Computers and digital technology are everyday essentials in today’s fast-paced, information-rich world. Across many industries, computing tools help people complete tasks more efficiently. Studying computer science can help students build specialized technical skills for a range of careers.
Computer science is a broad field with opportunities across industry, research, and further study. The universities below offer top computer science programs in the United States.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in the USA
1. Stanford University
Stanford University is located in Silicon Valley, near technology companies including Google and Hewlett-Packard. Stanford’s Department of Computer Science offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs.
Stanford University’s Department of Computer Science is a center for research and education in areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, scientific computing, and systems. The department also highlights interdisciplinary work involving fields such as chemistry, genetics, linguistics, physics, medicine, and engineering.
2. Harvard University
A member of the Ivy League, Harvard University offers computer science programs through the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Computer Science at Harvard covers the fundamentals of computation and computation’s interaction with the world. Students can pursue an A.B. in Computer Science, including approved joint concentrations, or a Ph.D. in Computer Science. Harvard SEAS also directs students seeking master’s-level study to separately named programs in Computational Science and Engineering and Data Science.
3. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley offers multiple pathways for students interested in computer science and related fields.
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) offers undergraduate degrees through two colleges: a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and a B.A. in Computer Science. Graduate pathways include research-oriented M.S., M.S./Ph.D., and Ph.D. programs, as well as a professional M.Eng. with concentrations in electrical engineering and computer science. Computer science research areas include artificial intelligence, database management systems, operating systems and networking, and security.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a leading institution for computer science education and research. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, MIT is ranked first globally for Computer Science and Information Systems.
The MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department (EECS) is a joint venture between the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and the School of Engineering. Its academic structure includes electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence and decision-making. The department offers undergraduate programs and several graduate degrees. Some graduate options have specific eligibility rules; for example, the M.Eng. is restricted to MIT EECS undergraduates.
5. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers computer science and computer engineering programs through the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering.
The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering offers a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Computer Engineering. At the Seattle campus, the standalone M.S. in Computer Science is the Professional Master’s Program, while the combined B.S./M.S. option is available only to current and recent Allen School undergraduate majors. The school also offers a full-time Ph.D. program. Research areas include artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and data science.
6. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University offers computer science education through its School of Computer Science and its Computer Science Department.
The CMU Computer Science Department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Its bachelor’s curriculum emphasizes real-world training and practical problem-solving. The broader School of Computer Science also offers interdisciplinary undergraduate options, while research focus areas include artificial intelligence, graphics, programming languages, security, systems, and theory.
7. Columbia University
Columbia University is another member of the Ivy League and the oldest institution of higher education in the state of New York. For Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, the Fall 2024 first-year admission rate was approximately 3.9%, based on the university’s 2024–2025 Common Data Set. Columbia publishes separate Common Data Sets for its distinct undergraduate populations.
Columbia’s Computer Science Department offers B.A. and B.S. undergraduate programs, an M.S. program, and a Ph.D. program. Its undergraduate curriculum integrates areas such as programming languages, operating systems, computer architecture, theoretical computer science, and mathematics. The department’s research areas include artificial intelligence, machine learning, vision and robotics, natural language processing and speech, security and privacy, software systems, and theory.
8. New York University
New York University is a private university in New York City, with Computer Science education offered through the College of Arts and Science and the Tandon School of Engineering. Its computing research spans theoretical foundations, artificial intelligence, systems, security, and graphics. The Courant and Tandon academic environments contribute to undergraduate and graduate education through distinct taught programs and a shared doctoral structure.
Undergraduate options include a BA in Computer Science through the College of Arts and Science and a BS through Tandon. Tandon’s BS requires 128 credits, including programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, software engineering, and a design project. The BA combines computing principles and practical software development with the college’s broader academic curriculum.
NYU offers separately titled Computer Science MS programs at Courant and Tandon, each requiring 30 credits under the current bulletins. Beginning in fall 2026, the university has a single Computer Science PhD program spanning both academic units. Doctoral students undertake original research alongside breadth coursework, with faculty supervision across Courant and Tandon.
