Computer Science

Program Description [back to top]

The Master of Science in Computer Science provides intensive preparation in the concepts and techniques related to the design, programming, and application of computing systems. Students are provided a deep understanding of both fundamentals and important current issues in computer science and computer engineering so that they may either obtain productive employment or pursue advanced degrees.

The M.S. in Computer Science program requires the student to take a broad spectrum of courses, while simultaneously allowing for emphasis in desired areas of specialization. In addition to earning the general Master of Science in Computer Science, students also have a selection of choosing a specialization:

• MSCS-CN Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Computer Networks
  
  
• MSCS-CS Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Computer Security
  
  
• MSCS-MC Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Multimedia and Creative Technologies
  
  
• MSCS-SE Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering
  
  
  

Application Criteria [back to top]

• Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, mathematics or engineering from a regionally-accredited college or university.
  
  
• Satisfactory results on the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The Advanced Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering Area Test is recommended but not required. Tests over 5 years old will not be considered.
  
  
• Substantial background in computing (the equivalent of the following USC undergraduate courses constitutes a minimum requirement):
  
  • CSCI 101: Fundamentals of Computer Programming
  • CSCI 102: Data Structures
  • CSCI 201: Principles of Software Development
  • EE 101: Introduction to Digital Logic
  • EE 357: Basic Organization of Computer Systems
    
    
• Applicants must also have completed several courses in college level mathematics (at minimum one discrete mathematics course and one year of calculus). Students lacking these prerequisites must complete them at other institutions before applying to USC.
  
  
• Intellectual promise indicating the ability to perform high level graduate work in a rigorous academic environment.
  
  
• International students whose native language is not English must earn a satisfactory score on the TOEFL (600 on the paper-based test; 250 on the computer-based test) or take the on-campus International Student English Examination (ISE) prior to initial registration.

ADMISSION STATISTICS**

• Average undergraduate cumulative GPA of students newly enrolled in USC graduate engineering programs is 3.37 (4.00 scale)
  
  
• Average GRE scores of students newly enrolled in USC graduate engineering programs is Quantitative 749 and Verbal 478

** These scores are averages.  Students with scores both above and below these averages were both admitted and not admitted.  The Viterbi School reviews all applications comprehensively and evaluates applicants on the entire application file with an emphasis on undergraduate institution, GPA, grades earned in pre-requisite courses and GRE scores.

Graduation Requirements [back to top]

A minimum of 27 units is required for the M.S. in Computer Science degree.

• Required Courses:  9 units
  
  
• Electives from EE or Computer Science: 18 units
  
  
• A maximum of 9 units of approved 400 level EE or CSCI elective courses may be taken; remaining units must be approved 500 or 600 level courses.
  
  
• Please consult and receive approval from a Computer Science graduate advisor before enrolling in elective courses
  
  
•  A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation

Thesis Option: With the approval of a supervising professor, qualified students may be allowed to pursue a thesis option. For more information, please refer to the USC Catalogue.

Course Descriptions [back to top]

Required Core Courses (9 units)

Select one of the following.

Select one of the following.

Please note that the courses listed above are those available via DEN. Additional course choices are available on campus. Please consult the department website for the complete list of options.

How To Apply [back to top]

In order to evaluate any application for admission, application materials must be submitted by the deadlines listed:

June 15th Fall admission
October 1st Spring admission

Click here to complete the USC graduate application.

Please arrange to have the following sent to the USC Office of Admission as a hard copy (USC Graduate Office of Admission, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, CA  90089-0915):

• Official Transcript(s) from all post-secondary schools you have attended, and official translations if they are not in English.
  
  
• General GRE scores (no older than 5 years). Official scores must be sent through ETS to the University of Southern California, ETS code 4852)
  
  
• TOEFL scores (required for international students)

NOTE:  If you meet our minimum qualifications, you can get started BEFORE you are formally admitted to USC, as a "LIMITED" student! Click here for more information.

Contact Information [back to top]