Best Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs of 2023

Stanford University's Master of Science in Computer Science is a rigorous program designed for students looking to continue their education with a doctoral degree or professional career in the field. There are numerous degree specializations available, including Artificial iIntelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, and Theoretical Computer Science. An undergraduate degree in computer science or electrical engineering is not required to apply to this highly competitive program. As an elite private research university in California, Stanford has an admissions rate of just 5%, which is the lowest of the private schools on this list. There is only one admissions cycle a year for this program, and the start-point for each new class is the fall semester. Master's degree students in the department of computer science are eligible for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, which awards several full scholarships to high-achieving students annually.

The Master of Science in Computer Science program at Georgia Institute of Technology is intended for students looking to enter the workforce following graduation. A unique aspect of this program is that students can choose from one of three tracks to complete their degree: a courses-only option, a project option, or a thesis option. Additionally, students can select one of 11 different degree specializations, such as Computational Perception and Robotics, Interactive Intelligence, and Visual Analytics. Admission to the program is highly selective, and a strong undergraduate background in computer science, including C programming, is recommended. There is one application cycle a year, with the program beginning a new cohort each fall. An international dual-degree option is also available, allowing students in this program to also earn a master's degree from the Technical University of Munich in Germany or Georgia Tech-Lorraine in Metz, France.

A highly selective Master of Science in Computer Science degree is offered by Carnegie Mellon University, a private research institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This program is unique in that there are no required courses. Instead, each student creates an individualized course of study in consultation with an advisor. In designing their degree, research is an optional component, although a third of students still include it. An undergraduate degree in computer science is not required for admission, but some background in computer science is helpful. There is an option to add an accelerated Master of Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business to this degree program. Applicants should be aware that the School of Computer Science does not provide scholarships to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Computer Science program at this time. However, need-based aid from the university is still an option for those who are eligible.

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois offers a research-focused Master of Science in Computer Science degree program. This 32-credit-hour program requires a research thesis, and the degree requirements for the master's degree can be counted toward a Ph.D. in Computer Science at the university for students who are eligible. Required courses include Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Computers in Education, and Security and Privacy. Student resources specifically for students in the program include a Computer Science Mental Health Committee, referrals for tutoring and mentoring, Computer Science Advising Piazza, and the Computer Science Student Opportunity Series, which provides tools and resources for academic, professional, and personal growth.

All students in Cornell University's Master of Science in Computer Science program receive full tuition plus a stipend and health insurance in exchange for serving as teaching assistants for undergraduates. This 34-credit-hour Ivy League program is highly competitive and admits just a few applicants a year. The curriculum focuses on advanced coursework, research, writing, and teaching. Both a written thesis and an oral presentation are required for graduation. Additionally, all candidates in this program must declare a minor field of study. Although the minor can be in any discipline, the most common minors are Information Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Applied Mathematics. Cornell's Master of Science in Computer Science program is not considered a pathway to Cornell's doctoral-level computer science program. Students interested in a Ph.D. from Cornell should apply to that program instead.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, aka MIT, has established itself as one of the leading research institutions in the world, with years of groundbreaking discoveries. Students in their Master of Science in Computer Science program have the opportunity to participate in research in areas like AI, computational fabrication and manufacturing, quantum computing, cryptocurrency, and more. Most students in the MIT graduate program are supported by research assistantships, which cover full tuition as well as a monthly stipend. In order to graduate, students complete a thesis project, demonstrating the culmination of their scholarship and research, and preparing them for career advancement or pursuit of further study.

The University of California, Berkeley, offers a competitive Master of Science in Computer Science via the department of electrical engineering and computer sciences. This degree program focuses on research and provides student opportunities to create a solid foundation to apply to doctoral programs. Students can choose from 10 degree specializations, including Artificial Intelligence, Programming Systems, and Graphics. A unique aspect of the department is that it offers an Equal Access Assistance program. This optional program ensures that all applicants have equitable access to guidance on applying to graduate school during the application process. This program does not guarantee admission but it does mean that a current student or recent graduate from the department will provide feedback on your application materials before you apply. Berkeley stands out on this list for having the most selective rate of admission (17%) and highest graduation rate (93%) among the public schools included.

A Master of Science in Computer Science is offered by the department of computer science at the University of Texas at Austin. Because of the competitive nature of this program, applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in computer science or equivalent. The program offers two pathways for completing this master's degree: with a thesis or without a thesis. Both options require 30 hours of coursework, but the thesis track is recommended for students who wish to continue their studies at a doctoral level. The University of Texas has a strong Veteran and Military-Affiliated Services department that provides many resources to veterans, active-duty service members, and their affiliates. Resources include free tutoring by veterans for veterans, specialized career services, and a full-time Veteran Affairs mental health counselor. There is also an active Student Veteran Association and Veteran Advisor Council on campus.

Harvard University's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences administers a highly competitive and rigorous Master of Science in Computational Science and Engineering degree. This program is heavy in mathematical and computational foundations and modeling. It can be completed in one year, but students often add a semester so they can complete a school-sponsored summer internship. Among the degree's learning outcomes are the ability to collaborate with teams, use computation for reproducible data analysis, and address a real-world problem computationally. The program welcomes applicants with undergraduate degrees from all academic disciplines, as well as applicants who are women and minorities who are underrepresented in applied computation. Applicants should be aware that Harvard is not currently providing financial aid for this master's program. Harvard, an Ivy League institution, has the highest graduation rate (98%) among the schools on this list.

The University of Washington's Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering is intended for working professionals. It is a part-time professional master's program administered by the university's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering. The program has on-campus classes in the evening to accommodate working adults. Most students have an average of five years of professional experience and hold bachelor's degrees in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or math. There are three application deadlines and program start times within a year, and it takes between two and a half to three years to complete. Since this highly selective program was founded in 1996, there have been 1,100 graduates, many of whom work in the field as software engineers. The program does not offer scholarships, but students may be eligible for federal financial aid, veterans benefits, and employer benefits.