University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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University of North Carolina at Charlotte: A top choice for tomorrow’s tech experts

Thinking about a master’s in computer science? It’s a smart move. More skills mean better job opportunities and a higher salary. But where should you study? The US, home to tech companies like Apple, Google, and more, is a top destination with endless job opportunities. Plus, master’s in Computer Science graduates in the US earn annual salaries averaging US$68,408, according to leading recruiting platform ZipRecruiter.

To reap such rewards, choose the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), which ranks among the US’s top 30 universities for career outcomes and return on investment. At its College of Computing and Informatics (CCI), you will build in-demand skills, receive expert mentorship, and be part of a supportive student community — all of which can make your study abroad experience truly worthwhile.

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CCI’s Learning Community offers a supportive, close-knit environment where students can learn and grow together. Source: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The CCI advantage

CCI, ranked among the top 100 computer science graduate programmes by U.S. News & World Report, is shaping the future of tech education. Through industry-focused learning, advanced research, and strong corporate partnerships, it can prepare you for a high-impact career — regardless of what your area of interest in computing may be.

The college offers one of the fastest-growing and most diverse academic lineups in the country, with master’s programmes in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Bioinformatics and Data Science/Business Analytics.

Beyond technical expertise, CCI nurtures critical business acumen, an entrepreneurial mindset, and strong communication skills — key qualities that will set you apart in today’s competitive job market.

Here’s how two CCI alumni turned their dreams into thriving careers in tech:

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Hands-on learning at UNC Charlotte boosted Aditya Gupta’s career prospects. Source: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

From student in India to engineer-entrepreneur in the US

Aditya Gupta’s computer programming journey began during his bachelor’s studies in Indore, India. Wanting to expand his skills and gain global exposure, he decided to pursue an M.S. in Computer Science at UNC Charlotte, specialising in data science.

“As an international student from India, I hadn’t been exposed to such a wide variety of perspectives before. But thanks to UNC Charlotte’s big community, I got to meet many types of people and learn from them.”

Hands-on learning played a crucial role in his development. “My experiences really changed my hiring prospects,” he says. He realised his passion for mentorship as a teaching assistant under Dr. Bojan Cukic, while an internship at Zenmonics, Inc. provided practical industry experience.

His career immediately took off once he graduated. He joined Cisco as a software engineer, then moved to Walmart Global Tech in Sunnyvale, California, where he currently works as a senior data engineer. But his ambitions don’t stop in tech. Gupta is also an entrepreneur, running a healthy snacking company back home in India, blending his analytical mindset with his passion for business.

“The university did a lot to help with career preparation, including resume writing and networking. They even brought in puppies during exams for stress relief!” he recalls. Today, Gupta continues giving back to the university that shaped him, actively helping current students secure employment.

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Krutika Patil gained more than just knowledge at UNC Charlotte. She also met her husband, a fellow computer science master’s student. Source: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Succeeding in Toyota Motors North America

Krutika Patil fell in love with computer science in the tenth grade — this passion grew in college when she was tasked to build an automated parking system. Encouraged by family and friends, she took a leap of faith and decided to study computer science at CCI. Its programmes and affordability provided the right environment to advance her career.

Moving to a new country, however, wasn’t easy. “I’ve never lived outside of India before. It was scary at first, but everyone was very helpful, which made acclimating so much easier,” Patil recalls. She found a community by joining the Triveni Indian Student Association, which helped her with coursework onboarding. UNCC also helped her land her first internship as an application developer at Informative Technologies, which led to a full-time position.

A key factor in her journey was the mentorship she received. Faculty members like Dr. Meera Sridhar, Dr. Harini Ramaprasad, and adjunct professor Pamela Thompson helped instil in her the confidence to succeed in the world of computing.

“My mentors had so much to share, and looking at them, you would get motivated as well,” she says. Her coursework honed her skills in advanced databases and software design too, which she now applies as a Software Systems Engineer and Tech Lead at Toyota Motors North America. Based in Frisco, Texas, she leads backend teams supporting mobile applications while doubling as a subject matter expert on remote services.

No matter how busy, Patil makes it a point to stay close to her UNC Charlotte peers, many of whom are now at top companies like Apple and Nvidia. “We’ve come a long way, and we’re so proud of each other,” she says. “We really celebrate each other’s wins.”

 

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