Computer Science (MS)

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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. A maximum of 4 units may be taken at the 400 level from approved courses in either electrical engineering or computer science; the remaining units must be approved courses at the 500 or 600 level. M.S. students may complete a maximum of 8 units of 600-level courses for use in the degree program. Approval for enrollment in 600-level courses must come from the faculty instructor and department adviser. Total units required for the degree is 28. 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.

The required courses are as follows:

Required course (4 units):

CSCI 570 Analysis of Algorithms Units: 4

Choose two of the following courses (8 units):

CSCI 561 Foundations of Artificial Intelligence Units: 4
CSCI 571 Web Technologies Units: 4
CSCI 585 Database Systems Units: 4

Choose an additional 12 units of CSCI courses (only one course may be 400 level)*:

CSCI 400-599 Select any CSCI elective course from the department’s offerings. Only one course may be 400 level. Units: 12

*Not from CSCI 590, CSCI591, CSCI594ABZ, OR CSCI598

Recommended Electives

Multiple combinations of options exist to complete the remaining units necessary to earn the degree.

Internship Experience:

Students interested in internships for degree credit are required to complete CSCI 598 Professional Writing and Communication for Computer Scientists (1 unit) as a prerequisite before enrolling in ENGR 596 Engineering Internship (each internship = 1 unit, max 3).

Research:

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 (variable units, max 4).

Additional Coursework:

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) (4 units)

Additional 500-level CSCI course (4 units)

Other options may be available with department approval.

Thesis Option

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 with the following exceptions: A maximum of 4 units from approved courses may be taken at the 400 level in either electrical engineering or computer science. In addition, these students must enroll in a minimum of two semesters of CSCI 594abz for a maximum of 4 units. Total units required for the degree is 28. The thesis must comply with all requirements set by the Graduate School. Students interested in a thesis while enrolled in a CS specialization should consult with their department advisor.