Zeeshan Mir Baz has collected the information from this website:https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-masters-in-information-technology/ in this article said that:
“Why does it say paper jam when there is no paper jam?” Maybe you remember that cry of frustration from the classic movie Office Space—our lives depend on computers, but they can be a source of great frustration for us too!
On the other hand, maybe you’re a
real whiz at computers. You’ve gotten your bachelor’s degree in computer
science, information technology, or something similar, and you’re ready
to take things to the next level. Well, we’ve got some good news for
you.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, careers in
computer and information technology occupations are set to grow in the
double-digit percentages in the next decade. And at the same time,
online education is increasing. So if you want to consider an online
degree, here’s our ranking of the
top online master’s in information technology degrees.
That’s
the result of the growth of cloud computing, “big data,” and the spread
of mobile computing. Median pay can start in the six figures, but
there’s a trick to it: you’ll need a master’s degree or higher.
We’ve
got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the best master’s programs in
computer and information technology in the United States. Some of them
specialize in computer science, some of them in information technology,
and some of them you’ll earn only on the way to a doctorate, but they
all have one thing in common: they will help get you to the next level
in your career.
What are the Best Master’s in Information Technology Degrees?
The first thing we want to know, like you, is the bottom line:
how much is this going to set me back? So
we’ve included the annual tuition for each school right up front for
you. We’ve also included our College Choice Score, which is computed
based on each school’s reputation in the field and its return on
investment.
The end result is a list of schools that balance cost,
reputation, and, ultimately, what they can do for you and your unique
goals. You can’t go wrong with any of them, of course, but these schools
are leading the way.
The rankings you’re about to read are based
on a few important sources. The first source is actual college freshman
polled during a nationwide survey published by the
Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA.
These
students rated academic reputation, financial aid offerings, overall
cost of school, and the survey also took into account graduate success
rates on the post-college job market. These factors were weighed equally
alongside data from other publicly available sources, including U.S.
News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics,
and
PayScale.com.
1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
College Choice Score: 100
Average Tuition: $48,140
MIT
offers a master’s in Computation for Design and Optimization through
its Center for Computational Engineering (CCE), which was established in
2008 and collaborates with numerous other departments and institutes
across MIT. This program focuses primarily on computational approaches
for engineering problems, that is, the application of information
technology to practical problems: the formulation and implementation of
new approaches that are more efficient and capable and the informed
application of existing approaches to important engineering questions.
The program is deliberately interdisciplinary and provides a strong
foundation in computational approaches to the design and operation of
complex engineered and scientific systems. Students will acquire
hands-on experience and complete their program with a thesis. Some areas
of application include aerospace, nanotechnology, Internet protocols,
and telecommunications system design. Graduates work in a wide variety
of industries, and students are encouraged to pursue areas of individual
interest.
2
University of Washington
College Choice Score: 99.85
Average Tuition: $20,276
The
University of Washington, located in Seattle, Washington, offers a
Master of Science in Information Systems through its Foster School of
Business. Its curriculum is deliberately practical and geared toward
preparing students for real-world responsibilities, particularly in the
business arena. The program is designed to train students to understand
the role of information technology and identify the appropriate
technology solution to either solve an existing business problem or
create a new business opportunity. The curriculum is intentionally
focused on the relationship between information systems and the practice
of business; it is not designed to be a program for generalists. The
program in intended to be pursued on a full-time basis, and it also
holds classes on two weeknights and on some Saturdays to accommodate
working professionals. It is also designed as an “accelerated program,”
which means that the degree can be completed in as little as twelve
months. The program focuses on information that’s relevant, current and
practical, particularly in the areas of technology, management,
operations, accounting, and marketing.
3
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
College Choice Score: 99.61
Average Tuition: $26,058
Illinois’s
Computer Science program is consistently recognized as one of the best
of its kind not just in the United States but worldwide for both
undergraduate and graduate education, a big accomplishment for any
school. Illinois offers a professional master’s of computer science, a
non-thesis, non-research degree that can be completed entirely online
and proceeds in exactly the same way as its residential equivalent. It
is designed for working professionals who are unable to relocate to
Urbana-Champaign for their studies. The online format allows students to
complete their obligations where and when they can. Students have
access to the same faculty members as well. It is a 32 credit-hour
program, and students choose a specialty area and also have the option
to develop cross-disciplinary programs in consultation with their
advisers. Online students can complete this degree in as little as three
years. Coursework for the program includes Architecture, Compilers, and
Parallel Computing; Artificial Intelligence; Database, Information
Systems, and Bioinformatics; Formal Methods, Programming Languages, and
Software Engineering; Graphics/HCI; Systems and Networking (includes
real-time systems and security); Scientific Computing; and Theoretical
Computer Science.
