Top Masters Programs in Computer and Information Sciences

What is a Master's degree program in Computer and Information Science?

The Master of Science in Computational Science program explores the junction of Logic, networks, and human behavior. With the skills and knowledge to model and design systems that are accountable, resilient, trustworthy, sustainable, and ethical students can build their career in an effective way. These graduates design, build, manage, and protect the systems and networks that make information useful and accessible. They enjoy the limitless potential for exciting careers in virtually every industry—health care, finance, research, manufacturing, government, higher education, and more.

Graduate degree in Computer and Information Sciences is offered by 51 American universities. This is a STEM-designated Graduate program that offers students a unique approach to teaching and learning. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is having the highest number of enrollment for Computer and Information Sciences graduate program.

Princeton University logo
Ranked as:  #1 in Best National University
Tuition:  $56,470 per year
Total Cost:  $112,940 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  New Jersey
Acceptance:  5.63%

The purpose of this Ph.D. full-time research-based program offered by Princeton University is to give students the skills they need to pursue careers in teaching, scholarship, or research. Every new student must pass an English Language entrance exam, and if necessary, they could also have to take additional language classes.

In order to begin their graduate studies, each student is assigned a first-year academic adviser. This individual may or may not become the research adviser at the end of the year; thus, it's important for students to converse with faculty and find a research mentor by March 15th. Should more time be needed, they should reach out to the graduate administrator. Gaining teaching experience is an essential component of a Ph.D., with all candidates being required to assist with course instruction for two terms.

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science

  • GRE Required:  No
  • Research Assistantships:  733
  • Teaching Assistantships:  655
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology logo
Ranked as:  #2 in Best National University
Tuition:  $56,719 per year
Total Cost:  $113,438 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Massachusetts
Acceptance:  7.26%

As a prospective MIT EECS graduate student, you can explore on this website the depth and breadth of research carried out by our world-class faculty and research staff members. You will see that graduate students play a big role in this research building their life's career path. Current graduate students are encouraged to give feedback as we build this website to help in our endeavor to create the best possible graduate experience.

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Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

  • GRE Required:  No
  • Research Assistantships:  2473
  • Teaching Assistantships:  711
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Yale University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $44,500 per year
Total Cost:  $89,000 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Connecticut
Acceptance:  6.53%

The one-year program is the most common terminal MS degree in Yale Computer Science. In the one-year Master of Science (MS) program, a student must pass eight courses from an approved list of courses. A student in the one-year MS program on a visa must take a full course load of four courses per semester that count towards the MS requirements. A student who does not require a visa may study part time and complete the degree over a period of up to four years. CPSC692, a one-term independent project course, may also count towards the eight-course requirement provided that the M.S. adviser approves and a faculty member is willing to supervise the project applying the same standards as for a PhD student project. The faculty members are under no obligation to supervise independent projects for MS students.

There is no commitment to provide financial assistance to students in the one-year MS program. Occasionally there are teaching fellow positions available for one-year MS students. For students studying full time, because of the time commitment required for teaching, such positions are reserved for students in their second term who have established a strong academic record at Yale. Standard 10-hour teaching fellow (TF) positions are paid a small stipend, but do not cover the cost of tuition.

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MS in Yale Computer Science

  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research Assistantships:  1565
  • Teaching Assistantships:  1598
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
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849 universities offer the Master's program in Computer and Information Sciences.

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Harvard University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $50,654 per year
Total Cost:  $101,308 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Massachusetts
Acceptance:  5.01%

Harvard School of Engineering offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in Computer Science, conferred through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. In addition to the Ph.D. in Computer Science, the Harvard School of Engineering also offers master’s degrees in Computational Science and Engineering as well as in Data Science which may be of interest to applicants who wish to apply directly to a master’s program.

10 semester-long graduate courses, including at least 8 disciplinary. At least 5 of the 10 should be graduate-level SEAS "technical" courses (or FAS graduate-level technical courses taught by SEAS faculty), not including seminar/reading/project courses. Undergraduate-level courses cannot be used.

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Ph.D. Program Guidelines: Computer Science

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Stanford University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $55,011 per year
Total Cost:  $110,022 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  California
Acceptance:  5.19%

Earning a CS Master's degree from Stanford University is an ideal way to gain professional skills and knowledge. To fulfill the requirements of this program, students must complete 45 units usually taking 1.5 years for those studying on a full-time basis. This master's degree will not provide an opportunity to move on to a PhD program though.

