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By CSDH Staff It’s a great time to pursue a master’s degree in computer science! Not only is the average salary of an employee with a master’s degree $101,000 — much higher than those with only a bachelor’s — but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in computer science occupations is expected to grow a whopping 15% through 2029. That’s way faster than the average industry! We guess Forbes was right when it declared the master’s degree to be the new industry standard! But it’s not easy to determine which colleges and universities are best when it comes to where to study for a master’s in computer science. There are many factors to consider, including overall cost, national reputation, and curriculum, to name but a few considerations. That’s why Computer Science Degree Hub took on the task of determining the top 50 master’s in computer science degree programs, updated for 2021.
Sponsored Ranking Methodology To come up with our ranking of the best master’s degrees in computer science, we began by making a list of more than 75 programs throughout the United States. We considered only those universities offering a distinct master’s degree in computer science, as opposed to a track or concentration. To narrow down our list to the top 50, we used the following points system. Annual Graduate Tuition & Fees (Estimate): Under $70,000 — 2 points Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI): 1% and below — 0 points Average Early-Career Salary of Graduates: $50,000 and below — 1 point National Recognition: Top 100 — 1 point Please note, in the case of varying information (for example, a difference in tuition for state residents and non-residents), points were allocated based on the highest number of points possible. Ties were broken at the discretion of the editors. 1. Cornell UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 40 Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is a private Ivy League university. The Master of Science in Computer Science from Cornell is a 34-hour program which takes four semesters to complete. Students are required to turn in a written thesis and give an oral presentation about the thesis results. Elective course topics include:
2. Princeton UniversityMaster of Science in Engineering in Computer SciencePoints: 38 Princeton University is a private Ivy League university located in Princeton, New Jersey. The Department of Computer Science at Princeton offers a master’s degree program with thesis and non-thesis options. The program is for full-time students and is designed to be completed in two years. Sample courses include:
3. Stanford UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 37 Stanford University is a private university located in Stanford, California. The university offers a master’s degree in computer science with specializations in:
4. Yale UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 37 Founded in 1701 and located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is one of the oldest colleges in the United States. The Master of Science in Computer Science from Yale is designed for individuals who want to pursue professional careers after graduation instead of applying to doctoral programs. The university offers a general track and two specialized tracks:
5. Georgia Institute of TechnologyMaster of Science in Computer Science
Points: 36 Georgia Institute of Technology, more commonly known as Georgia Tech, is a public university located in Atlanta, Georgia. The school’s Master of Science in Computer Science is a 30-credit program with three options:
M.S. candidates select from a variety of specializations, including:
6. University of PennsylvaniaMaster of Science in Engineering in Computer and Information SciencePoints: 36 University of Pennsylvania, often referred to as Penn, is a private Ivy League university. Penn offers a Master of Science in Engineering in Computer and Information Science. Sample courses include:
Students are encouraged to conduct in-depth research and complete a master’s thesis. 7. University of California – BerkeleyMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 35 University of California – Berkeley, commonly referred to as Berkeley or Cal, is a public university with top computer science ratings from multiple organizations. Berkeley offers a master’s degree in computer science that requires 24 units to complete. Students can take classes in:
8. Carnegie Mellon UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 35 Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private university with a computer science faculty dedicated to publishing cutting-edge research in the field. The M.S. in Computer Science from CMU is composed entirely of courses, and generally does not have a research component. Students are required to take classes in:
9. Columbia UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 33 Columbia University is a private Ivy League university located in New York City. Columbia offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with a number of tracks to choose from, including:
To graduate, students must complete one course from each of the following areas:
10. University of MichiganMaster of Science in Engineering in Computer Science and EngineeringPoints: 33 University of Michigan is a public university based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Students taking part in Michigan’s Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering program can learn about:
11. Duke UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 32 Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a private university with a strong research focus in computer science. Duke offers a 30-credit M.S. in Computer Science that prepares individuals for research careers and doctoral study. Students have two options for completing the program