What Current Students / Alumni of New York University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Muhammad Ali
Master’s in Biology
AI-for-bio research context | Muhammad says NYU propelled him into rapidly evolving AI-for-biology research and gave him computing resources for high-impact research. He explains that before the master’s he did not know how machine-learning models worked, but he pursued computational methods for data-driven biology and drug-discovery ideas. | He describes NYU as transformative personally and professionally, with New York City’s fast pace fitting his growth. He also says international-student advisors were helpful and suggested options tailored to challenges he faced. |
9. Duke University
Duke University is a private university in Durham, North Carolina, where the Department of Computer Science offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral education. Its research spans artificial intelligence, systems, theoretical computing, and interdisciplinary applications. Students can connect computing with other fields through interdepartmental majors and faculty-guided research opportunities.
Undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. Both include computing foundations and coursework in systems and artificial intelligence, while the BS requires more extensive study. Available BS concentrations include Data Science, Software Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Software Engineering and Design. Independent study and research distinction provide additional ways to develop subject-specific research experience.
The MS in Computer Science requires 30 credits and offers course-only and research-project options. Optional concentrations cover Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and Cybersecurity. Qualified Duke undergraduates can also pursue a 4+1 route. The separately offered PhD emphasizes original research, with incoming students able to explore research groups before selecting an adviser during their first year.
What Current Students / Alumni of Duke University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Michael Hayford
Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science | Michael is studying computer science and connects the field with problem-solving and building tools that can create real-world impact. He describes Duke as academically challenging, with knowledgeable professors, research access, innovation, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities. | He says Duke has helped him meet students from different backgrounds, explore interests inside and outside the classroom, and become more confident. He also notes support through advising, orientation, student groups, and international-student communities. |
10. Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public university in East Lansing, Michigan. Its Department of Computer Science and Engineering belongs to the College of Engineering and offers degrees from bachelor’s through doctoral level. Advanced study covers areas including algorithms, computer security, databases, machine learning, natural language processing, and software engineering.
The BS in Computer Science requires 120 credits and is accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission. Required subjects include programming, discrete structures, computer architecture, algorithms and data structures, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data management. A Collaborative Design course brings together technical and teamwork skills. Optional concentrations allow deeper study in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Systems, Cybersecurity, and Multimedia and Graphics.
The MS in Computer Science requires 30 credits and can be completed through Plan A with a thesis or Plan B without one. Both include coursework across specified breadth areas. The PhD in Computer Science is a separate research degree, with opportunities extending into interdisciplinary areas such as bioinformatics, cognitive science, and digital evolution.
What Current Students / Alumni of Michigan State University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Mahnoor Sheikh
Master’s in Data Science | Mahnoor describes Michigan State’s data science program as combining statistics, data analysis, advanced electives in machine learning and statistics, and a capstone project with industry experience. She says the coursework balances theoretical and practical skills for her goal of becoming an economic data scientist. | — |
11. Rice University
Rice University is a private university in Houston, Texas, whose Department of Computer Science is part of Rice Engineering and Computing. Its academic offerings include undergraduate Computer Science degrees, a professional Master of Computer Science, and a research doctorate. The department emphasizes computational problem solving alongside the technical foundations needed to build and analyze computing systems.
Undergraduates can choose a Bachelor of Arts with a Computer Science major or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The BA provides greater flexibility for academic exploration outside computing, while the BSCS allows more extensive study within the subject. Prior programming experience is not required to begin the major. Students can also explore a fifth-year master’s option through the department.
The Master of Computer Science is a 30-credit, non-thesis degree offered through on-campus and online formats. It combines advanced computing coursework with specialized study and differs from a research-focused qualification. Rice separately offers a PhD in Computer Science that requires original, independent research and prepares students for research and academic careers.
