M.S. Computer Science (General)

The Master of Science in Computer Science provides intensive preparation in the basic concepts and techniques related to the design, programming and application of digital computers. 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. This program requires students to take a broad spectrum of courses, while simultaneously allowing for emphasis in desired areas of specialization.

Current students follow degree requirements in effect for the academic year they began their studies at USC. If you are a current student, please refer to your STARS report or the appropriate USC Catalogue for your year. Students seeking to advance their catalogue year to follow updated curricula may contact their department advisor.

Total Units: 28

• Effective Fall 2024, this program requires the completion of 32 units of coursework.
  

Core Requirement (4 units):

• CSCI 570 - Analysis of Algorithms (4)

Additional Course Work (24 units):

• Effective Fall 2024, this program requires the completion of additional 28 units of coursework.
• The remaining elective units necessary to earn the degree are completed by selecting additional 500-level CSCI courses.

• Additional 500-level CSCI courses
• One Non Computer Science Course (such as EE, ISE, INF, etc. from approved list – see department website) (3-4 units)
• 600-level CSCI Course (faculty and department approval required) (8 units max)
• Other options may be available with department approval.

Students interested in computer science research can select from CSCI 591 Computer Science Research Colloquium (1 unit, max 2) and/or CSCI 590 Directed Research (1-2 units, max 2).

Note: A maximum of 2 units of CSCI 590 and a maximum of 2 units of CSCI 591 may be applied. Furthermore, only one course may be 400-level, and up to two courses may be 600-level. With adviser approval, one non Computer Science Course may be selected from the approved list.

Thesis courses (CSCI 594a, CSCI 594b, CSCI 594z) and Internship courses (ENGR 595a, ENGR 595b, ENGR 595z) are not eligible for elective credit.

• 28 units are required for the degree. Effective Fall 2024, 32 units of coursework are required for the degree.
  
• There is no cumulative examination required for the degree.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.00 must be earned on all course work applied toward the M.S. degree and all graduate course work taken at USC.
• A maximum of 4 units may be taken from approved 400-level courses in either Electrical Engineering or Computer Science; the remaining units must be approved courses at the 500 or 600 level.
• Only two doctoral (600-level) course can be counted in the degree.
• Only one Non-CS course can be counted in the degree.
• Internship and Thesis credits cannot count as elective units toward the degree.
• CSCI 590 Directed Research is a variable unit course, and can be taken for one or two units. A maximum of two units can apply toward the degree.
• CSCI 591 Research Colloquium can be taken a maximum of two times for one unit each.
• Other requirements for the M.S. degree are the same as set forth in the general requirements for graduate degrees.

The MS thesis option is available to highly qualified students but requires the student to find an adviser willing to supervise their research. In practice, availability of advisers is extremely limited and this option is exercised rarely.

With the approval of a supervising professor, qualified students may be allowed to pursue a thesis option. Students pursuing the thesis option must satisfy all of the policies and course requirements for the master's degree and, in addition, must enroll in a minimum of two semesters of CSCI 594a, CSCI 594b, CSCI 594z for a maximum of 4 units.

For students starting their degree Fall 2024 or later, the total units required for the degree with thesis is 36. The thesis must comply with all requirements set by the Graduate School. Students who began their degree in Summer 2023 or earlier will be held to the prior unit requirement of 32 units (28 units + 4 units of thesis).

• Total units required for the M.S. in Computer Science general degree with thesis is 36 (Fall 2024 or later).
• Total units required for the M.S. in Computer Science general degree with thesis is 32 (Summer 2024 or earlier).

The thesis must comply with all requirements set by the Graduate School (http://www.usc.edu/schools/GraduateSchool/).

Students enrolled in a CS specialization are not eligible to add a thesis to their program.

• Prerequisites must be taken prior to an advanced course. Even if a prerequisite is waived, you may not take the prerequisite course AFTER taking the advanced course.
• Availability of courses per semester may occasionally change.
• Students pursing a "second master's degree" must follow specific procedures. A “second master’s degree” is any master’s degree pursued after a first master’s degree is earned at USC or another university.