MS in Computer Science in USA is typically a 1-2 years masters degree program. If you want to study masters in Computer Science in USA, you need to have a GPA of 3.0 and above on a scale of 4. MS in CS in USA has 2 main intakes for admission-Fall and Winter. Some top universities in USA where you can take admission are for MS in Computer Science are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Princeton University, Cornell University etc.

The average salary that you can expect to receive after completing MS in Computer Science in USA is USD 1,10,000 per year. The universities in USA for MS in Computer Science focuses on high return on investment. If the salary is more and the tuition fees are lesser, the return on investment automatically increases. This is one of the benefits of studying in USA. Hence, they try to improve the ROI every year which results in more international students taking admissions.

As an international student, you must demonstrate an IELTS score of 6.5-7.5 and TOEFL score of 80-102 as English language scores. The tuition fee for Masters in Computer Science in USA ranges from USD 13,200-64,380 (INR 10,85,310-52,93,355) per year for Indian students. The fees will vary as per the university and the specialization opted by you.

Table Of Contents 

  1. Why Study Computer Science
  2. Specializations 
    2.1 Computer Science Vs Software Engineering
  3. Top Universities 
  4. Admission Process 
    4.1 Eligibility Criteria 
    4.2 Documents Requiredment
    4.3 Application Fee
    4.4 Admission Deadlines 
  5. Score Requirements
  6. Cost of Living 
  7. Scholarships
    7.1 Top Recruiters
  8. Job Profiles
  9. Work Permit
  10. FAQs

Why Study MS in Computer Science in USA?

It is important to understand properly the US education system for each international students. You must know what you will get if you study MS in Computer Science in USA. Some considerable reasons for choosing MS in Computer Science program are as follows:

  • MS in Computer Science in USA is taught in top universities as per the 2024 QS World Rankings.
  • High demand for skilled MS in CS in USA in various fields like gaming, software solutions, AI (artificial intelligence), robotics, and automation.
  • The average base salary of Computer Science graduates in USA is 107,000 USD per year.
  • High potential for employment for best MS courses in USA for Computer Science.
  • Projected 22% job growth rate by The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from 2020-2030.

Specializations for MS in Computer Science in USA

Some top universities in USA for MS in Computer Science offers specializations in may fields. Some specialization for MS in Computer Science in USA for indian students:

  • Economics and Computer Science: It teaches about the theoritical and practical aspects and interconnections between Computer Science and economics.
  • Masters in Artificial intelligence: The curriculum teaches a candidate to program Computers for using example data to find a solution of a given problem.
  • Data-Management Systems: Students learns to interact, and control a database without the knowledge of where the data is stored.
  • Computer Graphics: The curriculum mostly includes 2D, 3D, web designing, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Canva, etc.
  • Computational Linguistics: The curriculum teaches a student to apply the algorithms of a Computer Science in understanding written and spoken language.
  • Masters in RoboticsIt is branch of engineering focuses mainly on development of robots for duplicating human effort.
  • Security & Privacy Human-Computer Interaction: It teaches to find concepts in user interface to design clearer and more efficient programs.
  • Visual Computing: It is an emerging discipline combining Computer graphics and Computer vision to advance technologies.

MS in Computer Science Vs MS in Software Engineering in USA

If you are confused that you selected the right course, you can compare it with other courses. We have compared MS in Computer Science and MS in Software engineering in USA. The parameters include duraion, criteria, feesw and salary:

Particulars MS in Computer Science in USA MS in Software Engineering in USA
Duration 1-2 years 2 years
Eligibility Criteria 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 scale 3.0-3.5 GPA on the scale of 4.0
Tuition Fees (Annual) Cost of MS in USA for Indian students is USD 13,200-64,380 (INR 10,85,310-52,93,355) per year Cost of MS in USA for Indian students is USD 25,890-73,888 (INR 21,28,688-60,75,108) per year
Average Annual Salary Salary of jobs after MS in USA is USD 1,09,000 (INR 89,62,034) per year Salary of jobs after MS in USA is USD 1,13,000 (INR 92,90,916) per year

