More than three-quarters of organisations in the latest McKinsey Global Survey on AI now say they use AI in at least one business function, with the use of gen AI “rapidly increasing.” Seeking to mitigate a growing set of gen-AI-related risks, companies are looking for talent to fill new AI-related roles while they upskill employee participate in AI deployment.
While it is still early days, transformative change is afoot across diverse sectors. For master’s candidates in computer science, this translates to opportunities for specialised research and impactful careers at the forefront of innovation. It’s great for business and greater still for humanity. AI is set to enable an unprecedented range of benefits, from finding new treatments among thousands of old medicines to turbocharging scientific discoveries.
Graduate programmes are a great way to prepare to contribute to developing and refining existing and emerging technologies, in AI or not – especially if your degree bears a name from any of these universities below:
CU Engineering is home to five Nobel Prize winners, 18 astronauts, and the founder of Engineers Without Borders USA. Source: CU Boulder Engineering/Facebook
University of Colorado Boulder
As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape entire industries, those with advanced computer science expertise will help lead the transformation. The University of Colorado Boulder’s Master’s in Computer Science prepares curious, motivated problem solvers to stay ahead of the innovation curve — equipping you with the deep knowledge and applied skills behind AI, natural language processing, deep learning, robotics and cybersecurity. Set in one of the nation’s top tech hubs and most liveable cities, CU Boulder pairs academic excellence with strong career connections and exceptional quality of life.
As an MS in Computer Science student, you can choose a general track or specialise in one of nine high-demand areas: algorithms, network and optimisation, artificial intelligence, data science and engineering, human-centred computing, numerical computation, robotics, software systems and cloud computing, and security. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to expand your opportunities, CU Boulder offers a path that aligns with your goals. As a testament to its academic excellence, the College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate program ranks among the country’s top 20, according to the US News & World Report.
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado — a nationally recognised tech hub consistently ranked among the best places to live in the US — CU Boulder offers access to top employers including Google, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Oracle and a thriving startup ecosystem. With dedicated career support — including job fairs, employer networking and one-on-one advising — you will graduate prepared for competitive roles across the industry. In your final year, you will even take on real-world challenges through one of three immersive capstone options: a software design project with external clients, an entrepreneurial capstone to launch an original startup idea or a senior thesis that allows for deeper academic exploration and research.
Beyond the classroom, you will enjoy an unmatched quality of life. Boulder offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, a vibrant, innovation-driven community and a healthy work-life balance that supports both academic success and personal well-being.
As part of a globally diverse academic community, you will enjoy unlimited access to dedicated resources that help international students thrive. With strong outcomes and a future-focused curriculum, CU Boulder’s Master’s in Computer Science is more than a degree — it’s a launchpad for long-term success.
Purdue University’s Department of Computer Science is approaching its 60th anniversary this year. Source: Purdue Computer Science/Facebook
Purdue University
If there is one institution that has been providing excellence in computer science education, it is Purdue University‘s Department of Computer Science, the first in the US to grant a degree in this field. Approaching its 60th anniversary, the department continues to advance the computer science industry through research in various subjects such as data science, AI, programming languages, theoretical computer science, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
The Master’s Programme is a great way to take part or gain exposure to Purdue’s life-changing breakthroughs. In 2024, graduate students developed innovative solutions to combat food insecurity by introducing a computational system that ensures fair and efficient allocation of food resources to suitable food banks.
Their success was built on the impact of their curriculum’s core courses like Compiling And Programming Systems, Programming Languages, Data Communication And Computer Networks, and Algorithm Design, Analysis, And Implementation.
“One of my favourite parts about my academic experience at Purdue CS is the challenging and diverse curriculum,” says alumnus Ayush Garg. “The CS courses at Purdue are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of various computer science concepts and technologies, ranging from programming languages and algorithms to databases, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.”
Purdue University’s main campus is located in the quaint city of West Lafayette. Its small size makes this college town walkable, allowing you to explore new grounds along with a large student population. Downtown, you will find a mix of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues catering to both students and residents.
The Professional Master of Computer Science can be completed full-time on campus, hybrid, or online. Source: Siebel School of Computing and Data Science/Facebook
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign‘s newly formed Siebel School of Computing and Data Science is at the forefront of computing innovation. Mobile computing, AI, virtual and augmented reality, the Internet of Things, advanced robotics, quantum computing, biological computing – the school recognises the importance of these advancements in the industry, calling it the Third Pillar of Engineering.
The Professional Master of Computer Science explores these technological advancements and trains you to improve them and impact the industry. Ranked #5 computer science graduate programme, the programme lets you to continue your education while also accelerating your career.
Whether you study full-time on campus, attend classes in downtown Chicago through a hybrid course, or do it online, you will be taught by a world-class faculty who also aim to push the boundaries in computer science.
“Our students and faculty have already played a part in such exciting developments as the first modern web browser, PayPal, YouTube, C3 AI and Yelp,” says Nancy M. Amato, director of the school. “And we will continue pursuing innovation in this field at every turn.”
Situated in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, the school has strong partnerships with companies, affiliated employees, and startups around the university. This opens many doors – helping you build professional relationships and gain access to networking opportunities that connect you with the field’s top employers. On campus, you can visit Research Park, a technology hub where new and existing companies develop new ideas.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International.
