Four Best Places to Study Computer Science

Computer Science has always been an in-demand discipline. Many students aspire to study CS to improve their programming skills and commit to technology development. They challenge their knowledge, complete various courses, and practice skills to have ample experience upon graduation. 

Nowadays, numerous educational institutions offer CS courses for students. The most reputable universities have a lot to offer when it comes to core subjects and electives. Let’s look at the best places to study Computer Science in a broader scope.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Institutions

Although a bounty of universities offers CS programs, not every institution provides students with practical knowledge. Computer Science is a rapidly changing field, so it is critical to update curricula annually. Besides, many other factors are pivotal in evaluating the quality of the university’s course. Among them are:

  • A number of undergraduate degrees awarded: Such a number should be relatively low, e.g., less than 2,000. 
  • A number of doctorate degrees awarded: Year by year, it is harder to get a doctoral degree, especially in CS, which is why such a number has to be insignificant.
  • Student to teacher ratio: The fewer students the teacher covers, the better.
  • A number of new students: Students often try to enroll in the course that suits their interests and financial capabilities, which is an excellent indicator when evaluating a college.

Stanford University

Many rankings place Stanford University as the best school to study CS, and it is for a reason. Stanford was founded in 1885; it is located in California’s Bay Area. The University has seven schools that offer graduate and undergraduate studies. The Computer Science department offers both a major in CS and a minor in CS. The University has an individual approach to every student, allowing them to concentrate on their areas of most interest. 

Apart from the CS degree, Stanford University offers interdisciplinary degrees with the elements of Computer Science. Stanford CS students can choose one of the following CS degree tracks:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biocomputation
  • Computer Engineering
  • Graphics
  • Theory
  • Systems
  • Human-Computer Interaction

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT was founded in 1861, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Boston. Massachusetts Institute of Technology has five schools. The University offers a wide array of available courses in Computer Science. MIT divides its subjects into 

  • Basic 
  • Undergraduate Laboratory
  • Senior
  • Advanced Undergraduate

The institution offers undergraduate and graduate studies. For MIT undergraduates, the Department provides seven programs leading to the Bachelor of Science. In turn, Master’s students can choose one among five available routes. 

Carnegie Mellon University

Although Carnegie Mellon University is ranked 94 in Global Ranking, it has one of the most potent Computer Science programs. CMU pays close attention to applicants and freshman students, requiring them to complete a batch of preliminary courses, such as:

  • Principles of Imperative Computation
  • Principles of Functioning Programming
  • Mathematical Foundations for Computer Science
  • Parallel and Sequential Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Algorithm Design and Analysis

Only after their completion can students choose elective courses related to:

  • Logics and Language 
  • Software Systems 
  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Domains 
  • Computer Science 
  • Mathematics and Probability
  • Science and Engineering

Aside from these subjects, students can select additional non-lab courses like Thermodynamics, Geology, Fluid Mechanics, Stars, Galaxies and the Universe, etc.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich)

ETH Zurich is a well-known and reputable academic institution. It provides high-quality education in a dozen subjects, including Computer Science. The CS has a terrific and well-grounded teaching staff, which puts ETH Zurich on top of the best places to study CS. 

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology teaches a fundamental knowledge of mathematics, electrical engineering, and, above all, computer science. In addition to core subjects–software engineering, theory, and data processing–students can pick many other courses pertinent to their area of interest. 

ETH Zurich takes every student earnestly and provides a list of essential subjects from the first year. For example, students are expected to establish a sound basis in math, programming, and algorithms. Every student has to attend classes in:

  • Introduction to programming
  • Data structures and algorithms
  • Linear algebra
  • Discrete math
  • Parallel programming
  • Analysis

During the second year, students are expected to brush up on their methodological background, which is why they have to complete the following subjects:

  • Theoretical computer science
  • Minor and Science in perspective
  • Probability and statistics
  • Computer networks
  • Data modeling and databases
  • Formal methods and functional programming

Notably, the second and third year is taught in English, whereas the first is conducted in German.

At the beginning of the third year, students are obliged to choose their specialization: systems and software engineering, theoretical computer science, or information and data processing. 

Bottom Line

The list of outstanding academic institutions that offer Computer Science can go on and on. The mentioned universities are a drop in the ocean. However, this list sheds light on programs along with universities that engage students and help them enrich their knowledge in Computer Science.

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