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Master of Computer Science

Webinar on December 12: Online MCS Summer 2026 Admissions Webinar - Register here

University of Illinois logo

Master of Computer Science

University of Illinois

Accredited degree

Offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

12-36 months

8 courses total, 10-12 hours per week

$19,840-$24,864 USD total cost

Competitively priced with pay-as-you-go tuition

Pathways in computer or data science

Focus on advanced computing or build data science expertise

100% online

Self-paced learning with live course staff office hours for questions and guidance

Lead the future of technology with a Master's from a 'New Ivy' and top-5 computer science school

Position yourself at the forefront of innovation and advance your career with a Master of Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Recognized by Forbes as a "New Ivy" and consistently ranked as a top-5 computer science school by U.S. News & World Report (2025), the University of Illinois offers a credential with unmatched prestige and global recognition.

This program uniquely prepares you to lead in the tech industry by offering two distinct tracks in either computer science or data science. You will learn from a pioneering faculty known for their contributions to new industries and technologies, from AI and machine learning to cloud computing. As a graduate, you will be equipped with the in-demand skills and theoretical knowledge to excel in a variety of high-impact roles as a scientist, analyst, engineer, or technology leader.

What sets this program apart?

Earn a degree with elite recognition
Gain a credential from a university recognized by Forbes as a "New Ivy" and ranked as a top-5 computer science school by U.S. News & World Report. You will learn within the prestigious Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, backed by a landmark investment from tech leader Tom Siebel.
Learn from pioneering experts
Gain knowledge directly from the same world-renowned faculty who teach on campus, giving you access to an elite group of educators and researchers at the forefront of their fields. These pioneers in AI, cloud computing, and data mining infuse the curriculum with their groundbreaking research and industry expertise.
Achieve deep specialization
Customize your learning with two distinct tracks in computer science or data science, allowing you to build deeper expertise in areas like AI, machine learning, and systems than in broader programs.
Learn with complete flexibility
Study 100% online at your own pace with no set class times, allowing you to fit a world-class education around your professional and personal life without compromise.
Drive significant career growth
Prepare for high-demand, high-paying roles with proven graduate salary outcomes, averaging over $131,000 in computer science and $145,000 in data science.
Access an exclusive professional network
Tap into a powerful global network of over 800,000 alumni and the Handshake job platform for premier career opportunities, mentorship, and professional connections.

Applications for the Summer 2026 cohort are open!

  • Application deadline: February 15, 2026

Upcoming events

  • December 12: Online MCS Summer 2026 Admissions Webinar - Register now

Additional resources

Questions? Please email the Illinois MCS team at online-mcs@siebelschool.illinois.edu.

Summer 2026 cohort deadline: February 15

Start your application or Request more information.

Accredited degree

Offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

12-36 months

8 courses total, 10-12 hours per week

$19,840-$24,864 USD total cost

Competitively priced with pay-as-you-go tuition

Pathways in computer or data science

Focus on advanced computing or build data science expertise

100% online

Self-paced learning with live course staff office hours for questions and guidance

Accredited degree

Offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

12-36 months

8 courses total, 10-12 hours per week

Lead the future of technology with a Master's from a 'New Ivy' and top-5 computer science school

Position yourself at the forefront of innovation and advance your career with a Master of Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Recognized by Forbes as a "New Ivy" and consistently ranked as a top-5 computer science school by U.S. News & World Report (2025), the University of Illinois offers a credential with unmatched prestige and global recognition.

This program uniquely prepares you to lead in the tech industry by offering two distinct tracks in either computer science or data science. You will learn from a pioneering faculty known for their contributions to new industries and technologies, from AI and machine learning to cloud computing. As a graduate, you will be equipped with the in-demand skills and theoretical knowledge to excel in a variety of high-impact roles as a scientist, analyst, engineer, or technology leader.

What sets this program apart?

Earn a degree with elite recognition
Gain a credential from a university recognized by Forbes as a "New Ivy" and ranked as a top-5 computer science school by U.S. News & World Report. You will learn within the prestigious Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, backed by a landmark investment from tech leader Tom Siebel.
Learn from pioneering experts
Gain knowledge directly from the same world-renowned faculty who teach on campus, giving you access to an elite group of educators and researchers at the forefront of their fields. These pioneers in AI, cloud computing, and data mining infuse the curriculum with their groundbreaking research and industry expertise.
Achieve deep specialization
Customize your learning with two distinct tracks in computer science or data science, allowing you to build deeper expertise in areas like AI, machine learning, and systems than in broader programs.
Learn with complete flexibility
Study 100% online at your own pace with no set class times, allowing you to fit a world-class education around your professional and personal life without compromise.
Drive significant career growth
Prepare for high-demand, high-paying roles with proven graduate salary outcomes, averaging over $131,000 in computer science and $145,000 in data science.
Access an exclusive professional network
Tap into a powerful global network of over 800,000 alumni and the Handshake job platform for premier career opportunities, mentorship, and professional connections.

Applications for the Summer 2026 cohort are open!

  • Application deadline: February 15, 2026

Upcoming events

  • December 12: Online MCS Summer 2026 Admissions Webinar - Register now

Additional resources

Questions? Please email the Illinois MCS team at online-mcs@siebelschool.illinois.edu.

Choose from pathways in computer science or data science

Master of Computer Science (MCS): The MCS degree is for computing professionals who want to build skills in advanced topics in computer science, such as artificial intelligence, database & information systems, parallel computing, graphics, systems & networking, scientific computing, and more. This degree will accelerate your career and help you move into leading a team of engineers.

Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS): The MCS-DS degree gives its graduates full programmable control of the instrumentation of big data as well as the full-stack understanding of how to process the data to discover new insights and optimize organizational decision-making. Students in this track earn the same MCS degree, but their curriculum concentrates on data science courses.

Learn about the curriculum

Pay-as-you-go tuition and flexibility to study on your schedule

  • $19,840 - $24,864 USD tuition cost With flexible payment options, you can pursue a high-quality education at the pace you choose.
  • Pay-as-you-go Pay for your degree as you go. Each time you take a course, pay tuition for that course only. If a scheduling conflict arises, you are free to take a term off and you won’t be charged during that term.
  • Financial aid & scholarships The MCS program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and enrolled students are eligible for financial assistance. See the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.
Learn about tuition & financing

Invest in your future with in-demand computer and data science skills

Build expertise and career skills in the most important computer science and data science topics. This degree program includes advanced coursework in artificial intelligence, databases, interactive computing, software engineering, scientific computing, high-performance computing, and more.

Learn more about the curriculum

Summer 2026 deadline: February 15

Don’t miss your chance to join the cohort!

Prepare for this degree

These courses may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Analyze Text, Discover Patterns, Visualize Data

    Intermediate · Specialization

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Gain real-world experience with IoT

    Intermediate · Specialization

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Clouds, Distributed Systems, Networking

    Intermediate · Specialization

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Whether you study online or on campus, students who complete all degree requirements receive the same Master of Computer Science degree and diploma from the University of Illinois. There will be no mention of “online” or Coursera on your diploma or transcripts.

Yes. Master’s-level CS students should be able to learn new languages so they can develop a rich skill set, which lets them problem-solve using the most appropriate tools. The CS department has some flexibility with language proficiency when possible, to allow students to program in languages they are most comfortable using. Students should already be proficient in at least one compiled object-oriented programming language.

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.

Summer 2026 deadline: February 15

Don’t miss your chance to join the cohort!