Top 5 Degrees: Computer Science and Engineering in the US
In this edition of Top 5 Degrees, we look at the most sought-after specializations in the U.S., Computer Science (CS) and Engineering, that can offer a fulfilling job in a dynamic and evolving field.
Why Study CS and Engineering in the US?
Silicon Valley’s global dominance and the relentless demand for tech talent have made CS and Engineering one of the most coveted degrees. From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, this field drives innovation across industries, ensuring graduates are always in high demand.
Top Universities for CS & Engineering in the US
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Program: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science, BSc in Engineering
Structure: 4 years undergraduate
Known for: being a pioneer in tech research and innovation
Highlights: hands-on curriculum led by world-class faculty, high employability post graduation
Entry: intake of ~200 CS, ~300 engineering
2. Stanford University
Program: BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Engineering
Structure: 4 years undergraduate
Known for: being the heart of Silicon Valley with strong industry connections
Highlights: Introductory seminars for first and second years, Bing Overseas Studies Program, undergraduate research opportunities
Entry: intake of ~200
3. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Program: BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Engineering
Structure: 4 years undergraduate
Known for: Renowned for AI, robotics, and software engineering
Highlights: Interdisciplinary approach, job opportunities at top tech and finance companies, research opportunities
Entry: intake of ~175 CS, ~400 Engineering (CMU admits students directly into their chosen college)
4. University of California-Berkeley
Program: BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Engineering Mathematics and Statistics (EMS)
Structure: 4 years undergraduate
Known for: being a leader in computer systems and data science
Highlights: multidepartment and interdisciplinary programs, strong, diverse campus community
Entry: intake of ~500 for CS, intake of ~50 for EMS
5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Program: BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Engineering and Applied Science
Structure: 4 years undergraduate
Known for: Cutting-edge research in computing and engineering, strong Silicon Valley ties
Highlights: core curriculum of physics, maths and chemistry, unique STEM opportunities, pure science/engineering focus
Entry: intake of ~30 for CS, ~ 70 for Engineering and Applied Science
Career Prospects
Graduates can pursue diverse paths such as:
Software Developer (Avg. Salary: US$110,000+)
Data Scientist (Avg. Salary: US$120,000+)
AI Engineer (Avg. Salary: US$130,000+)
Cybersecurity Expert (Avg. Salary: US$115,000+)
Graduates from the above universities often join tech giants and startups with a great package. This field offers job security, high earning potential and global opportunities.
Stay tuned for the next degree in our Top 5 series!
Should you have any questions about this major choice, please contact our experts.
Stanford University campus
五大热门专业：美国计算机科学与工程留学指南
本期聚焦
在《五大热门专业》系列中，我们解析美国最抢手的领域——计算机科学与工程学，这两个专业能为你带来充满成就感的职业，并置身于快速发展的科技前沿。
为何选择在美国攻读算机科与工程？
硅谷的全球影响力与市场对科技人才的持续需求，使计算机与工程成为最受追捧的学位之一。从人工智能（AI）到网络安全（Cybersecurity），这一领域推动着各行各业的创新，毕业生始终供不应求。
美国顶尖计算机科学与工程院校
1. 麻省理工学院（MIT）
专业：计算机科学理学士（BSc）、工程学理学士
学制：4年本科
优势：科技研究与创新的先驱
亮点：世界级教授主导的实践课程，超高毕业就业率
录取规模：计算机科学约200人/年，工程学约300人/年
2. 斯坦福大学（Stanford University）
专业：计算机科学理学士、工程学理学士
学制：4年本科
优势：硅谷核心，产业资源丰富
亮点：大一/大二入门研讨课、海外交流项目（Bing Overseas Studies Program）、本科生科研机会
录取规模：约200人/年
3. 卡内基梅隆大学（CMU）
专业：计算机科学理学士、工程学理学士
学制：4年本科
优势：以人工智能（AI）、机器人（Robotics）和软件工程（Software Engineering）闻名
亮点：跨学科培养，顶尖科技/金融公司就业机会
录取规模：计算机科学约175人/年，工程学约400人/年（直接录取至所选学院）
4. 加州大学伯克利分校（UC Berkeley）
专业：计算机科学理学士、工程数学与统计理学士
学制：4年本科
优势：计算机系统与数据科学领域的领导者
亮点：跨学科项目、多元校园文化
录取规模：计算机科学约500人/年，工程数学与统计理约50人/年
5. 加州理工学院（Caltech）
专业：计算机科学理学士、工程与应用科学理学士
学制：4年本科
优势：前沿计算与工程研究，硅谷紧密合作
亮点：物理/数学/化学核心课程，纯科学与工程导向
录取规模：计算机科学约30人/年，工程与应用科学约70人/年
职业前景
毕业生可选择以下高薪路径：
软件工程师（平均年薪：11万美元+）
数据科学家（平均年薪：12万美元+）
人工智能工程师（平均年薪：13万美元+）
网络安全专家（平均年薪：11.5万美元+）
上述院校毕业生常入职科技巨头或初创企业，薪资优厚。该领域提供职业稳定性、高收入与全球化机遇。
敬请期待《五大热门专业》下一期！
若对专业选择有疑问，欢迎联系我们的专家团队。