If you're considering a degree in computer science, you're in luck because there are many excellent schools to choose from. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is consistently ranked as one of the top comp sci schools in the country.
MIT's strong reputation is due in part to its rigorous curriculum, which covers topics such as algorithms, computer systems, and data structures. The school's faculty includes renowned experts in the field, who are dedicated to helping students succeed.
One of the top comp sci schools on the West Coast is Stanford University. With a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, Stanford's computer science program is a great choice for students who want to start their own companies or work for tech giants like Google and Facebook.
Top Comp Sci Schools
EduRank ranks the top universities in the US based on their research performance in Computer Science, using a graph of 328M citations received by 9.61M academic papers made by 1,576 universities.
Carnegie Mellon University is widely recognized as one of the best computer science programs in the world, earning a perfect score for academic reputation. It ranks second both in the US and worldwide.
The ranking system doesn't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs, nor does it adjust for current majors offered, so it's essential to check the university's website for more information on granted degrees.
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Princeton
Princeton University is a top choice for computer science due to its strong faculty and research opportunities. Its professors are experts in their fields and guide students through the latest advancements in the field.
One of the key factors that make Princeton stand out is its industry connections with top employers. This means students have a better shot at selective internships and jobs with tech companies.
Princeton's curriculum places emphasis on a well-rounded education, providing students with a strong foundation in computer science and other areas. By analyzing the curriculum, you'll see that Princeton covers a wide range of topics, from theory to entrepreneurship.
The university's strong research output is also a major draw for computer science students. By engaging in research projects, students at Princeton can gain hands-on experience and foster innovation.
Princeton University's reputation speaks for itself, with notable alumni like Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Google executive Eric Schmidt.
Top Regarded Schools
Stanford University is a top choice for computer science, with a perfect score for H-index indicator and near-perfect score for research citations per paper. It's situated in Northern California's Silicon Valley, surrounded by tech giants like Yahoo, Google, and Hewlett-Packard.
Carnegie Mellon University is widely recognized as one of the best computer science programs in the world, earning a perfect score for academic reputation. It's known for its innovative approach and works closely with students to create solutions for real-world problems.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is another top school in the field, with a College of Computing that has several different schools within it, each with a different focus. Students have access to the Invention Studio, a maker space where they can design anything from a robot to a clock.
Here are some of the top regarded schools for computer science, ranked based on their research performance in the field:
These schools are known for their strong computer science programs, innovative approaches, and excellent job opportunities for graduates.
Santa Clara
Santa Clara University is a top choice for computer science students, located in the heart of Silicon Valley in California.
Tuition at Santa Clara University is a significant investment, coming in at $58,587.
The university offers a computer science program within its School of Engineering, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through their curriculum.
By the end of their senior year, students will create a product, such as software or an app, to help solve a real-world problem, giving them valuable practical experience.
Santa Clara's faculty is comprised of elite educators who have worked for top companies like Google and LG, providing students with valuable connections and insights.
Other Notable Schools
Stevens Institute of Technology is another top school to consider, with a tuition of $60,952 and a great program in computer science.
Its faculty have expertise in fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision, providing great research opportunities with professors. Stevens' location in Hoboken, New Jersey, also offers students proximity to Manhattan and NYC, giving them access to great internships and job opportunities at tech companies.
Having a degree from a top school like Stevens can give you a competitive edge in the job market, with some employers and HR departments looking for candidates with a CS degree from a reputable institution.
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Cornell
Cornell University is a top choice for computer science, ranking 8th in the country and 17th globally.
Its computer science program has a high employment rate, with 99 percent of graduates employed or in further studies after six months.
Cornell's faculty is experienced and knowledgeable, guiding students through the latest advancements in computer science.
The university scores particularly well in citations per paper, indicating the high quality of its academic research.
Attending a top school like Cornell can give you a better shot at selective internships and jobs due to its strong industry connections with top employers.
Massachusetts Technology (MIT)
MIT is a top school for computer science, earning excellent scores across all indicators, with innovation at its heart. It has 14 research areas in its computer science department, including topics like AI for Healthcare and Life Sciences.
The school's research opportunities are vast, with students able to engage in projects that foster innovation and hands-on experience. Notable alumni include Timothy Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, and Leslie Kaelbling, an expert in artificial intelligence and robotics.
One of the most impressive aspects of MIT's computer science program is its industry connections with top employers. The school's strong ties with tech companies mean students have a better shot at selective internships and jobs.
