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MS Courses at University of Southern California

USC MS
What’s new?

What’s new at the University of Southern California MS in Computer Science MS? The University of Southern California MS course has an application deadline of Apr 15, 2024.

Also, check the University Application Process for the USA.

The University of Southern California MS in Computer Science specializations and fees

The Master in Computer Science provides students with various concentrations and provides intensive preparation in techniques and concepts relating to program language, design, and application of computing systems. The university provides students with an understanding of fundamentals and current trends in computer science and computer engineering.

The University also offers various concentrations in MS in computer science below are the following:

  • MS in CS – Artificial Intelligence (On-campus only)
  • MS in CS – Computer Networks (On-campus only)
  • MS in CS – Multimedia and Creative Technologies (On-campus only)
  • MS in CS – Software Engineering
  • Graduate Certificate in Software Architecture. 
  • MS in CS – Computer Security
  • MS in CS – Data Science
  • MS in CS – Game Development (On-campus only)
  • MS in CS – High-Performance Computing and Simulation (On-campus only)
  • MS in CS – Intelligent Robotics (On-campus only)

Below is the cost of living for international students who want to pursue an MS in Computer Science course:

Fees components

Amount

Tuition & fees

INR 32,16,745

Other expenses in 1st Year

Fees components

Amount

Hostel & Meals

INR 7,66,366

Insurance

INR 2,25,016

Transportation

INR 2,29,246

Books and supplies

INR 99,528

Total

INR 13,20,156

Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 82.9

Cost of living in USA for Indian students

 Entry requirements for the University of Southern California MS course

Below are the requirements for the University of Southern California MS in computer science course:

  • LOR: MS programs ask for a LOR, with particular exceptions. However, the Georgia Institute of Technology strictly doesn’t accept Duplicate letters.
  • Transcripts and degrees: For admission to graduate courses at USC, Indian applicants must have a 4-year Bachelor's degree or Master’s degree (for 3-year Bachelor’s degree holder) earned from an institute recognised by UGC, the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates. 
  • English Language Proficiency exams: The following table explains the minimum score of each English exam the university is accepting: 

English Language proficiency 

Minimum score 

IELTS

6.5 and above with( 6 and above in each band)

PTE Academic 

61 and above (53 and  above in each band)

TOFEL

90 and above( 20 and above in each band)

  • Entrance exam: GRE and GMAT are optional for international students. However, applicants must meet the other requirements thoroughly. 
  • CV/Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume or CV with their work experience.

 English requirements for the University of Southern California 

The following table explains the minimum score for each English exam the university is accepting. The University allows PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS as their main ELP, and applicants must meet the below ELPs to be considered for the university. 

English Language proficiency 

Minimum score 

IELTS

6.5 and above with( 6 and above in each band)

PTE Academic 

61 and above (53 and  above in each band)

TOFEL

90 and above( 20 and above in each band)

University of Southern California MS course application process 2024

Below is the application process at the University of Southern California BAJMC:

For Undergraduate courses: 

Step 1:  You can apply the official application portal. 

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

(Applicant must pay an application fee of USD 90)

Step 3: Make sure you meet the Entry requirements (Such as Academic qualifications and English proficiency, etc.)

 Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit the required documents, Transcripts and personal statements.  

 Step 5: You can track the application's progress through the official portal. 

Step 6: After you apply, you will get an automated email from the university that they have received your application.

The University of Southern California Admission Deadlines

The University of Southern California’s Masters of Science application deadline for Spring 2024 is Sep 15, 2024, and the application deadline for Fall 2024 is Dec 15, 2024 (11:59) Pacific time. Applicants must ensure that they submit the application by these specified deadlines to be considered for admission to the program. 

Intake

Application deadline for 2024 intake

Spring

Sep 15, 2024

Fall

Dec 15, 2024

University of Southern California MS course Acceptance rate

The acceptance rate for the University of Southern California  MS Program is just 12%. The applicants have to go the extra mile to stand out from the crowd. In order to maximise the chances of getting into USC, start preparing for the admission process early, meaning studying for standardised tests, participating in extracurricular activities, striving for a high GPA, starting your application on time, and submitting it before the deadline.

University of Southern California MS course Ranking

The University’s performance in computer science, as given by THE rankings, has seen a slight decline over the past years. In 2021, it held a position of 38 in 2021, which slightly slipped to 43rd in 2022 and further to 53rd in 2023. However, it still maintains to be in the top 50 institutions globally. However, students should check other factors like faculty expertise, research and other opportunities while evaluating a university. Overall the university is surely a good option and stands in the top 50 in the US for MS in computer science courses. 

