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The requirements listed below are special to this department and must be read in conjunction with the general requirements of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering for master's degrees and the general requirements of the USC Graduate School for Ph.D. degrees. The graduate program in computer science provides intensive preparation in the basic concepts and techniques related to the design, programming and application of digital computers. Both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered.
A Master of Science degree with specialization in software engineering is also offered. The program seeks to prepare students for an industrial leadership career in software engineering. It also serves as an introduction to this area for students who wish to pursue advanced studies and research leading to a Ph.D.
A Master of Science degree with specialization in intelligent robotics is also offered. This program seeks to prepare students for an industrial career in the development of computer systems for CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) and robotics. It also serves as an introduction to this area for students who wish to pursue advanced studies and research leading to a Ph.D. The emphasis is on the domain of mechanical, electromechanical and mechatronic products. (CAD for digital systems is covered by a separate program offered by the Electrical Engineering-Systems department.)
A Master of Science degree with a specialization in computer networks is offered. This specialization prepares students in the areas of computer communications, networks and distributed processing.
A Master of Science in computer science (multimedia and creative technologies) is also offered.
A Master of Science in computational linguistics is also offered as a separate program in conjunction with the Linguistics Department. See the listing under Computational Linguistics.
A Master of Science in higher performance computing simulations is also offered.
Admission and Prerequisites
Admission is determined by the Office of Admission and the Viterbi School of Engineering, in consultation with the Computer Science Department. The applicant is required to have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university; satisfactory scores on the verbal and quantitative portions of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examinations (one advanced test from computer science, mathematics or engineering is recommended); and a substantial background in computing constitutes a minimum requirement. Foreign students must earn a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language.All applicants for the master's program should have a general breadth in computer science equivalent to the courses listed below:
1) Complete at least three of the following undergraduate-level courses: Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Computer Communications, Software Engineering, Database Systems, Web Technologies, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Brain Theory, Computer Vision, 3D Graphics and Rendering, and Geometric Modeling.
2) Complete one course from the following undergraduate-level courses: Algorithms, Data Structures, Discrete Mathematics and Numerical Computation.
These entrance requirements are normally satisfied by students with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Students with other backgrounds should consider taking some of the courses listed above before applying for the Master of Science in Computer Science program. No student may take any of the undergraduate courses listed above for credit toward a graduate degree in computer science.
Master of Science in Computer Science
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 achieved on all 400-level and above course work attempted at USC beyond the bachelor's degree. Transfer units count as credit (CR) toward the master's degree and are not computed in the grade point average. The required courses are as follows: CSCI 570 and one course from each of the following two categories: I. CSCI 551, CSCI 555, CSCI 571, CSCI 577a, CSCI 585, EE 557; II. CSCI 545, CSCI 561, CSCI 564, CSCI 574, CSCI 580, CSCI 582. A maximum of 9 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. CSCI 590 and ENGR 596 may be counted for a maximum of 6 units. Total units required for the degree is 27. 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.