Top Universities for MS in Computer Science in USA

Most of the universities in USA provides MS in Computer Science in USA. The list of top colleges in USA for MS in Computer Science program along with annual tuition fees are tabulated below:

Universities Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology USD 29,875 (INR 2,45,6337)
Stanford University USD 40,680 (INR 33,44,729)- for 8-10 units USD 62,580 (INR 51,45,358) for 11-18 units
Carnegie Mellon University USD 54,420 (INR 44,74,439)
University of California, Berkeley USD 32,096 (INR 2,68,949)
Harvard University USD 54,032 (INR 44,42,538)
Princeton University USD 57,410 (INR 47,20,278)
Cornell University USD 65,204 (INR 53,61,105)
University of Washington USD 42,240 (INR 34,72,993)
University of California, Los Angeles USD 40,281 (INR 33,11,923)
New York University USD 31,515 (INR 25,91,179)
Columbia University USD 33,932 (INR 27,89,906)
University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign USD 29,034 (INR 23,87,190)
University of Texas, Austin USD 17,312-19,786 (INR 14,23,401-16,26,814)
Yale University USD 46,900 (INR 38,56,141)
University of Pennsylvania USD 30,168 (INR 24,80,428)
University of California San Diego USD 17,910 (INR 14,72,569)
University of Michigan USD 28,094 (INR 23,09,902)
University of Southern California USD 33,936 (INR 27,90,234)
Boston University USD 63,798 (INR 52,45,503)

Note: 1 USD = 83.23 INR, dated 9th April, 2024

Admission Process for MS in Computer Science in USA

You need to select the university and follow the steps mentioned on their official website for admission. The procedures for admissions to US universities for MS in Computer Science program are enlisted below:

  • Candidates must visit the official websites to know about requirements, eligibility criteria, admission process and fees.
  • They need to select the course and program to start admission process.
  • Checking US universities with high acceptance rates for MS in Computer Science program.
  • Fill in the personal details. Some universities will ask to create an account before applying for admission.
  • Upload the essay, academic transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, etc.
  • Pay the application fees and wait for the universities response.

Eligibility Criteria for MS in CS in USA

To pursue MS in Computer Science in the USA, you must comply with the requisite criteria. The MS in USA eligibility criterias for international students are as follows:

  • Bachelors or undergraduate degrees equivalent to a Bachelor’s program in Computer Science in the US.
  • 3.0 GPA is a must out of a 4.0 GPA.
  • GRE scores between 292-328.
  • IELTS score of 6.5-7.5
  • The TOEFL score required is around 80-102

Admission Documents Requirement for MS in Computer Science

Admission to MS courses in USA for Computer Science require a set of documents. Some common document requirements for MS admissions in USA are as follows:

  • Academic Transcripts in sealed envelopes, stamped and signed by the Principals/HODs.
  • CV or Resume
  • LOR for USA (Letter of Recommendation)
  • Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/ GRE
  • Work experience certificate (if applicable)
  • GMAT or GRE score sheet.
  • SOP for USA (Statement of Purpose)
  • TOEFL or IELTS score sheet.
  • Co-Curricular Activities as stated in the application.
  • Passport Photocopies.
  • Attested mark sheets of earlier examinations.
  • Proof of funds. Candidates should show funds to cover tuition and living costs for at least one year.
  • Copy of health insurance documents in USA for international students.

Application Fee of Top Universities for MS in Computer Science in USA

Most universities will require an application fees that you need to submit during registration. There are some universities in USA without application fees for MS in Computer Science program are as follows:

Universities Application Fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology USD 75 (INR 6,166)
Stanford University USD 125 (INR 10,277)
Carnegie Mellon University Early Application Deadline Fee: USD 80 (INR 6,577) Application fee after November 29, 2023: USD 100 (INR 8,222)
University of California, Berkeley USD 155 (INR 12,744)
Harvard University USD 105 (INR 8,633)
Princeton University USD 75 (INR 6,166)
Cornell University USD 105 (INR 8,633)
University of Washington USD 85 (INR 6,988)
University of California, Los Angeles USD 155 (INR 12,744)
New York University USD 90 (INR 7,399)
Columbia University USD 85 (INR 6,988)
University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign USD 90 (INR 7,399)
University of Texas, Austin USD 90 (INR 7,399)
Yale University USD 105 (INR 8,633)
University of Pennsylvania USD 90 (INR 7,399)
University of California San Diego USD 155 (INR 12,744)
University of Michigan USD 90 (INR 7,399)
University of Southern California USD 90 (INR 7,399)
Boston University USD 85 (INR 6,988)

