Summer Start
What is Summer Start?The Summer Start Admission program is designed for a select group of high-achieving Computer Science students entering the Viterbi School of Engineering.
Students interested must submit their online application by the December 1, 2024 deadline.
Program Dates
Eligible Programs
MS in Computer Science
MS in CS (Data Science)
MS in CS (Artificial Intelligence)
Why summer?
Benefits of Summer Start
● Beginning your Master’s program with a smaller cohort of peers
● Graduate Career Readiness and 1:1 Career Advisement Sessions
● Arriving in Los Angeles up to three months in advance of the fall semesters will provide additional time to acclimate to USC
● Summer typically has fewer students arriving on campus
● Ability to secure accommodations ahead of the Fall semester students
● Possibility of finding paid on-campus student worker positions during the summer
Student Testimonials
Starting in the summer allows for a smoother transition into graduate school. The smaller class sizes during summer help in better interaction with professors and classmates, allowing me to build strong connections early on. It also gave me extra time to adapt to the academic environment, explore the campus, and settle into life in Los Angeles. By the time fall arrived, I was well-prepared and comfortable with my course load and surroundings.Krithika, summer 2024 student
Use the quieter summer term to familiarize yourself with the campus, libraries, labs, and other resources like career services or technical workshops.Udita, summer 2024 student
Summer 2025 Admitted Student Information
Program Details & Dates
Summer Semester Class Schedule and Curriculum: June 16, 2025 to August 12, 2025
MS Computer Science General (CSCI) students will take two of the following classes:
Session 1: CSCI 570: Analysis of Algorithms, 4 Units (June 16 - August 12, 2025)
Session 2: CSCI 571: Web Technologies, 4 Units (July 2 – August 12, 2025)
Session 2: CSCI 585: Database Systems, 5 Units (July 2 – August 12, 2025)
MS Computer Science Data Science (CSDS) students will take the two required classes:
Session 1: CSCI 570: Analysis of Algorithms, 4 Units (June 16 - August 12, 2025)
Session 2: CSCI 585: Database Systems, 5 Units (July 2 – August 12, 2025)
MS Computer Science Artificial Intelligence (CSAI) will take the two required classes:
Session 1: CSCI 570: Analysis of Algorithms, 4 Units (June 16 - August 12, 2025)
Session 2: CSCI 571: Web Technologies, 4 Units (July 2 – August 12, 2025)
