The Information Sciences Institute (ISI) of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering provides a stimulating environment for graduate study and research, joining rigorous academic theory with real world practice.
As a PhD student at ISI, you will have the opportunity to work on projects of national and global significance, surrounded by a diverse, engaged, and collaborative community, committed to changing the world through technology.
At ISI, we know that solving tough technical challenges requires solutions that cross disciplines and offer diverse perspectives. That’s why our work is informed by a commitment to a multidisciplinary approach, spanning research areas and departments across USC and beyond, providing our students with exceptional breadth and depth of expertise.
So, who are we looking for? We’re seeking intellectually curious, creative thinkers and passionate innovators, eager to tackle the most crucial questions in computer science and engineering. Want to know more? Please contact us at info@isi.edu.
ISI researchers are tackling issues at forefront of technology innovation, including quantum computing, natural language processing and advanced cybersecurity.
Established in 1972, ISI researchers conceived key Internet technologies, pioneered natural language understanding by computer, and created the first VLSI fabrication foundry.
Build professional skills such as problem-solving, research efficiency, strategic thinking and communication.
Over the past year alone, ISI’s new research awards exceeded $125 million from more than 20 government, foundation and corporate research sponsors.
USC is ranked among the top 25 national universities.
USC's Viterbi School of Engineering is ranked among the top 20 engineering schools nationally.
USC is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
One of the nation's largest and most technologically diverse university-affiliated computer research institutes, ISI’s pioneering contributions have helped create some of the most ubiquitous, enduring technology advances of our time. As part of the University of Southern California (USC), ISI also benefits from the international reputation and valued partnerships of a premier global university.
Learn from and work alongside the foremost minds in computer science and engineering surrounded by a diverse community of faculty, researchers, and students at undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral levels. ISI PhD advisors hold appointments in multiple departments, including computer science, electrical engineering, industrial systems engineering and Keck Medicine of USC.
At ISI, we are thinkers and doers. Our researchers and students thrive in a hands-on, multidisciplinary environment. Explore new technologies, tackle large real-world projects and build complex systems—our work at ISI bridges theoretical research and prototyping of innovative devices, offering a dynamic, varied and personalized experience.
ISI offers an intellectually stimulating yet supportive environment for doctoral students. I have the freedom to explore my own research interests, gaining both solid theoretical training and valuable experience designing real-world applications.
Emily Sheng, PhD candidateOur recent graduate students have accepted positions at major research institutions and leading technology companies, including:
ISI PhD advisors combine scholarship with industry experience, fostering intellectual partnerships with our outstanding graduate students. Many cross disciplines, providing students with a multifaceted perspective.
ISI's researchers delve into diverse fields including: