Dr. Yan Liu

Professor

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Biography

Yan Liu is a full professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). He joined USC in August 2010. Before that, he worked as a research staff member in the Data Analytics Group at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center starting in November 2006. Dr. Liu obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University, and he also earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Peking University. His research interests focus on machine learning and artificial intelligence with applications in healthcare and sustainability, including climate science and traffic analysis. He explores several specific topics, including novel machine learning models for time series analysis, explainable machine learning models, and efficient algorithms for sampling optimization.

Research Interests

Awards

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ACM Distinguished Member

2021-01-01
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National Academy Inventors Senior Member

2020-01-01
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New Voices

2018-01-01
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Biocom Catalyst Award Winner

2017-01-01
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Okawa Foundation Research Award

2013-01-01
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NSF CAREER Award

2013-01-01
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James H. Zumberge Research Innovation Fund Individual Award

2011-01-01
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Yahoo Faculty Research & Engagement Award

2011-01-01
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ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award Honorable Mention

2007-01-01
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Paper Award

2007-01-01

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.