What Current Students / Alumni of Rice University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Juan Hevia
Master of Science in Data Science | Juan says Rice strengthened his technical foundation in data science, machine learning, and applied AI, connecting his prior machine-learning startup work with deeper academic structure. He also conducted research at the intersection of AI and education and valued the program’s balance between theory and application. | He describes Rice as intellectually rigorous but supportive, with approachable faculty and classmates, interdisciplinary conversations, and a strong international environment. He found Rice accommodating for international students, while noting that adapting to a new country still required proactivity. |
12. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a public university in Orlando, Florida. Its Department of Computer Science, within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, offers undergraduate and graduate computing degrees. The department’s research environment includes computer vision and cybersecurity, alongside areas such as natural language processing, neural networks, and mixed and virtual reality.
The BS in Computer Science requires 120 credit hours, covering general education, program prerequisites, core computing courses, restricted electives, and capstone design work. A distinctive progression requirement is the Computer Science Foundation Exam, which students must address before entering specified advanced required courses. Qualified undergraduates can apply for an accelerated BS-to-MS pathway that allows selected graduate coursework to contribute toward both degrees.
The MS in Computer Science requires at least 30 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree and offers thesis and non-thesis options. The separately verified PhD requires 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, including coursework and a dissertation. Its research opportunities cover developing computing fields, enabling students to pursue specialized investigations beyond the taught curriculum.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Central Florida Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Yusra Ahmed
Master’s in Computer Vision | Yusra says UCF’s Computer Vision program is supported by the Center for Research in Computer Vision, with work in AI, machine learning, robotics, and image understanding. She highlights strong coursework, active research, and experienced faculty as central to her academic experience. | She describes UCF as rewarding academically and personally, with campus events, student organizations, and a collaborative U.S. learning environment. She also found international-student life supportive through groups such as the Pakistani Student Association and Muslim Student Association. |
Gustavo Arturo Estribi Lipero
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Privacy | Gustavo studied cybersecurity and privacy at UCF after professional work in election security, telecommunications, and consulting. He says UCF’s NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense status came with high expectations, advanced concepts, and a need for independent and group study. | He describes UCF as transformative, combining academics with cultural exchange, campus life, student activities, football games, and a diverse international community. He also says UCF Global supported international scholars with visa regulations, orientation, advising, and career workshops. |
13. San Jose State University
San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose, California. Its Department of Computer Science belongs to the College of Science and offers undergraduate and master’s education. The department identifies artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering among its teaching areas, while its program directory distinguishes full degrees from minors and certificates.
The BS in Computer Science provides preparation for computing work involving programming, systems analysis, and software engineering. Additional undergraduate options formally combine Computer Science with Linguistics or Geology, giving students distinct interdisciplinary routes. Department resources include a Computer Science study lab, student clubs, and supervised internship courses. These opportunities complement the degree curriculum without constituting separate academic qualifications.
The MS in Computer Science includes core requirements, specialty courses, electives, and a culminating experience. An example study plan features advanced computer architecture, algorithm analysis, distributed computing, artificial intelligence, and cryptography, followed by a master’s writing project. The department also provides thesis guidance. A Computer Science doctorate was not verified in its official program directory.
What Current Students / Alumni of San Jose State University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Pranav Abhyankar
B.S. in Computer Engineering Technology
Computer Networks and Systems Management | Pranav’s coursework covered networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity, systems programming, IoT, and wireless communications. He also completed internships in software engineering, wireless systems engineering, IT infrastructure, and project management, and says some classes connected directly to professional certifications. | He says being in Silicon Valley gave him access to internships, professional networks, career fairs, company tours, and frequent industry events. He also found SJSU’s international office useful for visa status, OPT, work authorization, and international-student scholarships. |
From MIT to Columbia, these universities offer a range of computer science pathways. Review each university’s official program pages and compare curricula, eligibility rules, costs, and scholarship opportunities before applying.
We hope this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in the United States was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
