Master of Science in Computer Engineering
at University of Southern California, Los Angeles

3.7 /5

(20 Reviews)

Shiksha popularity ranking

#25 in Computer Science Engineering in USA

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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
at
University of Southern California
Overview

Our counselors guided 1 student in securing admission to this course. Know more

University of Southern California offers a 18 to 24 months Master of Science in Computer Engineering at the PG level. The course is among the popular program that international students want to study abroad. As per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025, the University of Southern California Master of Science in Computer Engineering holds a ranking of #25.

International students are required to take exams such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE to meet the basic eligibility criteria by submitting valid scores. Students must pay the University of Southern California tuition fees of USD 38,784 for the Master of Science in Computer Engineering. Additionally, they should plan for other expenses, including accommodation, hostel fees, food, books, supplies, and utilities. The estimated University of Southern California cost of living is USD 9,240.

Duration	1.5 - 2 years Get Curriculum
Tuition & Fees	₹36.10 Lakh Get Fees details
International Students Admission Website	Go to Website
Official Career Service Website	Go to Website
Course Level	PG Degree

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Table of content

Overview
Fees
Curriculum
Entry Requirements
Application Process
Rankings
Highlights
Scholarships

Master of Science in Computer Engineering
at
University of Southern California
Fees

The University of Southern California fee structure for a Master of Science in Computer Engineering includes the mandatory payment of the first-year tuition fee. Apart from the tuition costs, students must also plan for some additional costs associated with living in USA, including rent, utilities, food, health insurance and some other expenses. The overall annual cost of living is around USD 9,240. The overall expenses may vary based on the standard of living students opt for and some additional charges asked by the University of Southern California. The overall first year tuition fee for a Master of Science in Computer Engineering is around USD 38,784.

For more info regarding the fee breakup for a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from University of Southern California, refer the table below:

1st year tuition fees

Fees components	Amount (for 1 year)
Tuition & fees	INR 36,10,246

Other expenses in 1st Year

Fees components	Amount (for 1 year)
Hostel & Meals	INR 13,56,682
Insurance	INR 2,39,748

Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 88.73 | Tuition & expenses were last updated on 5ᵗʰ March 2025

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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
at
University of Southern California
Curriculum

For detailed information regarding the Master of Science in Computer Engineering program at Master of Science in Computer Engineering, click on the green button below. The curriculum PDF provides all important information students may need to know related to the course including subjects taught, available electives and other course-related content. The PDF also provides a semester-wise breakup of the overall course structure.

Download exam sample paper

Master of Science in Computer Engineering
at
University of Southern California
Entry Requirements

Requirements for 12th grade Lock Icon

No specific cutoff mentioned

Graduation Lock Icon

No specific cutoff mentioned
Applicants to the master's of science programs in Computer Engineering are required to have a bachelor’s degree or be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree. Degrees in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines are frequently represented among our program applicants, including but not limited to the following:

Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

Electronics

Math

Physics

Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree in the preferred majors listed above will only be considered with coursework and demonstrated proficiency in the acceptable courses listed below (or equivalent).

Electrical Engineering

Linear Circuits

Differential Equations
Linear Algebra
Probability/Statistics

Physics

4-year Bachelor degree OR Master’s degree (for 3-year Bachelor degree holder) earned at an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
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Convert your CGPA to GPA

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GPA

Percentage

CGPA

TOEFL

Marks - 90/120
With no less than 20 on each section

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Convert your CGPA to GPA

Calculate your score and check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities.

GPA

Percentage

CGPA

PTE

Marks - 61/90
Minimum 53

IELTS

Marks - 6.5/9
With no less than 6 on each band

Get a Full FREE IELTS Prep Course with Shiksha Study Abroad – Limited Seats for Weekend & Weekday Batches! Register now for IELTS
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Duolingo

No specific cutoff mentioned

Which exams out of the above do I need to give?

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Master of Science in Computer Engineering
at
University of Southern California
Application Process

Step one

Prepare documents for application

LOR

Letter of Recommendation (Optional)

CV/resume is required.

Step two

Additional documents required

Official semester-by-semester mark sheets (preferred) /consolidated mark sheets from all post-secondary institutions attended
Official diploma(s)/degree certificate(s)
Submit English Language Proficiency scores
Proof of financial support
Copy of passport
Personal Statement

Step three

Start your online application

https://viterbigradadmission.usc.edu/programs/masters/apply/

Step four

Application fees for this course

USD 90 = INR 7.99 Thousand

Mode of payment: Credit card, Debit card, Wire money transfer

Applicants have the option of a monthly payment plan in fall and spring semesters (a down payment and four monthly installments per term)
The first payment includes the $50 application fee
Students must complete each monthly installment no later than the 3^rd of each month

Step five

Application deadline

Spring (Jan): 15th Sept

Fall (Aug): 15th Dec

*The dates specified are tentative dates as per the previous year records. Our expert counselors can help with exact deadline date. Connect with the expert now!

