Dr. Viet Nguyen

Professor

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Biography

Viet Thanh Nguyen is the Aerol Arnold Chair and a Professor at the University of Southern California. He is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Sympathizer," which blends fiction with issues of war and identity. His honors also include the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Edgar Award for Best Novel from the Mystery Writers of America, and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Literary Excellence from the American Library Association. Nguyen's research interests cover a range of topics including war memory, race and ethnicity, and Asian American literature and culture. He teaches several multimedia courses and has received various grants for projects focused on transpacific studies, artistic innovation, and more. His scholarly works examine the intersections of culture and politics, particularly through the lens of the Vietnamese diaspora and the Vietnam War.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2008-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Associate Professor

2003-01-01 — 2008-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Assistant Professor

1997-01-01 — 2003-01-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Awards

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USC School/Dept Award Teaching, Provost’s Prize Teaching with Technology

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American Council Learned Societies Fellowship Recipient

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Luce Foundation Fellow, Asian Cultural Council

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.