Master of Computer Science
University of Illinois
Career Outcomes
Students love that they can apply their learning immediately at their current job.
MCS-DS Career Opportunities
A 2016 McKinsey & Company study predicts that there will be a shortfall of nearly 250,000 data scientists by 2024, even after estimating a 7% per year increase in data science graduates. Business Insider cites being a data scientist as the highest paying job for college graduates at $95,000 per year.
MCS Career Opportunities
The demand for computer science jobs is not limited to Silicon Valley – there are positions in nearly every major industry. PayScale indicates that the average salary of an MCS degree-holder is about $17,000 more than those who only hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science. And the projected 5-year growth for salaries ranges from 14 to 28%. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Alumni Network
Illinois Computer Science is part of the largest alumni network in the country, with 450,000+ alumni worldwide. Wherever you are in the world, you’re never far from fellow Illini. Students are also able to join the University of Illinois Alumni Association after graduation.
The Alumni Association also launched Illini Link Network: a virtual space to come together to learn from one another, interact and further enhance the Illini community. Here, alumni can offer or receive career advice, provide "flash" mentoring to current students and fellow alumni, post jobs & internship experiences, and expand their professional network.
Career Services
Handshake: llinois' campus-wide recruiting platform. Tens of thousands of jobs and internships are posted here annually. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or full-time employment after graduation, this resource is there to help you. Learn more.
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.