4
University of California Berkeley
College Choice Score: 99.59
Average Tuition: $32,930
Berkeley
offers a unique opportunity for training in computers and information
technology through its School of Information, otherwise known simply as
the “I School.” It offers a couple of options for students interested in
graduate study in computer and information systems: a doctoral degree
(PhD) program in Information Management and Systems and a professional
Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS). The Master of
Information Management and Systems (MIMS) program is a two-year full
time program designed to train students for careers as information
professionals. This includes training in areas such as the theory and
practice of storing, organizing, retrieving, and analyzing information
in a variety of settings in business, the public sector, and the
academic world. The I School prepares students not just in information
and technological theory but also in practical application and
real-world scenarios so that they are prepared to handle whatever they
might face in actual career settings. Skills graduates can expect to
acquire include assessing and identifying technological needs; making
iterative design decisions; organizing collections of information and
other resources to support human and/or machine-based interactions and
services; understanding and applying foundational principles and debates
of information law, policy, and ethics; and understanding and applying
architectural, computational, and algorithmic thinking and principles of
concurrency to the design of information systems.
5
University of Texas at Austin
College Choice Score: 99.59
Average Tuition: $18,464
The
University of Texas at Austin is no stranger to rankings in tech
education. It offers a Master of Science in Information Systems, which
is a career-oriented degree with an excellent track record of success.
Students come to the program from a wide variety of backgrounds,
including business, psychology, anthropology, engineering, art history,
music, and architecture. The curriculum is designed to be intentionally
flexible in order to meet the rapidly changing demands of the computer
and information science and technology fields and prepare students to
study, manage, and innovate the information systems around us. Students
will be prepared to be not just capable professionals but leaders in
their field. The program involves forty hours of coursework distributed
across a semester system. All students must take nine semester credit
hours of core courses during their first year of studies. Twenty-seven
credit hours of electives are to be taken from the range of courses
offered by the School of Information and/or a mix of courses within the
School of Information and elsewhere at UT Austin. The program concludes
with a capstone project. Coursework for the program includes classes
such as Information in Social and Cultural Context; Perspectives on
Information; and Understanding Research.
6
Carnegie Mellon University
College Choice Score: 99.57
Average Tuition: $43,000
Carnegie
Mellon’s Heinz College is one of the country’s leading programs in
information technology, and it has been ranked as the best school for
Information Technology and Management by U.S. News and World Report.
Heinz offers a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree
designed specifically for IT professionals. The program offers online
learning options for those who are unable to relocate to Pittsburgh for
their degree. Carnegie’s IT program include an emphasis on quantitative
management and technology, which includes a pragmatic and interactive
approach to teaching that encourages students to apply concepts to
real-world situations. Applications to the program are accepted each
semester, part-time study is available via evening and online classes,
and classes are offered year-round. Students can also customize and
tailor their MSIT degree in any of the following concentrations:
Information Technology Management; Information Security and Assurance;
Business Intelligence and Data Analytics; and Software Design and
Management. Students also have access to other schools in the Carnegie
community, such as the School of Computer Science, CERT, and the
Software Engineering Institute. Carnegie is also designated as the
Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education
(CAEIAE) by the NSA and the DHS.
College Choice Score: 99.56
Average Tuition: $21,673
The
University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers a Master
of Science in Information (MSI), a professional degree designed to
prepare students for emerging careers that meet the rapidly growing
information-management needs of an increasingly interconnected world. As
the digital age continues to shift the professional landscape,
particularly the business world, Michigan students will be trained in
analyzing, systematizing, and evaluating the massive resources generated
by the digital revolution. Graduates will be prepared to not just excel
in their professions but serve as leaders. Recent graduates have been
placed in leading companies in the industry, including in technology
firms such as Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard; at universities and medical
centers; at social media companies like Google and Facebook; and at
consulting firms and national libraries. The intensive program is
designed to be completed in two years, and graduates of the program
enjoy a 99 percent placement rate. Students are not required to hold an
undergraduate degree in information systems, but the program does seek
students with leadership potential who have a team-oriented approach to
problem-solving, who are capable of dealing with ambiguity and change,
and who have a strong commitment to service. Management-oriented courses
in the program focus on planning, leading, organizing, and decision
making, while research-oriented courses teach how to produce or validate
information through fieldwork, program evaluation, or computer
simulation.
8
Georgia Institute of Technology
College Choice Score: 99.39
Average Tuition: $30,904
No
list in anything remotely related to STEM fields would be complete
without the Georgia Institute of Technology, located in Atlanta and
always on the cutting edge of the constantly evolving intersection of
technology and business. Georgia Tech offers one of the widest varieties
of degree programs for students interested in this exciting field, from
undergraduate concentrations to PhD programs in IT and business. They
also offer a full-time MBA program with an option of concentrating in
information technology, which prepares students to be not just IT
professionals but also business leaders who appreciate the indispensable
role of technology in business and business decisions. The curriculum
at Georgia Tech emphasizes the critical role of information systems in
organizations, including their design, development, transformations, and
applications to business problems. Areas of training include business
analytics; business value of information technology; data warehousing
and visualization; distributed network and database design; economic and
behavioral implications of electronic commerce; emerging technologies;
enterprise and supply chain systems; information technology outsourcing
and off-shoring; platforms and open innovation; project management;
strategic and innovative uses of information technology; social media;
software development; technologies enabling electronic commerce;
virtualization of business and societal processes; database development
and applications; electronic commerce; business process analysis and
design; emerging technologies; big data analytics in business; and
business intelligence and analytics.
