What Is the Global Ranking of US CS Departments? Introduction to US CS Universities and Master’s Programmes

For students planning to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science (CS) in the United States, special attention is often paid to the rankings of US CS universities and the details of their programmes. US universities consistently rank among the top globally for CS, offering world-class master’s programmes that cover topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Students also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through research projects. This article focuses on US CS graduate schools, providing an overview of their programme offerings to help students find the university that best suits their needs.

Study Computer Science in US

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Introduction to US CS Master’s Programmes

Computer Science (CS) master’s programmes in the US typically cover popular topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Therefore, before applying for a US CS master’s programme, students are advised to have a solid foundation in mathematics, including calculus and linear algebra, as well as proficiency in at least one programming language and basic computer science knowledge. Additionally, strong English language skills will help students adapt to the curriculum and successfully complete research projects.

Top US CS University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings evaluate US CS master’s programmes based on five key indicators: academic reputation, employer evaluation, research citation impact, departmental influence, and the performance of international research networks. Below are the top five US CS universities in the QS World University Rankings:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Global CS Ranking: 1st, US CS Ranking: 1st [1]

MIT’s CS programme is part of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), and its Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) boasts the highest proportion of National Academy of Sciences faculty members in the US [2]. The programme attracts students from the US and around the world, who work with top global faculty and researchers in fields such as electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

As the top-ranked US CS university, MIT’s admissions are highly competitive. Applicants are required to have a minimum GMAT score of 728, a TOEFL score of at least 90, or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher [3].

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Global CS Ranking: Tied for 2nd, US CS Ranking: Tied for 2nd

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) offers one of the world’s leading CS programmes, excelling in areas such as programming languages, artificial intelligence, and robotics. It has strong collaborations with nonprofit organisations and industry clients, focusing on the development of practical technologies.

CMU’s CS School offers degrees in seven specialised areas, including computational biology, computer science, human-computer interaction, language technologies, and machine learning, providing students with diverse options [4]. To gain admission to CMU’s CS master’s programme, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a TOEFL score of at least 88, or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher [5].

3. Stanford University

Global CS Ranking: Tied for 2nd, US CS Ranking: Tied for 2nd

Stanford University’s CS department is renowned for its wide range of research fields and exceptional research capabilities, covering areas from cutting-edge robotics to cryptocurrency. Its summer research programmes are considered some of the best globally [6].

Stanford’s CS master’s programme offers nine specialised fields, including artificial intelligence, computational biology, cybersecurity, data management and analysis, and visual computing. The programme also allows students to flexibly switch focus areas based on their interests and career goals [7]. To apply for Stanford’s CS master’s programme, applicants must have a GMAT score of at least 600 (or a GPA of 3.72 or higher) and a TOEFL score of at least 101 [8].

Stanford University Campus

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4. University of California, Berkeley

Global CS Ranking: 5th, US CS Ranking: 4th

The CS department at the University of California, Berkeley, is globally renowned, with its graduate students and alumni making historic contributions to computer technology, such as developing the world’s first practical time-sharing system [9]. Students pursuing a CS master’s degree at Berkeley will study courses in the field of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), covering topics like artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. The programme integrates team-based project design and development, enhancing students’ technical skills and leadership abilities. To apply for Berkeley’s CS master’s programme, students need a GPA of at least 3.0 (the average admitted GPA is 3.7) and an IELTS score of at least 7.0. While Berkeley does not have a minimum TOEFL score requirement, admitted students typically have scores exceeding 100 [10].

5. Harvard University

Global CS Ranking: 7th, US CS Ranking: 5th

Although Harvard University is not among the top three US CS universities, its School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has a rich history and strong collaborations with various academic fields, industries, government agencies, and public service organisations. This provides students with a wide range of academic and practical opportunities.

Harvard’s CS department focuses on developing students’ expertise in computer science, data science, computational foundations, engineering mathematics, and more. Research areas include artificial intelligence, machine learning, programming languages, and databases. Students are encouraged to approach complex problem-solving from diverse perspectives [11].

Applicants to Harvard’s CS master’s programme must have a GMAT score of at least 610 (or a GPA of 3.4 or higher) and a TOEFL score of at least 80 [12].

Harvard University Campus

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Professional Study Abroad Consultants to Help You Find the Best US CS University

The five top-ranked US CS universities mentioned above are ideal choices for Hong Kong students pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science in the US. These institutions offer outstanding computer science programmes, supported by world-class faculty and resources to assist students in conducting research.

If you are planning to study for a CS Master’s degree in the US, understanding the available programmes in advance will help you prepare effectively. For more information about US CS universities, feel free to contact us. We will assist you in finding the CS programme that best suits your needs.

参考資料：

1. QS - Top universities in the US for computer science

https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/university-subject-rankings/top-universities-us-computer-science

2. MIT CSAIL - About

https://www.csail.mit.edu/about

3. QS - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/massachusetts-institute-technology-mit

4. Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science - Overview of Programs

https://www.cs.cmu.edu/academics/overview-programs

5. QS - Carnegie Mellon University

https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/carnegie-mellon-university

6. Stanford Engineering Computer Science - Research & Impact

https://www.cs.stanford.edu/research-impact