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    University of Southern California

    Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Los Angeles, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $86,016.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    32
    Credits
    $90.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California is a 32-credit, 2-year, in-person ms program based in Los Angeles, US. Tuition is $86,016 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program focuses on software development skills, systems engineering, customer collaboration, and management skills for leadership in software engineering. It covers emerging trends such as software-intensive systems of systems, high assurance, agile methods, COTS integration, mobile and distributed network-centric architectures, and rapid software development.

    Focus: both
    21 (QS World University Rankings 2024 for Computer Science) | 17 (QS World University Rankings 2024 for Computer Science)

    Your fit

    Match

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

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    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

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    Which tests are required, optional, or waived (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), minimum scores including separate verbal / quant sections, and program codes for score reporting.

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    36 months (12 months OPT + 24 months STEM extension)

    $120,000.00
    Avg starting salary
    $14,400.00
    Annual living cost
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Application Checklist

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    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California is $86,016 across 32 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California take to complete?
    Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California is structured around 2 years and 32 credits.
    Is Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) at University of Southern California: 36 months (12 months OPT + 24 months STEM extension)