UMD CS Graduate Program Rises Four Spots in U.S. News Rankings

The University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science ranked No. 12 overall in the 2027 Best Graduate Schools list released by U.S. News & World Report, marking a four-spot increase from the previous year. Among public institutions, the program ranks No. 7 overall.

Several computer science specialties were also placed in the top 20, including artificial intelligence at No. 16, systems at No. 17 and theory at No. 19.

The rankings are based largely on peer assessment surveys and are widely referenced by prospective graduate students evaluating academic programs.

“I’m very pleased to see CMNS graduate programs continue to be recognized among the nation’s very best,” said CMNS Dean and Professor of Computer Science Amitabh Varshney. “This recognition reflects the outstanding work and dedication of our department chairs, graduate program directors, faculty members and students who strive for excellence every day.”

The updated rankings reflect continued visibility of the department’s research areas, particularly in artificial intelligence and systems, where faculty and students contribute to ongoing developments across computing disciplines.

In addition to its graduate program ranking, the university’s undergraduate computer science program also moved up in the latest U.S. News rankings, rising three spots to No. 16 overall. Specialty areas at the undergraduate level include cybersecurity at No. 9 and artificial intelligence at No. 17.

The U.S. News rankings are based on reputational surveys and widely used by prospective students when considering where to apply.

—Article adapted from an article by CMNS