9
California Institute of Technology
College Choice Score: 98.96
Average Tuition: $45,846
Cal
Tech is another national and international leader in information
technology and computer science that needs little introduction. Note
that Cal Tech does not offer a terminal master’s program but rather a
PhD program through its Computing & Mathematical Sciences
department, which is worth considering if you are already interested in a
master’s program. The program is interdisciplinary in nature and
involves both applied and computational mathematics. This program is
designed to give students thorough training in fundamental computational
and applied mathematics and to develop their research ability in a
specific application field, which include areas such as fluid mechanics,
materials science, and mathematical biology, engineering applications,
image processing, and mathematical finance. The result is that there are
few careers in the field of computer and information science graduates
will not be prepared for. Research interests of the faculty include such
areas as nonlinear dynamics, computational biology, numerical analysis
and scientific computing, computational and theoretical fluid mechanics,
theoretical materials science, multiscale computations and
homogenization theory, computational methods for electromagnetics and
acoustics, statistics, signal and image processing, probability theory
and stochastic analysis, and dynamical systems and geometric mechanics.
Engineering and scientific applications are of particular importance for
the program.
10
University of Wisconsin Madison
College Choice Score: 98.4
Average Tuition: $25,269
The
University of Wisconsin’s flagship campus in Madison, Wisconsin, offers
several options for students interested in computer and information
technology professions through its Department of Computer Sciences: a
traditional M.S./Ph.D. program, a Professional Master’s Program, a
graduate minor (intended for Ph.D. students from other departments), and
a Professional Capstone Certificate Program. Starting 2017-18, the
department will also offer a User Experience Design Online Capstone
Certificate (Mad UX). Wisconsin’s Computer Science department is one of
the oldest and most respected computer science departments in the United
States. It also ranks as one of the top ten public universities in the
country for federal research funds, and it has been listed among the top
educational institutions overall since the early 1900s. Its M.S.
students are in high demand, so students can be confident that a
rewarding career awaits them upon graduation. Recent students have
interned at companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft, and
many of them have received job offers after only one year of study.
College Choice Score: 98.2
Average Tuition: $45,320
Princeton
University is another program that offers a PhD program rather than a
terminal master’s degree, but if you are in the market for graduate
study already, it could be wise to consider all your options, including
doctoral programs in addition to or in place of a master’s program. We
mention Princeton’s program in particular because it is uniquely
comprehensive and practical. The degree is offered through Princeton’s
Department of Electrical Engineering, which offers training in a wide
range of areas ranging from applied mathematics, circuits and computers
to applied physics. One areas of emphasis that will be of particular
interest to readers of this ranking is their Computing and Networking
concentration, which is geared toward creating the next generation of
architectures, software, and networks required to meet the demand for
computer functions. Security is a particularly important component of
this endeavor, from the hardware level and to networks, as are
challenges related to power consumption, availability and cost,
reliability, verification, and design methodology. Another area of
interest for readers of this ranking will be their concentration in
Information Science and Systems. This is a mathematics heavy track, and
it focuses on applied solutions to engineering problems. Information
sciences and systems play a crucial role in this concentration, and it
emphasizes breadth and fundamentals in systems, probability, random
processes, analysis and optimization, information theory, coding theory,
signal, image and video processing, machine learning, data transmission
and compression, and networking.
12
University of California San Diego
College Choice Score: 98.16
Average Tuition: $27,850
UCSD,
part of the University of California system, offers two options for
students interested in a career in computer and information technology
through its Computer Systems Engineering graduate program: a Master of
Science (MS) and a PhD, both in computer science and computer
engineering. The department also offers a streamlined five-year bachelor
of arts (BA)/MS or bachelor of science (BS)/MS combined program for
qualified current UCSD CSE undergraduates. Students interested in either
graduate program should have completed a BA or BS degree in computer
science, computer engineering, or a related area, but admission is not
limited to students from only these areas. Students with undergraduate
degrees who have sufficient preparation in the field may be considered
also. The graduate program is concerned with fundamental aspects of
computation, and the curriculum is divided among the areas of theory,
hardware, and operating systems. The computer engineering specialization
places a greater emphasis on hardware and the design of computer
systems. The MS program is available in three different plans: a Thesis
Plan, a Comprehensive Standard Plan, or a Comprehensive
Interdisciplinary Plan. Students can expect to cover fundamental
concepts and tools, advanced, up-to-date views in topics outside their
area, and a deep, current view of their research or specialization area.
Students pursuing the Interdisciplinary option will complete additional
coursework outside the department.
College Choice Score: 97.97
Average Tuition: $63,108
Stanford
University needs little introduction to those familiar with the most
current developments in the tech sector; Stanford is always on the
cutting edge of the latest in both theoretical and applied sciences.
