USC Viterbi | Technology & Applied Computing (TAC)
Welcome to the
Technology and Applied Computing (TAC)
Program!
Previously known as the Information Technology Program (ITP), the Technology and Applied Computing Program (TAC) is an academic program in the
School of Advanced Computing
, which falls within the
Viterbi School of Engineering
, whose mission is to provide any and all students, faculty, and staff with high-quality instruction in Applied Technology and Computing. In addition to practical, hands-on curriculum, students will engage in theroetical discussions of current trends, applications, and developments in Technology and Computing.
Enhance your future career and become more
by pairing your major with a minor in Technology.
Minors & Specializations to Choose From
Courses Offered
TAC Students are from Non-Engineering Majors
Unique Students Each Academic Year
Undergraduate Student Population at USC Enrolled in TAC Classes
Apply Today >
Why TAC?
Enhance your future career and become more
by pairing your major with a minor in Technology.
Number of Minors & Specializations to Choose From
Number of Courses Offered
Students Each Semester (and counting)
Students from Non-Engineering Majors
New Courses
Learn more about some of the newest available courses TAC has to offer!
TAC-458:
"Defending and Investigating Enterprise Networks "
(4 units)
This program covers the intersection of applied cyber technologies, regulation, and strategic operating within a business’s needs, placing students at the heart of building robust security methodologies and frameworks that allow security processes and systems to flourish. Cyber Governance at TAC prepares students for a career in
Cybersecurity consulting.
TAC-259:
"Basics of Artificial Intelligence"
(4 units)
TAC-180:
"Video Game Production"
(2 units)
New Minors/Specializations
Check out our newest programs available for the 2024-2025 year.
Cyber Governance (Specialization)
This program covers the intersection of applied cyber technologies, regulation, and strategic operating within a business’s needs, placing students at the heart of building robust security methodologies and frameworks that allow security processes and systems to flourish. Cyber Governance at TAC prepares students for a career in
Cybersecurity consulting.
Artificial Intelligence Applications
Video Game Production
Summer Courses
Summer 2026 Registration is now open! Check out the TAC courses that are offered this summer!
TAC-101:
"Introduction to Business Information Technologies"
(2 units)
TAC-104:
"Introduction to Web Development"
(2 units)
TAC-115:
"Programming in Python"
(2 units)
TAC-125:
"From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security"
(2 units)
TAC-165:
"Introduction to C++ Programming"
(2 units)
TAC-216:
"Applied Python"
(2 units)
TAC-249:
"Introduction to Data Analytics"
(4 units)
TAC-259:
"Basics of Artificial Intelligence"
(4 units)
TAC-359:
"Applied Neural Networks"
(4 units)
TAC-449:
"Applications of Machine Learning"
(4 units)
TAC-479:
"Cyber Law and Privacy"
(4 units)
"I chose a [TAC] minor to supplement my non-technical major because I realized that technical skills were highly in-demand in the job market. My minor classes opened me up to an entirely new interest, and actually were the catalyst for me wanting to work in tech (which I didn’t know previously). TAC prepared me by providing me with in-demand, marketable skills and teaching me how to problem solve in a technical way. "
-Gracie Beal, Communication
Class of 2019
"I chose a [TAC] specialization since I think the skills you learn in these class are extremely beneficial in all fields. Nowadays, it can be significant if a candidate is proficient in the areas such as learning how to predict trends and data and therefore can help any company or firm you're working for to enhance their performance."
-Chalize David, Economics
Class of 2022
"My favorite thing about [TAC] is the industry knowledge my professors offer. They prioritize concepts and methods that are actually relevant to the field of study. It makes it more exciting to learn challenging subject matter."
-Danielle Kuehler, Economics
Class of 2021
"The professors and TAs are incredible. Every assignment is very applicable and great to get you started with your own portfolio. [TAC] classes give you a general overview of your area of interest (Java, Python, C++, etc.) but then also allows you to pick electives that may be more specific to your interests (Web development, app development, etc.)"
-Ryan Lee, Business Administration Major
Class of 2022
"I would not have my career without my TAC minor. The web development skills from [TAC] were directly responsible for getting the internships I got while at USC, and in my first full-time job I use those skills to better work with engineers and have an understanding of how our products work."
-James Tyner, Journalism
Class of 2019
"I initially thought that taking TAC minor would help my hobby projects after graduation. I was wrong. My career is dependent on all of the skills I learned from [TAC] classes. The minor program was designed for hands-on experience from game/app development to data analytics and serious algorithm classes. These helped me tremendously in my day to day job."
-Daniel Pham, Electrical Engineering
Class of 2017
"I would recommend [TAC] to other students because of the ever evolving digital world that we live in. Especially with COVID, it seems that our world is becoming even more digital than ever before."
-Skyler Ordean, Accounting Major
Class of 2021
What Our Students and Alumni Say
Programs
Which one of our fourteen minors best pairs with your major? Find out today!
