- 1.Computer Programmers earn a median salary of $99,700 with -10% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Computer Programming programs include DePaul University, Marist College, Clemson University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Clemson University offers computer programming education at $14,038/year with 81% graduation rate
- 4.11 accredited Computer Programming programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Computer Programming Programs - Top 10 Master's
DePaul University
DePaul's Computer Science program uniquely bridges academic rigor with Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem, where many faculty members serve as active industry professionals and consultants, offering students direct access to thought leaders and change-makers in the field.
Program Overview
DePaul University's Computer Science program operates through the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM), strategically positioned in Chicago's Loop Campus within the heart of the city's technology and business districts. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides comprehensive training in computing foundations, data storage, and information processing, with specialized concentrations in Game Systems and Software Development. Students master programming and software development while exploring cutting-edge areas including robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems, gaming, data mining, and mobile systems. The program uniquely offers an online degree completion option where students can complete their third- and fourth-year courses entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals.
The graduate Master of Science program allows specialization across seven distinct areas: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Database Systems, Game and Real-Time Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Software and Systems Development, or Software Engineering. Faculty members actively work as industry professionals and consultants, bringing real-world expertise directly into the classroom. The program also offers a distinctive combined Bachelor's + Master's pathway, allowing students to complete 12 graduate credit hours while still undergraduates, accelerating their path to advanced study.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning applications in healthcare, business intelligence, and social computing
Visual computing applications in medical field research led by Professor Daniela Stan Raicu
Technology innovation partnerships between university and corporate entities, directed by Associate Professor Yele Adelakun
Industry Partners
Marist College
Marist offers a unique five-year B.S./M.S. pathway that saves students 9 credits and an entire semester, while housing the New York State Cloud Computing and Analytics Center that provides real-world IT services to growing businesses.
Program Overview
Marist University's Computer Science/Software Development program stands out through its innovative five-year dual degree pathway that allows exceptional students to earn both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in an accelerated timeline. Under the leadership of Dr. Eitel Lauria in the Department of Computing Technology, the program combines rigorous technical training with liberal arts foundation, preparing graduates for leadership roles in technology. The five-year B.S./M.S. program requires only 143 total credits instead of the typical 152, saving students an entire semester while maintaining academic rigor.
What sets Marist's program apart is its two distinct graduate concentrations: Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence. The Cloud Computing concentration emphasizes hands-on experience with networking, security protocols, and cloud computing directly applicable to industry scenarios. The newly developed AI concentration offers deep exploration of machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, and applications in natural language processing and computer vision. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities in the $35 million Hancock Center, which houses the Enterprise Computing Research Lab, Security Operations Center, eSports Training rooms, and the New York State Cloud Computing and Analytics Center established with a $3 million state grant.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Enterprise-level computing solutions
Cybersecurity research and operations
Cloud computing services for businesses
Industry Partners
Admissions
Clemson University
Clemson uniquely combines computing education with specialized research in biomedical data science through a joint PhD program with the Medical University of South Carolina, while offering one of the few comprehensive Digital Production Arts programs that bridges technical computer graphics with creative applications.
Program Overview
Clemson University's School of Computing offers a comprehensive suite of computer science and programming degrees through its College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. The program spans from undergraduate Computer Science degrees to advanced graduate offerings including MS and PhD programs in Computer Science, Biomedical Data Science & Informatics, Digital Production Arts, and Human-Centered Computing. The school also provides a unique Master of Applied Computing (MAC) program designed for students without CS backgrounds, featuring specialized tracks in AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, human-computer interaction, software engineering, and visual computing. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including the Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET), advanced electron microscopy facilities, and the Palmetto Cluster supercomputing infrastructure. The program offers both traditional on-campus experiences and online electrical engineering options, with strong connections to Clemson's innovation campuses including CU-ICAR in Greenville and the Dominion Energy Innovation Center in Charleston.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Advanced materials, devices, and systems for light-based technologies in a $7.5 trillion global market
High-resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopes with combined Focused Ion Beam capabilities
Advanced biomaterials, tissue fabrication and instrumentation, tissue simulation
High-performance computing serving university-wide research needs
Industry Partners
Admissions
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Maryville's Computer Science program uniquely combines six specialized tracks with built-in certificates, hands-on experience through METAL lab internships, and personalized life coaching - creating 'digital citizens' prepared for emerging tech careers with a 98% job placement rate.