Much of Stanford’s technological innovation comes from its Computer
Science Department, which is part of the School of Engineering. The
department offers the degrees Bachelor of Science, Master of Science,
and Doctor of Philosophy. It also participates in other undergraduate
interdisciplinary programs, including Computer Systems Engineering,
Symbolic Systems, and Mathematical and Computational Sciences. The
Department places a premium on research, and it is highly active in
areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, foundations of computer
science, scientific computing, and systems. The Department offers a
joint MS in Computer Science /MBA Degree Program (CS/MBA) with the
Graduate School of Business, which enables students to pursue both a
Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Computer
Science at the Stanford School of Engineering. Joint MS/MBA degree
students should have interests in technology and leadership with a
desire to become managers or entrepreneurs in technologically-inclined
businesses. Students will typically apply for the joint program at once,
but in some cases it is acceptable for first-year students to add one
or the other degree to their existing program. Subject areas of the CS
portion of the degree include Logic, Automata, and Complexity;
Probability; Algorithmic Analysis; Computer Organization and Systems;
and Principles of Computer Systems. Areas of specialization include
Artificial Intelligence, Biocomputation, Computer and Network Security,
Human-Computer Interaction, Information Management and Analytics, Mobile
and Internet Computing, Real-World Computing, Software Theory, Systems,
and Theoretical Computer Science.
14
University of California Los Angeles
College Choice Score: 97.92
Average Tuition: $31,427
UCLA’s
Computer Science Department offers degrees from the bachelor’s level up
to the PhD level in both computer science and computer science and
engineering, with the latter designed to accommodate students who desire
a strong foundation in computer science but who also have a strong
interest in computer system hardware. The PhD program is more selective
than the MS program, and prospective students will need to choose which
program is best for them before applying; the application processes for
each program are separate. MS students typically prepare for careers in
the computer tech industry, and they often demonstrate interest in
developing and applying technical skills and translational knowledge.
Students of the program can expect to develop a wide range of skills,
such as an ability to apply the basic mathematical and scientific
concepts that underlie modern computer science and engineering; an
ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and
interpret data; an ability to design a software or digital hardware
system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic
constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical,
health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability; an ability to
identify, formulate, and solve computer software and hardware related
engineering problems; knowledge of contemporary and emerging issues in
computer science and engineering; knowledge of probability and
statistics, including applications to computer science and engineering;
and much more.
College Choice Score: 97.76
Average Tuition: $28,804
Purdue
University in West Lafayette, Indiana offers a couple of MS options for
students interested in careers in computer and information technology.
The first degree, an MS in Computer Science with a concentration in
Information Security for Computing Professionals (ISCP) is designed for
IT professionals in industry or government who want to advance in
technical security and privacy positions. Purdue also offers an online
MS in Computer Science, which provides working professionals an
opportunity to earn a non-thesis MS via distance learning. Finally,
Purdue also offers an on-campus MS, which prepares students for a wide
variety of careers. The on-campus program can be completed with either a
thesis or a non-thesis option. Areas of concentration include a joint
STAT/CS concentration, a Computational Life Sciences (CLS)
Concentration, and a Computational Science and Engineering (CS&E)
Concentration. Research areas include bioinformatics and computational
biology, computational science and engineering, databases, data mining,
distributed systems, graphics and visualization, information retrieval,
information security and assurance, machine learning, networking and
operating systems, programming languages and compilers, software
engineering, theory of computing and algorithms. Most students complete
their program in approximately two years, while some complete the
program earlier, and some take slightly longer, particularly if they are
already working in a career setting.
College Choice Score: 97.65
Average Tuition: $50,712
Cornell
University, located in Ithaca, New York, offers a Master of
Professional Studies (MPS) in Information Science, an interdisciplinary,
one-year program that prepares students for careers in information
science. Students have access to Cornell’s world-class faculty and
complete their program with a capstone project. The MPS at Cornell also
allows for customization and tailoring according to each individual
student’s goals. Some areas of specialization include user experience
design, data science, interactive technology, and networks and markets.
The program’s flexible curriculum allows students to develop strong
technical skills and an in-depth understanding of the social and
behavioral aspects of information technology. The curriculum also
includes semester-long projects that provide students with the
opportunity to put their theoretical knowledge to work. Graduates of the
program have enjoyed an excellent placement record in recent years,
including positions such as the following: application designer,
business technical analyst, front end web developer, integrations
engineer, it leadership, research scientist, software engineer, systems
administrator, usability analyst, user experience architect, and web
applications developer. Recent starting salaries have exceeded $80,000,
and alumni of the program can be found at companies such as Apple,
Deloitte, eBay, GE, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Oracle, Verizon and
Yahoo!.
College Choice Score: 97.44
Average Tuition: $44,592
Columbia
University, located in the city of New York, offers a master of science
in Technology Management, which is designed to prepare senior
technology professionals to develop a strategic mindset, fine-tune their
speaking and presentation skills, understand core business functions
(such as finance, accounting, and leadership), and ultimately drive
enhanced business performance through the use of technology. The program
thus places a strong emphasis on the intersection of technology and
business, specifically for the purposes of improving productivity and
thinking strategically about complex business problems. Graduates
typically assume positions as CIO, CTO, CAO, COO, CEO, or CSO. The
program also boasts entrepreneurs among its alumni, and it is also ideal
for those pursuing CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
certification. The program offers six areas of focus: C-Level
Management, Data Management and Analytics, New Business Ventures, Media
and Entertainment Technology Management, Cybersecurity, and Digital and
Business Transformation. It is an executive, cohort-based program
designed to be completed in under two years, which includes flexible
online and interactive learning using Columbia’s unique networked
learning platform and five multi-day residences where students engage in
intensive study and have the opportunity to network with other
students, faculty, and industry leaders.
