USC MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering – Machine Learning and Data Science

The University of Southern California MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering – Machine Learning and Data Science is a focused engineering master’s for students who want advanced training in machine learning, data science, deep learning, optimization, and signal and information processing. USC Viterbi requires 32 units, and the program is offered on campus in Los Angeles.

Quick Facts

SchoolUniversity of Southern California
LocationLos Angeles, California
DegreeMS in Electrical and Computer Engineering – Machine Learning and Data Science
Units32
FormatCampus
Tuition$87,744 tuition; about $91,487 including estimated mandatory fees
LengthUSC advertises 2–3 semesters; its 2026–27 cost example uses 4 semesters
ML / AI FocusMachine learning, deep learning, data analytics, optimization, signal processing, and computing

Curriculum

USC describes the degree as a focused version of its broader electrical and computer engineering master’s. The ECE department’s current program page says the curriculum covers software and software engineering, mathematics, machine learning and optimization, deep learning, signal processing, and application areas.

USC’s published example schedules show a foundation that includes EE 503 Probability for Electrical and Computer Engineers, EE 510 Linear Algebra for Engineering, EE 541 A Computational Introduction to Deep Learning, EE 538 Computing Principles, and EE 547 Applied and Cloud Computing. The examples also include EE 559 Machine Learning I, with later options such as EE 660 Machine Learning II and EE 641 Deep Learning Systems.

The plan also uses EE 483 Digital Signal Processing as a foundational proficiency course unless the student satisfies USC’s proficiency requirement. Remaining units come from learning and data analytics courses and technical electives. Course availability can vary by term, so students should confirm the current catalogue and schedule before registration.

Credits and Program Length

The current USC Viterbi program page requires 32 units of coursework. USC has also advertised the degree as finishable in 2–3 semesters. A separate 2026–27 Viterbi cost sheet models a 32-unit master’s over four semesters at eight units per semester, so students taking a lighter load should budget for a longer timeline.

Tuition and Cost

USC Viterbi lists 2026–27 graduate engineering tuition at $2,742 per unit. At 32 units, base tuition is approximately $87,744. The university’s 32-unit tuition and fees estimate projects $91,487 in total tuition and mandatory fees when the degree is spread across four semesters.

That $91,487 figure does not include housing or health insurance. USC’s estimate lists housing separately and says health insurance can add another cost. Tuition and fees can change each academic year, and prerequisite courses can increase the total number of units.

Admissions

USC says applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or be completing one. Most applicants come from engineering or closely related fields such as computer science, mathematics, physics, or data science. Applicants from other backgrounds may still be considered if they show strong preparation in electrical engineering, linear systems, mathematics, and programming.

The official admissions page requires transcripts, a resume or CV, and a personal statement. A letter of recommendation is optional. USC states that the GRE is not required for 2027 applications.

USC lists a September 15 deadline for spring admission. For fall admission, December 15 is the scholarship-consideration deadline and January 15 is the final application deadline.

Machine Learning and Data Science Focus

This is one of the clearest fits for MastersInMachineLearning.org because machine learning and data science define the degree rather than appearing as a small elective area. USC says the program provides rigorous training in the theory, methods, and applications of data science, machine learning, signal processing, and information processing.

The curriculum also reaches into deep learning, optimization, probability, linear algebra, cloud computing, and signal processing. USC’s current Fall 2026 course schedule includes graduate offerings such as EE 503 Probability and EE 510 Linear Algebra, while the department lists dedicated machine learning coursework including EE 660 Machine Learning from Signals: Foundations and Methods.

Campus Format

We classify this program as Campus. USC’s current program page specifically states that the Machine Learning and Data Science degree is not available through DEN@Viterbi, USC Viterbi’s online delivery system. Students should plan to study in Los Angeles.

Thesis and Research Options

USC says students may request a thesis option or Directed Research after completing the first semester. Approval is not guaranteed. This gives students a possible research route, but the standard degree is coursework-based and does not require a thesis.

Who Is This Program Best For?

  • Students who want a graduate degree centered on machine learning and data science rather than a general electrical engineering curriculum.
  • Students who want advanced coursework in deep learning, optimization, probability, signal processing, and data science.
  • Students with a strong quantitative background who are prepared for graduate-level electrical and computer engineering coursework.
  • Students who prefer an on-campus program in Los Angeles and can budget for USC’s higher private-university tuition.
  • Students who value access to the broader research and course offerings of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.

Bottom Line

USC is a strong fit for this directory. The 32-unit MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering – Machine Learning and Data Science centers the degree on machine learning, data science, deep learning, optimization, and signal processing. The main drawback is cost: 2026–27 tuition is about $87,744, and USC estimates approximately $91,487 for tuition plus mandatory fees over a four-semester example schedule.