Endless opportunities for computer science graduates

There are many ways to describe computer science degrees today: most future-proof, most versatile, easiest pathway to high-salary, high-status jobs. All three descriptions are superlatives, yet with data to back it up.  

In the US, there are about 3,400 openings are projected each year. New frontiers, from artificial intelligence to smart cities, continue to increase demand for those with advanced knowledge in theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware and software, and their uses for processing information. Don’t want to work in tech? The soft skills gained – such as creativity, problem-solving and adaptability – are some of the most valued by many employers today.  

These opportunities are open to anyone with a graduate computer science degree, especially if they are from one of the universities listed below: 

International students at Iowa State University make up about 10% of the student body. Source: Iowa State University

Iowa State University of Science and Technology

John Vincent Atanasoff, a faculty member at Iowa State University, and Clifford Berry, a graduate student – are two names that forever changed the face of computing. The inventors of the first electronic digital computer, both hail from Iowa State University. Today, more groundbreaking discoveries continue to be made at the Department of Computer Science, one of the earliest in the world.

The department is known for its impactful work in areas such as software engineering, AI, theoretical computer science, systems, and robotics, which puts students at the forefront of these exciting fields. You get to work on projects addressing real-world issues and adding substance to the theory in its Doctoral Programme, MS in Computer Science, MS in Artificial Intelligence, and Master of Financial Technology.

Don’t have a computing background? The MS Bridge Program was exclusively designed for you. Intensive preparatory courses will equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to earn an MS in Computer Science in less than three years.

Whichever programme you join, you’ll benefit from the department’s exciting partnerships with the College of Engineering, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Ames Laboratory. Expect unique collaborative research opportunities and interdisciplinary learning.

And you would not have to spend as much as at other R1 universities. Iowa State University’s tuition fee is much lower compared to others, estimated to total US$32,497. As Iowa State’s campus is in Ames, you’ll be based in one of the US’s top 10 college towns to live and learn. Though small, the city is welcoming and vibrant, attracting people from all over the world who seek academic success and personal growth. The university alone has nearly 3,000 international students. Apply to Computer Science at Iowa State University.

Join Columbia University’s Department of Computer Science and stand a chance to tackle challenging problems with critical impacts across science, technology, and society. Source: Columbia University

Columbia University

When you join a master’s programme by the Department of Computer Science at Columbia University, you access opportunities to participate in state-of-the-art research. Since its founding in 1979, this has long been a hub of talent. Today, it is home to over 60 faculty members, who are thought leaders specialising in 11 research groups. These span the theory and practice of intelligent, efficient, sustainable, and secure information systems.

Professor Tim Roughgarden is a faculty member specialising in the design, analysis, and applications of computer science, with a focus on blockchain protocols and algorithmic game theory as his research areas. Associate Professor Xi Chen’s research interest also lies in algorithmic game theory, in addition to economics and complexity theory. Professor Luis Gravano, on the other hand, specialises on databases, information retrieval, and web search.

These are some of the field’s biggest names teaching the MS in Computer Science. You can choose from eight concentrations: Computational Biology, Network Systems, Computer Security, Software Systems, Foundations of Computer Science, Vision, Graphics, Interaction, and Robotics, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing.

Students with a non-computer science background or those without programming experience can opt for the MS Bridge Programme instead. This is where you acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to build careers in technology through a coursework composed of introductory computer science subjects. Think of it as a bridge towards a seamless transition into the master’s programme, allowing you to graduate on time with the rest of your peers.

In addition to computer science and engineering, the University of California San Diego offers a computer engineering specialisation. Source: UCSD CSE Department/Facebook

University of California San Diego

The city of San Diego is consistently ranked as one of the top locations for graduates to build businesses and careers. The tech sector, in particular, has experienced significant employment growth over the past five years, making it a good investment to pursue a computer science degree at the University of California San Diego‘s Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

The top priority here is excellence in research, education, and student experience. Nestled along the Pacific coastline, the department is only expanding and renovating to provide you with more opportunities come 2026. The renovation relocates computer server functions to the basement, a 2,900 sq. ft state-of-the art facility that can host high-end servers, plus many more spaces that enhance learning and collaboration.

The renovation will reflect what the department’s Master of Science programme has long been: focused on students and their futures. The MS exposes students to these three areas: fundamental concepts and tools, advanced, up-to-date views in topics outside their area, and a deep, current view of their research or specialisation are. You can choose the Interdisciplinary Option as well, which lets you take on coursework in another department.

When you’re not busy preparing to fuel the Internet, wireless communications, biotech and computer industries, you’ll have loads to do. Throughout the year, the department sponsors professional enhancement activities as well as the social events sponsored by the departments. ChezBob is a student run facility that provides food and drinks for low prices, and sponsors parties, among others, while the Women in Computing group promotes an innovative, informative, and comfortable environment to advance the interests and address the concerns of women graduate students in CSE.

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