About Master’s in Computer Science in the USA
As of 2024, over 2.6 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in the USA.
The country is home to some of the top universities offering graduate programs in Computer Science. In fact, as per QS World Ranking by Subject 2024, USA universities hold the top three positions in the Computer Science and Information Systems category.
Next, we will explore some of the top universities in the USA that offer the MS in Computer Science program.
Top universities for MS in Computer Science in the USA
According to the latest QS World University Rankings, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the #1 university offering a master’s in computer science in the USA.
Other than MIT, below are more top universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 | QS World Ranking by Subject 2024 (for Computer Science) | Master’s Programs Offered | Tuition Fees | Application Deadline | GRE Requirement |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | 1 | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | $42,830 – $61,990 per year | December 15, 2024 | Not required |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 58 | 2 | M.S. in Computer Science | $91,708/ year | November 20, 2024 (Early Deadline) and December 11, 2024 (Final Deadline) | Required |
| Stanford University | 6 | 2 | Computer Science (M.S.) | $112,919 per year | December 3, 2024 | Not mentioned |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 | 5 | Computer Science MS | $27,366 per year | December 11, 2024 | Optional |
| Princeton University | 22 | 14 | MSE in Computer Science | $57,410 per year | December 15, 2024 | Not required |
Now, let’s dive into the details of the top 3 universities in the USA for an MS in Computer Science.
1. Computer Science at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT does not offer admission for a terminal master’s degree.
This means that students who are only seeking a master’s degree program can’t apply unless they plan on pursuing a Ph.D. in that department. Students may earn a master’s degree while pursuing their doctorate.
Some of the top areas of research you can opt for within this program include:
- Bioelectrical Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computational Biology
- Circuit Design
- Computer Networks
- Computer Architecture
- Communications
- Computer Graphics and Vision
To apply for a graduate program in Computer Science at MIT, you’ll require the following:
- Three LORs (letters of recommendation)
- Transcripts
- Statement of objectives or SOP (statement of purpose)
- Test scores proving proficiency in the English language
Here are the English language tests accepted at MIT for MS in Computer Science:
| Language tests | Minimum scores required |
| IELTS | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 |
| TOEFL PBT | 600 |
NOTE: MIT prefers IELTS over TOEFL and also offers language-proficiency test waivers. Please check out the official website to know more.
2. MS in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University
The university offers MS in Computer Science even for students without a bachelor’s degree in the same field. However, you must have a technical undergraduate background to build a strong application.
Instead of offering a fixed coursework, Carnegie Mellon University lets you construct your course of study with the help of your advisor. Contrary to most other USA universities offering master’s programs, Carnegie Mellon University doesn’t make it mandatory for graduate students to get involved in research while pursuing an MS at the university.
If you hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, you can complete this program in three semesters. However, if you’re switching from a different field, you may require an additional semester.
Below is the breakdown of the cost of attendance for MS in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University:
| Expenses | Academic Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| Tuition | $57,500 | $28,750 | $28,750 |
| Student Activities Fee | $244 | $122 | $122 |
| Living Expenses – Housing | $13,216 | $6,608 | $6,608 |
| Living Expenses – Food | $7,896 | $3,948 | $3,948 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,212 | $1,106 | $1,106 |
| Health Insurance | $3,130 | $3,130 | – |
| Personal and Misc. | $3,696 | $1,848 | $1,848 |
| Travel Allowance | $1,582 | $791 | $791 |
| Transportation Fee | $262 | $131 | $131 |
| Technology Fee | $470 | $235 | $235 |
| Estimated Loan Fees | $1,500 | $750 | $750 |
3. MS in Computer Science at Stanford University
To earn a Master’s degree in Computer Science at Stanford University, you must complete 45 units. Stanford provides specific program sheets for each area of specialization within this degree.
You must submit one of these program sheets by the end of your first academic quarter. However, before you submit it, ensure that either your advisor or the department administrator approves it. This approval is crucial as it confirms that your planned coursework meets all the degree requirements.
The top areas of specialization that you can explore for MS in CS at Stanford University are:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Computational Bio (Biocomp)
- Computer & Network Security
- Visual Computing (Real World Comp)
- Information Management & Analytics
- Theoretical CS
- Systems
- Software Theory
With hundreds of universities in the USA offering MS in Computer Science, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Many factors influence whether a university is right for you, if they will accept your admission, and if a bank will fund your education. To bring order to this chaos, we have built SelectRight. This tool matches your academic profile with over 4,000 universities and 40,000+ programs to find out the programs best suited for you.
