For decades now, the whole world’s heart of technology has resided in Silicon Valley, United States (US). Every technological innovation and constructive change has its epicenter in the valley. It becomes a no-brainer then that everyone aspiring to excel in the field of computer science (CS) wishes to fly to the US. With an MS in Computer Science in the USA, you can take your place at the forefront of computing research, education, and industry.
Want to make your wish of studying MS in CS in the US a reality? Explore Yocket Premium today to get complete personalized guidance on the admissions process in the USA! By becoming a Premium Yocketer, you get expert guidance and counseling in finding the top universities for your requirements.
Read ahead to learn about the top universities in the US for MS in Computer Science, including their eligibility criteria, admission process, cost, career prospects, and much more.
Why Study Masters in Computer Science in USA?
If you are still pondering this question, then you are just in the right place. Here are a few quality reasons for any international student to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the US:
- The heart of technology & Jobs: According to QS World University Rankings for Computer Science (2023), 19 of the top 50 universities are in the US. Graduating from these universities and staying close to Silicon Valley - home to tech giants like Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, Nvidia, and many more - ensures the highest ROI for pursuing an MS in CS in the USA!
- Research Opportunities: Top universities in the US for MS in Computer Science provide students with exposure to conduct cutting-edge research with leading researchers in the field. Interns get the opportunity to not only grow their knowledge in their area of interest but also gain hands-on experience that has a real-world impact.
- Exponentially Increasing Demand: According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics in the US, the overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 6,82,800 new jobs over the decade. As mentioned earlier in this blog, the average annual salary of a CS graduate in the US is $116,593 (INR 96,84,000).
Suggested: Top Reasons to Study in USA
10 Top Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science
The USA is home to some of the best universities for masters in computer science. Let's have a look at the top ones along with their rankings:
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University Name |
QS World University Ranking 2024 |
|---|---|
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1 |
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5 |
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4 |
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11 |
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12 |
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16 |
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23 |
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- |
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33 |
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47 |
Suggested: Top Computer Science Universities in the USA for International Students.
Course Curriculum for MS in Computer Science in USA
The syllabus or curriculum for MS in Computer Science in the USA emphasizes fundamental areas including programming, mathematics, engineering, teamwork, design skills, and more. It also offers an array of elective courses to help you shape a unique learning experience. Although every university has a different curriculum, the aims, objectives, and topics are the same. The only difference is that some universities offer elective courses and others offer full-fledged courses on the same.
For instance, while Northeast University offers Data Science as part of its MS in Computer Science Program, at the University of Pennsylvania it is offered as a different course named Master of Science in Data Science. But the course contents, as mentioned earlier, are almost the same.
Some of the most sought Masters in Computer Science specializations in the USA are:
- Artificial intelligence
- Economics and Computer Science
- Data-Management Systems
- Computer Graphics
- Computational Linguistics
- Robotics
- Security & Privacy
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Visual Computing
Suggested: Bachelors in Computer Science (CS) in USA
Eligibility Criteria for Best MS Courses in USA for Computer Science
Indian students wishing to go for an MS in Computer Science in the USA have to meet specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Here’s a quick checklist to carry:
- Undergraduate Degree
- Language Requirement
- GMAT/GRE
- Work Experience
- Passport and Visa
Undergraduate Degree
The first requirement to fulfill for studying at the best universities in the USA for an MS in Computer Science is a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Although the scores differ across courses and universities, a minimum score of 60% for a bachelor's degree is required by most universities.
Language Requirement
The English proficiency test is another important eligibility requirement for an MS in Computer Science in the USA. Most universities have it as a mandatory requirement. Minimum scores as per the tests are:
Suggested: Top Universities in the USA Without IELTS or TOEFL for International Students
GMAT/GRE
GRE is another requirement for an MS in CS in the USA. For top universities, you must have a GRE score of 318 to 329. But do you know there are universities in the USA offering Masters in Computer Science without the GRE?
A few such universities include:
- California State University, East Bay
- The University of Pittsburgh
- Boston University
- Geroge Mason University
- Pace University
- Colorado University
Suggested: MS Universities in the USA Without GRE
Work Experience
A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience is required for an MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students. However, some courses do not ask for work experience as a mandatory requirement.
Passport and Student Visa
A valid passport and US Student Visa are a must to apply for a Master's in Computer Science in the USA for international students. Keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months before the expected travel date.
