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Top
Computer Science
graduate schools

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Top Computer Science graduate schools

Looking for the top Computer Science graduate schools? We put together a comprehensive list of the best graduate programs for Computer Science, and put the results below. We include the acceptance rate, average GRE scores, and a brief description of each - all the information you need to kick start your research. Read on!

Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science school acceptance rate

Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science acceptance rate is 4.90%. The average GRE Verbal Reasoning score for Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science is 150.37, and the average GRE Quantitative Reasoning score for Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science is 153.39.
Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science
Dllu / Wikimedia Commons / "Gates-Hillman Complex at Carnegie Mellon University 3" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science, a renowned institution for computing research and education, has been a global leader for over 25 years. Its graduate programs consistently rank among the nation's best, with specialization areas including programming languages, artificial intelligence, systems, and theory. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science offers individuals with a bachelor's degree the opportunity to enhance their training through advanced study in the field. While a specific bachelor's degree in computer science is not mandatory, the school's stringent acceptance is for those with fundamental analytic skills and a strong inclination towards mathematics, programming, and logical reasoning, with a technical undergraduate background being advantageous. The program allows students to customize their course of study under the guidance of an advisor, and while research is not compulsory, many students choose to engage in it, with a thesis option available.

Cornell University Computer Science school acceptance rate

Cornell University Computer Science
Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons / "Phillips Hall" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The CS MS program is a highly selective and compact four-semester program designed for students aiming to enhance their understanding of computer science through advanced coursework, research, writing, and teaching. It caters to self-driven individuals with strong communication skills, a passion for research, and a desire to work with undergraduates in introductory courses. Successful applicants are chosen based on their exceptional performance as undergraduate teaching assistants (TAs) and their proven ability to conduct independent research. With an annual admission of 7-8 students, the program is quite exclusive, offering full tuition coverage and a stipend to its participants.

Georgia Institute of Technology Computer Science school acceptance rate

Georgia Institute of Technology Computer Science
JJonahJackalope / Wikimedia Commons / "College of Computing Building" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S. CS) program is a competitive and rigorous terminal degree program aimed at preparing students for successful careers in the industry. Admission to the program is highly selective due to the abundance of qualified applicants and limited spots available. The College of Computing carefully evaluates various aspects, including the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, and GPA, to identify the most deserving candidates. Additionally, the College offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to study abroad and obtain two Masters degrees, one from Georgia Tech and another from a partner European university, through the Georgia Tech-Europe program. This exceptional initiative allows students to gain two esteemed qualifications.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Computer Science school acceptance rate

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Computer Science
Lucy Li / Wikimedia Commons / "Ray and Maria Stata Center (MIT)" / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at MIT prepares students for leadership roles in academia, industry, government, and research. Its renowned faculty have made pioneering contributions to computer science, transforming the world and shaping the future. Research areas include AI for Healthcare, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Communications Systems, Computational Fabrication and Manufacturing, Computer Architecture, Educational Technology, Graphics and Vision, Human-Computer Interaction, Programming Languages and Software Engineering, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Security and Cryptography, Systems and Networking, and Theory of Computation. Each area explores cutting-edge technologies and applications in their respective domains.

Princeton University Computer Science school acceptance rate

Princeton University Computer Science
PointsofNoReturn / Wikimedia Commons / "Princeton University Computer Science Building" / CC BY-SA 3.0
Princeton University's Department of Computer Science boasts a distinguished legacy, with notable residents like Alan Turing and John von Neumann. The department houses 46 tenure-track and 12 teaching faculty, specializing in a wide range of areas including theory, networks/systems, vision/graphics, and machine learning. They maintain a robust computing and network infrastructure, featuring a 10 Gb/sec Ethernet backbone connecting various buildings, along with access to shared campus computing resources. Storage needs are met through a high-performance modular filesystem with 1.1 PB of usable storage. Overall, Princeton CS utilizes its esteemed faculty, advanced infrastructure, and campus resources to drive innovative research and education in computer science.

