The University of Southern California has launched a new Master of Science in Data Science and Law, a graduate degree offered jointly by the USC Gould School of Law and the USC School of Advanced Computing within the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. The program is designed for students seeking expertise at the intersection of data science and legal analysis and is now open for enrollment.
The curriculum prepares students to apply data science and machine learning methodologies to legal problems and to address emerging legal issues involving data, privacy and regulatory environments. Students complete 32 units of coursework and develop knowledge and skills relevant to legal aspects of data systems, document analysis, privacy protection, policy issues and related areas.
“The Master of Science in Data Science and Law reflects a shared commitment between USC Viterbi and USC Gould to meet a rapidly changing professional landscape,” said Emilio Ferrara, director of USC’s Interdisciplinary Data Science Program. “By pairing rigorous data science training with the legal and policy context that shapes real-world systems, we’re preparing students to tackle high-stakes challenges in areas like privacy, regulation and responsible AI.”
USC Gould Professor D. Daniel Sokol commented, “This program embodies collaboration across disciplines and responds to the increasing importance of data issues in legal practice, policy development and organizational decision-making. Our joint efforts support student preparation for roles that require both analytical and legal understanding.”
The Master of Science in Data Science and Law aims to position graduates for careers in law firms, technology organizations, consulting and regulatory environments where data and legal considerations intersect. Career pathways include supporting analytics and data research within legal settings, advising on data privacy and protection matters, and contributing to policy analysis relating to data ethics and governance.
The degree does not qualify graduates to sit for a U.S. bar exam or become licensed attorneys, and coursework from this program cannot be applied toward a Juris Doctor degree.
Learn more about the program in this webinar:
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