Course Curriculum for MS in Computer Science in the USA
The course curriculum for MS in Computer Science in the USA varies highly for different universities.
Where some universities (like MIT) only allow an option to earn a master’s degree while pursuing a Ph.D. in CS, some universities (like Carnegie Mellon) have completely distinct MS CS programs from a Ph.D. program in the same field.
In some cases, Computer Science can be chosen as a major for your MS, whereas in other cases, like at Princeton University, you’ll have to choose an area of specialization within CS.
Some universities require you to complete a certain number of credits to complete the program (for example, Stanford University requires 45 credits), while some universities require you to complete a certain number of courses (for example, Princeton requires you to complete six courses for a grade).
However, you can still find some similarities in the curriculum of most of the top universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science. For instance, you can choose your coursework from the units/ courses the university provides under this particular specialization.
Another common requirement for earning an MS in Computer Science in the USA is submitting an original thesis. Additionally, if you want to learn more about the Computer Science courses and their unit requirements for graduate programs, here is an example (CS Courses offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley). For the most accurate and specific information, we recommend visiting the official website of the university you plan to attend.
Eligibility for studying MS in Computer Science in the USA
Just like the course curriculum, eligibility for studying an MS in Computer Science in the USA also varies for different universities.
So, we have mentioned the common requirements that you must meet to apply for a master’s in computer science in the USA.
Minimum level of education requirements:
- Some universities require you to hold a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Medicine, whereas some don’t have any specific subject requirements. However, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is always a plus for your application.
- Most universities only accept a 4-year-long bachelor’s degree. A three-year bachelor’s degree may not be considered sufficient by many universities. However, if you hold a two-year master’s degree following a 3-year-long bachelor’s degree, you will be eligible.
- The CGPA/ percentage requirement varies highly.
Academic test requirements:
- If we talk about the top universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science, most of them either don’t require a GRE score (Graduate Record Examinations) or mention it as optional. So, if you’re wondering whether it’s possible to study MS Computer Science in the USA without a GRE score, then the answer is yes.
- However, some universities like Carnegie Mellon highly recommend including GRE scores in your application.
- For most universities, acceptable GRE scores range from 290 to 330.
Language test requirements:
- All universities require your English language test scores to meet the minimum requirement, which varies for different institutions.
- Most universities accept 6.5-7 of total scores in IELTS, 100 in TOEFL iBT, and 600 in TOEFL PBT.
GMAT/GRE requirements for studying MS in Computer Science in the USA
GMAT is not applicable for studying MS in Computer Science in the USA.
For GRE, some universities don’t require you to submit your GRE scores, some mention it as optional, while some highly recommend it.
Here’s a list of some of the USA universities that do or do not require the GRE for an MS in Computer Science:
| Universities that require GRE* | Universities that don’t require GRE* |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
| Stanford University | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) |
| University of Southern California (USC) | University of Texas at Austin |
| Northeastern University | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
| University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
| University of Arizona | Purdue University |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Boston University | Columbia University |
*The admission requirements for MS in CS at USA universities are subject to change. Please visit the intended university’s official website for precise information.
Scholarships to study MS in Computer Science in the USA
Scholarships help students finance their education and make it more affordable. There are various types of scholarships given based on your merit, need, or specific criteria. These scholarships can help you cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
Let’s have a look at the top 7 scholarships to study MS in Computer Science in the USA:
| Scholarship Name | Amount Offered | Eligibility Requirements | Application Process + Fees |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Tuition and Living | Students from developing countries, financial need | Application form, written essay, interview, no application fee |
| Generation Google Scholarship | $10,000 | Strong academic record, passion for computer science, leadership | Online application, essays, no application fee |
| AAUW International Fellowships | $18,000-$30,000 | Women, non-USA citizens, academic excellence | Online application, recommendations, fee: $30 |
| Global Study Awards | £10,000 | Accepted to a university, IELTS/TOEFL score | Online application, written statement, no application fee |
| Microsoft Scholarship Program | $5,000-$20,000 | Academic excellence, leadership, passion for technology | Online application, essays, no application fee |
| IBM SWE Scholarships and Palantir Scholarships for Women in Technology | Varies, up to $10,000 | Women in tech fields, strong academic record | Online application, recommendations, no application fee |
| VIP Women In Technology Scholarship (WITS) | $2,500 | Women in STEM fields, academic excellence | Online application, essays, no application fee |
Next, let’s explore the top 5 scholarships in more detail.