18
University of Maryland College Park
College Choice Score: 97.42
Average Tuition: $35,040
The
University of Maryland at College Park offers a Master of Information
Management (MIM) degree for those preparing to be leaders in the use of
information and technology in any organization. Disciplines that inform
the structure of the program include management, computer science,
information systems, and information science, and students will develop
skills necessary to meet users’ information needs, lead efforts to
develop organizations’ information management capabilities, develop and
deploy emerging technologies, and manage high-value information
resources. Areas of specialization in the program include Information
Analysis (with a focus on either Data Analytics or Strategic Management)
and Technology Design (with a focus on either User Experience or
Technology Development), and coursework includes such topics as
information environments, information technology and organizational
context, users and use context, and management of information programs
and services. Specific goals of the program include preparing
professionals for leadership positions that bridge the gap between
technology-oriented staff, functional personnel, and management;
addressing the growing need for skilled information professionals who
can strategically manage information and technology assets to fulfill
critical information needs in organizations; and providing leadership in
the information management field through the study of ethical,
political, social, and technical issues related to information
management in modern society.
College Choice Score: 97.33
Average Tuition: $43,296
Harvard
University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a few options for
students interested in graduate education in computer and information
technology through its School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). First, Harvard offers a
PhD program in a variety of areas, and students may earn the S.M.
degree en route in any SEAS area. Furthermore, A.B. candidates in
Harvard College with sufficient advanced standing may be admitted for
S.M. candidacy through the A.B./S.M. program. Harvard College students
are eligible to apply for an AB/SM degree program in any area of SEAS.
For students who are not interested in pursuing a PhD but rather a
terminal master’s degree, SEAS also offers terminal S.M. and M.E.
degrees in Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) and Engineering
Sciences: Electrical Engineering (but only in these two fields). In
addition to fulfilling SEAS coursework requirements, students will also
be required to demonstrate competency in specialization areas such as
Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computational Science and
Engineering, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering,
Environmental Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Mechanical
Engineering.
20
University of Virginia
College Choice Score: 97.24
Average Tuition: $26,182
The
University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, offers a Master of
Science in the Management of Information Technology (M.S. in MIT)
Program, which is recognized as a leader in developing technology-savvy
business decision makers. The program is designed to help students
understand how current and emerging technologies can best be applied to
make their organizations more profitable, productive, and competitive.
The program offers an innovative curriculum that employs a real-world
problem-solving approach and an outstanding faculty dedicated to
teaching and bringing the corporate perspective into the classroom. The
program proceeds in an executive format, which allows working
professionals from a wide range of industries and expertise an amount of
flexibility they’ll need to continue their responsibilities. The
curriculum requires 30 credit hours, and it emphasizes the intersection
of business and technology. It is structured around four modules:
Enterprise Architecture; IT Project Management; Enterprise IT
Management; and Strategic Management. The program will appeal to leaders
who already have IT management, budgetary, or decision-making
responsibilities. The program can be completed at one of two locations,
but students will benefit from the same faculty and curriculum at both
locations. Each section begins in early August with an orientation and
overview, followed by three consecutive joint weekend sessions in
Charlottesville in late August and early September. Students will
complete the entire program by the following July.
College Choice Score: 97.07
Average Tuition: $39,800
Yale
University, in New Haven, Connecticut, offers a terminal Master of
Science (MS) in Computer Science for students planning to pursue a
professional career directly after finishing the MS program rather than
continuing on in a PhD program. The MS program is also suitable for
students interested in undertaking a research project but who are not
sure yet whether they want to make the multi-year commitment to a PhD
program. The program is intended for students who have earned a BA or BS
in computer science or a related field and want to expand their depth
of knowledge in a smaller class setting with world-renowned faculty. The
program offers three tracks: a general track, and two specialized
tracks in Bioinformatics or in Computing and the Arts. Students in
specialized tracks follow a set of courses that prepare them to do a
one-term independent project in the area of specialization. Choosing a
particular track versus the general track is purely a matter of personal
preference and does not have any major bearing on the results of the
degree. The program is administered through the Yale Graduate School,
and while MS students may apply for the PhD program, they must do so
according to the standard application procedures for all applicants. For
students interested in completing their studies at the master’s level,
the M.S. could be a fine option.
22
University of California Irvine
College Choice Score: 97.03
Average Tuition: $22,440
UC
Irvine, part of the University of California system, offers a master of
science in Informatics. Students of the program have pursued careers in
a wide variety of roles, including health administration and
technology, consulting, program development, and government occupations.