University of Michigan-Dearborn
13 computer programming graduates annually
Maharishi International University
42 computer programming graduates annually
University of Detroit Mercy
29 computer programming graduates annually
Kansas State University
1 computer programming graduates annually
Youngstown State University
23 computer programming graduates annually
Aspen University
8 computer programming graduates annually
Best Computer Programming Programs - Compare Top 5 Master's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | 74.1/100 |
| #2 Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | Private | $45,330 | 1% | 64.4/100 |
| #3 Clemson University | Clemson, SC | Public | $14,038 | 81% | 62.7/100 |
| #4 Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $24,766 | 86% | 61.3/100 |
| #5 University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | Public | $14,544 | 94% | 55.9/100 |
Complete Rankings: Best Computer Programming Master's Programs 2026
| Location | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | 86% | — | 74.1 |
| 2 | — | Poughkeepsie, NY | $45,330 | 100% | — | 64.4 |
| 3 | — | Clemson, SC | $14,038 | 81% | — | 62.7 |
| 4 | — | Saint Louis, MO | $24,766 | 86% | — | 61.3 |
| 5 | — | Dearborn, MI | $14,544 | 94% | — | 55.9 |
| 6 | — | Fairfield, IA | $16,000 | 55% | — | 50.2 |
| 7 | — | Detroit, MI | $32,300 | — | — | 48.9 |
| 8 | — | Manhattan, KS | $9,964 | — | — | 47 |
| 9 | — | Youngstown, OH | $9,611 | — | — | 45.9 |
| 10 | — | Phoenix, AZ | $6,210 | — | — | 30.9 |
| 11 | — | Phoenix, AZ | $16,390 | 34% | — | 29.7 |
Career Paths
Senior Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Lead development teams and architect complex software systems
Software Architect
Design large-scale system architecture and technical strategy
Technical Lead Manager
Manage engineering teams while maintaining technical expertise
Optimize development processes and infrastructure automation
Apply programming skills to data analysis and machine learning
Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
Advanced Curriculum: What You'll Learn Beyond Basic Programming
Master's programs in computer programming go far beyond the syntax and algorithms taught in undergraduate courses. The curriculum focuses on software engineering principles, system design patterns, and advanced programming paradigms that prepare graduates for senior technical roles. Core coursework typically includes distributed systems, software architecture, advanced data structures, and performance optimization.
Modern programs integrate emerging technologies throughout the curriculum. Students learn cloud-native development using AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms. Machine learning and AI integration courses teach practical implementation of neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision in production systems. AI/ML engineering skills are increasingly required for senior programming roles.
- Advanced Software Architecture - Microservices, event-driven systems, serverless computing
- Distributed Systems Design - Consistency models, fault tolerance, scalability patterns
- Performance Engineering - Profiling, optimization techniques, concurrent programming
- Security in Software Development - Secure coding practices, threat modeling, cryptography
- DevOps and CI/CD - Automated testing, deployment pipelines, infrastructure as code
- Research Methods - Algorithm analysis, experimental design, technical writing
Specialization tracks allow students to focus on high-growth areas. Cybersecurity specializations prepare graduates for security analyst roles with average salaries exceeding $145,000. Mobile and web development tracks emphasize responsive design, progressive web apps, and cross-platform frameworks. Data science specializations combine programming with statistical analysis and machine learning techniques.
The capstone project requirement distinguishes master's programs from professional certifications or bootcamps. Students spend 6-12 months developing original software solutions, often in partnership with industry sponsors. These projects demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills and result in portfolio pieces that directly support job applications and technical interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 185 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for software developers and related occupations
Program completion rates, tuition costs, and enrollment statistics
Graduate earnings and debt data by institution and program
Return on investment analysis for graduate degree programs
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.