High Performance Computing and Simulations

The Master of Science in Computer Science (High Performance Computing and Simulations) is designed to:

Train a new generation of graduate students in Computer Science to solve challenging scientific and engineering problems using high-end parallel computers, high-speed networks, and advanced scientific visualization.
Support a unique dual-degree opportunity, in which students can obtain a Ph.D. in the physical sciences/engineering and an M.S. in Computer Science.
Train engineers from industry to solve real-world problems using state-of-the-art computational techniques. The program will satisfy the critical need to train students, who have expertise in the physical/biological sciences/engineering and computer science, as evidenced by the current and future trends in cutting edge research and in the job market.

Total Units: 32

Required courses (8 units):

CSCI 596 - Scientific Computing and Visualization (4)
CSCI 570 - Analysis of Algorithms (4)

Emphasis Elective Courses:

In addition to the above required course, the HPCS specialization requires 3 additional courses to be selected from the following list of courses. You must choose the 3 courses from both groups (i.e., one course from one group and two courses from the other group):

Group 1 (Computer Science)

CSCI 520 - Computer Animation and Simulation (4)
CSCI 551 - Computer Communications (4)
CSCI 558 - Internetworking and Distributed Systems Lab (3)
CSCI 580 - 3D Graphics and Rendering (4)
CSCI 599 - Special Topics* (4)
CSCI 653 – High Performance Computing and Simulations (4)

Group 2 (Computational Science/Engineering Application)

AME 535ab - Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (3-3)
CHE 502 - Numerical Methods for Diffusive & Convective Transport (3)
EE 553 - Computational Solution of Optimization Problems (3)
EE 653 - Multithreaded Architectures and Data-Flow Computing (3
EE 657 - Parallel and Distributed Computing (3)
EE 659 - Interconnection Networks (3)
MASC 575 - Basics of Atomistic Simulations for Engineers (3)
MATH 501 - Numerical Analysis and Computation (3)
PTE 582 - Fluid Flow and Transport Processes in Porous Media (3)
PHYS 516 - Methods of Computational Physics (3)
QBIO 578a – Computational Molecular Biology (3)

Complete the remaining units from computer science electives:

CSCI 590 - Directed Research (1-2, max 2)
CSCI 591 - Computer Science Research Colloquium (1, max 2)
600-LEVEL - Doctoral level CSCI course (faculty and departmental approval required)
500-LEVEL - Additional 500-level CSCI course

*Special Topics must be pre-approved by an advisor.

A maximum of 2 units of CSCI 590 and a maximum of 2 units of CSCI 591 may be applied.

Thesis courses (CSCI 594a, CSCI 594b, CSCI 594z) and Internship courses (ENGR 595a, ENGR 595b, ENGR 595z) are not eligible for elective credit.

There is no cumulative examination required for the degree.
Internship and Thesis credits cannot count as elective units toward the degree.
A maximum of 2 non-CSCI courses from the Group 2 list can be taken toward the degree.
CSCI 590 Directed Research is a variable unit course, and can be taken for one or two units. A maximum of two units can apply toward the degree.
CSCI 591 Research Colloquium can be taken a maximum of two times for one unit each.
Prerequisites must be taken prior to an advanced course. Even if a prerequisite is waived, you may not take the prerequisite course AFTER taking the advanced course.
Availability of courses per semester may occasionally change.

All information contained here is summarized from the USC Catalogue and is considered non-official. For all rules, regulations, procedures, and outlines, please see the current academic year USC Catalogue. The USC Catalogue supersedes all other publications.

Current students follow degree requirements in effect for the academic year they began their studies at USC. If you are a current student, please refer to your STARS report or the appropriate USC Catalogue for your year. Students seeking to advance their catalogue year to follow updated curricula may contact their department advisor.

Published on August 9th, 2017

Last updated on June 21st, 2022