Regarding technology, the USA can easily be considered the undisputed leader. In addition, it is not behind in education and offers many top-ranked options for those looking to pursue an MS in computer science in the USA.
A master’s in computer science is a course spanning up to two years and will give you in-depth insight into what the modern computing world has to offer.
Given the technological prowess of America, not only Indian students but applicants from other parts of the world, such as Germany, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, try their hands at getting admitted to one of the colleges offering MS in computer science in the USA.
Masters in Computer Science in the USA can be of two types: part-time and full-time, which is open to all international students.
This blog will discuss MS in computer science in the USA, its eligibility requirements, costs, admission process, and top colleges.
Reasons to Study MS Computer Science in USA
Here is why MS in CS in the US is one of the most popular courses amongst international students –
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the USA
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Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the USA
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
- As per QS World University Rankings 2023, 19 universities in the top 50 universities that offer MS in computer science belong to the USA.
- USA has a plethora of top options for specialisation in computing-related courses, such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), cyber security, ethical hacking, networking, and more
- As per Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Computer Science student in the USA is 1 Crore per annum, which is one of the highest across courses.
- There is a massive demand for computer science experts in fields like automation, AI, data analytics, software engineering, gaming, and Big Data.
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the USA
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Admission Process For MS Computer Science In USA
Candidates looking to be admitted to MS in computer science must adhere to several admission-related requirements. As the competition among the applicants is high, you should have your documents ready before the deadline.
Here is an overview –
MS Computer Science Eligibility Criteria
It is imperative for you to understand the MS computer science eligibility criteria well before applying –
- A Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s program in Computer Science in the USA with an aggregate of 3.0 GPA on the scale of 4.0 GPA (minimum Grade B with a score of 83%-86%)
- A GRE score of 290 or above (university-specific). For example, Stanford University accepts a score of 328. In contrast, the University of Washington requires at least applicants to score at least 300 on the GRE
- English Language Proficiency
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
| IELTS | 6.5-7.0 |
| PTE | 53 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80-100 |
Documentation Required
International students need at least 16 years of official education to be eligible to apply for MS Computer Science in the US. Here is the documentation that you may require –
- A filled-up application form
- At least 3-4 Letters of Recommendation
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Work experience certificate, if any
- GMAT or GRE score sheet, as applicable
- IELTS or TOEFL score sheet, as applicable
- Updated Resume/CV
- Attested mark sheets translated into English of earlier examinations
- Proof of fund to cover at least a year of tuition and living costs
- Health insurance documents
Cost to Study MS Computer Science In USA
The USA is a developed country, and its cost of living is high. So, international students studying in the country should be well aware of the expenses they will have to bear. On average, becoming a master of science in the USA will set you back by around INR 42L.
An Overview of the expenses is given below:
| Elements | Average Cost in INR |
| Meals | 1,663 |
| Transportation | Monthly Pass: 6654 |
| Basic Monthly Utilities | 17,744 |
| Monthly Rent | 1 bedroom Apartment in City Centre: 1L 1 bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre: 1L |
Click here for detailed insights and a cost breakdown.
Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in USA
Students from developing countries often struggle to cover the academic costs of studying in America.
So, several scholarship options act as financial aid and help in bringing down their higher education costs –
- KC Mahindra Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies: 8L
- Harvey Fellowship: 13L
- Inlaks Scholarships: Upto 83L
- Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships: Upto 29L
- Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award: 13L
Top Universities for MS in Computer Science In USA
Here are the leading university options for an applicant looking to become a Master’s in the field of Computer Science in the USA. There are several scholarships available for students pursuing MS in Computer Science in the USA.
Some of these scholarships are:
| University Name | Average Tuition Fees | QS World Ranking |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 48L | 1 |
| Standford University | 50L | 5 |
| Harvard University | 51L | 4 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 45L | 52 |
| The University of California | 27L | 34 |
| Princeton University | 52L | 16 |
| Columbia University | 90L | 23 |
| New York University (NYU) | 80L | 38 |
| Yale University | 41L | 17 |
| University of Michigan | 44L | 33 |
MS in Computer Science in USA for Indian Students Specialisation
Computer Science is one of the most innovative STEM courses in the world. The job market for this course is growing rapidly. The USA is the ideal place to study for an MS in Computer Science.