Stanford University Computer Science school acceptance rate

Stanford University's Computer Science acceptance rate is 16.00%. The average GRE Verbal Reasoning score for Stanford University Computer Science is 162, and the average GRE Quantitative Reasoning score for Stanford University Computer Science is 166.
Stanford University Computer Science
Bohao Zhao / Wikimedia Commons / "Gates Computer Science Building" / CC BY 3.0
Stanford University's M.S. degree in Computer Science is primarily a professional terminal degree, but it also offers a master's degree with distinction in research for students who want to gain research experience before deciding on further studies. The program aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required for a professional career or pursuing a Ph.D. It includes coursework covering foundational elements and specialized areas such as artificial intelligence, biocomputation, and human-computer interaction. The Ph.D. program, on the other hand, focuses on preparing students to make notable contributions in Computer Science through coursework and independent research.
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University of California, Berkeley Computer Science school acceptance rate

University of California, Berkeley's Computer Science acceptance rate is 3.40%. The average GRE Verbal Reasoning score for University of California, Berkeley Computer Science is 166, and the average GRE Quantitative Reasoning score for University of California, Berkeley Computer Science is 157.
University of California, Berkeley Computer Science
Broken Sphere / Wikimedia Commons / "Soda Hall exterior" / CC BY-SA 3.0
UC Berkeley's Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) department is the first and one of a very few computer sciences departments in the world that is unified with electrical engineering. It boasts a prestigious ranking among global EE and CS departments, combining the fields seamlessly. The department's faculty consists of renowned researchers and educators, as well as up-and-coming talents. They are dedicated to providing holistic education and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students while fostering a welcoming and diverse environment. UC Berkeley prides itself on being a hub of innovation and collaboration, where faculty and researchers develop groundbreaking projects. The department encourages individuals to join their community as students, visitors, or financial supporters, and highlights their commitment to education, creation, and service.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Computer Science school acceptance rate

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Computer Science
Joe Futrelle / Wikimedia Commons / "Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science" / CC BY-SA 2.0
The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign's graduate program in Computer Science holds the prestigious 5th rank in the U.S. News and World Report's Best Computer Sciences Schools issue. The big university boasts a large campus and dedicates over $640 million annually to research and development. The Grainger College of Engineering, renowned worldwide, hosts the Illinois Computer Science department. This diverse academic environment presents ample opportunities for CS graduate students to engage in innovative collaborative research that extends beyond computing and intersects with fields like medicine, business, arts, and media. Furthermore, the Department of Computer Science offers application fee waivers to exceptional candidates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aiming for a full-time doctoral or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, and hail from underrepresented communities in the field.

University of Texas, Austin Computer Science school acceptance rate

University of Texas, Austin Computer Science
Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons / "University of Texas at Austin August 2019 21 (Gates-Dell Complex)" / CC BY-SA 4.0
UT Computer Science has played a vital role in the digital revolution since its inception. Established in 1966, the same year DARPA initiated the Internet project and long before the founding of tech giants Apple and Microsoft, the program has consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation. Research forms the bedrock of the department's graduate program, with notable strengths in Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Networks, Security, Data Mining and Visualization, Bioinformatics, Theory, and Formal Methods and Verification. The department boasts an esteemed faculty of over 40 leaders in CS research, including Turing Award recipients, members of National Academies, and advisors to the President. Their research groups offer graduate students opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking endeavors with global impact.

University of Washington Computer Science school acceptance rate

University of Washington Computer Science
Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / "UW Paul G Allen Center, interior pano 02" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The MSCSS program offers students a comprehensive understanding of computer science concepts through research and study guided by esteemed faculty and industry fellows. Students can choose to pursue a thesis, capstone project, or explore a variety of electives to expand their learning. Close relationships with high-tech industry partners provide real-world perspectives. Graduates of the program hold positions as software development engineers, program managers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and systems developers worldwide. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills to conduct independent research, understand software system architecture, adapt to emerging technologies, analyze and solve computing-related problems, and effectively communicate in team environments. Students also develop the ability to apply theoretical foundations, use relevant tools, and recognize the importance of continuous professional development.

Conclusion

And there you have it - the top graduate schools for Computer Science. These are some of the best schools in the country for this field, and admission into any of them would be a great accomplishment that could set you up for a strong career.
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