About Master’s in Computer Science
The Master’s in Computer Science program is one of the world’s most in-demand and competitive degree programs. Top destinations like the USA, Australia, Germany, Canada, and the UK offer this program.
The USA is a major technological hub, with cutting-edge research centers and innovation communities that bring together the brightest minds. Renowned universities like MIT and Stanford offer opportunities to learn from expert faculty and participate in advanced research activities in modern facilities. Students in the USA can build complex systems in fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and machine learning.
In Canada, top universities like the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia offer excellent programs in computer science. The average computer science graduate earns CAD 92,000 per year, with a high demand for expertise in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data science.
Germany, known for its strong engineering and technical education, boasts institutions like the Technical University of Munich and RWTH Aachen University. Graduates can expect to work with leading companies in automotive, robotics, and industrial automation, earning competitive salaries.
In the UK, universities such as Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge provide robust computer science programs. Graduates often find roles in finance, healthcare, and technology sectors, contributing to innovations in machine learning and big data.
Australia also offers top-tier computer science programs at universities like the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University. Graduates in Australia can expect careers in sectors such as digital health, fintech, and artificial intelligence, with attractive salary prospects.
Switzerland, though smaller in size, has a high demand for computer science professionals in fields like machine learning and cybersecurity. Software engineers in Switzerland earn an average of $97,518 annually.
Overall, Master of Computer Science graduates find jobs at prestigious companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Oracle, earning between an equivalent of $72,000 and $148,000 per annum. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an MS in CS graduate is $97,430 annually, more than double the national average income for all occupations. Similar trends follow in other countries too.
Studying a Master’s in Computer Science in these top destinations can open doors to exciting career opportunities in tech startups and large corporations worldwide. Graduates can contribute to cutting-edge projects in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and beyond, making a global impact in the field of technology.
Top universities in the world for MS in Computer Science
There are many top universities abroad that have strong reputations, diverse course offerings, and schools focusing on specific areas. For instance, some of the top universities, like Stanford and Harvard, are located in the United States.
Here’s a list of top universities per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
| University Name | Location | Rank in Computer Science |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | USA | 1 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | USA | =2 |
| Stanford University | USA | =2 |
| University of Oxford | UK | 4 |
| University of California–Berkeley | USA | 5 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | 6 |
| Harvard University | UK | 7 |
| University of Cambridge | UK | 8 |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | =9 |
| Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | Singapore | =9 |
Course curriculum for MS in Computer Science
The MS in Computer Science syllabus is comprehensive irrespective of university or location. It is designed to equip students with a broad range of skills essential for success in computer science and technology.
MS in Computer Science offers fundamental subjects like programming, mathematics, engineering, and design skills, which form the backbone of computing. It also offers advanced topics that cater to the evolving demands of the industry.
We did a detailed analysis of the curriculums of several leading universities as per the QS ranking report and listed a few courses for you.
Core courses
| Course name | Description |
| Computer Networks | You will learn the principles and practices of computer networks, data transmission, networking protocols, and the architecture of the Internet and local area networks. |
| Operating systems | This course serves as the backbone of computer science. You’ll learn fundamental concepts of operating systems, such as process management, memory management, file systems, and concurrency. |
| Computer Language Theory | You’ll delve into computer languages, focusing on designing, implementing, and optimizing programming languages. |
| Analysis of Algorithms | You’ll learn the development, analysis, and optimization of algorithms. |
| Software Engineering | You’ll learn a systematic approach to software development, operation, maintenance, and retirement. |
| Database Management | You’ll learn to design, query, and administer database systems. |
General Electives
- Computer Graphics
- Foundations of Analytics and Data Visualization
- Computational Mathematics for Machine Learning
- Foundations of Machine Learning
- Financial Analytics
- Biomedical Sciences and Health IT
- Health Informatics
- Health Information Systems
- Biometrics
- Web Application Development
- Server-Side Web Development
- Advanced Programming Techniques
- IT Project Management
- Software Quality, Testing, and Security Management
- Network Media Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence
- Software Design and Patterns
- Database Security
- Data Science with Python
- Mobile Application Development with Android
- Enterprise Cybersecurity Management
- Network Design and Management
- Web Mining and Graph Analytics
- Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
- Network Security
- Digital Forensics and Investigations
- Mobile Forensics and Security
Eligibility for studying an MS in Computer Science
The eligibility criteria for a Master’s in Computer Science can vary from university to university in different locations. Each location’s university has unique standards, rankings, and administrative policies. However, we have found some common elements that most universities consider during the admission process into computer science programs.
