Artificial Intelligence engineers design, build, and train models for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and recommendation systems. They use large datasets to create intelligent features in software, power autonomous systems like robots and self-driving vehicles, and develop custom AI chips.
With expertise in machine learning, algorithm design, and decision-making, they’re equipped for the rapidly evolving AI landscape. This interdisciplinary degree blends core concepts from Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Industrial and Systems Engineering.
PLACEHOLDER FOR AI VIDEO
A recent faculty roundtable discussion was held with four of our Astronautical Engineering (ASTE) Faculty members – Dr. Mike Gruntman, Dr. Dan Erwin, and Dr. Garrett Reisman, and Prof. Dave Barnhart. This roundtable will discuss what the major is, the courses each faculty teach, research they conduct and the discipline of join us to discuss the courses they teach, the research they conduct, and the discipline of Astronautical Engineering at USC Viterbi
AI On The Podcast
Curriculum
Artificial Intelligence Engineers design, build and optimize AI systems for various applications.
Artificial Intelligence Engineering
The curriculum provides a strong foundation in programming AI algorithms across multiple languages, analyzing algorithm complexity, deriving optimization strategies using mathematical principles, and evaluating the ethical implications of AI systems.
Artificial Intelligence Engineering (Computing Foundations and Applications)
The curriculum provides a strong foundation in developing, utilizing and adapting AI algorithms through advanced topics like Natural Language Processing, Robotics, Computer Vision, and Trustworthy AI.
Artificial Intelligence Engineering (Computer Engineering, Signal Processing, and Controls)
Students will design circuits for chips used to train machine learning models and dive into AI’s use in Communications, Control Systems, and Signal Processing.
Artificial Intelligence Engineering (Systems and Operations)
Analyze and synthesize data using machine learning through courses in Business Process Engineering, Predictive Analytics, Database Systems, Advanced Analytics, and Data Engineering.
Research
We have a balance of programs – theoretical, computational, and experimental – which exemplify the Viterbi School’s approach to intensive and collaborative research.
At USC, we are pioneering breakthroughs in a full spectrum of topics related to AI, including machine learning, human-robot interaction, information extraction, and privacy protection. Our researchers are working in areas where AI has been studied for decades—like language—and where the tools are just starting to make inroads—such as efforts to combat human trafficking, conserve endangered wildlife, and diagnose and treat diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
We understand that the long-term goal of building intelligent machines relies on collaboration across many fields. That’s why we also work closely with researchers across application domains, such as healthcare, social work, and linguistics.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center (RASC)
How Can Computing for AI and Other Demands Be More Energy Efficient?
Can AI Be Your Therapist? Not Quite Yet, Says New USC Study
USC launches $12 million Institute on Ethics & Trust in Computing
Researchers Uncover Hidden Airport Hotspots in Global Wildlife Trafficking Using AI
Faculty
Faculty will be teaching all of your classes and leading research projects as well. Your opportunities to build relationships with your faculty will begin immediately in your first year, both in the classroom and the lab. Check out a few highlighted professors with whom you may work in the future:
Guarav Sukhatme
Director, USC School of Advanced Computing, and Viterbi Executive Vice Dean
Sukhatme is interested in developing algorithms, techniques, and tools to design and understand large-scale, distributed, networked robotic systems with an emphasis on environmental monitoring. He also works in learning and planning for robot grasping and manipulation.
Dr. Yalda Khashe
Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Viterbi Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Khashe has extensive research experience on technology integration and the role of human and organizational factors in the reliability of complex technological systems. Her work expands across multiple industries including healthcare, surface transportation, aviation, and emergency response.
Dr. Phebe Vayanos
Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society
Drawing inspiration from the Grand Challenges of Social Work and Grand Challenges of Engineering, USC Viterbi has teamed up with the School of Social Work to use AI to focus on social issues like ending homelessness
Dr. Maja Mataric
USC Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center & USC Robotics Research Lab
Dr. Maja Mataric is a pioneer of the field of socially assistive robotics. Her USC Interaction Lab's research is aimed at endowing machines with the ability to provide users with personalized motivation and support to empower them to reach their potential.
Careers
Your engineering undergraduate degree will prepare you for many career and academic opportunities.
Your future with a degree in Artificial Intelligence can see you pursue a number of future career paths at companies serving a variety of industries.
Whether you have always known “what you want to do when you grow up” or are hoping to find out, we are here to help you plan for your future beyond USC. We provide dedicated career services starting in your first year to help you find internships, co-ops, and full-time positions post graduation.
Success After Graduation
Student Life
We want students who like to work hard – both in and out of the classroom. Our students know that going to college is more than attending class and completing assignments. College is about making connections and joining a community of dedicated students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Our students want to work and play with people as interesting as they are, and we have a number of ways for you to do the same.
Your life can be designed how you like it. On this page, we have a few student organizations we think you might be interested in, but there are so many more you can get involved in!
CAIS++
Artificial Intelligence for Social Good
CAIS++ (pronounced "case plus plus") is a USC Viterbi-affiliated undergraduate student organization that serves as the student branch of the USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society (CAIS). In brief, our students work to promote the development of AI applications for social good.
ACM @ USC
Association for Computing Machinery
We are USC's largest computer science organization on campus, and we aim to provide as many events and opportunities as possible to help develop your professional and technical skills.
Shift SC
Student Organization
Shift SC is USC's student-led platform for socially responsible technology. Through a diverse set of campus initiatives, we create opportunities at USC for conversation and action around the social implications and ethical issues of technology.
Imagine yourself on campus.
Learn more about life at USC as an engineering student at Viterbi Voices:
More Engineering Disciplines
This area of the Viterbi School is just one of the many areas of Engineering & Computer Science. Beyond this area of study, we have ten academic disciplines spread across eight departments to make up more than thirty majors and areas of emphasis. Take some time to explore all of your interests before you apply by clicking on any area below.
