The MS in Analytics program allows students to gain knowledge and skills to solve real world problems in a successful career in Analytics and Data Science. It is designed for students trained in engineering disciplines or from other careers with interest in deepening their background in data science, statistics, and math. Basic knowledge of programming is needed to start transitioning into more advanced statistical and machine learning computational tools that are thoroughly covered in the program.
In the program the students learn the skills needed to succeed as data analysts and data scientists including the abilities to summarize and present complex data, to apply machine learning methods to predict the result of different complex scenarios and to convert the data into actionable insights. The program combines statistical and machine learning modeling to solve real problems in today’s data-driven world.
The students learn the skills needed to produce powerful analytics and reports to decision makers to take well informed decisions adding value to the organization. To accomplish these goals they receive an in-depth training in areas such as
- Data Management
- Data Mining
- Data Visualization
- Machine learning
- Decision Analysis
- Statistics for Data Science
During the program, they become proficient on a host of state-of-the-art software and programming tools for data processing and analytics including Python for machine learning, R, and SAS Visual Analytics. Once the students have completed the required courses they are able to select electives to further improve their skills in areas of their interest. These electives include (but are not limited to)
- Consulting in data analytics
- Analytics of financial data
- Natural language processing for text mining and recommendation systems
- Machine learning at scale (big data analytics)
The demand for analytics and data science is sharply increasing and more companies are in-need of these professionals (source shown below). Our graduates work across a wide range of data-driven organizations as focused data scientists in positions such as financial analysts, analytics consultants, analytics managers, and health care analysts, in industries such as Retail, Banking, Entertainment, Health care, Manufacturing, Government, Transportation, among others.
Source: The Best Jobs in America 2020
International Students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring | September 1 |
| Fall | December 15 |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants to the master's of science programs in Analytics 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
- Economics
- Engineering
- Finance
- Information Science/Engineering
- Math
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).
For tips on completing your application visit
Ready to Apply
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Calculus 1-3
Linear Algebra
Probability/Statistics |
| Programming |
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
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
CECILIA HU
Tell us about an exciting and unforgettable experience from your time so far at USC.
The most exciting and unforgettable experience I have a USC is that I was able to represent USC and led a project team to participate in Nemesis Student Research Competition 2021 and was awarded second place. It was so challenging yet exciting and I definitely learned a lot from the actual data science cases. My team was able to apply various analyses I learned from class to conduct customer segmentation and churn analysis for a telecommunication company.
What are some personal achievements or experiences you’d like to share?
During my time at USC, I also work part-time as a student data analyst for USC Information Technology Services. This opportunity definitely was a cornerstone in my career that enables me to develop the skills needed in my future career as a data aanlyst/scientist. I applied it through Viterbi's career website and all the staff and faculty care about every students' growth and career development. I definitely recommend future Viterbi students to keep an eye on the possible career opportunities at school.
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MARIO KOENIGSPERGER
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
After studying Business Administration as an undergraduate at USC, I learned about the relevance of analytics in nearly every aspect of business. I wanted to take the opportunity to develop essential quantitative skills to solve more complex and large-scale problems in finance. The MS in Analytics program offered the perfect balance between teaching fundamental theory and bringing analytical models to life through real-world applications.
What do you like most about living in Los Angeles?
The weather and the beaches are undoubtedly the best part about living in Los Angeles. It’seasy to forget how lucky we are to be studying in such a comfortable climate. Secondly, I like how connected Los Angeles is in terms of businesses and entertainment. It is difficult to get bored here!
What advice would you give future Viterbi students?
My advice to future Viterbi students is to always seek balance in life. Get involved in not only academic and professional extracurricular activities, but also in social sports teams. I am a strong believer that doing many unrelated things in life reduces the risk of burnout. USC is so much more than an academic institution - make it your goal to get involved in as many non-academic things as you can!
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ZIJUE LI
What were the main reasons you chose to pursue this graduate program at USC?
