Computer Science
Graduate Degrees
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, see here.
A Master of Science in computer science (high performance computing and simulations) is also offered, see here.
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.
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 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. 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 high performance computing simulations.
Master of Science in Computer Science (Game Development)
The goal of the M.S. in Computer Science (Game Development) program is to graduate students with a core in computer science, an engineering-oriented game development core and a concentration in one of the key research directions in game development infrastructure, cognition and games, immersion and serious games. Infrastructure is researching and developing the software and hardware infrastructure necessary for the development of the future of interactive games and large-scale simulations; massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) and simulation networks; game engines and tools; instant games; wireless and mobile games and infrastructures; and next generation consoles. Cognition and games is developing theories for modeling and simulating computer characters and story; developing methods for modeling, simulating and displaying human emotion; analyzing large-scale game play; and developing theories for infusing pedagogy with game play. Immersion is researching and developing the technologies to engage the mind of the game player via sensory stimulation; reading the human emotional state and providing that as an input to the game; and emotionally adaptive game software architectures. Serious games and simulations is developing a theory for the deployment of games and simulations for purposes of education and training, health, public policy and strategic communication; game evaluation; serious game development; and human performance engineering. Students graduating from this program will be capable of engineering next generation games and simulations and their required technologies immediately upon graduation in the entertainment and serious game fields. Additionally, graduates from this program will be able to further their education in graduate programs in game development and computer science. The long-term goal with this M.S. degree is to establish research and development directions that create a science of games and an accompanying archival literature that improves game development for both serious and entertainment purposes.
| 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 |
| CSCI 522 | Game Engine Development | 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 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 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 | Experiments in Stereoscopic Imaging | 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 adviser approval. |
Total Units: 33
Master of Science in Computer Science (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 adviser. All courses must be approved by a faculty adviser. A list of suggested electives is available from the department office.
Master of Science in Computer Science (Computer Security)
Completion of this program satisfies all the requirements for the Master of Science in computer science.
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 530 | Security Systems | 4 |
| CSCI 531 | Applied Cryptography | 3 |
| CSCI 551 | Computer Communications | 3 |
| CSCI 555 | Advanced Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| CSCI 577a | Software Engineering, or | 4 |
| CSCI 578 | Software Architectures | 3 |
| At least one of the following courses: | ||
| CSCI 545 | Robotics | 3 |
| CSCI 561* | Foundations of Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 564 | Brain Theory and Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 573* | Advanced Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 574 | Computer Vision | 3 |
| CSCI 580 | 3-D Graphics and Rendering | 3 |
| CSCI 582 | Geometric Modeling | 3 |
| At least two of the following courses: | ||
| CSCI 556 | Introduction to Cryptography | 3 |
| CSCI 558L | Internetworking and Distributed Systems Laboratory | 3 |
| CSCI 571 | Web Technologies | 3 |
| CSCI 585 | Database Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 599** | Special Topics | 2-4, max 9 |
| CSCI 694a | Topics in Computer Networks and Distributed Systems | 3 |
| Total Units: | 28 | |
Master of Science in Computer Science (High Performance Computing and 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 596* | Scientific Computing and Visualization | 3 |
| Technical Elective courses | units | |
|---|---|---|
| Three of the following courses – students must take courses from both the computer science track and the computational science/engineering application track. | ||
| 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 653* | High Performance Computing and Simulations | 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 Computational 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 |
| MATH 578a | Computational Molecular Biology | 3 |
| PHYS 516 | Methods of Computational Physics | 3 |
| PTE 582* | Fluid Flow and Transport Processes in Porous Media | 3 |
| Adviser approved remainder of elective units | 6 | |
Master of Science in Computer Science (Human Language Technology)
Human Language Technology (HLT) – also known as Computational Linguistics and Natural Language Processing – focuses on the treatment of human languages by computer. This field has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years, thanks to the Internet and the availability of text online. Since the early 1950s, the computational linguistics research community has developed theories and applications for a wide variety of language uses and languages. Theoretical interests overlap with appropriate areas in linguistics, philosophy, psychology and neuroscience; algorithmic issues pertain to machine learning, mathematics/statistics and information theory in signal processing. Typical applications include Web search, machine translation, speech recognition, automated question answering, text summarization, information extraction (including opinions, facts), analysis and management of electronic bulletin boards and chat rooms, product development tracking, news tracking for intelligence gathering and international commerce, and information gathering for report generation.
