Top Computer Science Ranking (US)

In the world of computer science, graduate programs are highly competitive, and US News & World Report’s 2009 ranking of the top graduate schools for computer science highlights the elite institutions that are setting the standards for excellence in education, research, and innovation in the field. According to the 2009 rankings, the top five schools for computer science in the United States are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of California–Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign. These institutions are globally recognized as leaders in computer science education, and they consistently produce some of the most accomplished professionals and researchers in the field.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of California–Berkeley tied for the top spot in the rankings, each bringing their unique strengths and reputations to the table. MIT, known for its groundbreaking work in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning, is recognized for its innovative approach to both teaching and research. The Institute’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) department is one of the largest and most renowned in the world, and MIT graduates consistently go on to have impactful careers in academia, industry, and government. The faculty at MIT includes pioneers in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and algorithms, and the university provides students with the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in computer science.

Similarly, Stanford University’s computer science department is recognized for its cutting-edge research and its history of producing successful entrepreneurs and tech leaders. The university is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing students with unmatched access to the world’s most innovative tech companies. This proximity to industry allows Stanford students to network with top professionals, secure internships, and take part in groundbreaking research with real-world applications. The university’s graduate programs emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, and students can engage in research that spans a wide range of computer science domains, including artificial intelligence, software engineering, and bioinformatics.

The University of California–Berkeley also shares the top position in the rankings, known for its deep commitment to research excellence and its renowned computer science faculty. UC Berkeley’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) is one of the largest and most respected in the world, with strengths across various subfields, including artificial intelligence, database systems, and computer systems. The university has been the birthplace of many influential ideas and technologies in the field, and its research consistently leads to real-world innovations. UC Berkeley provides a collaborative environment where graduate students work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge research that addresses global challenges, ranging from climate change to cybersecurity.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is ranked fourth in the 2009 US News rankings, maintaining a reputation as one of the top schools for computer science in the world. CMU’s School of Computer Science (SCS) is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to computer science, bringing together expertise from fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and machine learning. The university’s graduate programs emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing students for successful careers in both academia and industry. CMU’s strong ties to the tech industry, particularly in areas like robotics and autonomous systems, make it an attractive choice for students who want to work on high-impact projects with real-world implications.

Finally, the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) rounds out the top five in the 2009 rankings. UIUC’s Department of Computer Science has long been a leader in research and education, and the university consistently produces graduates who go on to become leaders in industry and academia. The department has a strong focus on areas like software engineering, computer systems, and artificial intelligence. With faculty members who are widely regarded as experts in their fields, UIUC offers a graduate program that prepares students to tackle complex computational problems and engage in high-level research. The university’s large and diverse research community ensures that students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of computer science topics, making it a top choice for those pursuing graduate degrees in the field.

In conclusion, the 2009 US News & World Report rankings place MIT, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley in a three-way tie for first place, highlighting their leadership in computer science education and research. Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign are also recognized for their outstanding graduate programs and their contributions to advancing the field of computer science. These institutions offer a combination of cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and strong industry connections, providing graduate students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of computer science. Whether students are interested in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, or software engineering, these top graduate schools provide the resources and opportunities necessary to launch successful careers in the field.

US Top Graduate Schools for 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 University of California--San Diego
19 Purdue University--West Lafayette
20 Brown University
20 Duke University
20 Rice University
20 University of Massachusetts--Amherst
20 University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
20 University of Pennsylvania
20 University of Southern California
20 Yale University
28 Johns Hopkins University
29 Pennsylvania State University--University Park
29 University of Virginia
31 New York University
31 Ohio State University
31 Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey--New Brunswick
31 SUNY--Stony Brook
31 University of California--Irvine
31 University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
37 University of California--Davis
37 University of California--Santa Barbara
39 Northwestern University
39 U of Arizona
39 U of Chicago
39 U of Colorado--Boulder
39 U of Florida
39 U of Utah
39 Washington Univ in St. Louis
46 Texas A&M Univ--College Station
46 Virginia Tech
48 Boston Univ
48 Dartmouth College
48 Indiana Univ--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 Uni
61 Iowa State Uni
61 Northeastern Uni
61 U of Iowa
61 U of Tennessee--Knoxville
65 CUNY Graduate School and Uni Center
65 Case Western Reserve Univ
65 George Mason Univ
65 Syracuse Univ
65 U of California--Riverside
65 U of Notre Dame
65 U of Oregon
72 Brandeis Uni
72 Oregon State Uni
72 Polytechnic Uni
72 Uni of Maryland--Baltimore County

Source: US News & World Report 2009