Computer Science (Game Development) (MS) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The MS in Computer Science with a Game Development emphasis prepares graduates to engineer next-generation games and simulations and their required technologies in the entertainment and serious game fields. It also prepares students for further graduate study.

Faculty: USC Viterbi School of Engineering | Department: Computer Science | Duration: 32 units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

The 32 units comprise Analysis of Algorithms, a 24-unit emphasis (Foundations of AI, 3-D Graphics and Rendering, Interactive Design and Production, Design for Interactive Media, two Graduate Advanced Game Project courses) and 4 units of emphasis electives such as Game Engine Development or Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality.

Career pathways

Game and simulation engineering in entertainment and serious games.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Viterbi School of Engineering graduate admission requirements apply.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Master of Accounting: students can start in the summer (Summer Intensive Program, mid-June to mid-August) or the fall; all students graduate at the end of the spring semester in mid-May.

Master of Accounting (MAcc): application opens August 7, 2026; international applicants and priority deadline January 10, 2027; domestic non-accounting majors (summer start) April 1, 2027; domestic accounting majors (fall start) May 1, 2027; application fee $120.

Public Diplomacy (MPD): application deadline January 15, 2027; the USC Graduate Admission Application opens October 1, 2026.

Online Executive Master of Health Administration: application fee $105.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.usc.edu/

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