I originally wanted to get into a business analytics master program in the business school, but after taking a deep look at the curriculum here at Viterbi, I changed my mind because Viterbi offers rigorous training in data analytics and resources that business school simply can't provide. I chose the Analytic program at Viterbi because of the complete training on data interpretation and analytics, the job resources provided by Viterbi, the location, and lastly the friendly education environment here at USC.
Tell us about an exciting and unforgettable experience from your time at USC.
One of the most exciting moments I had was meeting my friends from the Viterbi Graduate Student Association. I worked as the ISE senator for a year and I absolutely enjoyed my time serving my community. We all worked together to bring a lot of memorable events to life such as the Viterbi Ball, the Period Project and the Social Entrepreneurship Workshop. We stuck together through the tough times like a family. I feel really lucky to get to know all these amazing people and become friends with them.
2022 First Destinations Survey - Outcomes*
Top Employers*
- Amazon
- Goldman Sachs
- Meta Platforms, Inc.
.
Alumni Employment - 2022*
(Companies & Job Titles)
- Accenture - Consultant
- Adidas - Digital Management Trainee
- Amazon - Software Engineer
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - Data Analyst
- Applied Materials, Inc. - Business Intelligence Analyst
- Bank of America - Sales & Trading Analyst
- Boston Consulting Group - Consultant
- Bytedance - Software Engineer
- California Creative Solutions, Inc. - IT Intern
- Citigroup - Senior Analyst
- Comscore Inc. - Associate Data Analyst
- Deloitte - Analyst
- DHL Express - Data Analyst Intern
- Didi - Business analyst
- Disney Streaming Services - Data Analyst
- Goldman Sachs - Market Risk Analyst
- Heritage Provider Network - Software Engineer I
- Huatai United Securities - Mutual Fund Analyst
- Humana Inc. - Business Intelligence Engineer
- Intuit Inc. - Software Engineer I
- Luxen Auto - Business Analyst
- Meta Platforms, Inc. - Software Engineer
- Microsoft - Software Engineer Intern
- New Land Capital - Private Equity Analyst
- PIMCO - Data Analyst
- PingCAP - Analyst I (Data Science)
- Quinn Company - Product Support Data Analyst
- Snap Inc. - Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer
- STAAR Surgical Company - Quality Engineer 1
- Tencent - Data Scientist
- The Woww Group LLC - Data Analyst
- Truist Financial - Data Analyst
- ULSee Inc. - No Title Provided
- XYZies - Data Analyst
- Yesing International Inc. - Data Analyst
.
Internships (Summer 2023)**
Amgen Inc.; Autodesk, Inc.; BlackRock, Inc.; Calsoft Systems; Cepheid; Cowbell Cyber, Inc.; DerbySoft; Esri; FLYR, Inc.; Global Link Distribution; Intuit, Inc.; Ler V Group Inc.; Los Angeles Capital Management; Marqeta; Orbit Industries, Inc.; Salesforce; Scorpius Global Marketing, Inc.; Seattle's Children; T-Mobile USA, Inc.; Trendsi; University of Notre Dame; Velox Technologies LLC; Viatris; Wilson Sporting Goods; Xsolla
.
* Information is based on a voluntary survey and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive view of the 2022 graduating class.
** Internship data is from CPT internships done by our international student population.
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.
Required Courses
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| All Courses Required - 12 Units Total. |
| ISE 529 | Predictive Analytics (4 units) |
| ISE 530 | Optimization Methods for Analytics (4 units) |
| ISE 558 | Data Management for Analytics (4 units) |
|
| Group A Course |
| One course is required - 4 units total. |
| ISE 580 | Performance Analysis with Simulation (4 units) |
| Group B Courses |
| One course is required - 4 units total. |
| ISE 525 | Design of Experiments (4 units) |
| ISE 538 | Markov Models for Performance Analysis (4 units) |
| ISE 562 | Decision Analysis (4 units) |
| Electives |
| At least 8 units of adviser-approved electives. |
Please complete the following form for more information.