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship:
Considered highly competitive, this scholarship provides a combination of grants and loans to cover tuition and living expenses in the USA. Typically, it is awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis.
The application process includes a detailed form, an essay, and an interview.
- Generation Google Scholarship:
Google provides $10,000 in funding to students who –
- have strong academic records, and
- are pursuing degrees in fields like computer engineering, computer science, or related fields.
- AAUW International Fellowships:
This fellowship is only for women aspiring to study in the USA. Every year, more than 3,600 women from 150 countries receive this fellowship.
- Global Study Awards:
The British Council launched this scholarship in 2015 to provide funding to highly motivated international students.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be –
- highly motivated and have a strong commitment to your field of study,
- an international student accepted at a USA university, and
- proficient in the English language (IELTS required).
- Microsoft Scholarship Program:
International students showing leadership qualities, academic excellence, and passion for technology can apply for this scholarship.
Note: Scholarships to study an MS in Computer Science in the USA typically cover your tuition fees in full or part. However, competition for these scholarships is tough, and only a few students receive them. As a result, most students need an education loan. Finding a low-interest loan can be challenging with so many options and confusing information in the market. This is where FundRight helps.FundRight streamlines the process, with loan offers in two days and potential approvals in as little as ten days. Their efficient service ensures you can focus on what truly matters: your studies.
Career Scope of MS in Computer Science in the USA
Computer Science is one of the most in-demand programs in the world, offering a handsome salary package to graduates. Here are some stats proving the same:
- A data scientist in the USA earns an average salary of $96,494 per year.
- By 2025, the global AI (Artificial Intelligence) job market is projected to grow to $190.6 billion.
- In 2020, web developers in the USA alone held about 174,300 jobs.
- In 2022, there were more than 500,000 open computing jobs in the USA.
- Jobs in the field of Software Engineering are projected to grow by 21% till 2028 in the USA.
- Jobs in the field of Information Security Analysis are projected to grow by 31% till 2029 in the USA.
These numbers show how promising is the career scope of MS in Computer Science in the USA.
Read below to learn more about the top recruiters, job roles, and salaries offered after studying MS in Computer Science in the USA.
Top recruiters in the USA for MS in Computer Science
Here are some top companies that recruit MS in Computer Science graduates in the USA:
| Recruiter | Avg package offered |
| Amazon | $123,700 |
| Walmart | $117,500 |
| Microsoft Corp | $121,040 |
| Lockheed Martin Corp | $102,961 |
| IBM | $118,228 |
| Northrop Grumman Corp | $114,000 |
| Cisco Systems Inc | $134,795 |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co. | $117,924 |
| The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | $110,000 |
Job prospects and salaries after MS in Computer Science in the USA
Here are the top 15 high-paying job roles you can consider after studying MS in Computer Science in the USA:
| Job title | Average package offered |
| Software Engineer | $103,709 |
| Lead Software Engineer | $126,227 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $132,993 |
| Data Scientist | $101,721 |
| Principal Software Engineer | $153,435 |
| Software Developer | $87,444 |
| Data Analyst | $68,113 |
| Data Engineer | $101,558 |
| Software Development Engineer (SDE) | $117,916 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $113,595 |
| Senior Data Scientist | $134,876 |
| Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer | $118,978 |
| Staff Software Engineer | $147,036 |
| Information Technology (IT) Director | $140,137 |
| Development Operations (DevOps) Engineer | $112,981 |
FAQs
What are some top universities offering MS in Computer Science in the USA?
As per the QS World Ranking by Subject, 2024, the top 5 universities offering MS in Computer Science in the USA are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley (UCB), and Princeton University.
What are the general fees for an MS in Computer Science?
The fees for an MS in Computer Science in the USA vary across universities. Typically, it may range from $27,000 to $112,000 per year. This variation depends on the institution, program structure, and available funding options. It’s essential to check each university’s official website for precise fee details.
Can I study an MS Computer Science in the USA without a GRE score?
Yes, you can study MS Computer Science in the USA without a GRE score. Many universities like MIT, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), University of Southern California (USC), and Northeastern University don’t necessarily require a GRE score.
