MS in Computer Science in USA: Universities, Cost, Eligibility

Master's degrees in Computer Science in USA: MS in USA in Computer Science is a graduate-level degree for international students that provides advanced knowledge in the field of computer science. Considered a hotbed of the Information Technology domain, the US with its top-ranked world-class universities, latest technology, and teaching mechanism is among the most favoured destinations for IT education all combined in the most popular MS in Computer Science in USA. 

With a projection of a 15% increase in jobs for CS applicants in USA by the year 2031, Computer Science professionals will increase rapidly to cater to technology growth along with other related areas. the US offers various specializations for MS in Computer Science with a flexible study system. Students from across the globe compete to get enrolled in the MS in CS in USA across America's top universities due to bright employment prospects, return on investment (ROI), and networking opportunities. 

The reason why the US stands apart from other nations for MS courses in USA for Computer Science is that students are taught through practical approaches. Contests are hosted by many educational institutions in which students are given a deadline to create systems/technology. This enhances their creativity as well as logical reasoning potential. Let's check out some of the top MS in Computer Science Colleges in USA along with the cost of studying, living, and global rankings.

Check the below video for a comparison between Computer Engineering and Computer Science:

MS Computer Science in USA Highlights

Studying Master's in USA is a dream of many international students. The United States is the home of many top-ranked universities in the world where international students can study Master's in Computer Science in USA. Students can check the MS Computer Science in USA highlights below:

Category	Statistics
Total MS Computer Science Colleges in the USA	Approximately 280+ MS Computer Science Colleges in USA
MS in CS Fees in USA	Tuition Fees: INR 23.58 - INR 25 lakhs (average for the first year) Living Expenses: INR 10.4 L approx. (for one year)
Top MS in CS Specialisations in US	Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computing Theory, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Data Processing, Computer Graphics
Admission Process for MS in CS in USA (subject to university)	Bachelor’s degree + GRE score, GPA (3.0/4) + TOEFL/IELTS score + Internship/Work Experience + Resume + Letters of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose + Final Transcripts

MS in Computer Science is a popular course opted for by those who have completed their graduation in BSc Science/Mathematics courses or BS in Computer Science. MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students requires them to have at least a 4-year graduation. This course is in demand, especially in the professional realm where applicants with certain specializations easily find full-time job opportunities. Want more information? Check out Best Computer Science Universities in USA.

Types of MS Courses in the USA for Computer Science

Those who wish to study in USA an MS course in Computer Science can choose between two options - full-time or part-time. While all major US universities offer a full-time MS in Computer Science course, there are a handful of universities that offer part-time MS in CS in USA. Get more details in the following section:

• Full-time Master in Computer Science in USA

A full-time MS in CS in the USA is usually 1 to 2 years long and is not flexible because classes happen at the specific US university of admission. All US universities offer a full-time master's in Computer Science course while on the other hand, a few of them also offer a part-time MS in CS course to students besides the full-time course. 

• Part-time Master in Computer Science in USA

Those opting for MS in CS in USA as a part-time course will have 3 to 5 years to complete their postgraduation. Classes are held online and are flexible in terms of viewing lectures within the applicant's ease of comfort. These part-time courses are available for working professionals and for those who cannot come to the US and pursue it in person. Also, there are others, who wish to upskill while already pursuing another course. 

• University of Chicago
• Stanford University
• Tufts University

Applicants must check for all details before enrolling for a masters course in Computer Science part-time in USA. 

Top Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science

There are many top universities in USA for MS for international students. The list below features the best universities in USA for MS in CS along with their global rankings for the year 2023.

US Universities Offering MS in CS	THE World University Ranking 2024 by Subject: Computer Science
Stanford University	#2
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	#3
Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania	#4
Harvard University	#6
Princeton University, New Jersey	#9
University of California, Berkeley	#10
California Institute of Technology	#13
Cornell University, New York	#14
University of Washington	#18
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	#19

Around 109 US universities have been ranked in 2023 as per QS for the 'Computer Science & Information Systems' subject while 208 have been ranked as per US News for 'Best Computer Science Programs'. The top position holders are all Ivy Leagues which are known for offering MS in Computer Science in the USA. Thus, aspirants can aim for these universities which are considered as best universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science.

Also, Read

Top 10 MS specialisations from US	Average GRE Scores for MS in Computer Science in US
12 Most Affordable MS Colleges in US	How to Write a Resume for MS Applications Abroad

Top MS in Computer Science in USA Specialisations

There are many specializations in MS in CS for international students. Following is a list of the top MS in Computer Science specializations in USA offered to students and are popularly opted by international students in turn:

1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Data Science & Analytics
3. Machine Learning
4. Cyber Security
5. Robotics
6. Cloud Computing
7. Computer-Human Interface
8. Software Engineering
9. Real-World Computing
10. Software engineering

One of the hardest specializations in Computer Science is considered Computer Scientist which engulfs all related specializations of graphics, artificial intelligence, engineering, and technology in its course. 