There are nine specializations that prospective MS, CS students can select from during their application process or switch later on. Many courses appear across multiple specializations, allowing you to focus on your interests rather than being limited by initial choices. The specialization available are:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computational Biology
  • Computer and Network Security
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Information Management and Analytics
  • Software Theory
  • Systems
  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Visual Computing

Students in the MS in Computer Science program may take a Leave of Absence for a maximum of one year and for any reason. This translates to three-quarters other than the summer. The one-year cap is cumulative, so if you take a leave for a quarter, for instance, you will then have two-quarters of leave available to you. Following the expiration of your Leave of Absence, you should stop your program if you are not prepared to return to Stanford. You can request reinstatement into the MSCS program when you're prepared to resume.

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Master's in Computer Science

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University of Chicago logo
Ranked as:  #6 in Best National University
Tuition:  $61,548 per year
Total Cost:  $123,096 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Illinois
Acceptance:  7.31%

At the University of Chicago Department of Computer Science, we welcome students of all backgrounds and identities. In order to achieve our educational and research missions, it is essential to establish and maintain a community of diverse voices. UChicago CS manages and participates in a number of programs and initiatives that support students from groups underrepresented in the field.

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Computer Science

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Johns Hopkins University logo
Ranked as:  #7 in Best National University
Tuition:  $59,425 per year
Total Cost:  $118,850 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Maryland
Acceptance:  11.06%

Johns Hopkins University's Computer Science Department in Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) provides its students with full-time study programs at the Homewood campus in Baltimore. When obtaining a graduate degree in Computer Science from Hopkins, not only does one become eligible for more attractive job opportunities but also benefits from an elevated earning potential. With a research-oriented mindset, all aspects of their highly adjustable graduate program are informed by recent advancements and discoveries within this field. Furthermore, the Masters of Sciences in Engineering in Computer Science has Human Language Technology as its exclusive concentration jointly administered by WSE and the Center for Language and Speech Processing.

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Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Science (MSE)

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University of Pennsylvania logo
Ranked as:  #7 in Best National University
Tuition:  $41,760 per year
Total Cost:  $83,520 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Pennsylvania
Acceptance:  8.98%

The CIS/ MSE program offers scholars the opportunity for advanced study in the scientific foundations of the rapidly growing field of computer science. Applicants to the MSE program should have strong undergraduate training in mathematics and computer science; prior coursework should include such areas as operating systems, programming languages, data structures, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, algorithms and theory; coursework should be similar to the courses taken by computer science undergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania.

CIS/MSE students can pursue many areas within their curriculum, including AI, databases, security, programming languages, etc. The CIS Graduate Program prepares our students to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and visionaries. Our MSE graduates have obtained a wide range of positions in industry and continued in doctoral studies.

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Master of Science in Engineering in Computer and Information Science (CIS/MSE)

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California Institute of Technology logo
Ranked as:  #9 in Best National University
Tuition:  $56,649 per year
Total Cost:  $113,298 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  California
Acceptance:  6.69%

Graduate study in computer science within the Computing & Mathematical Sciences department is oriented principally toward Ph.D. research. The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of three academic years of residence; required coursework is generally completed within the first two years. Students must maintain high academic standards during their graduate residence. A student's Ph.D. research must exhibit originality in the formulation, analysis, and solution of a problem that is significant to the field of study. The option representative and executive officers are available to discuss concerns regarding academic progress.

Computation is now pervasive, wide-reaching, and unavoidable in our daily lives, and in science and engineering. The Computer Science option gives students a strong grounding in the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of computing, provides an introduction to cutting-edge research in a variety of subfields of Computer Science, and prepares them to apply computational thinking to a diversity of applications in Computer Science and beyond.

The graduate computer science option is primarily oriented toward Ph.D. research. Students complete advanced coursework to achieve a breadth of knowledge in the core areas of computer science, and specialized coursework in their intended research area as directed by their research advisor and the graduate option representative. The M.S. degree entails a thesis and coursework and is normally awarded in the first two years as part of the overall progress toward the Ph.D.

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PHD in in Computer Science

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Northwestern University logo
Ranked as:  #10 in Best National University
Tuition:  $56,567 per year
Total Cost:  $113,134 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Illinois
Acceptance:  9.31%

Students in the PhD program in computer science work with leading researchers in cutting-edge labs to advance the state of the art in distributed systems, artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, theoretical computer science, and computer graphics. There are ample opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations across the Northwestern schools. Students are fully funded through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships.

