Top Computer Science Schools in US

The 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings of top graduate schools in computer science reflect the continued dominance of several prestigious institutions that have shaped the landscape of technological research and education. The rankings highlight the importance of computer science as a field of study that drives innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital technologies, the role of computer science graduates has never been more crucial. The top five schools in this ranking—Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of California-Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign—are consistently recognized for their exceptional programs, groundbreaking research, and contributions to the field.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has long been considered one of the premier institutions for studying computer science. Tied for first place in the 2009 U.S. News ranking, MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and innovative research. As a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity, machine learning, and software engineering, MIT offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for leadership roles in the technology sector. The faculty at MIT includes some of the most respected names in the field, and students benefit from the institution’s collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Research labs and initiatives, such as the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), drive advances in fields like AI, quantum computing, and autonomous systems, providing students with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies. MIT’s location in Cambridge, Massachusetts, places it in the heart of one of the world’s largest technology hubs, offering students access to numerous internship and employment opportunities.

Stanford University, also tied for first place in the 2009 rankings, is another global leader in computer science education and research. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford has close ties to the technology industry, and its computer science program has produced a disproportionate number of successful entrepreneurs and innovators. The university’s Department of Computer Science is renowned for its excellence in areas such as software engineering, AI, human-computer interaction, and databases. Stanford’s faculty includes prominent researchers who have made significant contributions to areas like machine learning, computer vision, and cybersecurity. The university’s strong connections with companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook, many of which were founded by Stanford alumni, provide students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, collaborations, and career placement. In addition to its world-class research facilities, Stanford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem fosters the development of new startups and tech ventures, further enhancing the value of a computer science degree from the university.

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) shares the top spot in the 2009 ranking with MIT and Stanford, and for good reason. UC Berkeley’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) is a powerhouse in computer science education and research. The program is recognized for its strengths in areas such as AI, robotics, systems, and theoretical computer science. Berkeley has a long history of making major contributions to the tech industry, and its faculty members are leaders in areas like machine learning, computer vision, and networking. Students at UC Berkeley benefit from its collaborative research environment, which includes partnerships with institutions like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the international tech industry. The university’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area also provides students with direct access to a thriving tech ecosystem, where they can network with industry professionals, engage in internships, and find job opportunities at leading technology companies. UC Berkeley’s commitment to interdisciplinary research, as well as its focus on addressing societal challenges through technology, makes it a highly attractive option for prospective graduate students.

Carnegie Mellon University, ranked fourth in the 2009 U.S. News rankings, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative institutions for computer science research and education. The School of Computer Science (SCS) at Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top in the world and offers graduate programs that are highly respected across the technology industry. The university is known for its focus on cutting-edge areas of research such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, and data science. Carnegie Mellon’s collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to computer science allows students to work across various domains and develop a broad skill set. The university’s connections to the tech industry, particularly through the Pittsburgh-based Robotics Institute and the Software Engineering Institute, provide students with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research and develop practical solutions to real-world problems. Carnegie Mellon is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit, with many students and faculty members founding successful startups in areas like robotics, AI, and cybersecurity.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) rounds out the top five in the 2009 rankings, marking it as one of the leading institutions for computer science education in the United States. UIUC’s Department of Computer Science is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and research excellence, particularly in areas like AI, data science, machine learning, and computer systems. The university is home to numerous research centers and labs, including the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), which has played a significant role in advancing fields like high-performance computing and data analysis. UIUC’s strong ties to the tech industry and its location in a central U.S. tech hub make it an ideal destination for computer science students. The university offers students opportunities to work on impactful research projects, engage with leading faculty members, and develop the technical skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving tech landscape. UIUC is also known for its supportive and collaborative learning environment, where students can work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field.

These top five institutions—MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and UIUC—are considered the gold standard for graduate computer science education. Their exceptional programs, world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research, and close ties to the technology industry make them highly desirable for prospective graduate students. Whether students are interested in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, or software development, these schools provide the resources, opportunities, and expertise necessary to excel in the field.

The rankings reflect the increasing importance of computer science in today’s world, as technology continues to shape every aspect of modern life. Graduate programs at these institutions not only provide students with a deep understanding of computer science theory and practice but also offer opportunities to engage in transformative research that can have a lasting impact on society. With strong networks, access to industry leaders, and a focus on innovation, these top schools ensure that their graduates are well-prepared to lead the future of technology.

In addition to the academic and research strengths of these institutions, they also offer extensive support for students, including career services, internships, mentorship programs, and startup accelerators. This holistic approach ensures that computer science students are equipped with both the technical expertise and professional skills needed to succeed in a competitive and rapidly changing job market.

In conclusion, the 2009 U.S. News rankings of the top graduate schools in computer science reaffirm the dominance of institutions like MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and UIUC in shaping the future of technology. As the field of computer science continues to evolve and expand, these institutions remain at the forefront of research and education, preparing the next generation of leaders who will drive technological advancements and solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Ranking of US Top Graduate Schools in Computer Science:
1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1 Stanford University
1 University of California--Berkeley
4 Carnegie Mellon University
5 University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
6 Cornell University
6 Princeton University
6 University of Washington
9 Georgia Institute of Technology
9 University of Texas--Austin
11 California Institute of Technology
11 University of Wisconsin--Madison
13 University of California--Los Angeles
13 University of Maryland--College Park
13 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
16 Columbia University
16 Harvard University
16 U of California--San Diego
19 Purdue Uni--West Lafayette
20 Brown Uni
20 Duke Uni
20 Rice Uni
20 U of Massachusetts--Amherst
20 U of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
20 U of Pennsylvania
20 U of Southern California
20 Yale Univ
28 Johns Hopkins Univ
29 Pennsylvania State Univ--University Park
29 U of Virginia
31 New York Uni
31 Ohio State Uni
31 Rutgers, the State Uni of New Jersey--New Brunswick
31 SUNY--Stony Brook
31 U of California--Irvine
31 U of Minnesota--Twin Cities
37 U of California--Davis
37 U of California--Santa Barbara
39 Northwestern Uni
39 U of Arizona
39 U of Chicago
39 U of Colorado--Boulder
39 U of Florida
39 U of Utah
39 Washington Uni in St. Louis
46 Texas A&M Uni--College Station
46 Virginia Tech
48 Boston Uni
48 Dartmouth College
48 Indiana Uni--Bloomington
48 North Carolina State Uni
48 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
48 U of Pittsburgh
48 U of Rochester
55 Arizona State Univ
55 Michigan State Univ
55 Uni at Buffalo--SUNY
58 U of California--Santa Cruz
58 U of Illinois--Chicago
58 Vanderbilt Univ
61 Iowa State Univ
61 Northeastern Univ
61 U of Iowa
61 U of Tennessee--Knoxville
65 CUNY Graduate School and Uni Center
65 Case Western Reserve Uni
65 George Mason Uni
65 Syracuse Uni
65 U of California--Riverside
65 U of Notre Dame
65 U of Oregon
72 Brandeis Univ
72 Oregon State Univ
72 Polytechnic Univ
72 U of Maryland--Baltimore County
72 U of Texas--Dallas
Source: US News 2009