USC has added a new STEM master's program in Mathematical Data Science. Students interested in data science should start paying attention to it.

The Data Science program at USC's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences will help students master complex mathematical skills and machine learning techniques. Graduates will not only be qualified for higher-level (and higher-paying) positions upon entering the job market but will also possess valuable foundational knowledge.
Curriculum
The USC Mathematical Data Science master's program lasts four semesters, and students must complete at least 32 course units. Core courses include: Mathematics of Machine Learning, Mathematical Statistics for Data Science, Foundations of Mathematical Data Science, Statistical Consulting and Data Analysis, and Python for Data Science and Scientific Computing.
Core Curriculum
Mathematics of Machine Learning
Mathematical Statistics for Data Science
Foundations of Mathematical Data Science
Statistical Consulting and Data Analysis
Python for Data Science and Scientific Computing
Electives
Data Science with Python
Applied Probability
Analysis of Variance and Design
Introduction to Time Series
Mathematical Foundations of Statistical Learning Theory
Machine Learning in Quantitative Finance
Optimization Methods for Analytics
Blended Data Business Analytics for Efficient Decisions
Statistical Computing and Data Visualization
Applied Modern Statistical Learning Methods
Computational Solution of Optimization problems
Optimization: Theory and Algorithms
Analysis of Algorithms
Computational Molecular Biology
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a mathematics-related bachelor's degree. Prerequisite coursework includes multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory; recommended prerequisites are statistics, basic optimization knowledge, and Python/R programming. Three letters of recommendation are required, and GRE scores are not required. Only fall semester admission is accepted, with applications opening on September 1 and closing on February 15 of the following year.
3 letters of recommendation
A statement of purpose
A resumé or CV
Official transcripts
English Proficiency Test Scores (international applicants only)









