Yes, it will be simpler to pursue a top CS program PhD when you get a research master’s degree. A research master’s degree will give you the research experience and skills that are essential for a PhD program. It will also give you the opportunity to publish papers, which will make you more competitive for PhD programs.

Here are some of the benefits of getting a research master’s degree before pursuing a PhD in CS:

• Research experience: A research master’s degree will give you the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of a faculty member. This will give you the experience and skills that are essential for a PhD program.
• Publications: A research master’s degree will give you the opportunity to publish papers. Publishing papers will make you more competitive for PhD programs and will help you to establish yourself as a researcher.
• Networking: A research master’s degree will give you the opportunity to network with other researchers. This will be beneficial for your future career, as you will be able to collaborate with other researchers on projects and get involved in the research community.

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in CS, I recommend that you get a research master’s degree first. This will give you the best chance of being admitted to a top CS program and of succeeding in your PhD studies.

Here are some of the top CS programs in the United States:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Carnegie Mellon University
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Cornell University
• Columbia University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

These programs are very competitive, so it is important to have a strong application. A research master’s degree will give you a significant advantage in your application.