Master of Science in Computer Science
3.7 /5
- Private University
Department of Computer Science
Talk to ExpertMaster of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Overview
Our counselors guided 4 students in securing admission to this course. Know moreThe University of Southern California Master of Science in Computer Science program at PG level as 18 to 24 months course. It is among the top-ranked courses offered by the university. As per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025, the University of Southern California Master of Science in Computer Science is ranked at #25 nationally.
International students are required to submit scores of IELTS, TOEFL and PTE to be eligible to get selected into the university. Additionally, they must provide all the necessary documents as part of the admission process.
The University of Southern California Tuition fees for Master of Science in Computer Science is USD 45,774 for 1st year. Along with tuition fees, the students are also required to manage livings expenses as well. The average University of Southern California cost of living is USD 10,440 for international students.
Duration | 2 years Get Curriculum |
Tuition & Fees | ₹39.39 Lakh Get Fees details |
International Students Admission Website | Go to Website  |
Official Career Service Website | Go to Website |
Course Level | PG Degree |
- Overview
- Fees
- Curriculum
- Entry Requirements
- Application Process
- Rankings
- Highlights
- Scholarships
Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Fees
The first-year tuition fees that students are required to pay as per the University of Southern California Master of Science in Computer Science fee structure. The total cost of living at the university is estimated to be USD 10,440 which includes the costs of housing, food, and other utilities. The total costs may vary based on the expenses of the student and the lifestyle being followed by them. Some additional fees may also be charged by the University of Southern California during the course duration. The complete fee breakdown of the Master of Science in Computer Science is around USD 45,774 which is shown in the table below.
1st year tuition fees | Fees components | Amount (for 1 year) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & fees | INR 39,38,636 |
Other expenses in 1st Year | Fees components | Amount (for 1 year) |
|---|---|
| Hostel & Meals | INR 13,56,682 |
| Insurance | INR 2,69,739 |
Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 88.73 | Tuition & expenses were last updated on 9ᵗʰ April 2025Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Curriculum
Students can click on the green button below to access and download the curriculum of the University of Southern California Master of Science in Computer Science. The PDF of the curriculum includes the main subjects taught by the university, the electives offered and additional course materials. The division of the Master of Science in Computer Science into semesters has also been included.
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Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Entry Requirements
- No specific cutoff mentioned
- No specific cutoff mentioned
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- Applicants are required to have completed or be in process of completing an undergraduate degree in computer science or its equivalent from a regionally-accredited university, and must possess substantial computing background
- Applicants without a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science will only be considered with coursework and demonstrated proficiency in a minimum of three* (3) of the core Computer Science courses listed below and at least one* (1) of the Computer Science related Mathematics Courses
- Core Computer Science Courses
- Artificial Intelligence
- Geometric Modeling
- Brain Theory
- Operating Systems
- Compilers Robotics
- Computer Architecture
- Software Design in Computer Science
- Computer Organization
- Software Engineering
- Computer Communications
- 3D Graphics and Rendering
- Computer Vision
- Web Technologies
- Database Systems
- Computer Science Related Mathematics Courses
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Discrete Math
- Discrete Structures
- Numerical Computation
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Out of 10
- N/A
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- 3-year Bachelor degree will be acceptable if applicant have done Masters's degree earned at an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
Calculate your score and check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities.
Out of 10
- Marks - 90/120
- 90 or above, with 20 or above in each section.
-
Register for TOEFL iBT® Test Today and get Rs 500 Off. Use code SHIKTOEFL to avail the discount. Hurry Register now for TOEFL
- Marks - 61/90
- 61 or above, with 53 or above on each band.
- Marks - 6.5/9
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- 6.5 or above, with 6 or above on each band.
- Get a Full FREE IELTS Prep Course with Shiksha Study Abroad – Limited Seats for Weekend & Weekday Batches! Register now for IELTS
- No specific cutoff mentioned
Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Frequently Asked Questions
ShikshaGPT saysInternational students can study over 120 bachelor's and over 200 master's courses in multiple specializations. MBA and Master in Finance are the two most popular and top-ranked courses at the university. Applicants can apply for USC admission by the deadlines to get admission to UG and PG courses. Mentioned below are some popular courses to study at the university:
- BE/BTech
- BSc
- BBA
- M.Arch
- MBA/PGDM
- MEM
Also check the list of Most popular programs in the USA
ShikshaGPT saysThe University of Southern California is the oldest private research university. It ranks among the Top 30 US Universities in 2024 and 2025, as per a top-ranking publisher. It is particularly famous for its prestigious school of Cinematic Arts along with highly ranked Marshall School of Business, Annenberg School of Journalism and Mass Communication, etc. The acceptance rate of USC University is around 10%, which means to get into this university, the applicants must have a strong application.
ShikshaGPT saysAccording to a top-ranking publisher, USC ranks at #27 in 2025 in National Universities category. This shows that it is one of the top-ranking universities in the US. On the other hand, in the Global Universities category, USC ranks at #77 position for 2025. In the 2025 ranking, USC ranks at #125 position. This shows that the university ranks among the Top 150 Universities in the World.
