Illinois Computing Accelerator for Non-Specialists (iCAN)
Illinois Computing Accelerator for Non-Specialists (iCAN)
If you have a bachelor’s degree in any field other than computer science but have an interest in the computing sector, then iCAN is designed especially for you.
World-Class Education with a Personal Touch
Enjoy a unique cohort experience offering group activities and individual mentoring
The iCAN program provides a deeper understanding of computers, algorithms, and programming in order to gain entry into a high-tech career or furthering your education in a graduate degree program. iCAN students come from all college backgrounds (English, business, marketing, political science, biology, creative arts, and other fields of engineering) and bring a unique perspective to computing. The program does not assume any experience with programming.
Apply by May 30 for Fall 2025
57%
of iCAN students come from a non-STEM background
41%
of iCAN students are women
42%
of iCAN students are from groups that have been historically marginalized in computing
90%
of iCAN graduates are accepted into the MCS program at Illinois
iCAN Curriculum
The iCAN curriculum is designed for students without a background in CS to build a comprehensive skillset in the fundamentals of computing. Over the course of a single year (fall, spring and summer semesters) students take 20 credit hours from top computing faculty to receive their certification.
Application Process
The holistic iCAN application is designed to allow each applicant to provide a comprehensive narrative of their personal and career experiences. Students will provide information about how a future in computing will benefit their own goals and how computing will benefit from the richness of their own backgrounds and experiences.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The iCAN program offers two programs of study, online or in person, and is a financial aid eligible certificate program. The Illinois Cost Calculator, FASFA, and iCAN tuition scholarships give students a look into the logistics of earning a Graduate Certificate in Computing Science.
iCAN Students
The iCAN program launched in 2020 and has had a growing number of students ever since. Our students come from a multitude of academic backgrounds, representing the multitude of applications for CS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are courses online or on campus?
- The iCAN program will be offered in a synchronous online format with possible in-person problem solving sessions. Future years will include an on-campus program option.
- The iCAN program is based on a unique cohort model. To support each student and build our iCAN community, students participate in group activities throughout their iCAN courses, engage with iCAN professors outside of class, and have mentoring opportunities to support their academic and career goals.
What is the application process like?
- The holistic Illinois Computing Accelerator for Non-specialists (iCAN) application is designed to allow each applicant to provide a comprehensive narrative of their personal and career experiences. Students will provide information about how a future in computing will benefit their own goals and how computing will benefit from the richness of their backgrounds and experiences.
- There is no GRE required.
What does the program cost and are there scholarships?
- The Illinois Office of the Registrar determines the rates for tuition and fees; estimated costs for iCAN students will be based on residency status and if you are choosing the online or the on-campus program.
- We have need-based tuition scholarships available for the iCAN program. Federal financial aid is also available.
iCAN Team
Tiffani Williams
Teaching Professor, Associate Head of BPC,
and iCAN Director
Yael Gertner
Teaching Assistant Professor
iCAN Program Coordinator &
Academic Advisor
Email: ican@siebelschool.illinois.edu