It has the world’s best universities, which rank under 120 in the QS World Ranking, research infrastructure, a wide range of job opportunities, and a high return on investment.
MS in Computer Science in the USA is available across various USA universities with specialisations in the following areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Information Systems
- Cloud Computing
- Information Security
- Data Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Computer Graphics
- Cyber Security
- Computer Networks
- Systems
- Database
- Algorithms.
Careers Prospects in MS in Computer Science in USA
Once you have completed your MS in Computer Science in the USA, you open the gates to many terrific and high-paying opportunities for yourself. Given the growing importance of technology, we only expect the demand to grow steeper as we progress.
Here are some of the potential career options for a Masters in Computer Science in the USA:
| Job Profile | Avg Annual Salary |
| Blockchain Developer | 91 crore |
| Network Engineer | 79L |
| Ethical Hacker | 1 Crore |
| ERP Project Manager | 1 Crore |
| AI Expert | 1 Crore |
| Information Security Manager | 1 Crore |
Wrapping Up
An MS in Computer Science in the USA is an exciting prospect for international students who are willing to study abroad. Studying computing in the States would enable you to access a world of exciting opportunities in your career, with the top recruiters being Facebook, Intel, IBM, Deloitte, and the like.
So, if you are interested in studying for an MS in Computer Science in the USA and are looking for expert guidance, LeapScholar can be your perfect partner. We have a team of experts with years of experience consulting and helping students land the best university options abroad.
Click here to book a free counselling session with one of our experts at LeapScholar today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q. Can I study MS in Computer Science without the GRE?
A. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not compulsory for every university offering a Masters in Computer Science in the US. So, an applicant can study computer engineering in the country without GRE scores too.
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Q. How long is the MS In Computer Science In the USA?
A. MS in Computer Science in the USA is a postgraduate course that spans anywhere between one and two years. USA has a plethora of options for offering CS to applicants.
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Q. Is there an age limit for MS In Computer Science In the USA?
A. There is no age limit for candidates applying for MS in CS in the US. However, the university you apply to will ask for justifications if you have significant gaps in your work experience or educational journey.
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Q. Which visa is required for studying MS in computer science in the USA?
A. The type of visa which is required by international students is an F-1 visa.
International students must receive an I-20 form from the university they have applied to so that students can apply for a student visa. International students should be able to display a passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity after completion of the program in the USA. -
 Q. Does MS in CS in the USA require coding?
A. Yes, MS in Computer Science requires coding as it is a technical program. The types of programming languages required are:
-Python
-Java
-Java Script
-C/C++. -
Q. How do I get scholarships for MS in Computer Science in USA?
A. As an international student, you can apply for scholarships in the following ways:
1. You can first check with the university if they are offering any course-specific scholarships. If not,
2. You can apply to general scholarships which meet your course’s eligibility criteria and course specifics. -
Q. What are the job opportunities after MS in Computer Science in the USA?
A. The job opportunities available for international students after MS in Computer Science in USA are:
– Blockchain Developer
– Network Engineer
– Ethical Hacker
– ERP Project ManagerÂ
– AI Expert
– Information Security Manager. -
Q. Is Computer Science the same as Computer Engineering in the USA?
A. No, Computer Science and Computer Engineering are very different from each other. Computer Science focuses on practical learning, whereas Computer Engineering focuses on theoretical learning. Also the course structure is also very different.
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Q. Who are the top employers after an MS in Computer Science in USA for Indian students?
A. Some of the top employers after an MS in Computer Science in USA for Indian students are:
– Google
– Microsoft
– Dell
– Amazon
– Deloitte. -
Q. What documents are required to study MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students?
A. The documents that are required to study MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students are:
– A Statement of Purpose
– 3-4 letters of recommendation
– Work experience certificate
-Language Proficiency Test score sheet
-Updated Resume
– Previous academic records
-Proof to fund at least a year of tuition and living expenses
– Health Insurance documents. -
Q. What are the top universities to study MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students?
A. Some of the top universities to study MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students are:
– Massachusetts Institute of Technology
– Standford University
– Harvard University
– Princeton University
– Yale University. -
Q. What is an MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian student fees?
A. The cost of studying for an MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students ranges from INR 27L to INR 80L. The fees may vary depending on the university, location and program duration. It is important for Indian students to know the expenses ahead of time and look for available scholarships to reduce the cost.
