Overview

Area(s) of Emphasis:

Data Analytics

Graphics and Visualizations

High Performance Computing

Bioinformatics

Students must obtain prior departmental approval to apply courses not offered by the Department of Computer Science to their programs of study. No more than 8 credit hours may be taken outside the Department of Computer Science.

For admission to the master’s program in computer science, students must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field. Students without such a background may also be admitted, but may be required to take deficiency courses and earn a grade of B or higher in each. Deficiencies should be resolved in the first year and do not normally carry graduate credit toward the degree.

Students pursuing the M.S. in Computer Science must complete at least 31 semester hours. Students have the option of completing the M.S. degree in computer science by taking only courses or by combining course work with a master’s thesis. For students who write a master’s thesis, 6 semester hours of CSCI 699 will count as two of the ten courses required.

Students who are planning to continue their studies through the department’s doctoral program must choose the thesis option. Students who write a master’s thesis, may receive credit for up to 6 semester hours of CSCI 699.

A program of study designed by the student and the adviser must be approved by the Department of Computer Science.

Why NIU?

Each year, Northern Illinois University welcomes more than 5,000 graduate students from around the world to our vibrant community. We invite you to join us. Explore our wide range of graduate degrees and certificates. Our programs will advance your education and your career, and you'll have outstanding opportunities for research, innovation and hands-on learning.

Our university and individual programs of study rank nationally year after year. NIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies NIU as a High Research Activity University.

Programme Structure

Courses:

Database Concepts

Theory of Computation

Big Data Analytics

Artificial Intelligence

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

31 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Computer Sciences Web Technologies & Cloud Computing Bioinformatics & Biostatistics View 909 other Masters in Computer Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

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

15205 USD / year

≈ 15205 USD / year
Out-of-State

9191 USD / year

≈ 9191 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9191 USD / year

≈ 9191 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 938.99 per credit
Local: 569.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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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.

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

About

Overview

Why NIU?

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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