Master of Science in Computer Engineering
at
University of Southern California
Rankings

Course Ranking

University Ranking

Rank	Rank Publisher
#13	Computer Engineering PG US News & World Report, 2025
#64	PG Computer Science THE (Times Higher Education), 2025
#101	Pharmacy and Pharmacology QS, 2025

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University of Southern California
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.7/5

18 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Student Views (Based on Reviews)

40% students never faced discrimination in this university

Vibe of Campus

Academically oriented

Fun loving

Sporty

Multi-dimensional

Internships3.4

Part time work3.5

Post study jobs3.6

Quality of faculty4.4

Student Life4.3

Value for money3.3

Public transportation3.7

Safety3.4

Indian Food4

Permanent Immigration3

Anonymous

Master of Science in Applied Data Science - Batch of 2025

Offered by University of Southern California

4.6

The university offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities.

Tips: USC has a strong reputation for attracting top companies to campus for recruitment. Located in Los Angeles, a vibrant city with a diverse economy, it offers students access to numerous internship and job opportunities. Its proximity to the Bay Area, the heart of the tech industry, further enhances these prospects. Many students find internships and full-time roles at leading tech companies, entertainment firms, and startups in both regions. However, it is crucial for prospective studentsespecially international ones, to plan their finance carefully before joining. While on-campus jobs and internships can help support living expenses, they are not guaranteed and may not fully cover tuition or housing costs. Proper budgeting and having a clear understanding of expenses beforehand will ensure a smoother academic journey and allow students to take full advantage of the opportunities available.

Likes (Post study jobs): USC enjoys a strong reputation for attracting a wide range of companies for recruitment, offering students excellent career opportunities. Many organisations, ranging from tech giants to startups, regularly visit the campus for career fairs, internships, and full-time placements. The institution's emphasis on practical learning and industry collaboration further enhances student employability. Being located in Los Angeles, a major metropolitan hub, also adds to the appeal. The city itself is home to a thriving ecosystem of technology, entertainment, healthcare, and finance companies, making it easier for students to network and find off-campus internships during or after their studies. Furthermore, Los Angeles's proximity to the Bay Area, unarguably the heart of global technology and innovation, provides an additional advantage. Students can explore opportunities with leading tech firms headquartered there, including those offering summer internships or co-op programs.

Dislikes (Internships): The university offers a diverse range of on-campus job opportunities, which are beneficial for students looking to gain practical experience, support themselves financially, and integrate into campus life. These jobs span across departments such as libraries, dining services, administrative offices, research labs, and IT support. Many positions are flexible, allowing students to balance work with academic commitments. Working on campus not only helps in earning a steady income but also enhances soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. However, the availability of these jobs for international students is comparatively limited. Due to U. S. regulations, international students on F-1 visas are only permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year. While the university does its best to accommodate international students, many roles are quickly filled by domestic students or have eligibility criteria that favour U. S. citizens or permanent residents. In some cases, language proficiency requirements or prior experience also pose barriers. Additionally, research assistantships or graduate assistant roles, which are more aligned with academic and professional goals, can be highly competitive for international students. Funding limitations or departmental preference may further restrict access. As a result, international students often need to be proactive, apply early, and leverage faculty connections to secure suitable roles.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 5725

Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 77825

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025Read more

Anonymous

M.S. in Spatial Economics and Data Analysis - Batch of 2025

Offered by University of Southern California

3.8

Grateful for the experience and lesson.

Tips: The campus is very friendly and welcoming and the student body is diverse so you'll be sure to fit in. The infrastructure is well made and living in California is great for Indians. If there is something to be cautious about, it is the amount of crime happening around the university.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 4575

Prepping time for classes29 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 89075

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2024Read more

Ganpati Goel Verified Icon

MS in Engineering Management (MSEMT) - Batch of 2023

Offered by University of Southern California

4.1

The University is awesome, there is a lot of competition, sports, extracurriculars and party house.

Tips: Complete assignments on time, make sure to clear all subjects, and join extracurriculars like Table tennis, triathlon club and cycling etc., if you are not into all of this then don't bother coming to USC and save some money. USC is not merely for education but for the holistic development of self if you have missed that in Indian colleges.

Likes (Public transportation): I personally learnt skateboarding and life was so much easier than to walk the whole campus. So skateboarding + public transport I could travel anywhere in the city. USC also has unlimited free Lyft in 2 mile radius around the campus from 6 pm to 2 am. You can get the tap card at a discount for college students.

Dislikes (Post study jobs): In USA: 1. Post study jobs matter on the following: a. Location of University. If you have done college from East Cost you will get a company call back from East Cost majorly and vice versa- the name of the college doesn't matter as much. b. Experience: Your own experience matters. People with prior experience are more likely to secure jobs. c. On campus companies: Very few companies that come on campus sponsor, so it is pretty much useless.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000

Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024Read more

Agraj Khare Verified Icon

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Batch of 2024

Offered by University of Southern California

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.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1425

Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024Read more

Anonymous

Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2024

Offered by University of Southern California

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.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200

Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100025

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2024Read more

View All 20 Reviews

Master of Science in Computer Engineering
at
University of Southern California
Highlights

Master of Science in Computer Engineering degree is offered at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering
Computer Engineering is the creative application of engineering principles and methods to the design and development of hardware and software systems
The M.S. in Computer Engineering encompasses the design, development, testing, and evaluation of components, systems, and networks
Research in Computer Engineering strives to achieve higher performance in the systems and components that are built as well as in the design process
At USC, research is focused in three main areas: Computer Architecture and Parallel Processing, Design and Analysis of Computer Networks and their Protocols, and VLSI Design and Computer Aided Design and Verification of VLSI