4 universities shaping tomorrow’s computer science leaders

As technology continues to permeate every sector, there is an increasing demand for computer scientists, making this field one of the most vital and fastest expanding in the labour market today. In fact, employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 23% come 2032. And with more breakthroughs in the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, robotics, and 5G networks, the demand for experts is not set to cool anytime soon.

Acquiring advanced knowledge in computer science will be highly useful for those looking to enhance their career prospects, be it in academia, research, or across various businesses and sectors. Fortunately, the US is home to many top institutions specialising in the field, making it an attractive option for international students.

Source: Kansas State University

Kansas State University

The Department of Computer Science at Kansas State University (K-State) prepares students for advanced positions in the computing industry through world-class faculty, world-class research and world-class education. Ranked among the top 110 computer science schools in the country, the department is where graduate students are empowered and have gone on to become problem-solvers, team players and leaders.

The department’s Master of Science (M.S.) program covers everything you need to know about computers including their languages, systems, structures and theories. However, you will not go through the master’s degree alone. You will be assigned a faculty member who will serve as an academic advisor until you choose a professor to work with in your area of specialization. Specializations include artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and computer science education, among others.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program has a research-oriented curriculum designed to prepare students for academic and industrial research positions. The program requires students to complete a focused set of courses and demonstrate proficiency in three areas: systems, theory and software. A Research Proficiency Exam is required, where students learn and demonstrate their ability to conduct research. Research can focus on artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computer science education, cyber-physical systems, high-assurance software or other related areas.

Explore the computer science programs at Kansas State University.

A number of UT Dallas graduates work at the world’s leading tech companies, such as Facebook, Amazon.com, Microsoft, Google, and Apple. Source: University of Texas at Dallas

University of Texas at Dallas

Located in the Dallas Metroplex in Texas, the University of Texas at Dallas has one of the largest Computer Science Departments in the US, with 3,315 undergraduate students, 1,110 masters students, 165 PhD students, 50 tenure-track faculty members, 44 full-time instructional faculty and over 500 part-time student employees. It offers nearly 300 course-sections that cover almost every area of computer science and software engineering.

The UT Dallas Computer Science Department faculty are engaged in cutting edge research funded by the National Science Foundation, DARPA, Department of Defense, and industry to the tune of nearly $9 million per year. The department is particularly strong in AI, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), data science, software engineering, cybersecurity, theory, systems and networking. As a testament to its prowess, UT Dallas has many accolades under its belt, including being ranked 5th in the US for AI undergraduate studies by Great Value Colleges, 7th in US for NLP research, 11th in US for AI research and 5th in US for software engineering research on csrankings.org.

The degree programme offers intensive preparation in design, programming, theory and applications of computing. Training is provided for both academically oriented students and students who aspire to work in world’s leading tech companies such as Facebook, Amazon.com, Microsoft, Google, and Apple, where a number of UT Dallas graduates work. Aspiring graduate students can choose from numerous programmes, including PhD in Computer Science or in Software Engineering. Nearly all students enrolled in the PhD programme are fully funded, receiving a monthly stipend of about US$2,000 per month and full tuition coverage.

Source: UC Davis

University of California, Davis

Choosing the Department of Computer Science at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) means going on a mission to advance the research frontiers of computer science. Hopeful computer science students can work towards their goal of becoming leading industry professionals through the department’s graduate programmes. With the help of more than 30 faculty members, students here turn big ideas into real solutions much needed by this burgeoning sector.

The MSc in Computer Science comprises two “plans,” which are similar but differ in capstone projects. Plan I will have you complete a written thesis while Plan II requires the successful completion of either a project or an exam (oral or written). Whichever you choose, you’ll become proficient in areas such as architecture, systems, theory, and applications. Upon graduating, you’re set to rejoin the industry with greater confidence and skills, or continue to the a PhD degree at UC Davis.

This terminal degree will take approximately four to six years as you work on a large research project culminating in a dissertation. During this time, you’ll solve complex research problems perfect for a career in academia or the computing industry. Along the way, students are required to complete the Advanced Proficiency requirement, demonstrating a high level of achievement in four areas of computer science which are Architecture, Systems, Theory, and Applications.

The University of Georgia’s MSc in Computer Science offers an option with a thesis or without. Source: University of Georgia

University of Georgia

What started as the sole computer science department at the University of Georgia with eight faculties and an undergraduate programme in 1984 has now become a School of Computing with 235 graduate students enrolling to become future leaders in the field. The school offers master’s degrees in computer and data science, including an MSc in Cybersecurity and Privacy, an MSc in Data Science, and a Master of Applied Mathematical Sciences, all with modules in new and emerging areas.

The MSc in Computer Science offers two options: with a thesis or without. Those taking the thesis option are required to write a report based on original research into a specific area of computer science. This is done after attending one credit hour of Research Seminar and working on six credit hours of Master’s Research; both will prepare you for starting your thesis. Meanwhile, the non-thesis Master’s Project option will spread across two semesters with a comprehensive report detailing the procedures and findings regarding the completed project work.

For students seeking careers in research, teaching, or advanced computer development, a PhD in Computer Science is the answer. The school combines both theory and practical methodologies leading towards a doctoral dissertation.

Regardless of the programme you choose, you’re set to earn a degree with repute. “The university’s academic reputation, low total costs, and high graduation and retention rates have resulted in notable rankings,” says Thiab R. Taha, Interim Director. “US News & World Report placed UGA 16th among the top public universities, Kiplinger’s Magazine ranked UGA as 16th among the Best Values in Public Colleges, and the New York Times ranked UGA as 10th on the College Access Index.”

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International