Dr. Cyrus Shahabi

Professor

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Biography

Cyrus Shahabi is a Professor of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Spatial Sciences at the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering. He serves as the chair of the Computer Science Department and is the Director of the Integrated Media Systems Center (IMSC) and the Informatics Program. Shahabi is also a co-founder and CTO of Geosemble Technologies, a USC spin-off focused on predictive path-planning car systems. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in 1989, followed by Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Computer Science from USC in May 1993 and August 1996, respectively. His research interests include databases, spatial databases, multimedia databases, and geospatial information systems, where he has authored over a hundred research papers and holds more than 12 patents. He has received several accolades, including the ACM Distinguished Scientist award in 2009 and the U.S. Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2003, and has participated in various programs organized by the National Academy of Engineering.

Research Interests

Experience

Director

— Present

Integrated Media Systems Center • University of Southern California

Led the Integrated Media Systems Center, focusing on integration of media systems and technologies.

Awards

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IEEE Fellow

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Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) U.S. Faculty Scholar

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National Academy of Engineering Organizer Japan-America Frontiers Engineering Program

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ACM Distinguished Scientist

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NSF PECASE Research Award

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NSF CAREER Award

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Okawa Foundation Research Grant

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.