MS in Electrical Engineering - Computer Networks
Application Deadlines
Spring:
September 1
Fall:
December 15
- Program Overview
- Application Criteria
- Tuition & Fees
- Career Outcomes
- DEN@Viterbi - Online Delivery
- Request Information
The MS in Electrical Engineering (Computer Networks) is an area of emphasis for the electrical engineering student interested in data networks.
- This program requires completion of 27 units of coursework
- Eligible for the OPT STEM extension
- USC Catalogue
- USC Schedule of Classes
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
|---|---|
| Fall | December 15 |
Visit our Ready to Apply page for more information
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants to the master's of science programs in Electrical Engineering - Computer Networks are required to have a bachelor’s degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree. Degrees in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines are frequently represented among our program applicants, including but not limited to the following:
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics
- Math
- Physics
Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree in the preferred majors listed above will only be considered with coursework and demonstrated proficiency in the acceptable courses listed below (or equivalent).
| Electrical Engineering |
| Linear Circuits |
| Linear Systems |
| Differential Equations Linear Algebra Probability/Statistics |
| Physics |
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 2025 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
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.
Alumni Employment
- Amazon
- Apple Inc.
- Aruba NAruba Networksetworks - Wireless Software Engineer
- Aryaka Networks - Software Engineer
- Cisco Systems - Entry Level Software Engineer
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise - Wireless Software Engineer
- Intel - Network Software Engineer
- Juniper Networks, Inc.
- Meta Platforms, Inc.
- Microsoft - Software Engineer
- Pluribus Networks
- Qualcomm Incorporated
- University of Southern California
- VMWare
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.
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.
| Fundamental Courses |
| Three Courses Required* - 12 units total. |
| CSCI 402 | Operating Systems (4 units) |
| EE 450 | Introduction to Computer Networks (or EE 503) (4 units) |
| EE 457 | Computer Systems Organization (4 units) |
| EE 503 | Probability for Electrical and Computer Engineers (or EE 450) (4 units) |
| *With the exception of EE 503, the fundamental courses may also be satisfied by having passed EE placement exams. |
| Required Courses |
| All courses required - 11 units total. |
| CSCI 551 | Computer Networking (4 units) |
| EE 550 | Data Networks: Design and Analysis (4 units) |
| EE 555 | Broadband Network Architectures (3 units) |
| Suggested Elective Courses |
| Remaining courses should be taken from this list. Any other course must be approved by a faculty advisor. |
| CSCI 530 | Security Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 555 | Advanced Operating Systems (4 units) |
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms (4 units) |
| EE 512 | Stochastic Processes (3 units) |
| EE 535 | Wireless Communications (4 units) |
| EE 554 | Real Time Computer Systems (3 units) |
| EE 557 | Computer Systems Architecture (4 units) |
| EE 558 | Optical Fiber Communication Systems (3 units) |