Stevens Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology is located in Hoboken, New Jersey. It's a great spot, especially with its proximity to Manhattan and NYC, giving students access to top tech companies.
The tuition at Stevens is $60,952. That's a significant investment, but it's worth considering the quality of education and research opportunities available.
Faculty at Stevens have expertise in fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision, making for great research opportunities with professors.
Vassar
Vassar College is a notable institution with a strong computer science program. The college offers a 10-week paid internship called the Undergraduate Research Summer Institute (URSI), which benefits around 20% of its computer science students.
Students who participate in URSI can further their research opportunities through collaborations with faculty. These collaborations can lead to valuable skills and experience.
National Science Foundation grants have funded student assistantships in two projects: the American National Corpus Project and Hexsim. The American National Corpus Project focuses on helping machines understand human languages, while Hexsim develops algorithms to assist robots with movement.
Vassar College students can also apply for Center for Collaborative Approaches to Sciences awards, which help offset travel costs related to research presentations.
Lesser-Known Top Schools and Programs
If you're looking for top schools and programs that fly under the radar, consider the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, which is known for its rigorous curriculum and research opportunities.
Its full-time MBA program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 22%.
The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business is particularly strong in finance, with a finance specialization that offers students the opportunity to take courses in corporate finance, investments, and financial markets.
Its faculty includes renowned scholars in the field of finance, such as Luigi Zingales, who has published extensively on corporate governance and financial markets.
The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business also has a strong reputation for its entrepreneurship program, which offers students the opportunity to take courses in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and startup finance.
The school's entrepreneurship program is led by faculty members such as Eitan Zemel, who has extensive experience in the startup industry.
The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business is also home to the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which provides resources and support for student entrepreneurs.
The Polsky Center offers students access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, making it an ideal resource for students looking to turn their business ideas into reality.
Another notable school is Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business, which is known for its highly interdisciplinary approach to business education.
Its full-time MBA program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 22%.
Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business has a strong reputation for its analytics program, which offers students the opportunity to take courses in data analysis, machine learning, and operations research.
The school's analytics program is led by faculty members such as George Wu, who has published extensively on decision analysis and operations research.
Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business also has a strong reputation for its information systems program, which offers students the opportunity to take courses in data management, IT strategy, and software engineering.
The school's information systems program is led by faculty members such as Sridhar Tayur, who has extensive experience in the field of supply chain management.
The Tepper School of Business is also home to the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, which provides resources and support for student entrepreneurs.
The Institute offers students access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, making it an ideal resource for students looking to turn their business ideas into reality.
Lastly, consider the University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business, which is known for its strong programs in entrepreneurship and finance.
Its full-time MBA program is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 17%.
The University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business has a strong reputation for its entrepreneurship program, which offers students the opportunity to take courses in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and startup finance.
The school's entrepreneurship program is led by faculty members such as Laura Kray, who has published extensively on entrepreneurship and negotiation.
The Haas School of Business is also home to the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which provides resources and support for student entrepreneurs.
The Lester Center offers students access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, making it an ideal resource for students looking to turn their business ideas into reality.
CS Cons
A CS degree can be a bad investment if you don't choose wisely.
Employers often complain that CS graduates lack practical skills and can't even code. This can lead to a CS degree being useless in the real world.
Spending tens of thousands of dollars on a qualification that doesn't provide any value is a trap many students fall into.
Learning to recognize a quality CS degree is key to avoiding this situation.
A bad CS degree can be worse than having no degree at all.
Consider reading: Swe Degree vs Comp Sci
Public Universities
Public universities are a great option for those looking for a comp sci education. The University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering is a US$72 million state-of-the-art facility.
Rutgers University has a strong computer science program, with research groups covering topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and scientific computing. The university was named No. 105 among global universities in 2018 by U.S. News magazine, and it has over 11,720 students.
CUNY City College offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science, and Ph.D. in Computer Science, with faculty research opportunities available to advanced undergraduates and graduate students. The computer science program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
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Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which dropped three places to 18th this year.
The university is known for being the birthplace of the internet.
UCLA offers a computer science course that enables students to design, implement, and use the software and hardware of digital computers and digital systems.
Farmingdale
Farmingdale State College has a strong Computer Systems Department that offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming and Information Systems in four tracks of study: programming, systems development, networking, and web development.
