Progressive Degree Program
The Progressive Degree Program (PDP) gives continuing USC undergraduates another path to earning a Master’s degree from USC. Exceptional undergraduate students completing a computer science major or related major can apply for the Progressive Degree Program. If admitted, students have the option to start graduate-level classes during their senior year and request a reduction in the units required for the Master’s degree, which allows students to earn the M.S. in Computer Science with one or two additional semesters of study. The Progressive Degree Program must be completed within six years of a student's first undergraduate college course, whether taken at USC or in transfer.
The Progressive Degree Program is available only for the Master of Science in Computer Science (General).
The USC Viterbi Data Science Program also offers a progressive M.S. degree for the following programs:
- Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering
- Master of Science in Applied Data Science
- Master of Science in Spatial Data Science
- Master of Science in Communication Data Science
- Master of Science in Environmental Data Science
- Master of Science in Healthcare Data Science
Students interested in a PDP offered by the Data Science program can find more information on the Data Science website.
Information about the Progressive Degree Program and application instructions can be found on the USC Viterbi School of Engineering's website:
Interested students should review the above mentioned materials in detail and make an appointment with their Academic Advisor to discuss their eligibility, the application process, and the required course plan.
Eligibility
CSCI, CSBA, CSGA, PHCS, and CECS-Computing Systems students are automatically eligible to apply for the progressive degree program in computer science. CECS-Embedded Systems students must complete CSCI 201 to become eligible. Non-majors interested in a progressive master's in CS must complete the CS minor with specific modifications. Refer to the FAQ below.