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 6 units from approved courses may be taken at the 400 level in either electrical engineering or computer science; and CSCI 590 and ENGR 596 may be counted for a maximum of 2 units. 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 27. The thesis must comply with all requirements set by the Graduate School. The thesis option is available to students pursuing degrees in the following programs: M.S. in computer science and M.S. in computer science with specializations in computer networks, software engineering, intelligent robotics, multimedia and creative technologies, computer security and higher performance computing simulations.Master of Science in Computer Science (Game Development)
| Game development core (11 units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 522 | Game Engine Development | 4 |
| CTIN 488 | Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| EE 452 | Game Hardware Architectures | 3 |
| Project Classes (7 units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 529ab | Advanced Game Projects | 4-3 |
| electives | units | |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two courses from one of the following areas of concentration: Infrastructure; Cognition and Games; Immersion; Serious Games. | ||
Infrastructure | ||
| CSCI 503 | Parallel Programming | 3 |
| CSCI 520 | Computer Animation and Simulation | 3 |
| CSCI 523 | Networked Games | 3 |
| CSCI 524 | Networked Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 526 | Advanced Mobile Devices and Game Consoles | 3 |
Cognition and Games | ||
| CSCI 524 | Networked Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 534 | Affective Computing | 3 |
| CSCI 541 | Artificial Intelligence Planning | 3 |
| CSCI 543 | Software Multiagent Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 569 | Integrated Intelligent Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 573 | Advanced Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
Immersion | ||
| CSCI 520 | Computer Animation and Simulation | 3 |
| CSCI 523 | Networked Games | 3 |
| CSCI 537 | Immersive Environments | 3 |
| CSCI 538 | Human Performance Engineering | 3 |
| CSCI 574 | Computer Vision | 3 |
| CSCI 588 | Specification and Design of User Interface Software | 3 |
| CTAN 502a | Virtual Reality and Stereoscopic Animation | 2 |
| CTIN 488 | Intermediate Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| EE 619 | Advanced Topics in Automatic Speech Recognition | 3 |
Serious Games | ||
| CSCI 486 | Serious Games Development | 3 |
| CSCI 520 | Computer Animation and Simulation | 3 |
| CSCI 537 | Immersive Environments | 3 |
| CSCI 538 | Human Performance Engineering | 3 |
Other courses may be eligible subject to advisor approval. | ||
Total units: 33 | ||
| CSCI (9 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| CSCI 580 | 3-D Computer Graphics and Rendering | 3 |
One of the following: | ||
| CSCI 555 | Advanced Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 561 | Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, or | |
| CSCI 573 | Advanced Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 571 | Web Technologies | 3 |
| CSCI 577a | Software Engineering | 4 |
| CSCI 585 | Database Systems | 3 |
| EE 557 | Computer Systems Architecture | 3 |
| Game development core (11 units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| CTIN 488 | Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| ITP 485 | Programming Game Engines | 4 |
| EE 452 | Game Hardware Architectures | 3 |
| Project Classes (7 units) | units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 529ab | Advanced Game Projects | 4-3 |
| electives | units | |
|---|---|---|
| Complete two courses from one of the following areas of concentration: Infrastructure; Cognition and Games; Immersion; Serious Games. | ||
Infrastructure | ||
| CSCI 520 | Computer Animation and Simulation | 3 |
| CSCI 522 | Game Engine Development | 4 |
| CSCI 523 | Networked Games | 3 |
| CSCI 524 | Networked Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 526 | Advanced Mobile Devices and Game Consoles | 3 |
Cognition and Games | ||
| CSCI 524 | Networked Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 534 | Affective Computing | 3 |
| CSCI 541 | Artificial Intelligence Planning | 3 |
| CSCI 543 | Software Multiagent Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 569 | Integrated Intelligent Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 573 | Advanced Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
Immersion | ||
| CSCI 520 | Computer Animation and Simulation | 3 |
| CSCI 523 | Networked Games | 3 |
| CSCI 537 | Immersive Environments | 3 |
| CSCI 538 | Human Performance Engineering | 3 |
| CSCI 574 | Computer Vision | 3 |
| CSCI 588 | Specification and Design of User Interface Software | 3 |
| CTAN 502a | Virtual Reality and Stereoscopic Animation | 2 |
| CTIN 488 | Intermediate Game Design Workshop | 4 |
| EE 619 | Advanced Topics in Automatic Speech Recognition | 3 |
Serious Games | ||
| CSCI 520 | Computer Animation and Simulation | 3 |
| CSCI 537 | Immersive Environments | 3 |
| CSCI 538 | Human Performance Engineering | 3 |
Other courses may be eligible subject to advisor approval. | ||
Total units: 33 | ||
Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Computer Networks
Under the networks option students must satisfy the requirements for the Master of Science in Computer Science and the following courses must be included in the program: EE 450, CSCI 551, CSCI 555 and three of the following: CSCI 558; CSCI 599 or CSCI 694a or CSCI 694b; EE 549, EE 550 and EE 555. Total units required for the degree is 27. Students who can demonstrate that they have already taken these courses (or equivalent) may be waived out of the requirement by a memo from their faculty advisor. All courses must be approved by a faculty advisor. A list of suggested electives is available from the department office.
Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Computer Security
Students must satisfy all the requirements for the Master of Science in computer science. In addition they must take the following courses: CSCI 530, CSCI 551, CSCI 555, CSCI 577a or CSCI 578 (CSCI 555, CSCI 570 and CSCI 577a may be used to satisfy both the general master's degree requirements and the specialization requirements); plus three of the following elective courses: CSCI 556, CSCI 558L, CSCI 570, CSCI 578, CSCI 599 (topic must be approved), and CSCI 694a or CSCI 694b. Total units required for the degree is 27.
Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in High Performance Computing Simulations
Students in the MSCS-HPCS program must satisfy the current core requirements for the Master of Science in computer science and the following elective courses must be included in the program:| Required Core course | units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 653* | High Performance Computing and Simulations | 3 |
| Technical Elective courses | units | |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Track | ||
| CSCI 503 | Parallel Programming | 3 |
| CSCI 520 | Computer Animation and Simulation | 3 |
| CSCI 551* | Computer Communications | 3 |
| CSCI 558L | Internetworking and Distributed Systems Laboratory | 3 |
| CSCI 580 | 3-D Graphics and Rendering | 3 |
| CSCI 583* | Computational Geometry | 3 |
| CSCI 595 | Advanced Compiler Design | 4 |
| CSCI 596* | Scientific Computing and Visualization | 3 |
| EE 653 | Advanced Topics in Microarchitecture | 3 |
| EE 657* | Parallel and Distributed Computing | 3 |
| EE 659* | Interconnection Networks | 3 |
| MATH 501 | Numerical Analysis and Computing | 3 |
Computational Science/Engineering Application Track | ||
| AME 535a* | Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics, or AME 535b* Introduction to Compu- tational Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| CE 529a* | Finite Element Analysis | 3 |
| CHE 502 | Numerical Methods for Diffusive and Convective Transport | 3 |
| EE 553* | Computational Solution of Optimization Problems | 3 |
| MASC 575* | Basics of Atomistic Simulations of Materials | 3 |
| PHYS 516 | Methods of Computational Physics | 3 |
| PTE 582* | Fluid Flow and Transport Processes in Porous Media | 3 |
| Advisor approved remainder of elective units | 6 | |
Master of Science in Computer Science (Multimedia and Creative Technologies)
See the listing under Multimedia and Creative Technologies.
Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering
Certificate in Software Engineering
The certificate program prepares software practitioners for lifetime leadership in software-intensive systems. This program is designed for practicing software developers, engineers and technical managers, who typically study off campus while working full-time. The Distance Education Network (DEN) of the Viterbi School of Engineering administers and delivers all courses in the program. Students must complete five 3-unit classes, CSCI 510, CSCI 578, CSCI 591ab and CSCI 592, with a minimum grade of B-, and must complete the program with a minimum average of B (3.0).
Admission and Prerequisites
The school is no longer accepting applicants to this certificate program.
Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Intelligent Robotics
Students must take CSCI 545 and three of the following courses: CSCI 445, CSCI 547, CSCI 584, and CSCI 593. Other requirements are the same as for the Master of Science degree in computer science, described above. (CSCI 561 and CSCI 545 may be used to help satisfy both the general master's requirements and the specialization requirements.) Students may include in their programs research for an optional master's thesis conducted in collaboration with industry.Master of Science in Computational Linguistics
See the listing under Computational Linguistics.
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in computer science is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the USC Graduate School.Admission to the Ph.D. program in computer science is highly selective, based upon a superior academic record, prior training in computer science, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose and Graduate Record Examinations scores. Applicants are expected to have completed the equivalent course work necessary to satisfy the general breadth requirements outlined in the Master's Admissions and Prerequisites section. Particular attention is given to the applicant's potential to perform original research in an area of computer science. Once admitted, the progress of each Ph.D. student is reviewed once a semester by the entire faculty and a determination is made as to whether the student will be allowed to continue in the program. Since research potential is a key factor in the evaluation, new students are strongly urged to begin research with a computer science faculty member as soon as possible. See general requirements for graduate degrees.