12. University of California – Los AngelesMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 31 University of California – Los Angeles, or UCLA, is a public university located in Los Angeles, California. UCLA’s M.S. in Computer Science is a nine course program in which students can learn about subjects such as:
The average time for completion is six quarter terms. 13. Johns Hopkins UniversityMaster of Science in Engineering in Computer Science
Points: 29 Johns Hopkins University is a private university in Baltimore, Maryland. Through its Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins offers a Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Science. Typically, students finish the degree program in three full-time semester terms. Elective courses include:
14. University of California – San DiegoMaster of Science in Computer Science and EngineeringPoints: 27 UC San Diego is a California public research university. Students in UC San Diego’s Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering degree program may choose between the:
The first two plans require 40 units, or credit hours, while the third plan requires 48 units to complete. Focus areas for the program include:
15. University of Illinois – Urbana-ChampaignMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 27 University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. Illinois’ Master of Science in Computer Science requires 28 credits of coursework and four credits of thesis to complete. Students can take courses on:
16. University of North Carolina – Chapel HillMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 27 Situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) is a public research university. UNC offers a Master of Science in Computer Science. The program requires 30 semester hours for completion, and students must take one class from each of these categories:
Also, there is a technical writing requirement where students must demonstrate writing ability by creating a technical document. 17. University of Southern CaliforniaMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 27 Located in Los Angeles, California, University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in the state. The M.S. in Computer Science from USC is a 28-credit program. By adding four more credits, students can earn a specialization in the following fields:
18. Northwestern UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 27 Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a private research university. Northwestern’s Master of Science in Computer Science is a customizable program in which students can tailor their coursework to fit their interests and career goals. The school offers courses in relevant areas such as :
19. University of ChicagoMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 27 Established in 1890, University of Chicago (UChicago) is a private research institution of higher learning located in Chicago, Illinois. UChicago offers an M.S. in Computer Science that can be completed in nine months with full-time study. All of the classes are held at night to accommodate students with full-time jobs. According to the site, UChicago’s publication profile is very diverse, with papers in many different research areas including:
20. University of Texas – AustinMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 25 Home of the Longhorns, University of Texas – Austin (UT Austin) is the flagship university of the University of Texas System. The Master of Science in Computer Science from UT Austin can be completed with or without a thesis. Students in the program will take courses on:
21. University of California – DavisMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 24 University of California – Davis, or UC Davis, is a public university located near Sacramento, California. Students studying for a master’s degree in computer science at UC Davis choose from two plans. The first plan requires a thesis, while the second plan requires a project or exam. The university offers courses about:
22. New York UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 24 Located in New York City, New York University, or NYU, is a private research university with solid rankings in the computing field. NYU offers a flexible Master of Science in Computer Science. Students can choose from a diverse set of electives in topics such as:
23. University of California – IrvineMaster of Computer SciencePoints: 23 Founded in 1965, University of California – Irvine (UC Irvine) is a top computer science institution according to U.S. News and World Report. Starting in the fall 2017 term, UC Irvine offered the first class of its Professional Master of Computer Science program. The degree is for individuals interested in technology-based careers, and is designed to be finished in four quarters, with an extra optional quarter for an internship. 24. Purdue UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 23 Purdue University is a public research university with a main campus located in West Lafayette, Indiana. To finish the computer science master’s program from Purdue, students must take 10 three-credit courses (non-thesis option) or eight courses and write a thesis (thesis option). Elective topics include:
25. University of MarylandMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 23 University of Maryland (UMD) is a public research university in College Park, Maryland. Students in UMD’s computer science M.S. program can conduct research in relevant computing areas such as:
UMD’s faculty has published many papers about:
26. Rice UniversityMaster of Computer SciencePoints: 23 Rice University is a private research school in Houston, Texas. Rice offers a Master of Computer Science professional degree for individuals who wish to pursue careers in technology. The normal time for completion is three full-time semesters. Based on the site’s findings, the university had a balanced publication profile, with the faculty publishing papers in a variety of areas including:
27. University of Wisconsin – MadisonMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 22 University of Wisconsin – Madison, or UW-Madison, is a public university in Madison, Wisconsin. UW-Madison offers a Master of Science in Computer Sciences. Students must complete 30 semester hours to graduate. The university’s Department of Computer Sciences teaches courses on:
The school is most active in researching computer architecture, machine learning, databases, and networks. 28. University of California – Santa BarbaraMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 22 Located in Santa Barbara, California, University of California – Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara) is a public research university. UC Santa Barbara offers an M.S. in Computer Science with three plans to choose from:
The program requires 42 quarter units for completion, and students must choose a major from these options: applications, systems, and theory. 29. University of FloridaMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 21 Based in Gainesville, Florida, University of Florida (UF) is a public university with over 16,000 graduate students. Through its College of Engineering, UF offers an M.S. in Computer Science. Core courses include:
Thesis and non-thesis options are available. For both options, students must complete 30 semester credits to graduate. The university has a wide range of electives on topics such as:
30. University of MinnesotaMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 20 University of Minnesota (U of M) is public research university located in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Minneapolis and Saint Paul. University of Minnesota offers a 31-credit M.S. program in Computer Science with three tracks to choose from:
Student must complete one course in each of these three areas:
31. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Master of Science in Computer Science and ApplicationsPoints: 20 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public research university. Graduate students in Virginia Tech’s M.S. program in Computer Science and Applications are encouraged to complete a thesis because it provides an in-depth research experience. The computer science faculty offers courses in:
32. Texas A&M UniversityMaster of Computer SciencePoints: 19 Established in 1876, Texas A&M University is a public research university in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M’s Master of Computer Science is a professional degree with no thesis, project, or final exam requirements. The program requires 30 credit hours for completion. Students must select at least one course in the following areas to graduate:
33. Stony Brook University – SUNYMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 19 Stony Brook University – SUNY is a public university in Stony Brook, New York. The M.S. program in Computer Science from Stony Brook has three options for completion:
The university offers classes in a variety of subjects including:
34. University of Massachusetts – AmherstMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 19 University of Massachusetts – Amherst (UMass) is a public university in Amherst, Massachusetts. UMass offers an M.S. in Computer Science with an optional concentration in data science. The program is 30 credits long and usually takes four semesters (two years) to complete. The school’s main areas of research are:
35. Ohio State UniversityMaster of Science in Computer Science and EngineeringPoints: 19 The Ohio State University is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. The Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from Ohio State requires 30 credits for the research or thesis track and 33 credits for the coursework (non-thesis) track. To fulfill the core course requirements, students must take classes in algorithms, computability and unsolvability or programming languages, computer architecture or operating systems. 36. North Carolina State UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 18 North Carolina State University (NC State) is a public research institution and a member of the University of North Carolina system. The Master of Science in Computer Science from NC State is a research-oriented program in which students complete courses and create a thesis with original research. Thirty-one graduate credits are required. Students must take courses in systems and theory. 37. Rutgers UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 18 Rutgers University is a coeducational public university situated in New Jersey. Its main campus is located in the city of New Brunswick. Rutgers’ computer science program for graduate students offers four distinct study tracks:
38. University of UtahMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 16 University of Utah, or the U for short, is a public research university located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The U’s Master of Science in Computer Science has four options for completion:
Core courses include Advanced Algorithms and Operating Systems. Thirty semester credits are required to graduate. 39. Indiana University – BloomingtonMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 16 Indiana University – Bloomington (IU Bloomington) is a good place for graduate studies in computer science according to U.S. News and World Report, which ranks the university #55 in the country. The Master of Science in Computer Science from IU Bloomington is a 30-credit program in which students learn about:
