CKIDS builds on several successful interdisciplinary data science degrees joint between the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and other USC schools.
All these programs are designed to be accessible to students with no computer science or programming background. Through introductory courses to computational thinking, data science, and programming, students will learn basic computing principles and practical data science skills.
Master of Science in Spatial Data Science (since 2015)
The Master of Science in Spatial Data Science is an interdisciplinary joint degree program offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. This program is designed to train students who have a previous degree in science, technology, engineering, math or related social science. Throughout the program, students will demonstrate a grasp of the overall field of data science, the role of the analyst and data scientist and applications of spatial data science skills. Their coursework includes data management, data visualization and artificial intelligence techniques.
Upon graduation, students will become spatial data science professionals who not only can conduct data analytics with geo-located information but also can solve data-intensive, large-scale, location-based problems. And, students will be uniquely qualified to lead a data science team that works with geo-located information in startups and tech companies. With unique skillset, spatial data science students are desirable talents who are capable of delivering geo-located analysis.
Master of Science in Communication Data Science (since 2016)
The Master of Science in Communication Data Science is an interdisciplinary joint degree program offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. This program is uniquely designed to train students, who come from either communication or data science backgrounds, to become experts in the field of data science for communication. This rigorous program will provide the opportunity for students to gain knowledge in communication and data science fields; therefore, they can become multifunctional.
Upon graduation, students will be able to provide meaningful analysis of big data generated by digital communication platforms using machine learning and artificial intelligence. Also, students will be capable of working in close liaison with multiple departments as well as managing teams based on understandings of communication and technology. Talents who understand both fields are very desirable for corporations and startups.
Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science (since 2018)
The Master of Science in Public Policy Data Science is an interdisciplinary joint degree program offered by the Sol Price School of Public Policy and the Viterbi School of Engineering. This program will equip students to build in-demand proficiency and expertise to analyze big data to enhance the efficiency and quality of services and influence policy and policy-making process. Throughout this program, students will learn how to address the institutional and legal challenges using informatics tools, such as machine learning and data mining as well as how to devise better public policies by applying informatics principles, such as data mining and visualization of large datasets. Your analytics can be used to make recommendations to decision-makers. What makes this program unique is that students have opportunities to work with a real-world client by creating a consultant’s report as their capstone project.
Many companies are leveraging data science tools for public policy. Applications encompass crime pattern identification, traffic light synchronization, transit usage, fair housing practices, health care access and education financing.
Master of Science in Healthcare Data Science (since 2019)
The Master of Science in Healthcare Data Science is an interdisciplinary joint degree program offered by the Keck School of Medicine and the Viterbi School of Engineering. This program will cover components of the healthcare ecosystem including creating novel devices, advancing biomedical research and developing an innovative process. Throughout this program, students will be able to understand the requirements and techniques to manage health and healthcare process data, the use of data science in clinical research, the design and development of personal devices and mobile apps and the use of emerging technologies and their applications.
Upon graduation, students can provide unique combinations of skills and are equipped to lead data science teams at health companies and healthcare provider organizations.
Master of Science in Environmental Data Science (since 2020)
The Master of Science in Environmental Data Science is an interdisciplinary joint degree program offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The application of data science to complex environmental problems has become increasingly important in evaluating large-scale environmental challenges. Data science technologies complement interdisciplinary analyses of complex environmental issues ranging over many topics such as climate change, water and air pollution, policy analysis, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem management, biodiversity and many others. This program is designed to prepare individuals to develop and use sophisticated analytical and computer-based methods to assess and protect the Earth’s natural resources. Students will gain a foundation in the central theories, concepts and principles of natural sciences while training them with data science skills that can be used for environmental problems.
The program prepares students for a range of professional paths in research and environmental data management that aligns with skills requirements for positions in such areas as state and federal government natural resource regulation, academic research, environmental consultation and non-profit environmental advocacy, restoration planning, conservation and wildlife management, remote sensing specialists, and corporate responsibility and monitoring.