The BS requires 48 credits of core business and technology coursework in subjects like programming, data communications, systems analysis, and design and accounting.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Technology at Farmingdale offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology that requires 65 credits of technical courses in subjects like computer programming, computer applications, digital design, microprocessors, and advanced networking.
Farmingdale's School of Business offers one scholarship to computer systems students: the APICS NYC/LI ERP Scholarship.
Farmingdale State College has a significant student population of 8,648 students.
Top Public Universities
The University of California, Berkeley (UCB) is a top public university for computer science, maintaining its fourth place standing in both global and US rankings for another year. It performs well across all four indicators, scoring a perfect score for research citations per paper and a near perfect score for H index indicators.
Rutgers University has programs leading to degrees in computer science at all levels from undergraduate to doctorate. The university has a strong computer science program, with research groups covering topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and scientific computing.
The Department of Computer Science at City College of New York offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science, and Ph.D. in Computer Science. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and students can participate in faculty research.
Binghamton University offers several undergraduate and graduate degree options through its Department of Computer Science. The undergraduate Computer Science program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and students can specialize in areas like software systems, networking, and operating systems.
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A top college for computer science may stand out for its experienced and knowledgeable professors, guiding students through the latest advancements. Rutgers University has a strong computer science program due to its experienced and knowledgeable professors.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a Master of Science in Computer and Information Science that allows students to specialize in Software Engineering, Systems and Architectures, Algorithms and Theory, or Artificial Intelligence and Modeling. The program requires students to take seven core computing classes and complete a capstone project.
The University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign has less hefty core coursework requirements, freeing students up to take more electives and focus on the topics they're interested in. Professors at UIUC are also known to always be working with undergraduate students and helping them with senior theses or student projects.
Wayne State College offers a Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science. The department coordinates with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to give students the chance to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science program.
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College offers a BBA in Computer Information Systems, an MBA in Information Systems, and an MS in Information Systems through its Department of Statistics and Computer Information Systems. Scholarships are available to computer information systems students, including the Donald P. Brennan Family Scholarship and the David M. Levine Scholarship.
Buffalo State SUNY offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, or CIS, that emphasizes applying current computer technology to real-world business problems. CIS majors must complete 42 credits within the major, including required courses on computer-based information processing and computer organization.
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University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public university with a strong computer science program. It's located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in computer science, or even a BS/MS combined program in as few as five years.
The computer science department offers research areas of specialization, including bioinformatics and computational biology, computer architecture, and machine learning and data mining.
One of the unique opportunities at UNC is the chance to participate in study abroad programs, especially with universities like the National University of Singapore: School of Computing and the University College London.
With a student body of 29,084, UNC is a sizable institution, but it still offers a range of programs and opportunities for students to get involved.
On a similar theme: Comp Sci Bs
SUNY at Oswego
SUNY at Oswego offers a solid computer science program, with two degree options: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. Students can choose the one that suits their interests and goals.
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science is a more broad liberal arts program, requiring 47 major credits, including 21 core requirements, 11 math credits, and 15 credits in computer science electives. This program is ideal for those who want to explore the social and cultural aspects of computer science.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, on the other hand, focuses more on application, requiring at least 72 major credits, including 21 core credits, 30 to 32 credits in math and natural science classes, and 21 credits in computer science electives.
Students at SUNY Oswego have access to state-of-the-art computer labs, where they engage in project-based learning and supervised research. This hands-on approach helps students develop practical skills and build their portfolios.
The department also offers departmental scholarships, including the Douglas Crane Memorial Scholarship, which awards $1,000 to deserving students.
Here are the degree requirements for SUNY Oswego's computer science programs:
The campus has a total of 7,937 students, providing a supportive and diverse community for students to learn and grow.
Lake Area Technical
Lake Area Technical Institute offers a degree in computer information systems that prepares students for careers in the IT field. Students can choose from four specialist options: the programming specialist option, the network specialist option, the visual communications specialist option, and security specialist option.
Many of the courses can be taken online, making it a convenient option for those who need flexibility. Class sizes are small, allowing students to get more individualized attention and instruction.
Students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by participating in internships, which can help them get a job soon after completing the program.
The Institute has a relatively small student body of 1,846 students, making it a more intimate learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is comp sci grad school worth it?
Considering a master's in computer science? It may be beneficial for fields requiring programming expertise, but weigh options like double majors or minors for a more tailored approach
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