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AI has been in the news a lot over the past few years, as new AI-tools grow more common, and students and educators alike grapple with the implementation of these programs. They are remarkable tools, both powerful and vexatious, and we’ve written before about how they are impacting the college admissions process, and often not for the better.

That said, there are also large new areas of technology and industry growing around these tools and systems, and like all new fields university researchers are often at the forefront. As demand for these systems increases, universities are creating new degrees to prepare students for work in this field. In this article, we’re going to look at new AI-focused majors offered by USC, which has long had strong programs in computer science and business.

USC’s New AI-Focused Majors

USC has added two separate programs with a focus on AI, though with different goals and specializations. We’ll go through each in turn, to help you understand what they offer, and if either is right for you.

This is a joint degree program offered by USC’s Marshall School of Business and the Viterbi School of Engineering, with students taking courses in both over a four-year degree plan. This is the first degree program of its kind, but we do anticipate other schools will follow in USC’s footsteps.

Students will take engineering and programming courses through Viterbi. The goal of this is not to make students better at using AI, but at creating and implementing AI tools, novel solutions and ways of training and refining these systems. Students are also required to take ethics coursework as part of this degree. 

Students will take fundamental business courses through Marshall. This isn’t a specialized curriculum, but is designed to help students understand the way businesses operate, and how systems are implemented through a business. The goal is for students to fully understand business environments, and to slot themselves into both existing companies and fast-paced startup environments. 

The major requires all students to complete a capstone business consulting project in their junior year. It offers unique internship and industry experiences, letting students network with companies throughout the Silicon Valley area. The program has a focus on building skills and practical applications for student’s knowledge. 

This is not a full major, but rather an expanding specialization within Viterbi, specifically within the CS Department. The actual degrees you earn are in , but with research opportunities, courses, and internships available to focus on AI tools specifically. 

This course of study focuses on the creation, training, and implementation of these tools, how they can be refined and turned to novel applications. Unsurprisingly, this takes a deep understanding of computer science and programming. You don’t need to know coding to apply, but it is recommended you have some experience with programming. 

Students have opportunities to get involved with research on-campus, and in internships and industry partner programs. USC has also introduced an for students who want to focus even more on this specific field. This is ideal for students who want to pursue AI research. 

How to Apply to USC’s AI Programs

USC has a somewhat complicated application system, as many majors have specific requirements for essays or coursework, and this can vary between colleges at USC as well. To help simplify things for you, we’re going to go through the requirements USC has for these new AI-focused majors and programs.

For the CS major in Viterbi, there are no specific coursework or essay requirements. You simply apply to USC, and select Viterbi as your target school. Your choice of a major within Viterbi does not impact your chances of admission, all applicants to the program are evaluated based on their fitness for Viterbi as a whole, and changing your major within the school is quite easy. 

Viterbi is test optional, but strong test scores can help your application, especially if you do well on the math section. While Viterbi does not have specific coursework requirements, we do advise all students planning to apply for it have taken calculus, and those interested in CS should take coding courses in high school if possible. 

While the AI and Business program is a joint degree, students must apply to the major through Marshall. There are no additional application essays, but your choice of major does matter; make sure you select the AI major if you intend to take part in this program. 

Your GPA and test scores are quite important for Marshall. While there are no additional course requirements, as with applicants to Viterbi, we advise all students to take calculus if possible. Taking business and economics courses can also be valuable, but calculus is the most important. 

Finally, USC has just introduced a new Early Decision program. For this program, students who wish to major in accounting or business within Marshall may apply binding ED. Note that only these two majors within Marshall are currently taking part in this program; if you are interested in the AI major, you are not eligible. 

Are USC’s AI programs Right for You?

These programs offer very different things, so we’ll look at each in turn, and determine what kinds of students each will serve best, and whether it is worth it for you to avail yourself of them. 

Is USC’s Artificial Intelligence for Business Program Right for You?

Joint programs in computer science and business are ever popular, and for good reason. Many of the fastest growing and most profitable companies, not to mention the most talked about startups, have come from the tech sector. AI is the latest darling of this sector, and with an increasing proliferation of AI-inspired startups, it makes sense to have a program devoted specifically to these. 

This is a bit more specialized than other joint degrees in technology and business, focusing just on the AI subfield rather than the tech sector more broadly. We advise pursuing this major if you are entirely certain that you wish to specialize in AI, and if you want to focus on the business side of things.

If you want to get involved on the business side, but have enough of a tech background to understand what these tools are capable of and to be able to guide R&D, then this is a great major for you. The internship connections and hands-on opportunities are especially valuable for students who want to gain practical experience in the space. Students wanting to focus solely on business or technology, or who want a more flexible set of skills, probably wouldn’t benefit as much from this program. 

Is USC’s AI Specialization in CS Right for You?

This program is an offshoot of the wider CS major. USC isn’t the very top rated school for CS, but they do have a strong program, and industry and business connections that make getting a job afterwards quite easy. While this specific specialization is rather new, they do have several professors who have done significant research in the field of AI. 

As with most specializations, this lets you dive much deeper into one specific aspect of computer science, but gives you less insight into the rest of the field. If you are certain that this field is what you wish to pursue, either in business or academia, then specializing will give you a leg up. If you aren’t certain, however, then a more general approach can be more rewarding. 

Final Thoughts

There are many specialized majors and programs available, USC is the latest top college to offer a degree specifically focused on AI, but we’re certain they won’t be the last. As one final note, just because these degrees are focused on AI tools, they still don’t accept you using AI to do the work in them, or using it in your application. That work all must be done by you. 

If you’re looking for the right special program to exactly match your interests, or want help crafting an application to USC that will help you stand out in a crowded field of applicants, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. Our mentors are skilled at every aspect of the admissions process, and we love helping students show off their passions and tell their stories to admissions officers. If you want help with your application, then schedule a free consultation with us today, we’re always happy to hear from you.