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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CAPrivate
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Quick Summary
California offers 40 accredited Computer Science master's programs. Master's degrees in this field are pursued for one of three reasons: career advancement, specialization (typically in AI/ML, security, systems, or data), or a credential pivot for professionals coming from adjacent fields. University of Southern California leads our California master's rankings and serves all three of those audiences.
40 accredited Computer Science master's programs in California
Top-ranked: University of Southern California
California median Computer Science salary: $145,770 (BLS OEWS)
Weighted on completions (35%), graduation rate (25%), selectivity (20%), career outcomes (20%)
Updated July 17, 2026
Sources: IPEDS 2024, BLS OEWS 2024, College Scorecard 2024
Key Takeaways
- 1.California offers 40 accredited Computer Science master's programs as of 2026
- 2.University of Southern California ranks #1 on our California Computer Science master's list
- 3.California Computer Science salary median is $145,770 per BLS OEWS 2024 state data
- 4.Rankings use a transparent 4-factor weighted score covering completions, graduation rate, selectivity, and career outcomes, see methodology for full weighting
- 5.Compare alternative degree levels in this state on the hub page
Quick Verdict
California offers 40 accredited Computer Science master's programs. Master's degrees in this field are pursued for one of three reasons: career advancement, specialization (typically in AI/ML, security, systems, or data), or a credential pivot for professionals coming from adjacent fields. University of Southern California leads our California master's rankings and serves all three of those audiences.
Top Computer Science Master's Programs in California
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CAPublic
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University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CAPublic
#4
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAPublic
#5
Stanford University
Stanford, CAPrivate
#6
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CAPublic
#7
University of California-Davis
Davis, CAPublic
#8
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CAPublic
#9
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CAPublic
#10
San Diego State University
San Diego, CAPublic
Top Computer Science Master's Programs in California, Complete Program Data
#1. University of Southern California — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of Southern California's master's computer science program #1. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 94.6
#2. University of California-San Diego — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego's master's computer science program #2. Delivery: on-campus. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 88.1
#3. University of California-Irvine — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine's master's computer science program #3. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 83.9
#4. University of California-Los Angeles — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles's master's computer science program #4. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 83.5
#5. Stanford University — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks Stanford University's master's computer science program #5. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,731/year | Score: 79.9
#6. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's master's computer science program #6. Delivery: on-campus. Location: San Luis Obispo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 63.7
#7. University of California-Davis — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis's master's computer science program #7. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Davis, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 75.8
#8. University of California-Santa Barbara — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Barbara's master's computer science program #8. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 75.2
#9. California State University-Long Beach — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks California State University-Long Beach's master's computer science program #9. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Long Beach, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 73% | Score: 64.0
#10. San Diego State University — Master's Computer Science
Hakia ranks San Diego State University's master's computer science program #10. Delivery: on-campus. Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 63.8
Top 5 California Computer Science Master's Programs, Side by Side
| School | Tuition (annual) | Graduation Rate | Composite Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | $66,640 | 92% | 95/100 |
| University of California-San Diego | $11,834 | 81% | 88/100 |
| University of California-Irvine | $11,834 | 96% | 84/100 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $11,834 | 92% | 84/100 |
| Stanford University | $61,731 | , | 80/100 |
Source: IPEDS 2024, normalized by Hakia methodology
Master's Curriculum in California
Most California Computer Science master's programs run 1.5 to 2 years full-time, with part-time and online options available at many schools. Tuition varies dramatically by institution, UC programs run substantially below private alternatives, and total cost typically ranges $30,000 to $90,000+. Demonstrated employment outcomes are strong, particularly in fields with measurable AI/ML or security specialization tracks.
Computer Science master's coursework in California concentrates on advanced topics: machine learning, distributed systems, security, advanced algorithms, computer architecture, software engineering at scale, and a thesis or capstone. Programs vary in research intensity, research-track master's programs emphasize publication and feed PhD applications; professional master's programs emphasize industry-applicable coursework and capstone projects with industry partners.
Who Should Pursue a California Computer Science Master's
A California master's in Computer Science fits early-career professionals seeking a salary or role upgrade, technical professionals pivoting from adjacent fields (e.g., a math or physics undergrad moving into ML), and bachelor's graduates who want specialized depth before entering industry. It is typically not the right move for new bachelor's graduates with no work experience and no specialization plan.
California Tech Industry & Infrastructure
California concentrates roughly a third of all U.S. venture capital investment and houses the headquarters of every company in the top five U.S. tech market caps. For a CS graduate, that translates into denser-than-anywhere hiring pipelines — but it also means the supply of CS graduates is unusually large, and competition for entry-level roles at named employers is intense.
