Employment opportunities for computer and information technology occupations is projected to increase by 15% through 2031, which is much faster than average.
With jobs available in every sector due to the pervasiveness of computer technology, computer science degrees are highly marketable. A few of the many career options include computer programmer, software developer, and database administrator.
The median annual salary for all computer and information technology workers is $97,430 nationally. With a master’s degree, you’ll likely be able to earn even more than that.
This list features some of the best master’s in 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.
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 master’s in 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 field of computer science is broadly applicable and touches every industry, so it’s important to determine your goals when considering a career in computer science. A master’s degree in computer science generally helps develop a foundation for a career in technology research and development. It’s also an excellent path to enter a specialized field such as machine learning, informatics, or cybersecurity. A master’s degree can also help you develop industry expertise in domains that are difficult to break into, such as biotechnology, chemical engineering, and video games.
In addition to opening up more opportunities in the field, a master’s degree in computer science gives graduates the potential to earn some of the industry’s highest salaries. The median annual salary for all computer science and technology workers was $97,430. Computer support specialists earned as little as $57,910, on average, while computer and information research scientists had a median salary of $131,490. Master’s degree-holders typically earn higher wages than those who only have a bachelor’s degree.
Here are some questions to ask when researching MS programs in computer science:
As you research programs, review admission requirements, including application materials, and take note of application deadlines. You can usually find information about the graduate application process online or by contacting the admissions department.
Financing your graduate education is another important consideration. Tuition and fees vary by program. Some provide funding in the form of assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships. To see if you’re eligible, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you’re working, ask your employer about educational assistance programs.