Academics / Masters Programs

About MPCS

Our mission is to provide students a deep foundation in computer science and the essentials skills required for a successful career in technology. Our rigorous curriculum covers theory, programming, and applications. Graduates of the MPCS are in demand by top companies for their ability to contribute immediately in technically challenging roles as well as to adapt quickly to rapidly evolving technologies.

Our coursework represents a realistic balance between the foundation courses (e.g. programming languages, algorithms, databases, computer systems, etc.) and the applied courses (e.g. application development, machine learning, data analytics, etc.).

We challenge our students to think creatively by enhancing the learning experience with technical projects.As a graduate student at one of the world’s premier universities, you will be a member of a unique and distinguished intellectual community and enjoy the many benefits of academic life that the University of Chicago offers.

General Information about the Masters Program in Computer Science

Fast Facts about the MPCS

General Details 

  • All MPCS classes meet on the University of Chicago’s main campus in Hyde Park.
  • Core classes are offered during the day for full-time students and in the evening for part-time students. All elective classes meet once a week @ 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Small class size:  Core Courses 40+ students; electives 20 students
  • 310 active MPCS students

Student Body Demographics 

  • 75% Full-time (taking 3 classes/quarter); 25% Part-time (taking 1-2 classes/quarter);
  • 35% Female students
  • 55% International students
  • 40% have undergraduate CS major or minor degrees
  • 30% have no previous CS background
  • Average of 5+ years of work experience; 25% straight from undergrad
  • 15% have other graduate degrees (MBA, MS/PhD in Fin Math, Chemistry, Physics, etc)
  • Average Student Age: 26
  • Program Retention Rate: 95%
  • Full time students can complete the 9-course degree in 1 year; Part-time students usually finish within 18 months to 2 years.
  • Average GRE scores for admitted students: upper 20th percentile in the quantitative section and upper 50th percentile in the verbal section
  • 60% of graduates are employed in software development/engineering; other areas with significant alumni are technology product management, FinTech, data analysis and research.
  • Over 60% of our alumni work in technology companies, 25% are in finance/trading companies, with others mainly in research organizations/universities, healthcare and technology consulting.
  • 50% of our Full-Time Program graduates are employed on the West Coast, 15% on the East Coast, 30% stay in Chicago, and the rest take jobs outside of the United States.
  • 70% of our Part-Time Program graduates stay in Chicago, with 20% of our students heading to the West Coast or the East Coast, and the rest  take jobs outside of the United States.

Teaching Opportunities

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.

Clinical Appointments

  • No positions available at this time. Please check back for future job announcements.

Adjunct Faculty Appointments

Directions & Parking

The Masters Program in Computer Science is located at the University of Chicago Hyde Park Campus.

Administrative Offices:
John Crerar Library (3rd Floor)
5730 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637

Crerar Building Directory:
Sneha Alagappan – 360A
Josh Blackwood – 360A
Pauline Condiff – 300
Karin Czaplewski – 328
Miranda Peterson – 360A
Lamont Samuels – 398D
Borja Sotomayor – 209
Molly Stoner – 348

Parking:
The University’s Campus North Parking Lot on S Ellis Ave and 55th is the closest parking structure to Crerar.