USC Graduate Student Government Professional Development Fund Program
At this time the CS Department does not provide funding for M.S. candidate professional development or conference attendance. However, all USC graduate students who pay the Student Programming Fee are eligible to apply for the GSG Professional Development Fund Program.
The GSG Professional Development Fund Program, which includes the GSG Travel Award and the GSG Empowerment Award, aims to support USC graduate and professional students in activities related to the development of skills necessary for success post-graduation. The program is intended to be a last-resort source of funding for students who have not been able to obtain funding from other sources (ex., their programs, advisors, conference or workshop organizers, fellowships, scholarships) or who have obtained funding that does not cover their full expenses. The funding limit for GSG Empowerment Award is $250 per student per academic year (Current AY: August 2026-May 2027).
If you have any questions regarding the Professional Development Fund Programs, please reach out to the GSG Director of Academic Affairs at gsgacad@usc.edu and Director of Grants at gsgtgea@usc.edu.
Additional information, including the Application Procedures and Guidelines, can be found on the USC Graduate Student Government Grants website. You might also check out the FAQs before submitting your questions to the GSG.