MS Courses at University of Southern California

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, 2026.

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

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 2026

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, 2026, and the application deadline for Fall 2024 is Dec 15, 2026 (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, 2026
Fall	Dec 15, 2026

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

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 2026	BAJMC first year tuition fees
UCLA	#26	INR 21.91 L - 26.9 L
USC	#53	INR 32,16,745