harshs08

Thanks addola for your reply. Got a very insightful perspective. I am more inclined now to attend USC So I need to get my finances in order to attend USC. Regarding the Courses, even I was thinking to switch to a specialization. USC has added a 'Data Sciences' specialization this year, and the courses enlisted for this specialization are pretty interesting and in line of my area of research, that been data mining and web services related to it. But I have one doubt about this specialization that this been a new one, will it carry the same weight as that of other CS specializations? Also for other fields like AI, Networking, Machine Learning there are many ongoing research enlisted on USC site but not for Data Mining, Databases and Web services, and only Prof Shahram, Prof Jihie, Prof Dennis McLeod, Prof Cyrus have research related to these fields. So what's your take on it? I am thinking that for 1st sem I carry forward with general CS and gather enough info regarding this specialization and then commit to Data Sciences specialization. For the second point regarding the direct Phd, I didn't went for it because at this point of time I am not sure 100% to commit to a Phd and I just want to test the waters by first pursuing Phd and if I have same level of dedication and passion will surely go for it. Once again thanks alot your reply,

ok guys.. Thanks. I am a newbie here. So can you guys provide me pointers about how to get in touch with the current students because when I go through the website of USC CS dept they have only listed the Phd students, not the MS students. So I am not able to track anyone..

Anyone???????

Hi all, I have been admitted to USC's MS in Computer Science. I would like to know about current research going on in the field of databases, data mining and ML in this university. I have visited the site and got to know that they have added a new specialization 'Data Sciences' under MS in CS which have courses listed in it which are falling in line with my area of interest but my only concern is that this been a totally new specialization (added this year only), will have any negative impact while trying to find job after school? Also, seeing the very high cost of study in USC, is it worth attending with consideration to ROI. What is your overall review of USC and/or MS in CS at USC?

HI guys/gals. I have got an admit for MS in CS at USC for fall 2013 session. I am an international student and have just received the I 20 couple of days back, where it is mentioned that the funding needed for 1 year is 53 k. Seeing this huge amount for 1 year I am getting doubts about joining this university. But now recently the US news has ranked USC engineering school among the top 10 and so at the same time I am feeling the studies in this university will be top notch and I should not miss out on this opportunity. So now I am really confused, whether should I invest this much as I will taking loan to fund my studies. Will I be able to pay back the loan in 2-3 years by working as I am really inclined towards doing Phd finally after the repaying the loan. I also wanted to ask the funding option for MS in USC.