Bay Area
San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley
Global center for consumer internet, AI/ML research, and high-growth software startups. Entry-level total compensation at named employers regularly clears $200,000 for new bachelor's graduates from top programs.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles County
Quieter but substantial tech market centered on entertainment-tech (Netflix, Disney Streaming, Riot, Activision-Blizzard), aerospace-adjacent software (SpaceX, Anduril, Northrop), and emerging fintech and consumer-app clusters.
San Diego
San Diego County
Smaller but dense in defense, biotech-adjacent software, and Qualcomm-anchored wireless engineering.
California does not levy a separate state-level tech tax credit at scale; the federal R&D credit is the relevant lever for most tech employers.
California Regulation Affecting Computer Science Graduates
Several California laws directly shape what CS graduates work on — particularly anyone joining a privacy, security, data, or AI team. These create both job market demand (compliance is a substantial employer concern) and constrain technical decisions in ways federal law does not.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA / CPRA)
Strongest US state privacy law. Requires explicit consumer rights around data access, deletion, and sale opt-out for any business serving California residents at scale.
Engineers joining privacy, data, or security teams at California employers engage with CCPA daily.
Read moreAB-2273 — California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act
Requires data minimization, default privacy protections, and impact assessments for online products likely to be accessed by minors.
Drove significant engineering work at every consumer internet company headquartered in California.
Read moreSB-21 and state AI guidance
California has issued executive-branch guidance on generative AI in state government and is the most active US state legislature on AI policy.
Engineers building AI products serving California users should expect material compliance overhead.
Read moreCalifornia Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA)
First US state privacy enforcement agency. Issues regulations under CCPA/CPRA and brings enforcement actions.
Tech-adjacent compliance work has grown substantially since CPPA stood up.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in California
California recognizes Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in software engineering, but it is rarely required for industry work. ABET-EAC accredited SE degrees count toward PE eligibility; ABET-CAC CS does not. Most California CS graduates never seek PE licensure.
California licensing boardCalifornia Financial Aid Programs
Cal Grant A/B/C
State grantUp to ~$12,570/yr for UC, ~$5,742/yr for CSU, ~$1,094/yr for community college
California residents pursuing undergraduate degrees with demonstrated financial need
Middle Class Scholarship
State grantVaries by income tier
California undergrads at UC and CSU with family income up to $217,000
California College Promise Grant
Community college fee waiverFull enrollment fee waiver
California residents at community college with financial need
Chafee Grant
State grantUp to $5,000/yr
Current or former foster youth pursuing vocational training or college
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Master's Computer Science programs are in California?
Our 2026 rankings cover all accredited Master's Computer Science programs in California, ranked by program completions (IPEDS), graduation rate, selectivity, and state salary outcomes from BLS OEWS.
What is the top-ranked Master's Computer Science program in California?
University of Southern California leads our 2026 California Master's Computer Science rankings based on a 4-factor weighted score covering completions, graduation rate, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology page for full weighting details.
How long does a Computer Science master's take in California?
Full-time programs typically run 1.5 to 2 years. Part-time and online programs at schools like UC Berkeley (MIDS) and USC commonly run 2 to 3 years. Accelerated programs and dual-degree options exist at some institutions.
Is a master's in Computer Science worth it in California?
For most early-career professionals: yes, if you have a specialization target (ML, security, systems) and access to a respected program. For new bachelor's graduates with no work experience and no specialization plan, the ROI is typically weaker than starting with industry experience and pursuing a master's after 2-3 years of work.
How We Rank California Computer Science Master's Programs
Based on 40 programs from IPEDS 2024
We analyzed 40 accredited Computer Science master's programs in California using IPEDS 2024 enrollment and graduation data plus BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data. Rankings are produced algorithmically, schools cannot pay for placement.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Annual graduates in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more course offerings and career services. Source: IPEDS Completions.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time. Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). For open-admission institutions, graduation rate is used as a proxy. More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments.
Career Outcomes20%
California median Computer Science salary of $145,770 is factored into scoring based on local job market strength. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
Data Sources
- IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — State and metro salary data by occupation
- College Scorecard 2024 — Federal post-graduation earnings outcomes
Related Rankings
State HubBest Computer Science Programs in California (Hub)Associate's ProgramsBest Computer Science Associate's Programs in CaliforniaBachelor's ProgramsBest Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in CaliforniaDoctoral ProgramsBest Computer Science Doctoral Programs in CaliforniaNational RankingsBest Computer Science Master's Programs (National)Career GuideComputer Science Career Guide
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.