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Document Required for Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science
Admission to MS courses in the USA for computer science requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:
- Transcripts of all educational qualifications
- CV or Resume
- LOR or Letter of Recommendation
- SOP or Statement of Purpose
- Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/GRE
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of funds
Suggested: Eligibility and Requirements for MS in USA
Admission Process for MS in CS in USA
The admissions process for the best colleges in the USA for MS in Computer Science can be completed online with all the required documents and information. The deadlines for on-time process completion should always be kept in mind.
A step-by-step process for the same is mentioned below:
- Finalize the course you want to pursue and look for the best university offering that course.
- Visit the official university websites and gather information about requirements, eligibility criteria, admission process, and fees.
- Start the application process and fill in all the required information. Upload the required documents for your application to be reviewed. This may include your video essay, academic transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, etc.
- Once you have completed filling out your application and uploading all documents, you may then pay the fee.
- Wait for the university to revert. Once selected, you may apply for your I-20 visa, through which you can acquire your F-1 student visa to study in the US as an international student.
Suggested: Low Tuition Fee Universities in the USA for MS
Cost of Pursuing MS in Computer Science in USA for Indian Students
The MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students fees depends upon the course and university you choose. Your lifestyle also comes into consideration here. The overall cost of studying can be divided into two categories, tuition fees and the cost of living.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for an MS in Computer Science in the USA depend on the university you choose and the course you pursue. On average, the tuition fees in the USA for MS in CS can be anywhere between 40,000 USD and 60,000 USD (INR 33,22,000 - INR 49,83,000).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the USA for international students again depends upon the type of living you choose. If you have a tight budget, you must opt for student accommodation. Besides, some costs are unavoidable. The average cost of living in the USA for international students ranges from 900 USD to 1500 USD per month.
Suggested: How to Select the Best University for MS in USA?
Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in USA
All good universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science offer financial assistance in the form of grants and scholarships. Some popular scholarships that you may opt for while pursuing an MS in Computer Science subjects in the USA are mentioned below:
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Scholarship Name |
Awarded to/ Benefits |
|---|---|
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The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) Program |
An optional scholarship program for Standford MS in CS students that awards up to 100 high-achieving students every year. Benefits: Full funding to pursue graduate education in Computer Science at Stanford University. |
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Fulbright Foreign Student Program |
Offers selected outstanding students the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Benefit: Approximately 8,000 competitive, merit-based grants are offered annually in different academic disciplines, including MS in CS in the USA. |
|
Orange soft Women in Technology Scholarship Program |
Meritious female college or university students pursuing graduate STEM or other technology-related programs at universities in the USA. Benefits: 1,000 USD (INR 83,000) |
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Jobs After MS in CS in USA
Graduates from top universities in the USA for MS in computer science are highly in demand because of the knowledge and expertise they bring to the same. They land the best jobs in the industry at some of the best organizations like Google, Accenture, Ernst &Young, etc. Some popular jobs and their average salaries are mentioned below:
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Job Title |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
Software Engineer |
USD 72,000 - USD 137,000 (INR 59,84,000 - INR 1,13,87,000) |
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Data Engineer |
USD 72,000 - USD 132,000 (INR 59,84,000 - INR 1,13,87,000) |
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Data Analyst |
USD 50,000 - USD 90,000 (INR 4156,000 - INR 74,80,000) |
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IT Manager |
USD 83,000 - USD 194,000 (INR 6899,000 - INR 1,61,25,000) |
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Web Developer |
USD 42,000 - USD 84,000 (INR 34,91,000 - INR 69,82,000) |
Suggested: Jobs and Salaries after MS in Computer Science in USA
From the Desk of Yocket
The best universities for Masters in Computer Science in the USA equip students with all the skills of intelligent technologies in engineering and science. You learn essential algorithms and theoretical foundations of technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. And you get to apply them in real-life business and professional settings. A Master's degree in Computer Science in the US is a way to upscale and upgrade your career to new heights.
With this, you get all the information to make the best decision and fly your dreams to the US and land them right into the heart of Silicon Valley. A great ROI step indeed! And in case you wish to be guided through the entire process of your application, gates at Yocket are always open for you. Yocket Premium gets you end-to-end counselling that is personalised JUST FOR YOU - right from profile evaluation, choosing the right fit for your aspirations, to assistance with loans and visas.
