As the digital world continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the demand for highly skilled computer science professionals has never been greater. And undoubtedly, the USA remains a top destination offering unparalleled opportunities with a Master’s in Computer Science.
The January 2025 intake is here- the perfect time to explore the diverse array of graduate programs available across American institutions. And we are here to turn your aspirations into reality with our expert support and resources, including helping with application fee waivers to ease the financial burden.
Here’s a quick guide to IT courses in the USA.
Top Universities For MS In Computer Science in USA
- PictureUniversity NameTop ElectivesUniversity Details
MITMS in Computer Science
MEng in Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceOn Campus
Full-Time
Duration: 1 to 2 years
Intake: Fall(Sep 2024), Spring(Feb 2025)
Tuition fees: $30,995 per term
Placement: 90%
QS Ranking: 1
Acceptance Rate: 4%
University Of BridgeportMS Computer Science
MS Artificial IntelligenceOn Campus Full-Time
Duration: 1.6 to 2 years
Intake: Fall (Augu12th 2024)
Spring (Jan 1st 2025) Summer (May 5th 2025)
Tuition fees: $805 per credit hour
Placement: 80%
QS Ranking: 201- 250
Acceptance Rate: 81.5%
University Of California – San DiegoMS in Computer Science
Master of Data Science (Online)On-campus
Online Full-Time
Duration: 1 to 2 years
Intake: Fall(Sep 2025)
Winter(Jan 2025)
Tuition fees: $20,000 to $30,000
Placement: 86%
QS Ranking: 72
Acceptance Rate: 27%
University Of WashingtonMA in Clinical Psychology
MS in Industrial and Organizational PsychologyOn Campus, Full-Time
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Intake: Fall (Sept)
Tuition fees: $30,000 per year
Placement: 93%
QS Ranking: 76
Acceptance Rate: 47%
Georgia Institute Of TechnologyMS Computer Science
MS CybersecurityOn Campus Full-Time
Duration: 2 years
Intake: Fall (Aug 2024)
Spring (Jan 2025) Summer (May or June 2025)
Tuition fees: $21,000 per year
Placement: 96%
QS Ranking: 114
Acceptance Rate: 17%
University Of Southern CaliforniaMS Computer Science (AI)
MS Computer Science (Data Science)
MS Computer Science (Game Development)On Campus-Full-Time
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Intake: Fall (Aug 2024)
Spring (Jan 2025) Summer (May 2025)
Tuition fees: $38,000 per year
Placement: 96
QS Ranking: 125
Acceptance Rate: 12%
University Of DaytonMaster Of Computer Science
Master Of Science In Computer EngineeringOn-Campus Full Time
Duration: 2 years
Intake: Fall (Aug 2024)
Spring (Jan 2025) Summer (May 2025)
Tuition Fees: $1,085 per credit hour
Placement: 98%
QS Ranking: 401- 450
Acceptance Rate: 74%
University Of Nevada, RenoMS Computer Science and Engineering
MS Cybersecurity (Online)On-campus and Online
Full-Time
Duration: 2 years
Intake:Fall (Augt 2024)
Winter (Jan 2025)
Tuition fees: approximately $ 13,000 or more
Placement: 80%
QS Ranking: 791
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Cleveland State UniversityMCS Computer Science
Master Of Science, Software EngineeringOn Campus Full-Time
Duration: 2 years
Intake: Fall (Aug or Sep 2024)
Spring (Jan 2025) Summer (May or June 2025)
Tuition fees: $15,122 per year
Placement: 80%
QS Ranking: 1201-1400
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Why Study MS In Computer Science In The USA?
- The job prospects after the completion of MS in CS are promising. According to the US Bureau Of Labor Statistics (BLS), the jobs in Computer Science and Information Technology are projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031. This means, there will be around 682,800 new jobs in the tech industry from 2021 to 2031.
- An MS in CSE in the USA enables graduates to pursue management roles in the IT industry, which is considered as one of the most sought-after roles. The demand for computer and information system managers in the USA is growing. According to BLS, the manager roles are projected to grow around 16% from 2021 to 2031. Notably, computer and information system managers are one of the top five occupations within the management occupations in the USA.
- The US ranks first as the leading tech hub of the world. It has over 10 tech hubs spread across various regions like Silicon Valley, Seattle, etc. On the other hand, countries like China and India have fewer tech hubs (1 to 2) compared to the USA.
- The United States Of America has the highest number of top-ranked universities for MS in Computer Science according to the QS World University Rankings. It is believed that there are more than 70 US universities in the top 500 QS World University Rankings for Computer Science and Information Systems.
