MS in Computer Science in USA: Scope, Universities & Job Prospects

MS or a Master's in Computer Science is a valuable degree in today’s age of innovation and technology. There is a huge demand for professionals who have an understanding of Computer and Information Systems. The USA offers endless career and growth opportunities to students as well as some of the world's best colleges and universities for this program.

The duration of this course is 1-2 years. As an international student, if you want to study MS in the USA, you will generally need a 4 year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, a good GRE score and one English language proficiency test score. 
 

Why Sign Up for MS in Computer Science in the USA?

Education in USA is now an achievable dream for several international students. The admission process is easy, one can access budget-friendly course fees, scholarships, and the skills you will develop here will help you pursue a variety of careers. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose to study MS in computer science in USA:

• The USA has a friendly environment, home to over one million international students  
• The country houses many top-ranking universities and colleges in the world, especially for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. 
• The USA is a technological hub and you can learn several advanced aspects of computer science before the rest of the world.
• The universities here offer ample research facilities to students.
• US universities offer several specializations in their courses for MS in Computer Science, allowing students to select courses and fields that interest them.
• You receive exposure, chance of networking and you can enjoy the flexibility of choosing on-campus or online learning. 
• Companies such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Google, Dell, and IBM etc. are based in the USA and you can bag a job at these reputed companies. 
• High package salary is attractive for international students. As per data by Payscale, Computer Science graduates in the USA receive an average base salary of 107,000 USD per year. The job growth rate is also high for them in the USA. 
   

Top Universities for Studying MS in Computer Science in the USA

There is no shortage of world-class universities in the USA where one can sign up for computer science courses. The universities maintain high-quality education standards and have extensive research facilities. The top 10 universities are listed below, along with QS World University Rankings 2023 in MS in CS program:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts - Rank 1
2. Stanford University, Stanford, California  - Rank 2
3. Carnegie Mellon University,  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Rank 3
4. University of California, Berkeley - Rank 4
5. Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts  - Rank 7
6. Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey - Rank 13
7. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York - Rank 14
8. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington - Rank 16
9. University of California, Los Angeles - Rank 18
10. New York University, New York City - Rank 19
     

Cost of Studying MS in Computer Science in the USA

The tuition fees for this particular course in the USA depends largely upon the university you choose. The average fees range between 40,000 USD to 60,000 USD per year. The cost of living in the USA is quite high, and international students can expect it to range from 900 USD to 1500 USD per month.

A student can choose to apply for scholarships which help in funding the educational costs for meritorious students, partially or completely. Popular scholarships like Civil Society Leadership Award, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, National Overseas Scholarship are offered based on the academic scores, professional experience, accomplishments, extra-curricular activities, etc. 
 

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Computer Science in the USA

You can visit the official website of the universities that you have shortlisted to study abroad in the USA and check the eligibility criteria. Listed below are some general requirements-

• Photocopy of your passport
• Undergraduate or Bachelor's degree with a total GPA of 3 out of 4
• GRE score anywhere between 290 and 330 (if required)
• A Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendations
• English language proficiency scores like TOEFL or IELTS around 6.5-7, depending on the college you choose
• Certificate of professional work experience 
• Bank statements as proof of funds, indicating your financial capability to bear the tuition fee and living expenses in the US (if asked by the University at the time of application)

Applying for education in USA is easy, you must submit all authentic documents and meet the deadline. Once the university evaluates your application, you will receive the official acceptance letter.
 

Syllabus for MS in CS at US Universities

The major subjects for this course are Mathematics, Design Skills, Programming and Engineering. Most universities in the United States have a similar set of curriculum for MS in Computer Science, but some variations are possible. The specialized topics covered in the syllabus are:

• Computational Linguistics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Visual Computing
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Economics and Computer Science
• Privacy and Security
• Data Management Systems
• Robotics
• Computer Graphics
   

Jobs after Masters in Computer Science in the US

After completing your MS in Computer Science in USA, expect to get numerous job opportunities in the country. Here are a few jobs and the starting salaries for graduates:

• Data Scientist (USD 155,000)
• Computer Scientist (USD 157,000)
• AI and ML Specialist (USD 108,000)
• Software Engineer (USD 91,900)
• Lead Developer (USD 112,000)

After completion of your course, apply for the OPT (Optional Practical Training) card or the EAD (Employment Authorisation Document) and land your dream job within 90 days. Your company will help you apply for the H1-B visa, which allows a person to work temporarily in the USA under a US employer. You can create a network and build meaningful relationships which will help you get a job immediately after you graduate. Always sign up with online job portals for job information and keep your portfolio updated. 
 

Conclusion:

Education in USA can be a reality if you connect with some of the fastest growing EdTech Companies in India like KC Overseas. Higher education abroad is accessible with these companies as they provide expert consultation to students. Right from course selection to university application, visa processing and more, is handled in a professional way. This helps you focus on your exams and helps you to save time and energy. Advanced knowledge in Computer Science will not only get you an attractive job after completing your degree but also help you make a positive change in the future of technology.

FAQs 

1. What is the cost of studying MS in Computer Science in the US? 

Answer: The approximate cost to study MS in computer science in the US ranges between $20,000 - $ 60,000 per year.

2. Which are the top universities and institutions in the US to study MS in Computer Science? 

Answer: Here are some of the top universities for MS in Computers Science in the US: Johns Hopkins University, Arizona State University, Oregon State University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, George Mason University, San Jose State University, San Francisco State University, and DePaul University.

3. Which are the in-demand specializations for MS in Computer Science? 

Answer: Here are some of the in-demand computer science specializations: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Data Science and Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing Computer Vision, and Robotics, Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies, Quantum Computing, and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. 

4. How much score is needed in the GRE for MS in Computer Science? 

Answer: For a master's degree in computer science, you need a minimum score of 290 to 300+ in the GRE test. (For some universities GRE is Optional) 

5. What are the job roles available after completing an MS in Computer Science in the US? 

Answer: Some of the prominent job roles are Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, Artificial Intelligence Researcher, Computer Vision Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Architect and Blockchain Developer.