MS in Computer Science Fees in USA

The MS in CS fees in USA for Indian students may differ for different universities and institutions. Students are recommended to do thorough research regarding the tuition fee as well as the living cost while applying for admission. This will aid in filtering the universities as per your budget. The average first-year cost of studying MS Computer Science in the US is INR 18-25 lakh and the average living cost can be anywhere near INR 8 lakh per annum. Factors affecting a student’s living expenditure are choice of accommodation, personal expenditure, casual traveling, etc. We have below the MS in Computer Science in USA for Indian students fees of top US universities:

US Universities	MS in CS Fees
Arizona State University	INR 31.22 L
Stanford University	INR 35.65 L
Northeastern University	INR 24.07 L
Florida Institute of Technology	INR 18.8 L
California State University Long Beach	INR 13.57 L

Student Visa Costs for the US

There are 2 types of student visas in USA that are applicable for students who wish to pursue a Master's in Computer Science in the USA. Both of them have been explained in detail below:

• F1 Visa: This student visa is for international students who wish to pursue studies in the US. To obtain an F1 visa, one would need to possess Form I20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status. The F1 visa student fee is $185. Additional fees might be required to be paid based on your home country and the US Embassy you approach for form filling.
• J-1 Visa: J-1 visa, J student visa, or exchange visitor visa is required for international students who want to participate in exchange programs in the US.

MS in Computer Science Requirements for the US - Eligibility Criteria

The basic criteria that students wishing to pursue an MS in CS in the USA need to possess have been summed up below:

• A Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree with an aggregate GPA of 3.0 GPA out of 4.0.
• GRE score between 290-330. The score required may vary depending on the university.
• English language proficiency test scores in IELTS (6.5 to 7 Band) or TOEFL (Band of 7 to 7.5).
• Internship or work experience certificate or proof. Check out: Part-Time Jobs in USA
• Photocopies of passport.
• A good resume with a detailed summary of your education and work (if applicable).
• Letter of Recommendation by your home country mentor or employer, stating why you’re fit for admission.
• Statement of Purpose clearly defines your future goals and purpose to study in the US.
• Academic Transcripts
• Proof of funds via bank statements stating that you’ve enough balance to pay your 1- year tuition and living fee.

Also, Read 

What to include in an SOP for MS Courses	Interview Guide for F-1 Visa Guide in USA
STEM Education: An Overview	What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Work Permit after MS in Computer Science in US

After pursuing Computer Science in USA, you may want to extend your stay for employment or other related work. To stretch your stay, you may require any of the following:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): With the help of an OPT extension, graduates can stay in the US after completing their course and work for a maximum of 12 months.
• STEM OPT Extension: This is required by those studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. STEM OPT extension will let you stay and work in the United States for 24 months post-graduation.

Get details about post-study work permits in USA and also check out the difference between CPT and OPT.

MS in Computer Science Scholarships for the US

More than 100 scholarships are listed on our Shiksha website for students wishing to pursue an MS in Computer Science from the US. Different scholarships and grants are available for students which can aid in reducing their loans. These can also help those who are targeting top colleges with a tight budget.

List of Top Scholarships for MS in CS in USA Graduates

Some of the top scholarships popularly offered to Indian students studying in USA admitted under an MS in CS are as follows:

• Generation Google Scholarship: USD 10,000 worth of scholarship offered to MS in CS grads in USA.
• Tata Scholarships are offered at Cornell University.
• Laurette Kirstein Scholarship for International Students- PG: Offers around USD 7,000 worth of merit-based scholarships to international students.
• International Texas Public Education Grant: Offers USD 1,500 as a scholarship to meritorious students.

Students can refer to our US scholarship page to get details regarding the same apart from the above-given list of scholarships.

MS in Computer Science Jobs and Salaries in the US (ROI)

Return on Investment or ROI is the most important aspect considered while pursuing higher education in USA. Following is a list of specializations which can yield better returns on their investments for international students who would graduate with a Master in Computer Science course in USA:

MS in CS Specialisations Across US Universities	First-Year Tuition Fee	20 Years Net ROI (Source: Payscale)
Master of Science in Technology and Policy Massachusetts Institute of Technology	INR 48,53,109	$1,596,000
Master of Science in Computer Science Stanford University	INR 35,64,621	$1,902,000
M.S in Computer Science Carnegie Mellon University	INR 48,45,525	$1,519,000
Master of Science in Computer Science University of California	INR 26,50,291	$1,702,000
MS in Computational Science & Engineering Harvard University	INR 53,61,594	$1,530,000

Top Recruiters for MS Computer Science in the US

While filtering the top universities in USA for MS in Computer Science, students often keep in mind the post-graduation recruitment prospects. Getting hired by top market players is everyone’s dream. Listed below are a few top companies hiring Computer Science graduates from the best universities. The following jobs can be considered for postgraduate Computer Science applicants in USA:

• Software Developers
• Web Developers
• Computer Network Architect
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Program Manager
• Process Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Blockchain Designers
• UX Designers

The median pay as per the US Labor Report of 2021 stands at USD 131,490 for MS in CS graduates. 

Top Companies Recruiting MS in CS Grads in USA

 Check out the following companies which have hired Computer Science postgraduates from top US universities across their headquarters in US and other countries:

Top Employers in the USA for MS in Computer Science Grads
Intel Corporation	Amazon	Lockheed Martin
Boeing	Facebook	Deloitte
IBM	Microsoft	PayPal
Oracle	AT&T	Netflix
Adobe	J.P Morgan	Twitter
FBI	Samsung	NASA

Related Reads

USA Student Visa Guide	Study Guide to USA for International Students
Cost of Living in USA for Students	Popular Job Sectors in US in 2023

Tasneem Hoda12-02-2024 15:24