Admission Requirements
| University | GPA | Test Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland State University | An undergraduate degree in CS or a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher | GRE with a minimum of 60th percentile in Quantitative Reasoning TOEFL – 78 IELTS – 6.0 |
| University Of Dayton | A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with at least a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 | GRE scores are not required. TOEFL – Minimum 80 IELTS – Minimum 6.5 |
| University Of Bridgeport | A Bachelor’s degree in STEM field or engineering with a GPA of 2.90 or higher | GRE may or may not be required. The admission staff will contact you if they require GRE scores. TOEFL – 80 IELTS – 6.5 |
| MIT | Candidates need to have a strong academic background. Generally, MIT accepts students with a GPA of above 3.5 and above on a scale of 4.0 | IELTS – Minimum 7.0 |
| University Of Washington | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or other related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of study | TOEFL – 92 IELTS – 7.0 GRE – Optional |
| University Of California – San Diego | A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 | TOEFL – 85 IELTS – 7.0 GRE – Optional |
| University Of Southern California | A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a closely related field with a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 | TOEFL – 90 IELTS – 6.5 GRE – 300+ |
| Georgia Institute Of Technology | Minimum GPA 3.0 | TOEFL – 100 IELTS – 7.5 GRE – 153 (Verbal), 155 (Quantitative), Analytics Section (3.0) |
| Wayne State University | Minimum GPA of 3.0 in baccalaureate program, in courses like computer science | GRE – Optional TOEFL – 79 to 80 IELTS – 6.5 |
| University Of Nevada, Reno | Minimum GPA of 3.25 | TOEFL – 80+ IELTS – 6.5+ GRE – Optional |
Also read about Nova Southeastern University.
Admission Process
- Visit the official website of the university and find the online application.
- Create an account with your email address. Most universities ask for the creation of an account.
- Select MS in Computer Science or a related program.
- Fill out your personal details, academic background, and employment history if applicable.
- Enter GRE and IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- Upload the required documents.
- Review the application and submit it.
Documents Needed For Admission Process
Below are some of the common documents required for admission at US universities for MS in Computer Science:
- A complete online application form with a copy of the fee payment receipt.
- All the academic transcripts of previous degrees, including the undergrad degree, the high school degree, etc.
- Test scores of GRE, and TOEFL or IELTS.
- A copy of your passport.
- 2 to 3 letters of recommendation from your employer (if you have work experience) and a professor from your college.
- Attach an updated resume with your application.
- Statement of purpose.
- Experience certificates if any.
Different Types Of Scholarships To Fund MS Studies In Computer Science
| University | Scholarship | Deadline | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland State University | Monte and Usha Ahuja Scholarship: Recipients of this scholarship are required to pursue either an undergrad or graduate in engineering. This is a mandatory requirement. | March 31st | https://engineering.csuohio.edu/scholarships/graduate-student-scholarships |
| University Of Bridgeport | Merit Scholarships: Awarded to those international students who are pursuing graduate programs in engineering. There are two amounts awarded – $3000 and $4000 | No need for an application to apply for the scholarship. | https://www.bridgeport.edu/cost-financial-aid/financial-aid/types-of-aid |
| University Of California – San Diego | Graduate departments at UCSD offer limited scholarships to international students. For more information, you need to visit their website. | – | https://fas.ucsd.edu/applying/international-students/index.html |
| University Of Southern California | USC Viterbi School Of Engineering Scholarships and Fellowships: The amount awarded to international students is $5,000 to $20,000 | December 15th for fall applicants and September 1st for Spring applicants | https://viterbigradadmission.usc.edu/programs/masters/tuition-funding/gradscholarships/ |
| Georgia Institute Of Technology | Currently not available. There are scholarships for graduate students. For updated information on scholarships, you need to visit their website. | – | https://isss.oie.gatech.edu/content/scholarships-and-financial-assistance-resources-international-students |
| Wayne State University | Graduate Professional Scholarship: It is awarded to international students pursuing advanced professional degrees or graduate degrees at all Wayne State universities and colleges. | March 15th | https://gradschool.wayne.edu/students/funding/scholarships |
Job Opportunities After MS In Computer Science in the usa
| Job Role | Expected Salaries |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer/Developer | $85,000 to $180,000 |
| Data Scientist | $95,000 to $200,000+ |
| AI/Machine Learning Engineer | $100,000 to $210,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $80,000 to $170,000 |
| Cloud Solutions Architect | $100,000 to $200,000+ |
Conclusion
Pursuing an MS in Computer Science in the USA is a good ROI (Return on Investment) because graduates with an MS in Computer Science earn high salaries and the degree is recognized worldwide. To maximize this ROI, all you need to do is choose the right university, specialization, and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows international students to work up to 12 to 24 months after the completion of post-graduate studies.
Yes, there are many universities in the US that offer online programs for MS Computer Science.
Yes, you can study MS in Computer Science without a CS background. Some universities in the USA have MS programs specifically for students without a CS background.