Major Mondays: Computer Science/Business Administration
Major: The Computer Science and Business Administration (CSBA) major is one of four degree programs within the Computer Science department at the Viterbi School of Engineering. The CSBA major offers an educational foundation in both computer science and business. The major is ideal for students who love the business aspect of technology and really enjoy computer science. The major also prepares students to pursue opportunities in computer science or business related to the programming and application of software in a business context.
Overview: The minimum requirement for the degree is 128 units, including major requirements for 74 units (30 units in Computer Science, 36 units in Business). Students take business classes at the Marshall School of Business and learn about every facet of business finance, organizational behavior, marketing and communications. One noteworthy class is “CSCI 404 Capstone: Creating Your High-Tech Startup.” In this class, students create their own technology startup, utilizing comprehensive CS knowledge and best industry practices.
Notable Info: CSBA majors will soon have a new home.! Currently under construction and slated to open in 2023, the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall will house all the computer science programs within the seven-story building. The state-of-the-art facility will feature modern computational laboratories, administrative and student services suites, 300+ seat auditorium, and sunken garden. It will be USC’s first LEED-Platinum certified building. The building will become a centralized hub for computer science students and researcher to build robots, create apps, develop AI systems or test drones for applications.
The Student Experience: Anika Gupta is a CSBA major with a minor in Linguistics. On how she describes her major, Anika says that “It provides an amazing combination of communication and logic. I also really value communication and language, and I wanted to retain those skills in college by studying business and linguistics.” (Instagram, @viterbistudent)
Research: Students can read about professors’ research online through the Undergraduate Research Matching Opportunities Website. The website lists faculty that have openings for undergraduate researchers.
How to Apply for the CSBA Major: In the USC Supplement section of Common App, it will display the two supplemental questions students need to answer to apply as first-year applicants to the Viterbi School of Engineering. Check out tips on how to answer Viterbi’s Supplemental Questions on the Common App.
Want to Learn More? To learn more about the Computer Science/Business Administration major and the Viterbi School of Engineering, please consider attending a virtual or in-person information session. Also, check Viterbi Voices, a blog and podcast presented by current Viterbi students.
Written by: Julie Chiu, International Associate Director – USC Office of Admission