- Academic Background: You must have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field. Some universities may accept students from non-CS backgrounds but may require them to complete prerequisite courses in Java and C#.
- GPA: Your GPA must be above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Standardized Test Scores: Many programs require GRE scores, particularly focusing on the Quantitative and Analytical Writing sections. The requirement for GRE scores can vary; some schools have waived this requirement recently or offer waivers under specific conditions.
- Language Proficiency: English proficiency scores are a must to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students. You must have good TOEFL or IELTS test scores. However, the minimum score requirement can differ from one university to another.
Other prerequisites to submit to become eligible for pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science in the USA are:
- Letter of recommendations
- Statement of purpose
- Work experience or projects (especially if relevant to the technical field)
- Research Experience (not mandatory)
GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Computer Science
The GRE score requirements largely vary depending on the course and the university in the respective location. For instance, GRE scores are universally accepted for admission into an MS in Computer Science program in the USA.
Most top universities in the USA require a GRE score of 290 or higher, which is generally considered good, but some may also accept lower scores. For example, Stanford University requires a score of 328, while the University of Washington requires 300.
So, to get into the best universities, you should aim for a score of 330, with a perfect score in the quantitative reasoning section. However, a good score for each section is generally 158+ for Verbal, 159+ for Quantitative, and 4.5+ for Writing.
On the contrary, some top universities, like Carnegie Mellon University in the USA and Concordia University and University of Windsor in Canada, offer MS in Computer Science programs without requiring the GRE scores.
Oklahoma City University also has some master’s programs that don’t require international students to submit a GRE score, but they must have a strong academic record. However, if you have GRE scores, we’d encourage you to submit them even if the university doesn’t mandate them. In such cases, your GRE scores can be valuable, potentially opening doors to available scholarships.
Scholarships to Study an MS in Computer Science
The United States and Canada offer generous scholarships to students pursuing a Master’s in computer science from around the world based on merit and need.
Many top technology giants also offer scholarships to deserving international students pursuing MS in Computer science in the USA. Here’s a list of such scholarships.
| Scholarships | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Google Lime Scholarship Program | USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Philippines | $10,000 USD scholarships for students with disabilities pursuing computer science |
| Microsoft Scholarship Program | USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Philippines | Supports undergraduate and graduate students in the USA and Canada studying computer science and computer engineering |
| Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship | USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Philippines | Awarded by Google to women pursuing graduate degrees in computer science |
| Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships | USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Philippines | Offers scholarships to female students pursuing STEM degrees |
University-Based Scholarships
Some of the popular university-based scholarships offered abroad are:
| Scholarships | Location | Awards |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | Offers financial aid to over 50% of first-year students, with an average scholarship of $53,997 per student |
| Carnegie Mellon University | USA | Competitive fellowship opportunities for graduate students in computer science |
| Harvard University | USA | It offers financial aid, with 55% of students receiving scholarships and grants |
| Stanford University | USA | It covers tuition and living expenses for graduate students |
| University of Massachusetts | USA | It covers 10% of the MS tuition fees |
| Harvard University | UK | It covers tuition and living expenses for meritorious graduate students |
| University of Cambridge | UK | It covers 50% of the tuition fee |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | It covers 50% of the tuition fee |
| Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | Singapore | Tuition fee reductions and financial grants |
Merit-Based Scholarships
These merit-based scholarships are available to students from across the world.
