u/EntertainmentAny7315

Hi everyone! I’ll be joining the MS CS program at University of Southern California this fall and wanted some advice regarding first semester course selection.

I know Analysis of Algorithms is compulsory, but I’m confused about what other courses pair well with it without making the workload unmanageable. I’m interested in AI/ML, data systems, and software/data engineering roles, and I’d also like to keep time for internship prep and networking during the first semester.

A few things I’d love advice on:

• Best courses to take alongside Analysis of Algorithms
• Courses/professors to avoid in first sem due to workload
• Good balance between theory and project-based classes
• Courses most useful for internships/research
• Whether taking ML in the first semester is a good idea

Would really appreciate hearing what worked (or didn’t work) for current students/alumni. Thanks!