School Overviews
Many top-ranked schools offer computer science programs, including:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Illinois
- Carnegie Mellon University
These programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. Computer science programs typically include coursework in advanced mathematics, physics, computer technology, and engineering. Areas of concentration can include computer science theory, robotics, or computer system security. The four top colleges profiled here have previously been cited by U.S. News & World Report for the quality of their graduate programs in computer science.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge
| School Highlight: MIT students can enjoy studying computer science theory, systems, and artificial intelligence. |
MIT's graduate program in computer science ranked tied for first, as designated by U.S. News & World Report in 2016. The school offers a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Additional programs can lead to an Engineer in Computer Science or Master of Engineering. Students can also gain practical skills in one of the dozens of research centers and institutes affiliated with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. These include the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
Stanford University in California
| School Highlight: Stanford Computer Forum fosters collaboration and interaction between Stanford computer science students and area industry leaders. |
Stanford University is a private research university that U.S. News & World Report ranked fifith among national universities in 2016. Also in 2016, Stanford was tied for first with MIT as the best graduate program in computer science in the nation, as noted by U.S. News & World Report.
Through the School of Engineering, students can earn a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science or Ph.D. in computer science. Undergraduate and graduate specialty tracks are available in artificial language, software systems, computational biology, and hardware systems. Because of its location in the Silicon Valley, a nationally known computer and technology business hub, students and graduates may enjoy enhanced educational and employment opportunities.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| School Highlight: The computer labs in the Siebel Center are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to students. |
According to U.S. News & World Report in 2016, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign had the fifth-best graduate program in computer science in the country. Through the School of Engineering, students can enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program or pursue a combined course of study in computer science and math or statistics. Areas of specialization include artificial intelligence, numerical analysis, graphics and networking. Graduate students can pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Professional Master of Computer Science, or Doctor of Philosophy.
Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA
| School Highlight: the Robotics Institute has provided education and research in robotic technology since 1979. |
Carnegie Mellon University's graduate computer science program is tied for first in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report in 2016. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in computer science. Additional majors are available in human-computer interaction and robotics. Specialty areas include programming languages, artificial intelligence, systems and theory.
Top Computer Science Schools
Other top computer science schools include:
| School Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | Has an entire school dedicated to the study of human interaction with computers |
| Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Students may apply for the Ph.D. program after completing their bachelor's degree |
| Rutgers University | New Brunswick, NJ | Has a Women in Computer Science organization |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | Ranked 3rd on U.S. News & World Report's list of best schools nationally in 2016 |
| University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | New home of the Bill & Melinda Gates Computer Science Complex and Dell Computer Science Hall |
| University of Wisconsin | Madison, WI | Undergraduate Project Lab provides a location, equipment, and tutorials for students to work on their own programming projects |
Students looking for a computer science college have many options, with top-ranked schools offering a variety of majors and specializations. Schools may also offer laboratories for research and projects.