To obtain a Master of Science in Computer Science with specialization in Human Language Technology, degree students must satisfy the requirements for the Master of Computer Science. At least 27 units must be completed with the following distribution requirements:
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 544 | Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| CSCI 562 | Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| CSCI 561* | Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, or | |
| CSCI 573 | Advanced Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 570 | Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| At least one of the following courses: | ||
| CSCI 551 | Computer Communications | 3 |
| CSCI 555 | Advanced Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 571 | Web Technologies | 3 |
| CSCI 577a | Software Engineering | 4 |
| CSCI 585 | Database Systems | 3 |
| EE 557 | Computer Systems Architecture | 3 |
| Computer Science electives | units | |
|---|---|---|
| It is recommended that the remaining units be satisfied from the following computer science electives: | ||
| CSCI 545 | Robotics | 3 |
| CSCI 564 | Brain Theory and Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSCI 567 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| CSCI 580 | 3-D Graphics and Rendering | 3 |
| CSCI 574 | Computer Vision | 3 |
| CSCI 582 | Geometric Modeling | 3 |
| CSCI 590 | Directed Research (up to 6 units for non-thesis students only) | 1-12 |
| CSCI 599 | Special Topics (subject to adviser review of the topic) | 2-4, max 9 |
| Non-Computer Science electives | units | |
|---|---|---|
| Students may take up to two courses from other departments for credit toward the degree. These courses must either be chosen from the following list, or (with permission from one of the M.S. program directors) appropriate courses from linguistics, mathematical statistics, electrical engineering, neuroscience, philosophy and psychology. Suggested courses include: | ||
| EE 519 | Speech Recognition and Processing for Multimedia | 3 |
| EE 619 | Advanced Topics in Automatic Speech Recognition | 3 |
| LING 530 | Generative Syntax | 3 |
| MATH 505a | Applied Probability, or | |
| MATH 505b | Applied Probability | 3 |
| MATH 541a | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics, or | |
| MATH 541b | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
Master of Science in Computer Science (Multimedia and Creative Technologies)
See the listing under Multimedia and Creative Technologies.
Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering)
Students must satisfy all requirements for the Master of Science degree in Computer Science. In addition, they must take the following courses, CSCI 510, CSCI 577ab and CSCI 578, plus three of the following six courses: CSCI 503, CSCI 511, CSCI 555, CSCI 585, CSCI 588 and EE 557 (EE 557, CSCI 555, CSCI 577a, and CSCI 585 may be used to satisfy both the general master’s degree requirements and the specialization requirements.) Students may also include research for an optional master’s thesis in their programs.
Master of Science in Computer Science (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.
Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture
This certificate program will provide engineers with the skills required to face the increasingly complex future in architecting systems, systems of systems and software-intensive systems. Students will be exposed to the concepts, principles and state-of-the-art methods in software architectures. This program introduces principles and approaches for modeling systems using SysML; applies software engineering process models and management approaches to the design and architecture of large software systems; and guides the architect through every phase of the conception, implementation, deployment and finally retirement of software systems. It is expected that participants in the certificate program will have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field and will have several years of practical experience in software engineering and/or systems engineering. If students are later admitted to the Master of Science in Computer Science, the courses taken for the certificate may be applied to that program.
| Required Courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 568 | Requirements Engineering | 3 |
| CSCI 578 | Software Architectures | 3 |
| SAE 547 | Model-Based Systems Architecting and Engineering | 3 |
| SAE 549 | Systems Architecting | 3 |
| Electives (Choose One) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 510 | Software Management and Economics | 3 |
| CSCI 530* | Security Systems | 4 |
| CSCI 555* | Advanced Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSCI 577a | Software Engineering | 4 |
| CSCI 577b | Software Engineering | 4 |
| CSCI 589** | Software Engineering for Embedded Systems | 3 |
| EE 557*** | Computer Systems Architecture | 3 |
| SAE 541 | Systems Engineering Theory and Practice | 3 |
| Total Units: | 15 | |
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 Master’s Admissions and Prerequisites. Particular attention is given to the applicant’s potential to perform original research in an area of computer science. 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 adviser and form a guidance committee consisting of the dissertation adviser 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 670 Advanced Analysis of Algorithms, CSCI 581 Logic and its Applications, MATH 501 Numerical Analysis 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.
Graduate Certificate in Engineering Technology Commercialization
See listing in the Special Educational Opportunities section.