The department looks for students with a strong academic record and a high motivation for innovative research. Prior research experience is a plus. An MS degree is not required.

Each student receiving the PhD should have a solid background in his or her field as preparation for a career in research or teaching. To ensure that each of the students receives this background, they require them to choose and complete a program of study corresponding to his or her intended field of inquiry.

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PhD in Computer Science

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What kind of scholarships are available for Graduate Programs in Computer and Information Sciences?

We have 155 scholarships awarding up to $1,270,915 for Masters program in for Computer and Information Sciences, targeting diverse candidates and not restricted to state or school-based programs.

Scholarship nameAmountCredibility
ASNT Fellowship Award$20,000High
Google Lime Scholarship$5,000High
The Innovator’s Grant$3,600High
GeneTex Scholarship Program$2,000High
GMiS STEM Scholarships$500High

Find scholarships and financial aid for Computer and Information Sciences graduate programs

$500 $20000

How much does it cost to get a Master's in Computer and Information Sciences and how to find the most affordable Masters program?

Master's degree in Computer and Information Sciences is offered by 778 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $6,673 per year at Northwest Missouri State University to $61,548 at University of Chicago.

The tuition at public universities will be lower for in-state students when compared to private universities but you get more financial aid at private universities.

Most affordable Master's program in Computer and Information Sciences

What is the GRE score required for admission to Master's degree in Computer and Information Sciences?

Gre score requirements differ from school to school. Most colleges do not publish the cutoff scores. For example 778 universities offer Master's programs in Computer and Information Sciences.

Dartmouth College: As with the GRE, photocopies are accepted until the official report is available, but the photocopy must reach us by December 15.

Johns Hopkins University: The Whiting School of Engineering requires GRE General Test scores for applications to all master’s programs.

Gre score requirements for Master's program in Computer and Information Sciences

Are there colleges for the Computer and Information Sciences Masters program that do not require GRE/GMAT?

Quite a few accredited universities have waived off the GRE score requirements for admissions to Masters programs. 778 offer Graduate programs in Computer and Information Sciences. Below are listed 10 universities that do not require GRE/GMAT for admission to Master's program. For viewing the all the schools that have waived off GRE/GMAT for the admission, use Match Me Masters.

No GRE schools for Masters in Computer and Information Sciences

Are there any one year masters programs in Computer and Information Sciences?

The great thing about US universities is that you’ve got more than 2000 universities and colleges to choose from. While not every one of them offers a graduate degree in computer science, there are enough to keep you busy in your search for the college or university that best suits you. It’s important to keep in mind though that getting an MS in computer science isn’t for everyone. It can be tough as it’s a very technical-oriented field of study. For your professional career and individual knowledge, it can do wonders in improving both your technical and business skills.Once you’ve decided that you’re going to pursue a master’s degree in computer science and engineering, you’ll be glad to know that there are several options available. Many universities and colleges are keeping up with technology that will allow prospective students to complete their courses online. You can also opt to participate in your master’s full time or part-time. There are universities that offer a one-year computer science master’s program in the US instead of a traditional 2-year or more program.

A full-time Master’s program is usually a 2-year program, but there are accredited and Nationally ranked universities that offer 1-year and 18-month Master’s programs. An 18-month program can be completed in one year because if you are able to complete the credit requirements, you can get the degree in 1 year.

40 Universities offer On-campus Masters's Program within One Year - 18 months. The tuition for a Master's can range from $6,673 to $58,120.

On-campus Masters 1 year - 18 months in Computer and Information Sciences

Which are the accredited universities that offer phd/doctoral programs offered in Computer and Information Sciences?

132 universities offer graduate PHD program in Computer and Information Sciences

Best Computer and Information Sciences graduate PHD programs

Is it worth getting a master's degree in Computer and Information Sciences?

Before you invest 2-3 years of your life and anywhere between $40,000 - $110,00 of your hard earned money, students do ask as to what is the return on investment on the Master's degree. Here are some of the statistics from bls.gov.

Are there universities offering online Master's in Computer and Information Sciences?

Online Master's degree in Computer and Information Sciences is offered by 76 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $300 per year at University of Alabama in Huntsville to $68,670 at Rice University.

Online Master's in Computer and Information Sciences

Can you get a Master’s degree in computer science in a year?

