“I came to USC because the Department of Computer Science is not only excellent but also unique,” said Department Chair Gaurav Sukhatme. “We have more than 40 research faculty from the world-renowned Information Sciences Institute (ISI) and the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT). Within the larger faculty group are pioneers in a number of key research areas, including modern cryptography, internet technologies, software engineering, computational neuroscience, robotics and natural language processing.”

When you combine formidable faculty with our brilliant students, an innovative education program and an environment for interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, it is undoubtedly a very exciting time to be working and studying at USC Viterbi in computer science.

Visit the USC Viterbi Initiative page for more information

“USC Viterbi Computer Science is a vibrant center of creativity, education and research,” said Dean Yannis C. Yortsos. “The innovation in the department and its affiliated centers is transforming our world on a daily basis and growing exponentially.”

One example is the Center on Artificial Intelligence for Society (CAIS), one of the first university-based institutes dedicated to studying AI as a force for positive societal influence in areas ranging from climate change to security to health to homelessness. Co-Director Milind Tambe is a national leader in this area.

The USC Viterbi Computer Science department recently ranked among the top 10 in the world on Microsoft’s academic research rankings, and 13th on “U.S. News & World Report’s” “Best Global Universities in Computer Science” list.

Over the past five years, the department has nearly doubled in size; there are currently 1,000 CS undergraduate students, compared to 400 in 2011. This unprecedented growth means that the department is now spread across campus. The vision is for a new facility that will bring all CS activities in one location. Most important, the building will serve as a hub for the creation of ideas.

Philanthropic support of this priority project will ensure that USC Viterbi will continue to make unprecedented academic and innovation strides. A dedicated home for our work, research and innovation is key to maintaining upward trajectory, and we are excited to seek support for its creation.