Dual-degree program for a PhD in the physical sciences or engineering and an MS in computer science
This dual-degree program provides a unique opportunity for training of students at the interface of physics/engineering and computer science. Along with other USC faculty, cross-disciplinary courses are being developed in support of this dual-degree program. A number of courses (e.g. computer communications, Internet and distributed systems lab, Grid computing, and computer security) focusing on Grid technologies have already been introduced in the Department of Computer Science.
Distance Education Network
CACS will make the MS program in computer science accessible to students anywhere and anytime (Golubchik, Kesselman, Medioni, Nakano), exploiting Access-Grid technology and the infrastructure of USC’s top-rated distance-education learning program (US News and World Report, 2002). Through this program, 650 students are currently earning MS degrees in 15 engineering specialties without setting foot on USC’s Los Angeles Campus. The Center will also seek to advance its teaching and learning programs through several innovative technologies that DEN is exploring to enhance its capabilities:
- Virtual Amphitheater to send High Definition Television over high-speed connections.
- Intelligent Agents–robotic programs that can interact with students in real-time in a free, unscripted format–are being developed by the Center for Advanced Research on Technology in Education.
- Next-generation multimedia educational materials (Golubchik, Medioni, Shahabi) being developed by NSF-ERC Integrated Media Systems Center (IMSC).