Integration Engineer
- Synopsys, Inc.
- TuSimple - Applications Software Engineer
- University of Southern California
- VMWare - Member of Technical Staff
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.
| The Master of Science in Computer Engineering is earned by completing an integrated program of at least 28 units of approved course work emphasizing three key areas - Architecture, VLSI and Networks. Students must take one course from at least two areas, outlined below. |
| Computer Engineering course work requirements |
| Take a minimum of 20 units of Computer Engineering courses from the three lists below, including at least one course from two of the three areas in Architecture, Networks and VLSI/CAD areas. Electives from the Foundations area will also count toward the 20 unit Computer Engineering requirement. |
| Computer Architecture Area |
| EE 457 | Computer Systems Organization (4 units) |
| EE 557 | Computer Systems Architecture (4 units) |
| Networks Area |
| EE 450 | Introduction to Computer Networks (4 units) |
| EE 555 | Broadband Network Architectures (3 units) |
| VLSI/CAD Area |
| EE 477L | MOS VLSI Circuit Design (4 units) |
| EE 536a | Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design (4 units) |
| EE 552 | Asynchronous VLSI Design (3 units) |
| EE 577a | VLSI System Design (3 units) |
| Foundations |
| Additional approved Computer Engineering electives that will count toward the 20 units required in the computer engineering area. |
| CSCI 402 | Operating Systems (4 units) |
| EE 503 | Probability for Electrical and Computer Engineers (4 units) |
| EE 510 | Linear Algebra for Engineering (4 units) |
| EE 660 | Machine Learning from Signals: Foundations and Methods (3 units) |
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