Note: 1 USD = 83.23 INR, dated 9th April, 2024

Admission Deadlines for Masters in Computer Science in USA

There are multiple universities and their admission deadline is different. Candidates can check top 50 universities in USA for MS in Computer Science and their deadlines from the official website. The application deadlines for top universities in USA for MS in Computer Science program are as follows:

University Name Application Deadlines
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Early Action is November 1
January 4 for Regular Action
Stanford University April 9, 2024
Carnegie Mellon University January 3, 2024
Documents by January 6
University of California, Berkeley November 30, 2024
Harvard University Restrictive Early Action: November 1
Regular Decision: January 1
Princeton University January 1, 2024
Cornell University January 2, 2024 (closed)
Transfer Deadline: March 15, 2024
University of Washington Autumn Deadline: November 15,
University of California, Los Angeles November 30, 2024
New York University Early Decision I: November 1
Early Decision II: January 1
Regular Decision: January 5
Columbia University Fall Admission: January 15, 2024
University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign Early Action Deadline: November 1
Regular Decision Deadline: January 5
University of Texas, Austin Summer/fall semesters: November 1
Regular decision deadline: December 1.
Spring semesters: September 1
Yale University Regular Decision: February 15
University of Pennsylvania January 5, 2024
University of California San Diego  November 30, 2024
University of Michigan Early Action: Feb. 1
University of Southern California January 1, 2024
Boston University December 1 of pervious year

University Wise Score Requirements for MS in Computer Science

As an international student, you need to submit the English language and standardized test scores. Score requirements of exams to study in USA for MS in Computer Science are as follows:

Universities Entry Requirements English Language Requirements
Massachusetts Institute of Technology GMAT: No minimum GMAT score is required, candidates can still send the test scores of GMAT
GRE: No GRE score is required
TOEFL: 90
IELTS: 7.0
Stanford University GMAT: 737
GRE Verbal: 164
GRE Quantitative: 163
TOEFL: 100
IELTS: 7.0
PTE: 68
Carnegie Mellon University GRE Verbal: 153
GRE Quantitative: 163
GRE AWA: 4.0
IELTS: 7.5
TOEFL: 108
Duolingo English Test: 135
University of California, Berkeley GMAT: 680
GRE: 90th percentile for quantitative, 75th percentile for verbal,
GRE AWA: 3.5 or higher
TOEFL: 90
IELTS: 7.0
Harvard University

GMAT: 730
GRE Verbal: 157
GRE Quantitaive: 159
GRE AWA: 4.0

TOEFL: 100
IELTS: 7.5
Duolingo English Test: 130
Princeton University GRE Quantitive: 163 IELTS: 7.5-8.0
TOEFL: 90-100
PTE: 60
Cornell University GMAT: No minimum GMAT score is required, candidates can still send the test scores of GMAT
GRE: No GRE score is required
TOEFL: 80
IELTS: 6.5
PTE: 53
Duolingo English Test: 105
University of Washington GMAT: 670
GRE: No GRE score requirements
TOEFL: 80
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo English Test: 105
University of California, Los Angeles GMAT: 750
GRE: 167
IELTS: 7.0
TOEFL: 100
Duolingo English Test: 120
New York University GRE Quantitative: 160
GRE AWA:4.0
IELTS: 7.5
TOEFL: 100
PTE: 70
Duolingo English Test: 130
Columbia University GMAT: 760
GRE Verbal: 167
GRE Quantitative: 170
TOEFL: 100
IELTS: 7.5
PTE: 68
Duolingo English Test: 134
University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign GMAT: 500 TOEFL: 102
IELTS: 7.0
Duolingo English Test: 135
University of Texas, Austin GRE: No minimum GRE score is required, candidates can still send the test scores of GRE TOEFL: 79
IELTS: 6.5
Yale University GMAT: 730
GRE Verbal: 166
GRE Quantitaive: 165
TOEFL: 100
IELTS: 7.0
Duolingo English Test: 120
University of Pennsylvania GMAT: 540
GRE Verbal: 155
GRE Quantitative: 166
GRE AWA: 3.8
TOEFL: 100
IELTS: 7.0
University of California San Diego GMAT: 550 TOEFL: 83
IELTS: 7.0
Duolingo English Test: 115
University of Michigan Ann Arbor GMAT: 720
GRE: 160 (both verbal and quantitative)
TOEFL: 80
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo English Test: 105
University of Southern California GMAT: No minimum GMAT score is required, candidates can still send the test scores of GMAT
GRE: No GRE score is required
TOEFL: 90-100
IELTS: 6.5
PTE: 61
Boston University GMAT: 640-730
GRE: 314 (combined verbal and quantitative)

