USC Viterbi School of Engineering & School of Advanced Computing introduce new UG course in AI

It is available on the common application; the programme’s first cohort will begin at USC’s University Park Campus in Fall 2026.

Free Data Science courses you can apply

Students in the new BSAI degree will learn about the mathematical and statistical foundations that underpin AI, allowing them to understand and refine the performance of existing and future AI systems.

Free AI courses for beginners

Students will also be able to enrich their education through co-curricular opportunities via participation in student organisations such as the centre for AI in Society’s student group CAIS++. Enrolled students may choose one of three specialised tracks:

Top free coding courses

Computing Foundations and Applications

Focused on developing and adapting AI algorithms (with courses centred on natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision).

Computer Engineering, Signal Processing, and Controls

Emphasising AI-enabled hardware design, signal processing, communications, and control systems.

AI Systems and Operations Engineering

Preparing students to apply AI in large-scale systems through predictive and advanced analytics, data, and business process engineering.

Free Cybersecurity courses

They will also learn how to develop efficient AI algorithms, program new AI systems, and apply AI technology to other domains. They will be dexterous in both AI software and hardware and will have a grounding in evaluating the ethics of AI applications.

Learn Data Science for Free

During the course of their time on campus, students will have opportunity to interact with thought leaders and conduct research at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering’s research centers, including the information sciences institute, the institute for creative technologies, the center for generative AI, the center for AI in Society, and the center for ethics and trust in computing, along with centers aligned with global industry partners.