Best Computer Science Degree Programs of 2023
The future of computer science includes high-salaried occupations that leverage existing technology for new uses while developing new approaches to data infrastructure. Become an architect of artificial intelligence and robotics, work with big data and bioinformatics, and create new cybersecurity solutions with a master's degree in computer science.
Why This Matters
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DEMAND FOR COMPUTER SCIENTISTS TO GROW 21% BY 2031
The job outlook is excellent for computer scientists due to the exponential growth of the technology sector, the increase of data collection in businesses, and the need for new ways to prevent cyber attacks.
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EARN $130,000+ WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
The average salary for computer research scientist jobs, which generally require a master’s degree, is $131,490.
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CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF WORKPLACE SETTINGS
Computer scientists are employed in many different sectors of the economy, including the federal government, colleges and universities, and private software companies.
Our Research
This list features some of the best computer science degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a reputable organizations that assesses computer science programs for educational excellence and a commitment to quality education.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of computer science degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 50 Computer Science Degree Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
When considering a career in computer science, it’s important to explore the difference between information technology and computer science. Information technology graduates examine the needs of businesses and fulfill those requirements with solutions rooted in technology. Computer scientists design, develop, and improve the functionality of systems through the use of mathematics. While some IT skills are important to roles in computer science, IT programs don’t provide the same comprehensive computing education that comes with a computer science degree. Determine your interests and choose a program that fits your career goals.
Professional certification isn’t required for jobs in computer science, but because of the technical nature of computing, many employers look for additional skills and accreditations as a sign of commitment to continuing education.
There are many credentials for computer science professionals. Two helpful certifications for analytics and database technologies is the SAP Certified Technology Associate certification and the Microsoft SQL Server certification. For cloud computing, the CompTIA Essentials certifications cover the fundamental components of a company’s cloud solutions. All professional programs require the successful completion of an exam to receive certification.
With technology systems continuing to play an integral part in the daily infrastructure of almost every sector, job growth in computer science is much faster than other occupations. The demand for new programming languages that improve software efficiency and the increased need for data mining services mean that the United States will need 7,100 new computer and information research scientists by 2031.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching computer science programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Computer science programs accept students from programs in various disciplines, but you’re expected to have a physics, chemistry, and mathematics background. A high school diploma is required for most four-year degree programs. Check admission requirements to confirm that you meet the qualifications for the program you would like to attend.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most bachelor’s programs require four years of full-time study, culminating in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. Accelerated programs can take two years to complete. Students who wish to pursue advanced careers in computer science will want to obtain a master’s degree. These programs generally take two years and require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field.
Be aware of application deadlines and additional materials you must submit for each program. Information about required documents can often be found under the admission section of each school’s website.
Also, consider how you will finance your degree in computer science. Master’s programs often provide future career opportunities but come with a large financial investment. Research financial aid applications and available scholarships to help pay for your education.