40. University of Colorado – BoulderMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 16 University of Colorado – Boulder is a public research institution of higher learning situated in Boulder, Colorado. CU Boulder offers a traditional and a professional Master of Science in Computer Science. The traditional M.S. includes a thesis option and more research opportunities than the professional M.S. On the other hand, the professional M.S. offers specialization options in human-centered computing, intelligent systems, and other areas. 41. Michigan State UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 16 Michigan State University is a public research university situated in East Lansing, Michigan. Individuals interested in graduate studies can earn a Master of Science in Computer Science from Michigan State’s College of Engineering. The degree program requires 30 semester hours to complete. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Elective topics include:
42. Pennsylvania State UniversityMaster of Science in Computer Science and EngineeringPoints: 16 Founded in 1855, Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State for short, is a public university with faculty dedicated to computer science research. Students interested in developing an advanced understanding of computing can earn a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from Penn State. The school offers courses in relevant areas such as:
43. University of PittsburghMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 16 University of Pittsburgh, or Pitt for short, is a public research school with solid ratings for computer science. The Department of Computer Science at Pitt offers a 30-credit Master of Science program. Students must enroll in one course from each of these categories:
Students can finish the degree with a written thesis or a project. 44. Boston UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 16 Boston University (BU) is a private school located in Boston, Massachusetts. Graduate students in BU’s Master of Science in Computer Science may choose to earn a specialization in cyber security or data-centric computing. Eight courses, or 32 semester hours, are required to graduate. A master’s thesis or project is not required. Students must take at least one course in these areas:
Sample classes include:
45. University of Nebraska – LincolnMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 15 University of Nebraska – Lincoln, or Nebraska for short, is a public university in Lincoln, Nebraska. Students in Nebraska’s M.S. program in Computer Science can choose to complete their degree with a thesis or a project. 30 semester hours are required to graduate with the thesis option while the project option consists of 36 hours. Elective courses include Pattern Recognition and Human-Robot Interaction. 46. University at Buffalo – SUNYMaster of Science in Computer Science and EngineeringPoints: 15 University at Buffalo – SUNY, or UB for short, is a public research school located in Buffalo, New York. UB offers a Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. To graduate in the program, students must complete 30 semester hours, or 10 courses. Core topics include:
47. Arizona State UniversityMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 15 Arizona State University is a public research university located in Tempe, Arizona. ASU offers two master’s programs in computer science: Master of Science and Master of Computer Science. The former is research-oriented, and requires the completion of a master’s thesis. Students in this program can earn concentrations in arts, information assurance, or media and engineering. The latter program requires the creation of a portfolio of projects. 48. University of California – Santa CruzMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 14 University of California – Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is a public research institution and a member of the University of California system. UC Santa Cruz offers a Master of Science in Computer Science. Students in the program are required to write a thesis or complete a project. Research areas include:
49. University of Texas at DallasMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 14 University of Texas at Dallas, or UT Dallas, is a public research university. Its main campus is located in Richardson, Texas, which is 18 miles north of downtown Dallas. UT Dallas offer a Master of Science in Computer Science with night classes to accommodate students with full-time jobs. Thirty-three semester hours are required to graduate. Students may choose to complete a thesis. 50. University of TennesseeMaster of Science in Computer SciencePoints: 14 University of Tennessee (UT) is a coeducational public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Students in UT’s M.S. degree in Computer Science have three program plans to choose from:
All three plans require 30 credit hours to graduate. Core courses include:
Also, M.S. candidates must take a class on the foundations of computer science or the analysis and design of algorithms. Related Resources:
Which is the best university in USA for computer science in Masters?Best Computer Science Schools. Which university is best for computer science in USA?Best Global Universities for Computer Science in the United.... Carnegie Mellon University.. University of California--Berkeley.. Harvard University.. University of Washington.. University of Michigan--Ann Arbor.. University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign.. Georgia Institute of Technology.. Cornell University.. Which institute is best for masters in computer science?Here are the best global universities for computer science in India. Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology.. Vellore Institute of Technology.. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Kharagpur.. Indian Institute of Science (IISC) - Bangalore.. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Bombay.. Is USA good for MS in computer science?It is home to 7 of the top 10 computer science universities in the world and promises excellent job opportunities to CS students. So, if you are planning on doing an MS in computer sciences from abroad, there's probably no other destination better than the United States of America.
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