Applying for MS in Computer Science in the USA? Read on!

The United States of America (USA) is known as the land of opportunities in terms of high-quality education and better career prospects. The USA is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the world that offer Masters in Computer Science. An MS in computer science in the USA takes 1-2 years and is available at many educational universities. To secure admission in MS in Computer Science program, international students should have a four-year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with good scores in the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) and one of the English language proficiency tests.  

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MS in Computer Science in the USA- Top Universities 

Here are the top universities in the USA for MS in computer science. The country is a major tech hub, home to leading conglomerates including Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Twitter, to name a few. Universities offering Masters in computer science in the USA are amongst the best in the world. 

Here’s taking a look at some of them:

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Reasons to Study MS in Computer Science in the USA

The reasons why students pursue MS in Computer Science in the USA are mentioned below:

• The USA offers a multicultural and friendly environment, being home to more than one million international students.  
• USA’s top 15 universities consistently rank amongst the world’s top-50 universities for computer science, as per the 2022 QS World Rankings. 
• The USA offers attractive salaries for computer science graduates with the increasing scope of research in emerging fields. 
• High demand for skilled computer science professionals in various fields like gaming, software solutions, AI (artificial intelligence), robotics, and automation. 

Eligibility Criteria to study MS in Computer Science in the USA 

To pursue MS in computer science in the USA for Indian students means complying with the requisite criteria. Here’s taking a look at the same: 

• Candidates should have Bachelor’s or undergraduate degrees equivalent to Bachelor’s program in Computer Science in the USA. They may also have a degree in any technical discipline which is relevant. Aggregates of 3.0 GPA are a must out of 4.0 GPA. It means a minimum B grade with 83-86% of marks. 
• Another MS in computer science in USA eligibility criteria pertains to the GRE score. Students need to score anywhere within 292-328 to boost their chances. Most universities accept GRE cut-offs in this segment. For example, Stanford University takes GRE 328, while GRE 292 is good enough for Harvard University. Carnegie Mellon University accepts scores of 316, while the University of Washington takes 300. 
• Good scores are a must in English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. The minimum IELTS cut-off is usually 7, although institutions like the University of Southern California may accept 6.5 scores while some like Carnegie Mellon University insist on IELTS 7.5 score. 

Read More: Study Masters in USA without GRE

Application Deadlines for Admission to MS in Computer Science in the USA

Here’s taking a look at the deadlines for applying to MS in Computer Science in the USA (University-wise)

Application Process for MS in Computer Science in the USA

You can directly apply through the official websites of selected universities to study abroad in the USA. International students need 16 years of official education to be eligible to apply. Here is what you should provide with the filled-up application form: 

• GMAT or GRE score sheet. 
• TOEFL or IELTS score sheet. 
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• LORs (Letters of Recommendations). 
• Certificates of Work Experience, if needed. 
• Co-Curricular Activities as stated in the application. 
• Passport Photocopies. 
• Academic Transcripts in sealed envelopes, which should be stamped and signed by the Principals/HODs. 
• Attested mark sheets of earlier examinations. 
• Proof of funds, proven through bank statements of the last three months. You should show funds to cover tuition and living costs for at least one year. 
• Health insurance documents. 

Once all your documents have been submitted with your application and respective transcripts mailed in a sealed envelope, the university will evaluate your application. Once approved, you will be notified of the same through the official acceptance letter. Keep the admissions deadline in mind; some institutions have specific deadlines, while some take applications throughout the year. 

It is pivotal to apply for study in USA, for proceeding with your application. The F-1 visa is the commonest option and you can find the application form at the website of the US Embassy. You should provide all documents and meet the eligibility criteria for getting your visa. 

You will require a valid passport with the date extending to at least six months beyond the course tenure. A recent passport-size photograph is necessary along with the DS-160 confirmation page. You will also need Form I-20 along with paying the SEVIS application fee. You have to schedule your appointment at your nearest center for submitting your biometric data and another appointment for your visa interview. Answer honestly and clearly at the interview in order to ensure your selection. 

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Job opportunities on pursuing MS Courses in Computer Science in the USA

Computer science graduates in the USA get several job opportunities revolving around software, programming, and emerging fields like VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), AI (artificial intelligence), ML (machine learning), big data, and its management and networking. As per several reports, average annual salaries hover around $118,000 (INR 87,37,180) and $114,000 (INR 84,41,004) for research scientists and hardware engineers in the field. The demand for trained computer science professionals will skyrocket over the next decade. 

Successful graduates can work as artificial intelligence experts, network architects, android or iOS developers, blockchain developments, ERP project managers, C++ developers, and ethical hackers. They can also find employment as information security managers, network engineers, and lead developers. Average yearly salaries range between $75,000 (INR 55,53,292) and $117,000 (INR 86,63,136) across job positions and companies. 

Fees for MS in Computer Science in the USA

The tuition costs for MS in Computer Science may range between $78,000 (INR 57,75,424) and $141,000 (INR 1,04,40,189) approximately. There are institutions like the University of California with reasonable fees of $13,500-$14,000 (INR 9,99,592-INR 10,36,614), while some charge upwards of $120,000-130,000 (INR 88,85,268-96,25,707). It is not just about the tuition fees; there are other costs as well.  

These include: 

• $510 (approx) in visa application charges or INR 37,762
• $200-$240 (approx) for TOEFL/IELTS examinations or INR 14,809-INR 17,771
• $190 for GRE examination or INR 14,068
• $180-$200 as SEVIS charges (J/F-Type visas) or INR 13,328-INR 14,809
• $500-$1,000 in travel expenses or INR 37,022-INR 74,044

Once in the USA, you will have to cover your costs of living as well. Here’s taking a brief look at the monthly expenditure: 

• $600-$1,000 for accommodation (covering both on-campus and off-campus units) or INR 44,426-74,044
• $120-$160 in meals and grocery costs or INR 8,885- INR 11,847
• $450-$700 in health insurance or INR 33,320-INR 51,831
• $100-$300 for public transport or INR 7,404-INR 22,213
• $300-$600 to meet personal expenditure or INR 22,213-INR 44,426

Approximate yearly costs hover around $96,000-$112,000 (INR 71,08,214-INR 82,92,916) for international students in this field. 

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Scholarships for MS in Computer Science

Living costs and tuition fees combine to make it a costly affair for international students, particularly those from nations with lower exchange rates. Hence, they often find it more convenient to apply for scholarships instead. If successful, these help in funding their educational costs, either partially or completely. Your success at obtaining a scholarship will depend upon your entrance examination results and factors like your academic scores, accomplishments, extra-curricular activities, and letters of recommendation. 

Here are some of the scholarship choices available for international students:

USA Work Permits- 

After completing the educational course, a majority of international students seek employment opportunities in the country. You will need the H1-B visa after submitting your employment offer and filing the I-29 petition with the USA Citizen and Immigration Department. 

Read More: F1 Visa Documents Checklist

FAQs