The program emphasizes the relationship between computers and the
people who use them, and asks questions such as, How do the existing
technologies shape human behavior, society and culture, and how can we
design future technologies to better serve those same constituents?
Prerequisites for the program are minimal, and students are not required
to come from an undergraduate major in computing or related fields.
Whether they come from the arts or the sciences, MS in Informatics
students share one a common desire to seek to build a deeper
understanding of the relationship between people and technology. The
primary theme throughout the program is that of design, from early
research to concept design to actual prototyping and evaluation. Core
courses introduce the fundamentals of informatics, followed by a broader
range of courses through which students can choose to focus their
learning. Students can choose from three tracks, each with its own set
of course requirements: interactive and collaborative technology;
ubiquitous computing; and a general track. Example topics include social
computing, human-computer interaction, and collaborative work.
23
University of Massachusetts Amherst
College Choice Score: 96.87
Average Tuition: $25,853
UMass
offers three graduate degree tracks through its College of Information
and Computer Science (CICS): a PhD and two options for a Masters degree.
It offers an impressive and comprehensive array of courses as well as a
highly active research community and state-of-the-art computer
facilities. Advanced students can also benefit from special guest
seminars and the College’s research seminars, which focus on specific
research areas. The program also has a history of collaborating with
other departments, such as Art, Business, Education, Electrical and
Computer Engineering, Linguistics, Mathematics, Psychology and Zoology.
The two Master’s tracks differ according to whether a student is
interested in pursuing a PhD: the professional track, which is designed
as a terminal program, and the research track, which is designed for
prospective PhD students. The coursework requirements for each track are
the same, but research M.S. students are encouraged to participate in
research activities after their first two semesters of coursework. CICS
also offers a concentration in Data Science, which meets all of the
regular Master’s degree requirements but also includes additional
requirements for data science courses. Unlike some programs, applicants
to UMass’s program are expected to have a solid undergraduate background
in computer science. Students are required to complete 30 course
credits, which includes four core courses.
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University of North Carolina
College Choice Score: 96.46
Average Tuition: $26,854
UNC
offers a Master of Science in Information Science Program, which is a
48-unit, two-year program. The MSIS curriculum educates students in the
theory and practice of analyzing, organizing, representing and
retrieving information.
25
University of Pennsylvania
College Choice Score: 96.24
Average Tuition: $51,932
Penn
offers a Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) program.
It is designed to provide students who have no prior experience in
Computer Science an opportunity to embark on a highly successful career
in computing and technology, whether that be in a dedicated IT
specialist role or in something less specialized. The MCIT program stems
from a belief that advanced computer science coursework for people with
undergraduate degrees in other diverse fields leads to highly
successful career paths. The program is geared so specifically toward
these learners that it restricts applications to students who have
limited or no past experience in computer science, which is a unique
approach among the schools on our list. Recent students have come from
backgrounds as diverse as chemistry, history, medicine, law,
mathematics, literature and fine arts. However, what they all share in
common is immense drive and a strong desire to succeed in the field of
computing and technology. Applicants who do happen to have a background
in computer science are encouraged to apply to Penn’s Master of Science
in Engineering (MSE) program instead. Graduates of the program have been
highly successful and enjoy a great demand for their expertise. Past
students have gone on to work in various roles at large companies like
Google, Microsoft and Facebook, as well as at entrepreneurial start-ups,
smaller-sized companies, bioinformatics, medicine, finance,
telecommunications, media and many others.
26
University of Minnesota
College Choice Score: 96.22
Average Tuition: $29,306
One
of the nation’s leading public institutions in a host of different
areas, the University of Minnesota offers a master of science in
Management of Technology (MOT) through its Technological Leadership
Institute. Like some other programs on our list, Minnesota’s program has
a particular focus on the intersection of technology and business and
the unique technological needs of the business profession. The MOT is a
management degree with an emphasis in strategic technological
leadership. It is similar to an MBA and differs from it primarily in
emphasis and name. Students study accounting, finance and marketing, for
instance, but the curriculum also covers technology forecasting,
innovation management, new technology product development and
commercialization. One of the requirements for the program is
participation in an International Management of Technology Project,
which is designed to give students an opportunity to use the skills
they’ve gained to address management of technology issues in the
international market. It is a capstone project, and each student selects
his or her own topic for it. The curriculum is a mixture of business
management, leadership and technology management, and the program
requires the completion of 36 credit hours.
College Choice Score: 96.17
Average Tuition: $50,400
Located
in Houston, Texas, Rice University’s Department of Computer Science
offers three graduate programs: a Master of Computer Science (a
non-thesis professional master’s degree), a Master of Science in
Computer Science (MSCS), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Rice’s
program in smaller than some others and features a small
student-to-faculty ratio. Students benefit from close working
relationships with faculty members. Like so many of the best programs on
our list, Rice’s program seeks a balance between theory and practice.
