Overview

The University of Illinois offers a separate, more flexible track for students who are eager to explore several advanced topics in computer science as part of their degree program. This track is ideal for learners who want to build skills in at least four core areas of computer science, choosing from topics that include artificial intelligence, database and information systems, interactive computing, software engineering, scientific computing, and high-performance computing.

As a graduate of this Master of Computer Science (Featuring Data Science Track) offered by Coursera in partnership with University of Illinois, you’ll be able to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory to real-word problems, and you’ll know how to analyze a problem and identify the computing requirements appropriate to its solution. You’ll also possess the skills to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program, and apply design and development principles to construct software systems of varying complexity.

Career Outcomes

Students love that they can apply their learning immediately at their current job.

A 2016 McKinsey & Company study predicts that there will be a shortfall of nearly 250,000 data scientists by 2024, even after estimating a 7% per year increase in data science graduates.

Business Insider cites being a data scientist as the highest paying job for college graduates at $95,000 per year. PayScale indicates that the average salary of an MCS degree-holder is about $18,000 more than those who only hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science. And the projected 5-year growth for salaries ranges from 14 to 28%.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Architecture, Compilers, and Parallel Computing

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Database and Information Systems

Formal Methods, Programming Languages, and Software Engineering

Graphics, Visualization, and Interactive Computing

Systems and Networking

Scientific Computing

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-30 00:00:00

More details

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

Language

English

Credits

32 alternative credits

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Mountain View, United States

Disciplines

Computer Sciences Software Engineering Machine Learning View 257 other Masters in Computer Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.2

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

An eligible bachelor's degree

3.2 or higher undergraduate GPA (from the last two years of bachelor's degree coursework)

A strong background in object-oriented computer programming, data structures, and algorithms (this should include a "data structures" course or comparable experience). If you do not have graded and transcripted prerequisite CS coursework in these areas, but have at least a 3.2 GPA and 4-5 years of relevant CS experience, consider enrolling in our Accelerated Computer Science Fundamentals Specialization. This series of courses is designed to help you prepare for the Data Structures Proficiency Exam, which can strengthen your application for admission. Admission preference is still given to those who have prerequisite coursework on their transcript.

Not already completed a graduate degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related field

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21440 USD / year

≈ 21440 USD / year
Out-of-State

21440 USD / year

≈ 21440 USD / year

Additional Details

Tuition: $670 per credit hour, for a total of $21,440 for the complete 32 credit hour degree.

Funding

The Department of Computer Science does not offer research or teaching assistantships to students enrolled in online programs such as the Online MCS. However, the Online MCS program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and enrolled students are eligible for financial assistance.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Computer Science (Featuring Data Science Track).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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