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Master of Computer Science

Final deadline for Summer is February 15, 2025. Apply today!

University of Illinois logo

Master of Computer Science

University of Illinois

Final deadline: February 15, 2025

Start your application or request more info.

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Accredited master's degree

Offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

$19,840 - $24,128 USD

Competitively priced with pay-as-you-go tuition

Finish in 12-36 months

8 courses total, 10-12 hours per week

100% online learning

Hands-on learning from anywhere, no travel required

Academics

Earn a master’s degree in Computer Science or choose the Data Science track

In this degree program, you can pursue a Master of Computer Science or specialize in data science through the Master of Computer Science in Data Science track.

Choose your path
Customize your master’s to your career goals by choosing the computer science or data science track.
Earn your degree in 12 to 36 months
Complete 8 courses (a total of 32 credit hours) to earn your MCS or MCS-DS degree.
Modular course structure
Lectures are organized into weekly modules, which can be absorbed via video playback or interactive transcript. Pace yourself through online lectures before meeting with the professor and classmates to dive deeper into the material.
Flexibility
You can access lectures and quizzes on demand, and schedule meetings with professors and teaching assistants (during their office hours). You can access classes from your mobile device, and download videos and readings for offline work.
Global online classrooms & projects
Experience a global online classroom with peers from around the world. sessions. Faculty work with students via interactive classes, projects, and office hours.

Application Information

Applications are open three times per year, for cohorts starting in the fall, spring, and summer.

Summer 2025 Application Information:

  • Application deadline: February 15, 2025.

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

Application Information

Applications are open three times per year, for cohorts starting in the fall, spring, and summer.

Summer 2025 Application Information:

  • Application deadline: February 15, 2025.

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

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Build the skills you’ll need in programming, statistics and data analysis

Build a solid foundation for computer science expertise, with key programming concepts and problem-solving techniques using Python, one of the most widely used and versatile programming languages.

A focus on real-life problems and practical exercises will provide you with a strong working knowledge and sought-after computer science skills.

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Curriculum

You’ll build computing-specific academic skills across two distinct areas:

  • Qualitative reasoning skills: Exploring computer ethics, you’ll learn to think critically and communicate effectively about legal, moral and ethical issues related to your field of study.

  • Quantitative reasoning skills: You’ll use data analysis and produce engaging dashboards, apply common descriptive statistics to summarise datasets, and use data visualisation approaches to demonstrate patterns.

  • This module will provide practical experience in applying theoretical programming concepts in creative ways to solve real-world problems. Using Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages, you’ll build essential skills in this vital discipline.
  • On completion of this module, you’ll be proficient in implementing and manipulating data structures, managing and analysing data.
  • Topics covered include control flow statements, data structures, object-oriented programming, data wrangling with Pandas, databases and NumPy library.

  • This module provides a comprehensive knowledge base in the mathematics that underpin computer science.
  • You’ll refresh and secure your understanding of arithmetic and algebra, gain an overview of the functions and fundamentals of calculus and trigonometry, and explore a range of other mathematical concepts that will be relevant to your ongoing studies of computer science.
  • Topics covered include quadratic equations and parabolae, number bases and modular arithmetic, sequences and series, and vectors and geometry.

  • You’ll build a strong foundation of statistical knowledge on this module. You’ll grasp the fundamental principles of probability theory, allowing you to understand and apply standard statistical operators and recall essential probability distributions.
  • You’ll perform statistical inference in order to make informed decisions based on data analysis, and construct causal models to meet the requirements of different statistical analysis contexts.
  • Topics covered include discrete and continuous probability distributions, interval estimation, hypothesis testing principles, contingency tables and the chi-squared test, and simple linear regression.