The Grainger College of Engineering
Siebel School of Computing and Data Science

Master of Computer Science in Chicago

The top-ranked, cutting-edge, coursework-only Master of Computer Science degree that only the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science can provide, offered in the nation’s rising tech hub: Chicago.

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Spring 2027 applications close October 15

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The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science's Master of Computer Science (MCS) consists of 32 credit hours of coursework and no thesis. With the MCS in downtown Chicago, students learn from world-class faculty and will master in-demand skills while benefiting from enhanced opportunities for corporate engagement, such as attending professional networking events, industry-led presentations and entrepreneurship events.

The MCS in Chicago is perfect for those who are wanting to experience the nation’s third-largest city and the many personal and professional opportunities it provides. Flexibility is at the core of this program, with features including

  • Courses taught in a combination of in-person in downtown Chicago and hybrid. 
  • Optional part-time enrollment, making it possible for busy professionals to complete their degree in up to five years while continuing to meet their personal and career obligations. 
  • Allowance of specialization in field(s) of the students' choice.

Not sure if MCS in Chicago is for you? We also offer an Online MCS, an Online MCS in Data Science and an MCS on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

Explore tech in the heart of Chicago

  • Participate in Chicago-based, corporate-sponsored projects — work on machine learning problems, develop production code, and solve real-world software engineering issues
  • Visit top tech companies in Chicago and network with Chicago-based Grainger Engineering alumni on a weekly basis while earning degree credit
  • Attend After Hours in Chicago, a networking event in our downtown space for corporate partners and local tech companies to meet with MCS in Chicago students
  • Attend national conferences taking place in Chicago and local recruiting events across the city

Engage with our Partners

BP
CCC Intelligent Solutions
CIBC
Cognizant
DRW
HERE Technologies
Optiver
Uber Freight
United Woundcare Institute

Why is the MCS in Chicago right for you?

Real stories from future tech leaders

Anthony Doan

The Explorer
The MCS in Chicago program has given me the opportunity to experience Chicago while balancing work and school. Having a building downtown gave me the chance to connect with my professors and other students, enhancing my learning experience. The MCS program hosts Illinois student City Nights, where you can attend Chicago Cubs and Bulls games and other events, giving us unique opportunities to immerse ourselves in Chicago.

Ayesha Kazi

The Entrepreneur
The MCS in Chicago program has been pivotal to my growth as a software engineer and an entrepreneur. It gave me the flexibility to continue advancing my CS education at a school I already knew and loved, while immersing myself in Chicago’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The hybrid classes allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my peers and professors—something I missed during the pandemic. This program has given me the best of both worlds.

Tyler D'Alessandro

The Explorer
The MCS in Chicago has been a great experience. Its small class sizes gave me 1-on-1 contact with professors, and I took a combination of hybrid and remote classes across a wide variety of sub-disciplines. If you are interested in gaining breadth of knowledge and doing so alongside other talented students at a top CS university, this is the ideal program for you.

Weronika Trzaska

The Upskiller
I was ecstatic when I was admitted to MCS in Chicago. As a full-time high school teacher, I needed to balance work and school. The program was a perfect fit—an outstanding education at a top-ranked program. Professors worked with me and my schedule. I felt welcomed and supported. I took classes in a hybrid or online format with a place in the city to meet professors and classmates. In-person meet-ups and events were my favorite parts. Forever grateful to this excellent program!

Preston Firestone

The Researcher
The special characteristic of the MCS in Chicago is that the courses are small, and one has direct, personal access to the professors while being supported by a large research institution. This combination of liberal-arts-style intimacy with R1-level resources offers excellent opportunities for those who aggressively take advantage of the access afforded by professors. Learn about Preston's research experience.

Mohammad Sultani

The Achiever
It was a milestone to earn my MCS in Chicago. The program offered the ideal balance of academic rigor and flexibility—its thoughtfully designed curriculum deepened my expertise across core CS areas. At the same time, its adaptable structure enabled me to complete my degree while balancing a demanding professional and personal life. Without this program, my long-standing goal of earning a master’s would not have been possible. I’m grateful to Illinois for making that possible.

Yifan Zhu

The Research Upskiller
My favorite part of MCS in Chicago is that you can enroll in the course you want, even if it is full. Many professors scheduled their class one day in Chicago and another in Urbana. The classroom is small, so the professor will remember you, learn more about you, and pay closer attention to you. You will have a chance to talk to the professor more easily than in a large classroom. I found more opportunities to work with professors and get their advice. By taking CS 597, I found a great research opportunity.

Illini Life in Chicago

Chicago is a bustling metropolitan hub with more than three million residents, making it the third-largest city in the U.S. Whether you prefer a fast-paced city lifestyle or a more laid-back community feel, there’s something for everyone with Chicago’s 77 distinct communities.

Regardless of where you choose to live, Chicagoland's robust public transportation system provides easy access to all neighborhoods and many suburbs. The MCS Chicago program is housed in Chicago's Loop neighborhood, which is within walking distance of all city public transit plus bus and train lines that can connect you with hundreds of cities across the U.S.

Partnership with University of Illinois Chicago

The MCS in Chicago program leverages the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign/University of Illinois Chicago relationship to ensure access to key resources, including the Chicago campus recreation center, health center, and library. 

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NASA International Space Apps Challenge Cuberts team.
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Photo from the After Hours event in Chicago featuring a number of students speaking with company recruiters in an informal setting.
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A front entrance with the number 200 of a white high-rise.
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Graduate Tracks

Take your M.S. or MCS degree to the next level by specializing in a sought-after field like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and software engineering. Complete three or more courses, expertly designed for our master's students, and position yourself to stand out to employers.

MCS in Chicago FAQ

To determine your eligibility, please review the MCS Graduate application information and the Graduate College's admission criteria. While admissions staff cannot pre-review application materials, they are here to assist you throughout the process. 

Consider the Illinois Computing Accelerator for Non-Specialists (iCAN) program. It’s specifically designed for individuals without a strong computer science background, helping you sharpen your skills and achieve your career goals.

Explore our MCS Financial Assistance.

Get the details at MCS Tuition & Fees.

MCS in Chicago offers a flexible hybrid format for most classes, typically providing 25 to 30 graduate courses each semester. Of these, about half require weekly in-person attendance to enhance collaboration. The other half are primarily or entirely online, with in-person components (such as class sessions and exams) required less than weekly or not at all. The specific modality of each course can vary from term to term.

Our in-person classes are held during business hours on Thursdays and Fridays. We also offer flexible online courses with asynchronous instruction each semester so that you can learn at your convenience!

Yes! As a student in the MCS program in Chicago, you can earn a certificate from the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science by selecting a defined track specialization. While it’s optional, this specialization can enhance your skills and career prospects.

Our satellite campus is in downtown Chicago, Illinois, at 200 S Wacker Drive in the Chicago Loop, featuring modern classrooms and dedicated program offices.

Yes! Our downtown satellite campus offers classrooms, faculty support, academic advising, and a computer-based testing facility. Additionally, MCS students can access services at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), including libraries, recreation facilities, and health and wellness resources, ensuring you have the support needed for academic success!

The MCS in Chicago program is campus-based and intended for students living in the Chicagoland area. If you're outside this region, consider the Online MCS option for more flexibility.

More questions? Reach out to our program team.

Email the MCS in Chicago team