Ranked By

2021

2022

2023

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science 

38

43

53

The University of Southern California MS course Scholarships

  • University of Southern California scholarships for international students,  all international applicants who submit an application as per the deadline shall be considered for USC Merit scholarships to study undergraduate courses.
  • These merit scholarships are awarded on the basis of a comprehensive academic and scholastic review of the applicant. Some of the merit scholarships are Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Deans Scholarships etc

Check out the complete list of the University of Southern California scholarships

The University of Southern California MS Placements

The University of Southern California has a record of placing its students in well-known companies, indicating a strong emphasis on career. Graduates have found opportunities in tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, Adobe and Cisco Systems. Additionally, they have companies like Aibee Inc. and c3. AI, which is totally into AI and MI sectors. The University also has financial, healthcare and gaming companies showcasing the program's versatility in preparing students with a wide industry role. 

The University of Southern California MS course Cost of living

Below is the cost of living for MS students at University of Southern California:

Fees components

Amount

Tuition & fees

INR 32,16,745

Other expenses in 1st Year

Fees components

Amount

Hostel & Meals

INR 7,66,366

Insurance

INR 2,25,016

Transportation

INR 2,29,246

Books and supplies

INR 99,528

Total

INR 13,20,156

Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 82.9

Which is better?  Is UCLA or USC

Below is the comparison of the top-ranked universities for MS program based on the parameters including ranking and fee:

BAJMC Universities

Rankings 2023

BAJMC first year tuition fees

UCLA

#26

INR 21.91 L - 26.9 L

USC

#53

INR 32,16,745

 

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USC MS
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USC MS
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.5/5
Verified Icon14 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Multi-dimensional
  • Fun loving
  • Sporty
  • Academically oriented
Student Views
  • 38% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships3.4
Part time work3.5
Post study jobs3.6
Quality of faculty4.3
Student Life4.2
Value for money3.2
Public transportation3.5
Safety3.1
Indian Food3.8
Permanent Immigration2.9
A
AnonymousVerified Icon
M.A in Occupational Therapy - Batch of 2026
4
It has been an amazing and very promising experience.
Tips: The campus is beautiful, the classes are interesting, and the university has some courses that allow you to re-attempt tests where you haven't done your best. You will be required to stay up-to-date with a lot of extensive background reading, which can affect your work-life balance. Otherwise, it is a very open and friendly space to learn. The faculty are easily accessible so you can reach out to them. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the course and country.
Reviewed on 30 Nov 2024Read more
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A
Abhinav Gupta Verified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2025
3.5
Opportunity for those who seek it.
Tips: Before joining this college, students should be ready to take on coursework as soon as they start. Competition is tough because there is a big batch size. You will need to fight for your place. Make sure to learn how to cook because eating out is going to be expensive. Stop covering everything to the Dollar because you won't be able to survive.
Likes (Student Life): Student life is great because the college is very supportive. There are a lot of sports and advanced facilities. The campus has good food and a good vibe. LA as a city is amazing, there is so much to do. There is a little for everyone, city life, beaches, mountains, desert, culture, food and so much more.
Dislikes (Safety): LA as a city is very unsafe. There are homeless people everywhere on the street and even in public transport who come close to you and even try to engage unless you are careful. Travelling alone at night is very difficult and scary. There are crimes happening around every day.
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
2.5
USC is a decent university
Tips: The neighborhood the university is located in is not the safest, so you will have a tough time adjusting here. It is not the prettiest either and a far cry from the ideas that were fed to you about LA. There are no scholarships offered and getting a job on campus too is very hard given the high demand. There are better locations and universities in the US that would serve better to people who are new to the US.
Likes (Student Life): There are quite a few student clubs and events happening on campus but you need to be the one to track them and put in the effort to attend them. They aren't always the most productive but you do enjoy yourself. The masters courses are usually late in the day so it does give you time to participate in other activities early in the day.
Dislikes (Public transportation): You have free lyft around campus. You also are given a public transport pass so it's decent that way but not the most convenient or safe. But if you need to go anywhere far you will need to buy a car or use Uber which can get quite expensive. On campus, many students just use a cycle.
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2024Read more
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A
Agraj Khare Verified Icon
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.9
This place has a lot to offer. Student life is happening.
Tips: One should definitely do their due diligence with which course they plan on taking UPAT USC. It is definitely a great leap and transition coming to a new country and it will take some time to get yourself adjusted in the system. Getting habitual of doing everything on your own can also prove to be challenging. With time you will definitely find an on-campus job to support your living expenses and things will improve for the better. The key is to remain patient and stay consistent. USC as a university has a lot to offer, so don't be afraid to grab onto opportunities and get as involved as you can! Make the most of it and have a great time. Striking a balance between fun and work is equally important.
Likes (Student Life): There is always something going around in campus. The campus is forever hustling and bustling. I honestly feel the people you'll meet at USC will be great, I am sure there are exceptions but the student population is diverse and has a lot to offer. There are ample events conducted by AIS (Association of Indian Students) so you don't miss your key festivals away from home.
Dislikes (Safety): Safety is definitely a concern in Downtown Los Angeles. Even though USC makes more than sufficient efforts to keep its students safe, you will come across instances of crime a little too frequently for comfort. But I still feel safety is a matter of personal choices as well. So always make sure you're cautious and taking the right precautions.
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
3.1
Great but also expensive
Tips: As someone who is from Mumbai, moving to LA feels like a huge change. The city is huge but it is difficult to explore without a car. The people here are welcoming, and there are a lot of international students, especially from India. But it is expensive without a scholarship, and USC discontinued the Honours Scholarship programme so it is more difficult to fund your education now.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty at USC is really good. In the courses that I took, the faculty had a thorough understanding of all the topics and were super friendly and welcoming during their office hours. Even if you aren't able to reach the professors, there are TAs who are also really helpful most of the time.
Dislikes (Value for money): Although USC is a good school, it is quite expensive. There are a lot of students in some courses, and for those courses, the quality drops. I believe other universities that are less expensive have the same level of courses and an equal number of opportunities for internship and full-time jobs.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
3.1
The rich sporty college.
Tips: I feel that my university is expensive and because of the current job market, the investment was not worth it. Other than that, everything seemed fine. They encourage co-curricular activities. The environment here is very diverse and you can make good friends.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Professors over here are really knowledgeable. They know what they teach. They have office hours and encourage students to be interactive. PhD is something that professors here support. Overall I feel that it's great academically. That would be it.
Dislikes (Part time work): The number of students In USC is humongous, and the part-time job openings are relatively fewer. It's kind of hard to get a part-time on-campus job. I would recommend students to hunt for jobs at the lab. Even though it's difficult, it would be worth it.
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2024Read more
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USC 
FAQs

