The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Computer Architecture) is a specialization within the Computer Engineering division of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department, and is aimed at students interested in this specific area.
By highlighting their specialized expertise in computer architecture, the program provides students with a competitive edge in the computer industry sector that focuses on microchips as well as whole systems.
Additional breadth in Computer Engineering is gained through technical electives in networking and VLSI/CAD.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
- This program requires completion of 28 units of coursework
- Thesis option and Directed Research (research without thesis) may be requested after completing first semester. Thesis option is not guaranteed
- USC Catalogue
- USC Schedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring | September 1 (extended to October 1) |
| Fall | December 15 (Scholarship consideration)
January 15 (Final deadline) |
Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants to the Master of Science program in Electrical and Computer Engineering – Computer Architecture must have a bachelor’s degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree. Most applicants have degrees in engineering or closely related fields, such as Electronics, Computer Science, Math, and Physics.
Applicants without a bachelor's degree in a directly related field may still be considered if they have completed and demonstrated strong proficiency in the following coursework (or equivalent):
| |
| Electrical Engineering |
| Linear Circuits |
| Linear Systems |
| Math |
| Physics |
This is not an exhaustive list. Applications are reviewed holistically; simply taking these courses does not guarantee admission.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
NOTE: The GRE is not required for 2026 applications.
The following link will take you to an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students, including payment information. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition
TUITION AND FEES OVERVIEW
Use the link below to download the Cost of Attendance to see a summary of tuition and fees by semester. The document is a typical example and the number of courses, and time to complete the program, will vary by student.
Estimated Cost of Attendance - 28 Unit Program
Alumni Employment*
Companies & Job Titles (multiple positions may be listed.)
- No data has been submitted
Additional career outcomes information can be found on our general MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering pages.
Internships (Summer 2023)**
Microsoft Corporation; Rivos; Tesla, Inc.
.
* Information is based on voluntary surveys and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive view of program alumni.
** Internship data is from CPT internships done by our international student population.
This program is not available through DEN. For a full list of the 40+ engineering graduate programs available online, please visit Online DEN@Viterbi Offerings.
Please complete the following form for more information.
