Admissions

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the degree program must have:

• An eligible bachelor's degree (check to see if your degree is eligible)
• 3.2 / 4.0 or higher undergraduate GPA (from the last two years of bachelor's degree coursework)
• A strong background in object-oriented computer programming, data structures, and algorithms (this should include a "data structures" course or comparable experience). If you do not have graded and transcripted prerequisite CS coursework in these areas, but have at least a 3.2 GPA and 4-5 years of relevant CS experience, consider enrolling in our Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals Specialization. This series of courses is designed to help you prepare for the Data Structures Proficiency Exam, which can strengthen your application for admission. Admission preference is still given to those who have prerequisite coursework on their transcript.
• Not already completed a graduate degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related field

Additional Admissions Recommendations

Applicants for the degree program are recommended to have:

• A bachelor's degree in a computing field (or transcripted coursework in fundamental CS coursework, e.g. data structures)
• Programming experience with C++ or Java

Watch the admissions video and latest admissions webinar recording to learn more about the process and requirements.

Application Process

• All applicants must submit an application form, resume, statement of purpose, and unofficial transcripts from all completed university coursework (Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted)
• Three letters of reference are not required, but highly recommended
• TOEFL/IELTS scores may be required for international applicants. Additional details about applying to the Master of Computer Science can be found here
• GRE scores are not required, but you are welcome to submit them with your application
• All applicants must pay the application fee before their application can be reviewed. There are no exceptions.

In response to the temporary closings of testing centers in countries impacted by COVID-19, the Graduate College will temporarily accept Duolingo English Test examination results for tests taken between February 1, 2020 and August 1, 2022. Please refer to the English proficiency page for further details on how admissions requirements may have been impacted by COVID-19.

Admitted and enrolled students may transfer up to 12 credit hour of previous CS graduate coursework approved by the department. Credits must be no more than 5 years old at the time of the transfer request. Credits used to confer a previous degree are not transferrable.

How to Select the Data Science Track

In your application, under the “Program Section,” you will be asked if you are interested in enrolling in the Data Science track. Select “Yes” if you would like to enroll in the data science track. Admitted students can decide later whether or not they will utilize the data science track as they work with program advisors on course selection.

Start your application now!

Online MCS and MCS-DS Application Fee Waiver for Recent Illinois Graduates

UIUC graduates may immediately meet the admissions requirements for the program. Qualified applicants may receive an application fee waiver when they apply by meeting the following criteria:

• Completed any CS or CS + X major or a CS minor at Illinois with a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last two years of their undergraduate degree.
• Had a GPA of 3.2 or better in CS coursework.
• Graduated by the end of Fall 2021.

This application fee waiver is only available for a limited time. Applicants must apply to the Online MCS or MCS-DS for the Spring 2022 cohort by October 15, 2021.

To receive the application fee waiver, eligible applicants must check "yes" on their application at the statement: "Please indicate if you are eligible for an application fee waiver." They must then check "yes" to the subsequent question: “Are you applying for the online MCS app fee waiver for graduating UIUC undergraduate students?”