TOEFL: 90
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo English Test: 110

Cost of Living in USA

If you are an international stucdent, you can spend around USD 17,000 – USD 30,000 annually. This depends on the lifestyle that you opt for. The most expense goes in accommodation and fooding. An estimated cost of living in USA for an international student are as follows:

Scholarships for Studying MS in Computer Science in USA

The scholarships provided by the universities in USA can cover your tuition fees and even cost of living. The range of amount varies from USD 1000 to USD 30,000. A list of popular scholarships for MS in USA available for international students are as follows:

Scholarships Universities Eligibility Criteria Award Value
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Rotary Foundation Graduate Scholarship Program International need-based students USD 30,000 (INR 24,65,895)
Stanford University Ertegun Graduate Scholarship International graduate candidates Full tuition and college fees
Carnegie Mellon University Fullbright Scholarship Program The fellowship will provide J-1 visa support, tuition fees coverage Candidates must have completed an equivalent of a USA bachelor's degree from a recognized Indian university with 55% mark
University of California, Berkeley Berkeley Global Access Program A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA USD 2,000 (INR 1,64,441)
Harvard University Harvard Chan Grant Academic merit based and work experience Amount varies
Princeton University Sutliff & Stout Diversity in Law Scholarship International graduate with strong academic records USD 1,500 (INR 1,23,330)
Cornell University Freshman Merit Award International students with good academic scores USD 8,000-20,000 (INR 65,9,574-16,48,936)
University of Washington Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Interantional students are eligible Coverage for tuition costs, Computer subsidies, monthly stipends
University of California, Los Angeles Gordon Hein Memorial Scholarship Students with excellent academic records USD 10,000 (INR 8,22,205)
New York University PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women Applicable for global women aspirants USD 12,500 (INR 10,27,756)
Columbia University Interschool Fellowships Need-based USD 1,000-USD 5,000 (INR 82,220-4,11,102)
University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign Review It Scholarship International students with good academic records USD 1,000 (INR 82,220)
University of Texas, Austin Global Excellence Scholarship International merit-based students USD 5,000-10,000 (INR 4,11,102-8,22,205)
Yale University National Overseas Scholarships International students with strong academic records USD 15,400 (INR 12,66,195)
University of Pennsylvania Penn GSE merit scholarships Awarded on the basis of merit Partial tuition support
University of California San Diego TL Technology Scholarship International students with 3.0 GPA USD 1,000 (INR 82,220)
University of Michigan Ann Arbor Aga Khan Foundation, International Scholarship Program Excellent academic record Tuition and living expenses coverage
University of Southern California Maroon Global Excellence Scholarship Students with strong academic achievements USD 12,500 (INR 10,27,756)
Boston University Presidential Scholarship International students with strong academic records USD 25,000 (INR 20,55,512) per year

Note: 1 USD = 83.23 INR, dated 9th April, 2024

Top Recruiters for Masters in Computer Science

Some of the top recruiting companies which hires graduates with jobs in USA after the completion of Masters in Computer Science are as follows:

  • Microsoft
  • Google
  • Oracle
  • Apple
  • Synopsys
  • Adobe
  • Intel
  • Facebook
  • Accenture
  • Goldman Sachs

Job Profiles for MS in Computer Science in USA

If you are studying MS in Computer Science in USA, you can land up multiple jobs in USA like Software Engineer, Programmer, Lead Developer, Data Scientists and many more. The average salary of students clearing masters in Computer science in USA are;

Job Profile Annual Salary (USD)
Information Security Engineer 90,500
Software Engineer 91,900
Blockchain Developer 81,400
Full Stack Developer 98,700
Programmer 89,600
AI and ML Specialist 108,000
Lead Developer 112,000
Network Engineer 83,200
Computer Scientist 157,000
Data Scientist 155,000

Note: 1 USD = 83.23 INR, dated 9th April, 2024

Work Permit after MS in USA

A post-study work visa is a permit that allows international students to stay in the USA after completing their studies. F1 student visa holders can stay in the country for up to a year after finishing their bachelor's or master's degree in the USA.

Work Permit Type Description
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Allows graduates to stay in the US after course completion to work for maximum 12 months.
STEM OPT Extension Required for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, allowing a 24-month stay after graduation.

MS in Computer Science in USA provides multiple job options for international candidates. With hundreds of scholarships for Indian students, you can study at lower costs and save a lot in cost of living. The scholarships offered helps to manage finances effectively for an international student. 

FAQs

Ques: Who is Eligible for MS CS in USA?

Ans: A 4 years bachelors degree in Computer Science or an equivalent field with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on the scale of 4.0

Ques: How much does MS in CS Cost in USA?

Ans: The average annual tuition fee of Masters in Computer Science in USA for an international student ranges between USD 13,200-64,380 (INR 10,85,310-52,93,355).

Ques: Should one go for MS CS in USA?

Ans: USA is one of the popular study abroad destinations with excellent research facilities and lab infrastructures for Masters in Computer Science in USA.

Ques: Is GRE Compulsory for MS in CS in USA?

Ans: GRE is not mandatory to submit in majority of USA universities for Masters in Computer Science.

Ques: Can one Get a Job after MS in CS in USA?

Ans: International students are generally get the job roles like data analyst, Computer scientist, android developer after studying MS in CS in USA.

Ques: What is the Salary after MS in USA?

Ans: The average salary after completion of MS in USA is 70,000-1,00,000 (INR 57,53,755-82,19,650) per year.

Ques: What is the Age Limit for MS in USA?

Ans: There is particularly no age restriction for applying to MS in USA.

Ques: Which Season is Best for MS in CS in USA?

Ans: The fall intake is one of the best time for admission for Masters in Computer Science in USA.

Ques: Is IELTS Enough for MS in USA?

Ans: An IELTS score range of 6.5-7.5 is required for the MS programs in USA.

Ques: Does One Get Scholarship for MS in USA?

Ans: International students gets both fully-funded and partial funded scholarships and fellowships to study MS in USA.

Ques: Is USA good for MS in Computer Science?

Ans: The US is home to some of the best universities and colleges, especially for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. Most universities offering MS in CS in the USA feature among the top-ranked institutions in the world

Ques: How much does MS in CS cost in USA?

Ans: The average first-year cost of studying MS in CS in USA is INR 18 to 25 Lakhs. In addition to that, the cost of living in US is approximately INR 8 Lakhs per annum.

Ques: Who is eligible for MS CS?

Ans: The ideal candidates for MSc Computer Science include: Students with a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a related field. Professionals working in the IT industry want to upgrade their skills and knowledge. Those interested in research careers in computer science after completing their PhD.

Ques: What is the salary of MS Computer Science in USA?

Ans: The minimum salary after MS in Computer Science in USA is 73,900 USD (61 lakhs INR) per year. This salary gradually increases up to 249,000 USD andbeyond based on experience, location, skills, leadership abilities and achievements.

Ques: Can I get a job after MS in CS in USA?

Ans: There is no shortage of jobs after MS in computer science in USA, although you should be patient and stick to the right strategy. As per reports, the computer science sector is rapidly growing throughout the USA,