Best Master’s in Computer Science Degrees

Updated on January 31, 2023

Earning a masters degree in computer science brings you closer to the pulse of modern society. You will have the tools to update and revolutionize virtually any industry in which you find passion.

Here are some of the roles you could take on: Computer Network Architect, Computer Programmer, Computer Systems Analyst, or Information Security Analyst.

Also, it's not too drastic to say studying in the field of computer science may give individuals the opportunity to change the future of our world: possibly solving global problems or inventing new ways of interacting with one another and impacting international systems and processes.

Technology is ever-changing and will undoubtedly become more advanced in the coming years. That's why earning a Master's in Computer Science degree now is a great bet on a lucrative and engaging career down the road.

What kind of Master's in Computer Science degree should you get?

The institutions outlined below each have different strengths when it comes to their Master of Computer Science degree (abbreviated as "MSc in Computer Science" in other countries). Some of the first computer science programs began back in the 1960s while others weren't founded until more recently.

Certain programs are more focused on research and the theoretical nature of the field, while others are geared toward professional applications. Many programs give students the option of picking either a research or a professional track. Sometimes the master's degree in computer science is meant only if one plans on pursuing a PhD, but most of them are stand-alone (terminal) degrees.

Because of both the present and future manifestations of computers technology, graduate degrees in computer science are highly competitive and desirable degrees. And this is true for both residential and online master's in computer science degrees.

How much money can you make with a Master's in Computer Science?

Having a graduate degree in computer science will certainly give individuals the chance for better career opportunities. It also is a career that gives back tenfold in terms of annual salary. In general, the median annual salary for computer and information technology occupations is $84,580, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, that number is just the average. Many occupations bring in higher salaries, such as Software Developers ($103,560) and Computer Network Architects ($104,650). Even more better news, the outlook on employment looks to be great for computer occupations—it's expected to increase by 13 percent between now and 2026.

What are the Best Master's in Computer Science?

We have ranked the top 50 Best Master's in Computer Science across the United States. Our methodology takes into consideration a range of metrics, but here are the core factors: the school's academic reputation, cost of tuition, and average salary of recent graduates.

Our data comes from our own research of program websites and catalogs, the rankings at U.S. News and World Report, the National Center for Educational Statistics, and Payscale.com. Ready to code your way to your future?

The technology in the field of computers and computer science is ever changing and advancing, and will undoubtedly become more advanced in the coming years. That's why earning a Master's in Computer Science degree now is a great bet on a lucrative and engaging career down the road.

What kind of Master's in Computer Science degree should you get?

The institutions outlined below each have different strengths when it comes to their Master of Computer Science degree (abbreviated as "MSc in Computer Science" in other countries). Some of the first computer science programs began back in the 1960s while others weren't founded until more recently.

Certain programs are more focused on research and the theoretical nature of the field, while others are geared toward professional applications. Many programs give students the option of picking either a research or a professional track. Sometimes the master's degree in computer science is meant only if one plans on pursuing a PhD, but most of them are stand-alone (terminal) degrees.

Because of both the present and future manifestations of computers technology, graduate degrees in computer science are highly competitive and desirable degrees. And this is true for both residential and online master's in computer science degrees.

Program Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

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