Screening Procedure
When a student has completed 21 units or more of graduate level studies or no later than his or her fourth semester in computer science at USC, he or she must apply for screening. The screening evaluation takes place during the regular review of Ph.D. students; based upon the student's performance in course work, overall record, and research potential, the screening evaluation determines whether or not the student will be allowed to continue toward the Ph.D. A screening determination of "pass," "no pass" or "postpone" is made; in the latter case, the student must reapply for screening the subsequent semester(s) until a "pass" or "no pass" determination is made.
Guidance Committee
After passing the screening procedure, the student must select a dissertation advisor and form a guidance committee consisting of the dissertation advisor and at least four other faculty members. The committee must include a faculty member from another department who does not hold a joint appointment in computer science. All guidance committees must be approved by the department chair and the Graduate School.
Course Requirements
Each Ph.D. student is expected to demonstrate breadth of knowledge as well as depth in a chosen area of concentration. Hence, the required courses fall into two groups: (1) a common core, required of all doctoral students, and (2) additional required courses which depend on the student's area of concentration. The common core consists of five courses selected from the following five groups. Students must complete one class from each group: Group 1: EE 557 Computer Systems Architecture, CSCI 551 Computer Communications, CSCI 555 Advanced Operating Systems; Group 2: CSCI 577a Software Engineering, CSCI 571 Web Technologies, CSCI 585 Database Systems; Group 3: CSCI 545 Robotics, CSCI 561 Foundation of Artificial Intelligence, CSCI 564 Brain Theory and Artificial Intelligence; Group 4: CSCI 574 Computer Vision, CSCI 580 Graphics and Rendering, CSCI 582 Geometric Modeling; Group 5: CSCI 570 Analysis of Algorithms, CSCI 581 Logic and its Applications, MATH 501 Numerical Anaylsis and Computation. A minimum GPA of 3.5 must be obtained in these five core courses.In addition, all Ph.D. students must register for two semesters of CSCI 597 Seminar in Computer Science Research for a maximum of 2 units during their first year.
Ph.D. programs in computer science are grouped into the following specializations: Network and Systems (Interaction); Databases (Interaction); Software Engineering (Interaction); Robotics (Autonomy); Intelligent Agents and Organizations (Autonomy); Natural Language Processing (Autonomy); Graphics and Multimedia (Immersion); Vision (Immersion); Theory of Computation: Genomic, Molecular and Quantum Computation (Computation); Brain Theory and Neural Networks (Computation); High Performance Computing and Parallel Computation (Computation).
Each student must select a specialization as his or her area of concentration. Each specialization requires a minimum of three additional courses. Specific specialization requirements (which may change as the fields change) will be provided to the students by the department.
Required courses may be taken in any chronological order, with due attention to prerequisites, and may precede or follow the Screening Evaluation.
A total of 60 units, at least 40 at the 500 level or above, beyond the bachelor's degree is required (including the above required courses). A minimum grade point average of 3.5 must be maintained. Students with a Master of Science degree may transfer up to 27 units.
Qualifying Examination
All doctoral students must pass a qualifying examination in computer science within four years before being admitted to candidacy. The qualifying examination tests the student's broad knowledge of computer science and deep insight into a chosen area of research.Permission to take the qualifying examination must be obtained from the dean of graduate studies at least 60 days prior to its occurrence, and must be taken in the semester for which permission is granted. The guidance committee administers the qualifying examination and evaluates the student's performance. If the examination is failed, the guidance committee may recommend that the student repeat the examination 6-12 months later. The examination cannot be taken more than twice.
Dissertation
An acceptable dissertation based upon original research is required. The dissertation must show mastery of some special field, must be an original contribution to that field and must be presented in scholarly form.
Defense of the Dissertation
When all other requirements are satisfied, the candidate must pass a public final oral examination in defense of the dissertation.