Computer Science Degrees Offered at University of Southern California
The University of Southern California appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.
Students who want a lucrative career in the computer science industry have a variety of options available to them at the University of Southern California. Many students who visit USC start as a freshman right out of high school. Therefore, they are likely to choose a Bachelor of Science degree to give them the skills they’ll need to work on a Master’s or Ph.D.
Students can find a B.S. in Computer Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), a B.S. in Computer Science (CSCI), a B.S. in Computer Science for Games, a B.S. in Computer Science/Business Administration (CSBA), and a B.S. in Physics/Computer Science.
The B.S. in Computer Science is a well-rounded educational experience. Students will learn how to apply mathematics and computing to the discipline, as well as learn how to analyze, identify, and define problems and solutions. They will also gain an understanding of the ethical, legal, professional, and social issues regarding computers and their uses.
The B.S. in Computer Engineering/Computer Science gives students a balance between software and hardware courses. As such, students will gain and apply knowledge from engineering, science, and mathematics aspects. They will also learn about ethical and professional responsibility, identify and solve a variety of engineering problems, and much more.
Students who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree (in any study) may want to consider earning a Master’s degree in Computer Science. There are a variety of options available, including a general Master of Science in Computer Science. Along with the general MS degree, the Computer Science department at the University of Southern California also offers many degree specializations for Data Science, Computer Security, Game Development, Computer Networks, Intelligent Robotics, Software Engineering, High-Performance Computing/Simulation, and Multimedia/Creative Technologies. Students can also find an expanded M.S. degree option, which is suitable for students who have an academic background in science or engineering, but a more limited background in computer science, which is called Scientists and Engineers.
A Ph.D. in Computer Science is also available from USC, and a Master’s degree isn’t required to enter into the program.
Students who want to take online courses can find a variety of online Computer Science options. They are all available at the graduate level and include an M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Computer Science (Computer Security), M.S. in Computer Science (Scientists and Engineers), M.S. in Computer Science (Data Science), and an M.S. in Computer Science (Software Engineering). There is also a graduate certificate available for Software Architecture.
Students can also work toward an M.S. in Cyber Security Engineering or an M.S. in Applied Data Science.
About the University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is one of the leading private research universities in Los Angeles. It’s considered by many to be a global center for technology, arts, and international business. USC is made of up 21 difference academic units/schools, including the College of Letters.
University of Southern California Accreditation Details
The University of Southern California is currently accredited by the WASC (Western Association of Schools and College) and has been since March of 1949. As such, USC can apply for and receive federal student aid in many forms.
However, USC also has specialized accreditation for a variety of its departments; computer science is one of them.
As such, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the CAC (Computing Accreditation Commission, which is part of ABET while the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Computer Science is accredited by the CAC (Computing Accreditation Commission) and the EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission) of ABET.
Currently, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Games) or the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business Administration are not currently accredited.
University of Southern California Application Requirements
Prospective students who wish to apply for USC must follow all the requirements and rules. Those who want to earn an online Master’s degree must have a bachelor’s degree from a university/college that is accredited. They must also receive satisfactory scores on the GMAT or GRE, as well as have strong personal qualifications.
First-year students looking to apply for a Bachelor’s degree are evaluated based on their grades through high school, what courses they took in high school, scores from the ACT/SAT, and more. Students must submit an essay, activity summary, and short-answer questions.
Students looking to apply for the graduate program at the University of Southern California must submit an online application and send appropriate transcripts. They will also need test scores, letters of recommendation, Statement of Purpose, resume, and more.
Students who wish to get a Ph.D. in Computer Science need to be in the process of completing or have completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree in either maths, hard sciences, or engineering. Students are not required to earn a Master’s degree before applying to work on a Ph.D. To apply, students will need three letters of recommendation, a resume, one Statement of Purpose, official transcripts, and their official GRE scores.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students who wish to apply to USC must consider tuition and fee costs and how to pay them. Tuition does not change for non-residents. Tuition for regular sessions is $1,666 for each unit. Graduates in Engineering can expect to pay $1,774 per unit. Students will also find mandatory and optional fees, such as for parking and health services. There may also be special fees involved, such as dissertation and thesis fees for those entering graduate school.
As students need many credits to pass the course, education can become expensive. Students can find a variety of ways to help offset costs. If an employer is going to reimburse the student, particular rules must be followed. Financial aid is also available in many forms. The Norman Topping Student Aid Fund offers tuition grants for low-income graduate students. Students can also find a variety of grants and scholarships available for both graduate and undergraduate needs. Need-based federal financial aid is also available and can come in the form of scholarships, loans, and grants. The University of Southern California makes it easier for all students to pay for their education.
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