Graduate Academics

The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science at The Grainger College of Engineering offers a wide range of research areas and programs for aspiring computer scientists of all backgrounds.

By choosing our on-campus programs, you will learn and work in a “living laboratory” equipped with cutting-edge computing infrastructure, or you can attend classes in the nation’s rising tech hub, downtown Chicago. If you prefer flexibility, our online programs allow you to learn from world-class faculty while balancing your personal and professional commitments.

Transform your innovative ideas into groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence, security, and quantum computing. 

Facts and Rankings

U.S. News & World Report and Forbes (April 2026)

Graduate degrees offered

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Urbana-Champaign
with thesis

Master of Computer Science (MCS)

Urbana-Champaign
Chicago or Online
non-thesis 

Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science

Urbana-Champaign
with thesis

Master of Science (M.S.) in Bioinformatics

Urbana-Champaign
non-thesis can count toward Ph.D. in Computer Science

Fifth Year Master's Programs

Urbana-Champaign
B.S.-MCS non-thesis
B.S.-M.S. with thesis

Data Science & Engineering (DSE)

Graduate Concentration
Urbana-Champaign

Computational Science and Engineering (CSE)
Graduate Concentration
Urbana-Champaign

Graduate Tracks

Take your M.S. or MCS degree to the next level by specializing in one of these eight sought-after fields. Complete as few as three courses - all expertly designed for our master's students - and position yourself to stand out to employers.

 

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Data science
  • Graphics and visualization
  • Immersive computing
  • Information Systems
  • Networked and distributed systems
  • Security
  • Software engineering


Innovations by CS Faculty, Students and Alumni
» PayPal
» YouTube
» Oracle
» LLVM Compiler Infrastructure
» NCSA Mosaic - first graphical web browser
» Oculus VR 

Graduate Advising

The Graduate Academic Office, a guiding hand for graduate students, offers weekday assistance.