Computer Science (MS)

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The Department of Computer Science offers a Master of Science in Computer Science as well as multiple emphases within the discipline. The degree can be completed with or without a thesis.

Requirements for Graduation without a Thesis

A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be earned on all course work applied toward the master's degree in computer science. This average must also be earned on all graduate courses completed at USC (400-level and above). Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree and are not computed in the grade point average. Total units required for the degree is 32. No examination is required for the degree. Other requirements for the Master of Science in Computer Science are the same as set forth in the general requirements for Viterbi School of Engineering master's degrees.

Core Requirement (4 units):

CSCI 570 Analysis of Algorithms Units: 4

Additional Course Work:

The remaining elective units necessary to earn the degree are completed by selecting additional 500-level CSCI courses.

Note: A maximum of 2 units of CSCI 590 and a maximum of 2 units of CSCI 591 may be applied. Furthermore, up to 4 units may be 400-level, and up to 8 units may be 600-level. Approval for enrollment in 600-level courses must come from the faculty instructor and department adviser. 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 (such as ENGR 595abz) are not eligible for elective credit

Thesis Option:

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. Total units required for the degree with thesis is 36. The thesis must comply with all requirements set by the Graduate School. Students interested in a thesis while enrolled in a Computer Science specialization should consult with their department adviser.