Master of Computer Science
University of Illinois
Deepen your knowledge and boost your career with a degree from a top-5 Computer Science graduate program in the U.S.
The degree program is designed to be flexible and fast — you can earn your Master’s with 100% online courses in as little as 12 months, while applying your learning immediately to your job.
The Online MCS program requires 32 credit hours of graduate coursework, completed through eight graduate-level courses. The MCS requires that four of these eight courses are chosen from four different core areas of computer science, and that three of these eight courses are at the advanced graduate level (500-level). The Online MCS currently offers coursework in the core areas of artificial intelligence, databases, interactive computing, software engineering, scientific computing, and high-performance computing.
Master of Computer Science in Data Science
Students interested in data science can select the Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) track. This track is for students who want to prepare for data science careers by learning how to mine useful insights from massive datasets. The Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) confers the same MCS degree, but focuses on core competencies in machine learning, data mining, data visualization, and cloud computing, as well as interdisciplinary data science courses offered in cooperation with the Department of Statistics and the School of Information Science.
Learn more about the Master of Computer Science in Data Science
Get Started Today
You don’t have to wait to get started towards your MCS degree — you can try out an open course online and begin learning today. If you later apply and are admitted to the degree program, your assignments completed in open courses can count toward completion of degree courses.
Also, if you do not have graded and transcripted prerequisite CS coursework in the areas of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming, check out our new Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals Specialization that is designed to help you prepare for the Data Structures Proficiency Exam, which can strengthen your application for admission.
About the Program
Admissions
Applicants must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree (or equivalent). Students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than CS are encouraged to apply, but to succeed in graduate-level CS courses, they must have prerequisites in object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, linear algebra, and statistics.
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Academics
The Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a degree program that includes advanced coursework in artificial intelligence, databases, interactive computing, software engineering, scientific computing, and high-performance computing. A well-known track specifically for studies in data science (the MCS-DS) is available.
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Careers
Join the ranks of technology industry visionaries who have degrees from Illinois Computer Science, including founders and leaders of Match.com, Microsoft, Netscape, PayPal, YouTube, and Yelp.
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Student Experience
Students watch lectures at their own pace on the Coursera platform. They are also advised and assessed by Illinois faculty and teaching assistants on rigorous assignments, programming projects, and comprehensive exams.
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About University of Illinois
From ILLIAC (one of the earliest computers) to Blue Waters (the fastest university supercomputer), from the first vectorizing compilers to LLVM (the modern industry-standard compiler), and from Mosaic (the first popular web browser) to the launch of YouTube and many other internet startups, Illinois Computer Science continues to define the forefront of computing education, innovation, and research.
Learn more about University of Illinois
Try A Degree Course
Wondering if the Master of Computer Science or Master of Computer Science in Data Science is right for you? Preview the curriculum and get started today!
Try a degree courseUpcoming Events
Admissions webinar @ 10 am US Central Time | RSVP now. You can get started by watching our admissions overview video before the webinar.
Application deadline - Start your application here. Remember, your application needs to be paid and submitted by 11:59pm Central Time on February 15.
News
Solving the “Data Explosion” Problem with University of Illinois Data Mining Pioneer Jiawei Han
Jiawei Han, a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, was recently named a Michael Aiken Chair, one of the University’s highest awards. This is the latest honor in Han’s distinguished and pioneering career. Read about our conversation with Professor Han on his perspective on the history and the future of data mining, the challenge of the “data explosion” problem, and why he thinks the University of Illinois offers set students up for long term success.
Read blog
New Specialization to Increase MCS Access
Although computing roles are among the highest-paying jobs, just under 3% of college graduates earn a CS degree. That translates into a shallow talent pool for an industry that is projected to add more than half a million jobs by 2026. To address this gap, this new Specialization teaches CS fundamentals and helps prospective students improve their application for admission to Illinois’ Online MCS and MCS-DS program.
Read blogFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Students admitted to the degree program, who complete all degree requirements, will earn a Master of Computer Science degree and diploma from the University of Illinois.
To earn the accredited degree, you must be admitted as a degree-seeking student through the Graduate College at the University of Illinois. However, you may begin taking courses and Specializations on Coursera at any time, including prior to admission into the program. For more information, visit here.
You may either apply and commit to the full Master of Computer Science program immediately, or start with a Data Mining or Cloud Computing Specialization on Coursera and build toward the full degree. If you’re sure you want to earn an accredited Master of Computer Science, apply for admission to the degree program. However, if you’re not certain that the full program is right for you, you can complete one or more Specializations prior to applying. If you decide to apply later, you’ll still need to complete the for-credit courses to earn your degree, but you won’t need to take the Specializations again.
If you’re even a little bit interested in the full degree program, we suggest requesting more information by completing the form above. This option allows you to learn more about the application process and program requirements with no immediate commitment.
Coursera financial aid is available for the Specializations component of the program.
Domestic students may qualify for Federal Student Aid, since the Master of Computer Science, like all Illinois degrees, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Yes, each course or Specialization is available separately.
To earn credit from the University of Illinois, you must be admitted as a degree-seeking student and registered for credit-bearing course(s).
We expect Masters-level CS students to be able to learn new languages in order to use the best tool to solve a problem, but we try to be flexible with languages when possible to allow students to program in the language in which they are most comfortable. Students should already be proficient in at least one compiled object-oriented programming language.
Sign up here to request more information. Additional details about applying to the Master of Computer Science are available at here.
If after reviewing all the information on our website and you have questions, you can email the Illinois MCS team at online-mcs@cs.illinois.edu.
An advisor is available online every Friday (other than campus holidays), 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM U.S. Central Time, to answer your questions. Several options are available to join these sessions: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/537909850 Or one-tap mobile: +16699006833,,537909850# US (San Jose) or +19292056099,,537909850# US (New York)
Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) or +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) , Meeting ID: 537 909 850 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aboFoPVVco
Coursera does not grant credit, and does not represent that any institution other than the degree granting institution will recognize the credit or credential awarded by the institution; the decision to grant, accept, or transfer credit is subject to the sole and absolute discretion of an educational institution.
Sit in on a degree course
There are multiple ways to start the path to your Master’s.
