The MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Computer Networks) program is an area of emphasis for the electrical engineering student interested in data networks.
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
- This program requires completion of 27 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 Networks 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 - 27 Unit Program
Alumni Employment*
Companies & Job Titles (multiple positions may be listed.)
- BeaconFire Solution, Inc. - iOS & React native Developer Intern / Software Engineer
- Fluo, Inc. - Software Engineer
Previous Years
- Amazon - None Provided
- Apple - None Provided
- Aruba Networks - 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. - None Provided
- Meta Platforms, Inc. - None Provided
- Microsoft - Software Engineer
- Pluribus Networks - None Provided
- Qualcomm Incorporated - None Provided
- University of Southern California - None Provided
- VMWare - None Provided
Additional career outcomes information can be found on our general MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering pages.
* Information is based on voluntary surveys and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive view of program alumni.
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.
| 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) |
Please complete the following form for more information.