Common Major/Minor Pairings
Interdisciplinary Programs
Intelligence and Cyber Operations (BA)
Data Science (BA)
Law and Technology Minor
Minors and Specializations
Applied Analytics
Artificial Intelligence Applications
Blockchain
Cybersecurity
Cyber Governance
Digital Forensics
Computer Programming
Connected Devices and Making
Enterprise Information Systems
Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur
Mobile App Development
Technical Game Art
Video Game Production
Video Game Programming
Web Development
Programs
Which one of our minors best pairs with your major? Find out today!
Common Major/Minor Pairings
Minors and Specializations
Applied Analytics
Applied Computer Security
Blockchain
Cloud Computing with DevOps
Computer and Digital Forensics
Computer Programming
Connected Devices and Making
Education and Computing
Enterprise Information Systems
Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur
Mobile App Development
Technical Game Art
Video Game Design and Management
Video Game Programming
Web Technologies and Applications
Interdisciplinary Majors
Intellegence and Cyber Operations
Data Science
See How TAC Can Help You
You are just one click away from beginning your journey in TECH
See How ITP Can Help You
You are just one click away from beginning your journey in
TECH
Recent News
Dec 12, 2025
TAC Students Represent USC on the Global Stage at GSSC 2026
GSSC x USC 2025 pitch competition. March 2025 Students from USC’s Technology and Applied Computing (TAC) program are playing a key role in expanding globally engaged, hands-on learning opportunities through the Global Student Startup Competition (GSSC) — an international entrepreneurship initiative co‑founded by Mike Lee, Senior Lecturer of Digital Entrepreneurship and Applied Computing in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
May 07, 2024
#NSBE50 – ITP @ NSBE 2024
#NSBE50 – ITP@NSBE 2024 ITP sent students to Atlanta, Georgia to attend the 50th NSBE Annual ConventionThe National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States. NSBE, founded in 1975, supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology. This year, NSBE celebrates
May 02, 2024
Spring 2024 ITP Awards
Spring 2024 ITP Faculty, Staff and Student Awards Eric Perez | May 2, 2024This year the USC Viterbi Information Technology Program continues with its tradition of recognizing outstanding faculty, staff, and course teaching assistants.  Sanjay MadhavITP Associate Director’s Award for ServiceGregg IbbotsonITP Associate Director’s Award for TeachingEmily MillardITP Associate Director’s Award for Part-Time TeachingKristof Aldenderfer ITP Director’s Award for FacultyEric PerezITP
Oct 03, 2023
SAP @ ITP: SAP Senior Vice President Karina Edmonds and SAP Engineering Manager Ralf Geiser Visit ITP
Karina Edmonds introducing herself to ITP students/staff and facultyITP has been working closely SAP for over a decade, collaborating to ensure that our Enterprise Information Systems curriculum is most up-to-date, and to help make sure that ITP students are getting the most industry relevant skills when it comes to Enterprise Resource Planning. On Monday, October 2, 2023, SAP Senior Vice
Sep 26, 2023
Scholarships: ITP Supports 9 Students at the 2023 CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration
In a world that’s constantly evolving, diversity and inclusivity in tech are becoming increasingly more important in our world. The 2023 CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration, held in Dallas Texas from September 13th to September 15th, is a gathering focused on celebrating diversity in computing.This event provides students, faculty, and other academic and non-academic professionals from various backgrounds within the computing
Sep 29, 2022
ITP’s new AI Applications minor
The Information Technology Program at the Viterbi School of Engineering launched a new minor in artificial intelligence application to reflect a rapidly changing AI industry. The minor opened to all students at the start of the Fall 2022 semester.
[Read more]
View all Recent News
Published on February 23rd, 2017
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News
Media Coverage
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Partnerships
Frequently Asked Questions
Career Recruiting
Job Opportunities With TAC
People
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Teaching/Practice Faculty
Part-time Instructional Faculty
Faculty Directory
Staff
Courses
Minors and Specializations
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Applied Analytics
Artificial Intelligence Applications
Blockchain
Cybersecurity
Computer Programming
Connected Devices and Making
Cyber Governance
Digital Forensics
Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur
Mobile Application Development
Technical Game Art
Video Game Production
Video Game Programming
Web Development
Students
← Back
TAC Python Placement Exams
Advisement and Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Clubs and Organizations
Loaner Devices
About
Awards
News
Media Coverage
Visiting
Partnerships
Frequently Asked Questions
Career Recruiting
Job Opportunities With TAC
People
Teaching/Practice Faculty
Part-time Instructional Faculty
Faculty Directory
Staff
Courses
Minors and Specializations
Applied Analytics
Artificial Intelligence Applications
Blockchain
Cybersecurity
Computer Programming
Connected Devices and Making
Cyber Governance
Digital Forensics
Innovation: The Digital Entrepreneur
Mobile Application Development
Technical Game Art
Video Game Production
Video Game Programming
Web Development
Students
TAC Python Placement Exams
Advisement and Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Clubs and Organizations
Loaner Devices