Yes, it is possible to get a masters degree in Computer Science in 12 months. Find the list of universities at On-campus Masters 1 year - 18 months in Computer and Information Sciences

How many credits are required to complete an on-campus Master’s program in Computer Science?

The credits required to complete an on-campus Master's program are going to be different from that of an online Master's program. Usually, Online Master's programs require more credits than on-campus programs, as they will be completed in less time. But it depends on the university to come to a decision on the credit hours based on the courses they provide.

For instance, the Kansas State University requires 33 credits to finish the Master of Computer Science program, whereas East Carolina University requires 30 credits to complete the MS degree in Computer Science.

Is a Computer Science Master’s program the same as a Software Engineering Masters Program?

Computer science takes a wide approach to the study of the principles of computers that covers both theory and application. This field includes the understanding and application of both abstract and concrete knowledge. Whereas Software engineering is a field largely concerned with the application of engineering processes to the creation, deployment, and design of software for a variety of different purposes.

CS focuses on Algorithms and complexity, Architecture and organization, Computational science, Discrete structures, Graphics and visualization, Human-computer interaction, Information assurance and security.

Software Engineering about Computing essentials, Mathematical and engineering fundamentals, Software modeling and analysis, Requirements analysis and specification, Software design, Software verification and validation, Software quality and security.

Computer science graduates known for the designation of Research scientists; Network architects; computer programmers; computer support specialists; information security analysts; software developers; and web developers.

Whereas they have a degree in Software Engineering pursuing their careers as a computer network architect; computer systems analysis; and information research.

What is the cost of doing an Online computer science masters program and on-campus computer science masters program the same?

The tuition rate for a master's in computer science varies depending on the program you attend. According to US News and World Report, the per-credit tuition for a master's in computer science is anywhere from $500 to $2,000, which translates to a total tuition of between $15,000 and $72,000. Whereas the online program lies slightly on the cheaper side. The tuition for online Masters can range from $9,504 to $57,010.

For example, the University of Illinois at Urbana offers a computer science online master's program with a tuition cost of $670 per credit hour, for a total of $21,440 for a complete 32-credit hour degree.

Career Outlook

Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 42,400 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $151,150 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 482,000.

Career Opportunities with master's degree in Computer and Information Sciences


Job Title 2020 median Pay Number of Jobs Job Outlook What they do
Computer and Information Systems Managers $151,150 482,000 Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 42,400 openings for computer and information systems managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
Computer and Information Research Scientists $126,830 33,000 Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings for computer and information research scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
Computer Network Architects $116,780 165,200 Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 11,000 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.
Information Security Analysts $103,590 141,200 Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 16,300 openings for information security analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Computer Systems Analysts $93,730 607,800 Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 47,500 openings for computer systems analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective.

Best paying jobs for Computer and Information Sciences - Updated 2023

How can I compare the Computer and Information Sciences Graduate Programs?

Compare the GRE score requirements, admission details, credit requirements and tuition for the Master's Program, from 849 universities offering Graduate School Programs in Computer and Information Sciences. Compare Graduate School Programs in Computer and Information Sciences

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Anonymous
5 months ago
I am greatly impressed by the layout and presentation of the website! Students looking for programs in Computer Science will have rightly landed here if they make an effort to look. According to me, MIT's program stands out for its cutting-edge research and student involvement, and Yale's one-year program offers a swift path to a higher degree with flexible course options.
Admin
1 year ago
Usually, the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning master's program will be offered by the Computer Science department only.
Here are some universities that offer Master of Computer Science programs with a concentration in AI or Machine Learning.
> University of Miami - MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Concentration in Artificial Intelligence
> The University of Texas at Austin - MS in Computer Science- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Concentration
> Columbia University in the City of New York - Machine Learning | Department of Computer Science
John
1 year ago
Are there colleges that offer Artificial intelligence or machine learning as an elective or optional course with the computer science master's degree program?
I want to pursue a Master's degree in computer science not in AI. Thanks for the help
Admin
1 year ago
It's good to Think Positive always.
The number of jobs in the industries might have become low. But the best thing about a degree in computer science is that students with a computer science background can work in any field. In almost all fields you can find a job with this degree.
And the second thing is the tuition amount. $100k for a master's degree is too much. You can get a master's degree in computer science with a tuition cost of 40k-50k. Most affordable Master's program in Computer and Information Sciences.
Anonymous
1 year ago
With so many job losses in the industry now, I am wondering is it even worth getting a master's degree in Computer science? I mean you spend $100k and then do not land a job, is it even worth it?