Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum  of thirty-two (32) units of course work. For course descriptions, please use the “Courses of Instruction” search tool on the Catalogue.

At least 32 units are required, including:

 

Core Curriculum (5 courses, 19 units)

COURSE COURSE TITLE UNITS
MATH 447 Mathematics of Machine Learning 4
MATH 546 Mathematical Statistics for Data Science 4
MATH 549 Foundations of Mathematical Data Science 4
MATH 550 Statistical Consulting and Data Analysis 3
PHYS 515 Python for Data Science and Scientific Computing 4

Electives (12 units, selected from the following list)

 

NOTE: Some of these courses have prerequisites. You are expected to have learned the prerequisite’s topic from your previous undergraduate institution or from self-studying in order to waive the prerequisite. If you prefer to take the prerequisite at USC, units for prerequisite courses do not count towards the degree.

COURSE COURSE TITLE UNITS
MATH 446 Data Science with Python 4
MATH 505a Applied Probability 3
MATH 542 Analysis of Variance and Design 3
MATH 545 Introduction to Time Series 3
MATH 547 Mathematical Foundations of Statistical Learning Theory 3
MATH 548 Machine Learning in Quantitative Finance 3
ISE 530 Optimization Methods for Analytics 4
DSO 528 Blended Data Business Analytics for Efficient Decisions 3
DSO 545 Statistical Computing and Data Visualization 3
DSO 530 Applied Modern Statistical Learning Methods 3
EE 553 Computational Solution of Optimization problems 3
ISE 520 Optimization: Theory and Algorithms 3
CSCI 551 Computer Networking 4
CSCI 566 Deep Learning and Its Applications 4
CSCI 567 Machine Learning 4
CSCI 570 Analysis of Algorithms 4
CSCI 585 Database Systems 4
QBIO 578a Computational Molecular Biology 3

Courses that do NOT satisfy the elective requirement:

CSCI 512 (Testing and Analysis of Software Systems)
CSCI 548 (Machine Learning)
CSCI 555L (Advanced Operating Systems)

For all other courses that are not included in the lists above, please contact the Academic Program Manager (sath@usc.edu) to request the course to be reviewed.

Additional Requirements

To complete the program, students enroll in at least 1 unit of MATH 590 Directed Research and submit a summative report at the end of the term. Note: enrollment in MATH 590 will often be concurrent with enrollment in MATH 550. Students should consult with their advisor for details.

Sample Course Plans

The Mathematical Data Science M.S. program is designed to be completed in 3-4 semesters, or 1.5-2 years.

International students must enroll in a minimum of 8 units to meet the full-time enrollment required to maintain their visa status. International students can register below 8 units if they meet any of the conditions outlined in the Reduced Course Load website from the Office of International Services.

Domestic students can choose to enroll full-time or part-time, but are recommended to mindful of any enrollment requirements if they are receiving financial aid.

Core courses offered *ONLY* in Fall semester: MATH 546, MATH 549, MATH550
Core courses offered *ONLY* in Spring semester: PHYS 515
Core courses offered in *BOTH* Fall & Spring semesters: MATH 447

  • Fall semester #1
    MATH 546
    MATH 549
    Elective

    Spring semester #2
    PHYS 515
    MATH 447
    Elective
    Elective

    Fall semester #3
    MATH 550
    MATH 590
    Elective*

    *International Students should apply for a final semester Reduced Course Load approval if they do not need 8 units to graduate in their final semester

  • Fall semester #1
    MATH 546
    MATH 549

    Spring semester #2
    PHYS 515
    MATH 447

    Fall semester #3
    MATH 550
    MATH 590
    2 Electives

    Spring semester #4
    2 Electives*

    *International Students should apply for a final semester Reduced Course Load approval if they do not need 8 units to graduate in their final semester

  • Spring Semester #1
    PHYS 515
    MATH 447
    Fall Semester #2
    MATH 546
    MATH 549
    Spring Semester #3
    3 Electives
    Fall Semester #4
    MATH 590
    MATH 550
    1 Elective*
    *International Students should apply for a final semester Reduced Course Load approval if they do not need 8 units to graduate in their final semester