Grace Ford Salvatori 301
(213) 740-2986
FAX: (213) 740-9306
Email: compling@mizar.usc.edu
Co-Directors: Eduard Hovey, Ph.D., Jean-Roger Vergnaud, Ph.D.
Coordinator: Bonnie Glover Stalls, Ph.D.
Participating Faculty: Michael Arbib, Ph.D.; Joseph Aoun, Ph.D.; Robert Belvin, Ph.D.; Hagit Borer, Ph.D.; Bonnie Glover Stalls, Ph.D.; John Hawkins, Ph.D.; Hajime Hoji, Ph.D.; Eduard Hovy, Ph.D.; Kevin Knight, Ph.D.; Barry Schein, Ph.D.; Mark Seidenberg, Ph.D.; Jean-Roger Vergnaud, Ph.D.; Maria Luisa Zubizarreta, Ph.D.
Master of Science in Computational Linguistics
The computational linguistics master's program trains individuals in computational techniques and linguistic theory as they pertain to natural language processing (NLP). Drawing on courses and faculty resources from the Computer Science and Linguistics Departments, this joint program emphasizes the development of an understanding of the roles of linguistic theory and knowledge as well as computational theory and practice in NLP, including both the research issues which are presently being investigated and those which have shaped this field over the last several decades. The degree emphasizes the development of multilingual capabilities in a variety of areas, with hands-on experience in technologies such as machine translation, information retrieval and text summarization.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0, satisfactory GRE and (for international students) TOEFL test scores. Also required are the ability to program with expertise in such computer languages as LISP, C++, PROLOG, PERL, or JAVA, and proficiency in basic linguistics (phonology, morphology and syntax) with experience in data analysis. A strongly recommended requirement is advanced knowledge or at least two years of study at the college level of a human language other than English. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation and a one- to two-page statement of purpose.
Degree Requirements
Courses
The master of science degree requires 27 units, with at least 12 units (4 courses) each in computer science and linguistics. Of these, 18 units are required core courses (CSCI 561a, CSCI 544 and CSCI 562 or 563; LING 530, LING 534 and LING 585), six units are breadth requirements (one course each in computer science and linguistics) and one is an elective. Up to six core units may be waived with special permission based on previous course work. See the course listings in Computer Science and Linguistics for course descriptions and additional information.
The following two courses are prerequisites for the core courses for students with insufficient course backgrounds in these areas. Note that the breadth requirement courses and elective courses may have additional prerequisites.
Core course prerequisites:
| CSCI 455x | Introduction to Programming Systems Design |
| LING 500 | Structure of Language |
The program is intended to span four semesters, but highly motivated students with strong backgrounds may be able to finish the course of study in three semesters.
Sample Program
| First year, First semester | Units | |
| CSCI 561a | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| LING 530 | Generative Syntax | 3 |
| LING 585 | Computational Linguistics | 3 |
| ___ | ||
| 9 | ||
| First year, Second semester | Units | |
| CSCI 544 | Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| LING 534 | Logic and the Theory of Meaning | 3 |
| ___ | ||
| 6 | ||
| Second year, First semester | Units | |
| CSCI 562 | Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| CSCI 564 | Brain Theory and Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| ___ | ||
| 6 | ||
| Second year, Second semester | Units | |
| LING 533 | Language Universals and Typology | 3 |
| CSCI or LING elective, or | ||
| 590 | Directed Research | 3 |
| ___ | ||
| 6 | ||
Research Project
In addition to the course work detailed above, an in-depth research project is required. By the end of the second semester of the first year, each student will have an advisor who will oversee the project. The project must be submitted to a committee of three faculty members, of which one is the advisor, and at least one other must be from another department. Three-month internships at a company or with a research group are available to students and are encouraged, but not required. The research project may be based on independent research or on work done in conjunction with an internship.