Master of Computer Science (MCS)
Elevate your career with a top-ranked, cutting-edge Master of Computer Science that only the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science can provide. The MCS program is a coursework-only degree consisting of 32 credit hours with no GRE required for admission. Students learn from world-class faculty and will master in-demand skills with the opportunity to specialize with one of our 8 graduate tracks.
With options to study in Urbana-Champaign, in downtown Chicago, or online, we have an MCS made to fit your life and career goals. Paired with specialized opportunities for University of Illinois alumni and expedited pathways for students new to computing, there's no better time to take the next step toward your MCS.
Study full-time in person and earn your degree in as little as three semesters.
Study in the nation’s rising tech hub. Flexibility and industry connections make this program stand out.
Work at your own pace, at your own place. Our most flexible and affordable format.
Upcoming Events
MCS Information Sessions for Prospective Students - October
- October 14, 2026
- Wednesday
MCS Information Sessions for Prospective Students - November
- November 16, 2026
- Monday
- Artificial intelligence
- Data science
- Graphics and visualization
- Immersive computing
- Information Systems
- Networked and distributed systems
- Security
- Software engineering
No background in computing?
The Illinois Computing Accelerator for Non-Specialists (iCAN) program is a one-year, fully online graduate certificate program offering an expedited path to an MCS. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than computer science but have an interest in the computing sector, iCAN is for you.
Guaranteed Admission for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduates
Current students and alumni are eligible for guaranteed admission into any MCS program in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science if they meet the following criteria:
- Have completed (or will complete before the first semester of MCS enrollment) a bachelor's degree in CS, CS + X, Mathematics & CS, Statistics & CS, or Computer Engineering or a minor in CS at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Have taken CS 374, and either CS 340, CS 341 or ECE 391 with a 3.4+ GPA in these and all other CS courses taken at Illinois.
Notes: A complete application must be submitted to be considered for guaranteed admissions. If a student received credit for a non-repeatable University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign course, they cannot retake this course for credit towards any graduate degree in the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. Repeatable courses may only be repeated for credit in a graduate degree program provided that the topics vary.
Guaranteed admission may be available for the Online MCS program even if these criteria are not fully met. For further information, reach out to the program staff for the program(s) you're interested in.