What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. Unlike electrical and computer engineers, computer scientists focus mostly on software and software systems. This includes their theory, design, development, and application. Principal areas of study within Computer Science include artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, and theory of computing.
While knowing how to program is essential to the study of computer science, it is only one element of the field. Computer scientists design and analyze algorithms to solve problems and study the performance of computer hardware and software. The problems that computer scientists encounter range from the abstract—determining what problems can be solved with computers and the complexity of the algorithms that solve them—to the tangible—designing applications that perform well on handheld devices, are easy to use, and uphold security measures.
How is Computer Science Different from IT?
Computer science focuses on the development and testing of software and software systems. It involves working with mathematical models, data analysis and security, algorithms, and computational theory. Computer scientists define the computational principles that are the basis of all software.
Information technology (IT) focuses on the development, implementation, support, and management of computers and information systems. IT involves working both with hardware (CPUs, RAM, hard disks) and software (operating systems, web browsers, mobile applications). IT professionals ensure that computers, networks, and systems work well for all users.
TOP Universities to Pursue MS in Computer Science in the USA
Here are the top universities to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the USA, ranked by their hashtag ranking and ratings:
S.No | University Name | Location | Hashtag Ranking | Ratings |
1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA,USA | #1 in Computer Science | 4.9 |
2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA,USA | #1 in Computer Science | 4.9 |
3 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA,USA | #1 in Computer Science | 4.9 |
4 | University of California–Berkeley | Berkeley, CA,USA | #1 in Computer Science | 4.9 |
5 | University of Illinois–Urban-Champaign | Urbana, IL,USA | #5 in Computer Science | 4.7 |
6 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY,USA | #6 in Computer Science | 4.6 |
7 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA,USA | #7 in Computer Science | 4.5 |
8 | University of Texas–Austin | Austin, TX,USA | #7 in Computer Science | 4.5 |
9 | University of Washington | Seattle, WA,USA | #7 in Computer Science | 4.5 |
10 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ,USA | #10 in Computer Science | 4.4 |
11 | University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI,USA | #10 in Computer Science | 4.4 |
12 | Columbia University | New York, NY,USA | #12 in Computer Science | 4.3 |
13 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA,USA | #13 in Computer Science | 4.2 |
14 | University of California–Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA,USA | #13 in Computer Science | 4.2 |
15 | University of California–San Diego | La Jolla, CA,USA | #13 in Computer Science | 4.2 |
16 | University of Wisconsin–Madison | Madison, WI,USA | #13 in Computer Science | 4.2 |
17 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA,USA | #17 in Computer Science | 4.1 |
18 | University of Maryland–College Park | College Park, MD,USA | #17 in Computer Science | 4.1 |
19 | Purdue University–West Lafayette | West Lafayette, IN,USA | #19 in Computer Science | 4.0 |
20 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA,USA | #19 in Computer Science | 4.0 |
21 | Duke University | Durham, NC,USA | #21 in Computer Science | 3.9 |
22 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA,USA | #21 in Computer Science | 3.9 |
23 | Yale University | New Haven, CT,USA | #21 in Computer Science | 3.9 |
24 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD,USA | #24 in Computer Science | 3.8 |
25 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL,USA | #24 in Computer Science | 3.8 |
26 | University of Massachusetts–Amherst | Amherst, MA,USA | #24 in Computer Science | 3.8 |
27 | Brown University | Providence, RI,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
28 | New York University | New York, NY,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
29 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
30 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
31 | Ohio State University | Columbus, OH,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
32 | Rice University | Houston, TX,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
33 | University of California–Irvine | Irvine, CA,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
34 | University of California–Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
35 | University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC,USA | #27 in Computer Science | 3.7 |
36 | University of California–Davis | Davis, CA,USA | #36 in Computer Science | 3.6 |
37 | University of Minnesota–Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN,USA | #36 in Computer Science | 3.6 |
38 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA,USA | #36 in Computer Science | 3.6 |
39 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA,USA | #36 in Computer Science | 3.6 |
40 | Pennsylvania State University–University Park | University Park, PA,USA | #40 in Computer Science | 3.5 |
41 | University of Colorado–Boulder | Boulder, CO,USA | #40 in Computer Science | 3.5 |
42 | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey–New Brunswick | Piscataway, NJ,USA | #42 in Computer Science | 3.4 |
43 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT,USA | #42 in Computer Science | 3.4 |
44 | Washington University in St. Louis | St. Louis, MO,USA | #42 in Computer Science | 3.4 |
45 | Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ,USA | #45 in Computer Science | 3.3 |
46 | Boston University | Boston, MA,USA | #45 in Computer Science | 3.3 |
47 | Stony Brook University — SUNY | Stony Brook, NY,USA | #45 in Computer Science | 3.3 |
48 | Texas A&M University–College Station | College Station, TX,USA | #45 in Computer Science | 3.3 |
49 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL,USA | #45 in Computer Science | 3.3 |
For more personalized advice on choosing the right university for you, get in touch with Ayodhya Foreign Education Services. Our experts can help you navigate the application process and find the best fit for your academic and career goals. Schedule your counseling session now.
Benefits of Earning Your Master’s Degree in Computer Science from USA Universities
Deciding to earn your master’s degree in computer science can be a stressful process. You have to take into consideration time, money, and of course, the return on investment (ROI). Whether you decide to pursue your computer science degree online or in-person, here are some benefits that make all the time and money spent worth it:
Higher Income Potential: Those who have a master’s degree in computer science from US Universities can earn a premium of up to 26% more than those who have a bachelor’s degree, depending on the position. Obtaining an advanced degree shows employers that you’re focused, committed, and have knowledge of a specific skill set, traits that companies are willing to pay for.
Ability to Specialize in a Particular Concentration: Rather than majoring in computer science as a whole, US universities master’s degree allows you to specialize in a specific area. This ensures that you are learning all of the necessary skills to become an expert in that focus, making you more desirable to employers.
For guidance on selecting the right concentration, contact Ayodhya Foreign Education Services. Our counselors are available to help you tailor your studies to your career ambitions.
Career Opportunities After MS in Computer Science
Earning a master’s degree in computer science from a USA University opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Computer and Information Research Scientist: Invent and design new technology, and find new uses for existing technology to improve efficiency in network technology, information security, and computer speed.
- Computer Network Architect: Build and maintain data communication networks, from small intranets to globally distributed systems, optimizing network and cloud designs.
- Software Developer: Design, develop, build, and test computer programs, ensuring they meet organizational needs and recommending necessary changes.
- Database Administrator: Design, plan, and manage software databases, ensuring data integrity, secure access, and software updates.
- Information Security Manager: Protect organizations’ networks, data, and computers from threats, supervise security strategies, audits, and technology upgrades.
- Software Development Engineer: Design and develop software and systems, test and troubleshoot software applications, and update existing software using appropriate coding.
- Computer and Information Systems Manager: Oversee all computer-related activities, plan and maintain software and hardware, determine budgets, and implement new technology.
- Computer Systems Analyst: Research and evaluate new technologies, analyze costs and benefits, oversee system installation, and test and monitor computer systems.
- Web Developer: Build and code websites and applications, ensuring they are functional, user-friendly, and optimized for maximum success.
- Mobile App Developer: Plan, develop, test, and program mobile applications for various devices, working in teams to create innovative and functional apps.
For detailed information on each of these career paths and to determine which is best suited for your interests and skills, consult with Ayodhya Foreign Education Services. Our experts can provide you with personalized career counseling.
Get in touch with Ayodhya experts today for more information, and schedule your counseling session now to take the first step towards a successful career in computer science.