| Scholarships | Location | Awards |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | USA, UK, Canada, Australia | Awards 50% grant and 50% loan basis |
| AAUW International Fellowships: | USA, UK, Canada, Australia | Offers a merit scholarship that awards $29.9K |
| Global Study Awards | USA, UK, Canada, Australia | It awards an amount of a maximum value of £10,000 |
| Tata Scholarship | USA, UK, Canada, Australia | It offers a merit-based loan scholarship for full-time postgraduate studies overseas |
| Fulbright Scholarship | USA, UK, Canada, Australia | It offers up to two years of funding for Indian citizens to pursue a master’s degree in the United States |
| Inlaks scholarship | USA, UK, Canada, Australia | Offers $100,000 maximum for post-graduation study |
| IEEE Foundation | USA, UK, Canada, Australia | Offers $5,000 or $10,000 for graduate students |
Career scope of MS in Computer Science
As technology continues to advance and infiltrate almost every aspect of our lives, the need for computer science professionals in finance, automotive, healthcare, energy, and IT is increasing. The career potential of an MS in Computer Science is exceptional.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that computer-related jobs will grow 14% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than most other jobs. This growth is because more companies are using cloud computing, storing data, and focusing on keeping the data safe.
The average salary for an MS in Computer Science graduate in the USA is $97,430–more than double the national average income, making it a lucrative career launchpad. In Canada, a graduate can earn around CAD$97,000 per annum.
With a Master’s in Science in Computer Science (MS in CS), you can work in many advanced career areas like blockchain, AI, and VR. Here are some job roles and the average salaries you can get per annum.
Some common job titles for MS in Computer Science graduates include:
- Software Developer
- Data Scientist
- Computer Network Architect
- Database Administrator
- Information Security Manager
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Web Developer
- Mobile Application Developer
These jobs pay well and are in high demand by several tech giants and other business groups.
On the whole, investing in education in the USA, Canada, Australia, and other countries abroad can open up many opportunities for your career.
Top recruiters for Computer Science graduates
Top tech companies and defense contractors actively recruit MS in Computer Science graduates abroad, offering highly competitive salaries and growth opportunities. Here’s a list of top recruiters for these graduates:
- Amazon
- IBM
- Intel
- Microsoft
- Cisco
- Oracle
- Apple
- Goldman Sachs
- AT&T
- Uber Technologies Inc
- Qualcomm
- Samsung
- Tata Consultancy Services
Job prospects and salaries after studying an MS in Computer Science
The job prospects for an MS in Computer Science abroad are generally positive, with many in-demand and high-paying opportunities. For example, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer and information research scientists will grow by 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Here’s a list of prospective job roles and average annual salary in 2024.
| Job roles | Average salary per annum |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $140,026 |
| Data Scientist | $142,548 |
| Blockchain Designer | $142,548 |
| Full-stack Programmer | $120,893 |
| Software Developer | $60,000–$160,000 |
| Software Architect | $80,000–$160,000 |
| Security Engineer | $70,000–$130,000 |
FAQs
- Which states in the USA have the highest average salaries for MS in Computer Science graduates?
The highest average salaries for an MS in Computer Science are offered in states like California, Washington, and Massachusetts. These states are driven by the strong presence of the tech industry and the high demand for skilled computer science professionals. For example, the average salary can range from $150,000 to over $200,000 annually in the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly Silicon Valley.
- What are the common job salaries for graduates after an MS in Computer Science?
The job prospects for MS in CS graduates are excellent, with many opportunities across industries like technology, finance, healthcare, and more. In the USA and Canada, salaries can range from $70,000 for entry-level positions to over $150,000 for specialized roles at top companies.
- What are the top companies hiring MS in Computer Science graduates?
Many top companies hire MS in Computer Science graduates. Some examples are Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, IBM, and Cognizant.
- Are there any universities offering online MS in Computer Science programs?
Yes, some universities offer online MS in Computer Science programs. Some universities, like the University of Southern California (USC), University of South California, and North Carolina State University in the USA, offer an online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program, allowing students to complete the degree online.