ShikshaGPT saysPopular courses at the University of Southern California campus include MBA, MSc in Finance, MSc in Applied Data Science, etc. The list of some of the popularly chosen majors at USC as of Fall 2023, along with the percentage of degree recipients, is given below:
| Bachelor's degree | % | Master's degree | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Science | 22.4% | Computer Science | 10.9% |
| Computer Science | 5.61% | Management Science | 7.85% |
| Speech Communication & Rhetoric | 4.94% | Social Work | 5.94% |
| Human Biology | 4.43% | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 3.75% |
| General Psychology | 3.47% | Informatics | 2.86% |
| Econometrics & Quantitative Economics | 3.27% | Other Communication & Media Studies | 2.78% |
ShikshaGPT saysSome of the housing options available, along with the 2025-26 rates are given below for the University Southern California campus:
Housing Options | Rates/Semester |
|---|---|
Freshmen Residence Halls | |
Pardee Tower (PTD) | USD 6,190 (INR 5.29L) |
Birnkrant Residential College (BSR) | USD 6,190 – 8,345 (INR 5.29L - 7.13L) |
Undergraduate Apartments | |
Annenberg | USD 6,310 – 7,290 (INR 5.53L – 6.39L) |
Cardinal Gardens | USD 6,435 – 6,790 (INR 5.64L – 5.95L) |
La Sorbonne | USD 5,400 – 7,770 (INR 4.74L – 6.81L) |
Graduate Housing | |
Annenberg | USD 6,310 – 7,290 (INR 5.53L – 6.39L) |
Manor | USD 1,645 – 1,900 / Month (INR 1.44L – 1.67L / Month) |
Stardust | USD 1,585 – 1,900 / Month (INR 1.39L – 1.67L / Month) |
1 USD = INR 87.68
Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Application Process
- Submit CV
- 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
- Letters of Recommendation (Optional): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study.
- Personal Statement: The personal statement should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
- 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 3rd of each month
Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Rankings
| Rank | Rank Publisher |
|---|---|
| #13 | |
| #64 | |
| #101 |
Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Students also asked
ShikshaGPT saysThe number of international students enrolled at USC makes up about 26.6% of the total student body. These students represent 130 different countries, and India is one of the top countries of origin, with more than 2,400 students accounting for the Indian-origin students. The statistics for other countries are as follows:
| Nationality | Headcount |
|---|---|
| China | 5,993 |
| India | 2,444 |
| South Korea | 510 |
| Taiwan | 491 |
| Canada | 392 |
| Iran | 162 |
| Hong Kong | 151 |
| Indonesia | 143 |
| Saudi Arabia | 115 |
| United Kingdom | 106 |
| All other countries | 1,867 |
| Total | 12,374 |
ShikshaGPT saysBecause of USC's proximity to Hollywood, close ties between the entertainment industry and the School of Cinematic Arts, and the architecture on the campus, the university has been used for various movies, TV series, music videos, and commercials. As per IMDB, the campus of this university has been featured in at least 180 film and TV titles. Movies filmed at the university's campus include Forrest Gump, The Girl Next Door, The Social Network, The Girl Next Door, etc. A few of the TV series that were filmed on this university are How to Get Away with Murder, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Office, Gilmore Girls, etc.
ShikshaGPT saysA comparison of USC and Purdue University in regards to Computer Science is given below:
Particulars | USC | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
Rankings 2025 (U.S. News) | #25 | #16 |
Tuition fees | USD 30,000 – USD 35,000 | USD 22,000 – USD 28,000 |
Acceptance rate for CS | 10% - 15% | 15% - 20% |
STEM OPT Extension | Yes | Yes |
USC is located in LA, closer to Silicon Valley. This means there is an easier access to LA, San Diego, and SF. There is a strong Indian alumni network in the companies like Amazon, Google, Netflix, Microsoft, etc. On the other hand, Purdue University has a strong alumni base in Chicago, Bay Area, and Austin. As per the Indian student alumni, USC is better due to its location, active Indian student community, and exposure to varied domains and electives. Whereas, Purdue is great due to strong academic and research foundation, more affordable, higher ROI.
ShikshaGPT saysThe total cost to study at USC depends on the course chosen by students. While the annual tuition fee at this university could range between INR 18.3 L - 1.04 Cr. The total cost would be inclusive of the living expenses and other personal expenses. The cost of attendance for the academic year 2025-26 is given below:
Particulars | Fees in USD | Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|
Tuition | USD 69,904 | Around INR 60 L |
Fees | USD 1,743 | Around INR 1.5 L |
Housing | USD 12,271 | Around INR 10.6 L |
Food / meal plan | USD 7,660 | Around INR 6.7 L |
Books and supplies | USD 1,200 | Around INR 1 L |
Personal and Misc. | USD 2,006 | Around INR 1.8 L |
Transportation | USD 441 | Around INR 38k |
For graduate courses, the tuition fees may vary as per the courses, hence, it is advised to check the official website of USC.
ShikshaGPT saysUSC ranks at #21 position for Computer Science – Best Graduate schools. As per the class profile of Computer Science course, 79% of enrolled students are international. Furthermore, the top companies hire the CS graduates such as Amazon, Google, Meta, Salesforce, and Microsoft, Adobe, etc. To take admission to this course of this university, the applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or be in the process of obtaining it.
University of Southern CaliforniaStudents Ratings & Reviews
18 Verified Reviews- Academically oriented
- Fun loving
- Sporty
- Multi-dimensional
- 40% students never faced discrimination in this university
Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Highlights
- The Master of Science in Computer Science provides intensive preparation in the concepts and techniques related to the design, programming, and application of computing systems
- Students are provided a deep understanding of both fundamentals and important current issues in computer science and computer engineering so that they may either obtain productive employment or pursue advanced degrees
- The MS in Computer Science program requires the student to take a broad spectrum of courses, while simultaneously allowing for emphasis in desired areas of specialization
Master of Science in Computer Science at University of Southern California Scholarships
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Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90089
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