Q:   Does USC require GRE for MS in CS?

A: 

No, the University of Southern California does not require a GRE or GMAT test, however the university has an acceptance rate reported for Fall 2022 of just 12%. There were a total of 69,062 freshman applicants at USC. The average unweighted GPA for entering freshman class reported is 3.82-4.00. Since USC is highly selective regarding admissions, students must have good scores. 

Q:   What is the minimum CGPA for MS in USC?

A: 

The average GPA for entering freshman class reported is 3.82-4.00. Since USC is highly selective regarding admissions, students must have good scores.

Q:   How good is the University of Southern California for MS in CS?

A: 

Yes, the University’s performance in computer science, as given by THE rankings, has seen a slight decline over the past years. In 2021, it held a position of 38 in 2021, which slightly slipped to 43rd in 2022 and further to 53rd in 2023. However, it still maintains to be in the top 50 institutions globally. Interested students must consider the USC. 

Q:   What is the salary of MS CS at USC?

A: 

According to Emolument, the average salary of an MS graduate of USC is $100,000. Even unofficial sources cite that the MS in Computer Sciences graduates of USC can get around $100,000+ per year. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the Computer Science graduate school of USC at #23 position.

Q:   How hard is it to get into USC Masters?

A: 

The acceptance rate for the University of Southern California Master’s Program is just 12%. The applicants have to go the extra mile to stand out from the crowd. In order to maximise the chances of getting into USC, start preparing for the admission process early, meaning studying for standardised tests, participating in extracurricular activities, striving for a high GPA, starting your application on time, and submitting it before the deadline.

qna

USC

Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a week ago

All international applicants at the University of Southern California have to submit English language proficiency scores. The scores accepted are IELTS / TOEFL / PTE for admission to UG courses. The most competitive applicants at USC have English language proficiency scores that are higher than the

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Himanshi Shekhar

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

According to a top-ranking publisher, USC University ranking is #125 in the world in 2025. In the same publisher's rankings, this university was placed at #116 in 2024. In other world university (Times higher Education) rankings, USC ranks at #72 in 2025 and #74 in 2024. This shows that this univers

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Chandra Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The University of Southern California ranking is #27 in the National Universities category. USC is famous for its Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism and highly esteemed School of Cinematic Arts. This Cinematic Arts school of the university has graduate students such as directors George

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Bhumika Kaur

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

According to the facts for 2024, the total student enrollment at USC is around 47,000 (rounded off). As of Fall 2024, 26.6% are international students. The number of Indian students enrolled in Fall 2024 is 2,400+. Including India, the top 5 countries represented by international students at USC ar

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Anya Aggarwal

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The first-year students at the University of Southern California showcase superior academic performance and the potential to do more. Most of the admitted students are ranked in the Top 10% of their graduating class, and their median standardized test, if submitted, is in the Top 5% of all the test-

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Gunjan Thapa

Beginner-Level 5

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USC
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University CityLos Angeles, California, USA
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Population of City39,99,759

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Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90089

Los Angeles ( California)

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