Students will thus cover areas such as algorithms, artificial
intelligence and robotics, bioinformatics, computer architecture and
design, graphics and geometric design, high-performance computing,
networking, programming language theory and implementation, systems, and
the theory of computing. Students can also expect to benefit from
interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as engineering and
natural sciences, but the program has particularly strong ties with
computational and applied mathematics and electrical and computer
engineering as well as a good working relationship with the Texas
Medical Center. Examples of topics students can look forward to
investigating include artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer
architecture, computer graphics, computer networking, computer security,
distributed peer-to-peer systems, embedded computing, high-performance
computing, logic and the foundations of computer science, mobile
networking, operating systems, physical computing and robotics,
programming language theory, and virtual machines.
College Choice Score: 95.98
Average Tuition: $50,224
One
of the storied schools of the Ivy League, Brown University offers a
master of science, or ScM, program through its Department of Computer
Science that is suitable both for those who wish to improve their
professional competence in computer science and for those who seek to
prepare for further graduate study. Many schools require a student to
choose between their objectives, but Brown’s program is unique in
catering to students of both stripes. The program offers three different
tracks (thesis, project, and coursework-only) that enable students to
customize their studies. Brown boasts expertise in a number of areas,
including algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence,
automated reasoning and planning, brain-machine interfaces,
computational biology, computer security, cryptography, database
management systems, distributed systems and ubiquitous computing,
electronic commerce and agents, graphics and visualization,
human-computer interaction, nanotechnology, natural language processing,
networking, operating systems, operations research and constraint
programming, programming languages, robotics and computer vision,
software engineering, and stream processing. Completion options vary
according to each student’s goals. A thesis will be appropriate for
those intending to pursue further graduate study and research. Students
can also complete their program with a significant project, and others
can opt for coursework only. Brown boasts a number of regional and
non-regional strategic partnerships in the industry, which can provide
unique opportunities for students.
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Pennsylvania State University
College Choice Score: 95.85
Average Tuition: $35,650
Penn
State is no stranger to rankings of almost any sort, and the training
it offers through its College of Information Sciences and Technology in
computer and information technology is no exception. Penn State’s
program is diverse and multidisciplinary, and students do not
necessarily need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science to
apply to its Master of Science program. Recent students, for instance,
have come from backgrounds such as computer science, behavioral
sciences, cognitive and brain sciences, engineering, environmental
sciences, information sciences, law, life sciences, health sciences,
management, philosophy, physical sciences, policy, mathematics,
statistics, and social sciences (sociology, economics). The M.S. program
emphasizes research activity in the sciences, and it is another
institution that caters both to students who are interested in pursuing a
Ph.D. and those who are interested in a professional program only. The
program entails 30 credit hours, and most students complete the program
in two years on a full-time basis. Students in the program are required
to complete two core courses: Foundations of Theories and Methods of
Information Sciences and Foundations of Research Design in Information
Sciences and Technology. From there, students will be required to
complete twelve credit hours in their area of specialization.
College Choice Score: 95.46
Average Tuition: $51,480
Located
in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University offers both a master of
science degree and a PhD in a variety of areas through its Department of
Computer Science. Some examples of topics include algorithms,
architecture, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and
systems. The M.S. program can be completed in one of two ways: a
coursework-only track or a project track. Both options require 30 credit
hours to complete, and the project option requires supervision as well
as an oral defense. M.S. students will take advanced courses in their
area of concentration, two courses in a related field, and two approved
electives. While students are not required to have a bachelor’s degree
in computer science specifically, the program does require suitable
undergraduate preparation in mathematics and computer science. Areas of
particular interest to the program include algorithms, architecture,
artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and systems. Some
specific research interests of the faculty include architectures for
emerging technologies, fault-tolerant architectures, memory and storage
systems, operating systems, networking, distributed systems, mobile and
wireless systems, database and data-intensive systems,
social/collaboration systems, computational geometry and topology, DNA
nanoscience and DNA-based computing, computational biology, machine
learning, vision, robotics, computational economics, numerical analysis,
and mathematical foundations of computer science.
31
University of Southern California
College Choice Score: 95.44
Average Tuition: $51,442
USC,
a private institution, offers a robust Master of Science in Computer
Science through its Computer Science Department. The program provides
intensive preparation in the basic concepts and techniques related to
the design, programming and application of digital computers. Students
can expect comprehensive preparation both in theory and practice as well
as training in the latest developments in the field. Students are
required to take a broad variety of courses but also specialize in an
area of concentration. Currently, the department offers specialization
in the following areas: data science, game development, computer
security, computer networks, software engineering, intelligent robotics,
multimedia and creative technologies, and high performance computing
and simulation. The degree caters both to students who are interested in
a career-focused, terminal master’s degree as well as students who wish
to continue their education in a Ph.D. program. The program also offers
a thesis completion option, which will be suitable for those students
who are interested in the prospect of additional graduate education
after completing their M.S. In addition to the M.S. program, the
Department of Computer Science is also home to the USC Viterbi
Informatics Program, which offers M.S. degrees in Cyber Security
Engineering, Data Informatics, and Spatial Informatics, as well as a
Master in Communication Informatics and a Graduate Certificate in Big
Data Fundamentals.
32
Johns Hopkins University
College Choice Score: 95.42
Average Tuition: $50,410
Johns
Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a master of
science in Information Systems through its Carey Business School, which
offers training in at the intersection of business and technology. It
qualifies as a STEM program and receives associated support. A heavy
emphasis is also placed on leadership in this cutting-edge field and how
technology can be used and optimized to achieve business objectives.
The program seeks to prepare students to use information technology to
improve decision making and increase organizational effectiveness,
manage complex business and information system challenges, and leverage
technology to gain strategic advantage. Students are required to take
twelve credits in Business Foundations, which includes courses such as
Business Communication, Business Leadership and Human Values,
Information Systems, Statistical Analysis, Decision Models, and
Operations Management. They are also required to take twelve credits in
the Functional Core area, which includes courses such as Developing
Internet Systems and Services, Managing Complex Projects, IT and Global
Sourcing Strategy, Telecom Clouds and Mobile Applications, Data
Analytics, and Applied IS Architecture. Finally, students will select
twelve credits of electives in Information Systems, such as Competitive
Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Data and Business Intelligence,
Optimization Models, Crisis Management, Legal Foundations of Health
Care, Entrepreneurial Ventures, Health Care Delivery, and Global Supply
Chain Management.
College Choice Score: 95.3
Average Tuition: $33,334
Ohio
State University, in Columbus, Ohio, needs little introduction. It
boasts numerous world-renowned programs, and its graduate program in
computer and information science is no exception. It offers a master of
science and PhD through its Department of Computer Science and
Engineering Graduate Program, which seeks to develop researchers,
educators and practicing professionals with advanced skills in
computing. Students intending to pursue a Ph.D. without first obtaining a
Master’s degree may apply to the Direct Ph.D. Track. The program
enrolls approximately two hundred students total, about a third of whom
are in the M.S. program. Like many other programs on our list, the M.S.
program can be completed in one of two ways: a research track, which
requires the completion of an original thesis or comparable project, and
a coursework track, which entails additional coursework as well as a
comprehensive examination. The thesis track is designed for students who
might be interested in pursuing further graduate work, and the
coursework track is better suited for students who anticipate working
the trade. Both tracks give students a solid background in the theory
and foundations of computing and expose them to the latest technology
and ideas in computer science. The program’s faculty includes ACM, IEEE,
AAAI, and ABET Fellows, and editors and committee members on the boards
of numerous journals and conferences. The program encourages students
to be involved in research activity early in the program, and some of
them receive funding to participate in research efforts. Areas of
particular interest and strength include artificial intelligence,
computer graphics, computer networking, high-end computing systems, and
software engineering.
College Choice Score: 94.85
Average Tuition: $47,880
Another
program emphasizing the crucial relationship between technology and
business, New York University’s M.S. in Management and Systems seeks to
prepare students to lead successfully in the business world through
training in both the nuances of business and also how they interface
with the most advanced innovations in technology. It operates on the
assumption that the business world has an increasing need for excellent
managers who are also well-versed in the specialized knowledge of
information technology. Today’s business leaders need to be adept at
crafting budgets and understanding organizational structures as well as
designing and implementing company-wide computer upgrades. NYU’s MS in
Management and Systems is a unique program that provides students with
the tools to succeed in this environment: strong business leadership
skills and comprehensive knowledge of information technologies that can
enable an organization to improve its financial or marketplace
performance. With a focus on the alignment and the integration of
management information systems and technology with key business
strategies, the program provides students with a considerable
competitive advantage. NYU offers a couple of completion options for
students depending on their needs. The program can be completed in a
traditional classroom setting, fully online, or a combination of the
two. Thus residential students just out of a bachelor’s program and
working professionals alike can benefit from the program’s accomplished
practitioners whether they are in New York or elsewhere. Faculty members
possess significant management expertise and in-depth knowledge of the
latest innovations in information technology. The program currently
offers four areas of concentration: database technologies, enterprise
risk management, strategy and leadership, and systems management
35
Northwestern University
College Choice Score: 92.62
Average Tuition: $67,232
Located
in Evanston, Illinois, just north of the city of Chicago,
world-renowned Northwestern University offers a Master of Science in
Information Technology (MSIT) designed for information technology
professionals who want to improve and broaden their technical skills
while also learning the application of business principles. Although it
is not alone in combining business and technology training, the program
is unique in that it is designed specifically for existing IT
professionals who need to improve their management savvy. Thus students
bring years of combined workplace experience to the program, and the
program’s unique blend of technology and business courses, a diverse
student body, and coursework taught by academic professors and business
executives prepares its graduates to strategically plan, implement, and
manage information technology systems in a broad range of industries.
The program employs a cohort model for its M.S., so incoming students
will stick with their entering group as they progress through the
program. Examples of coursework include computer and networks
technology, finance, marketing, and project management. Because of its
unique emphasis on training IT professionals in business, the program’s
coursework is split into approximately 70 percent technical courses and
30 percent business management courses. The program covers three
fundamental areas: Communication systems and networks, computing systems
engineering, and business and management principles. Students can
expect their fair share of group projects, and the program concludes
with a 10-week capstone course.
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