MPCS FAQs

The MPCS is unique among top CS programs in that we do not require an undergraduate background in computer science. Students join our program with a wide variety of backgrounds.

The MPCS is highly competitive and highly quantitative in nature, and as such, during the application review process, we look for evidence of strong quantitative abilities in the form of previous coursework and GRE/GMAT quantitative scores. While we do not have a minimum GPA requirement or minimum GRE/GMAT test score requirement, successful applicants to the MPCS have demonstrated strong quantitative ability with scores on the quantitative section of the exam above the 80th percentile.

If you wish to add new material, such as grades from a recent semester or quarter, you may do so by uploading them through the “Other Miscellaneous Documents” section of your online account. If you have submitted erroneous information, or if you believe there has been a technical or formatting error that occurred during your application’s submission, please contact us directly.

Test scores can take up to 7-10 business days (and sometimes longer) to reach us after you submit them. Please be patient. If you believe your test scores have already been received by the university and should have been verified, please contact UChicago GRAD at gradadmissions@uchicago.edu

Please include in the email: your reference number and any information you have regarding how/when the official score was sent. For the GRE and TOEFL, the batch number from ETS is usually helpful, as is information on any possible mismatches in how your name, email address, or other data may appear between your application account and your test scores. For the IELTS, we will need the TRF code.

If you are using a letter service to submit letters of recommendation, such as Interfolio, that should work fine so long as you are using a verified service. Please note that they must be able to be verified as coming directly from the recommender, and you must rescind your right to view the letters before they are sent.

The MPCS does not have a minimum GPA requirement — stronger emphasis is placed on the quantitative GRE/GMAT score and individual grades in quantitative classes, rather than a cumulative GPA.

No. You can only apply to one MPCS Program of Study at a time. Applications to the Pre-Doctoral program WILL NOT be reviewed for the MS in Computer Science program. If you apply to both programs, only the Pre-Doc application will be reviewed. If you apply to the Pre-Doc program in Round 1 and are not admitted, you can apply to the MS in Computer Science Full-Time program in Round 2.

You will receive your admissions decision by the Notification date listed on the Application Deadlines page.

You may also check your application status via the online application system.

Decisions made by the admissions committee are final and not subject to appeal or revision.

If you are denied during the Round 1 application deadline, you may not re-apply for the Round 2 application deadline. If you are denied during any application deadline, you must wait until the next application year to submit a new application.

The key to getting the most out of your time commitment is to choose between full-time and part-time options depending on your other obligations. The full-time program allows a student to complete the program within one year, while the part-time program gives more flexibility for working students.

Full-time students are able to complete the 9-course MS in 9 months and the 12-course MS in 15 months.

The part-time program can be completed at your own pace, with most students completing the program within 18 months to 2 years.

Students can choose to apply to the MPCS as a full-time or a part-time student. A full-time course load is three (3) classes per quarter. Part-time is one-two (1-2) classes per quarter. Changes to enrollment status need to be approved by the MPCS administration.

Please note: Students who will require a student visa to study at any point during thier time in the MPCS must apply to the full-time program and must maintain a full-time course load of at least three (3) classes per quarter. Part-time students are not eligible for a student visa.

All TA/RA positions are reserved for students in the PhD program.

Tuition for the Masters Program in Computer Science is $6,593 USD per course for the 2023-24 academic year.

Please consult The University of Chicago’s Bursars Office  for complete tuition information.

MPCS courses are held on the main campus of the University of Chicago located in Hyde Park, approximately eight (8) miles south of downtown Chicago.

Unless specifically noted on the course schedule, most classes meet once per week from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.

The MPCS does not allow the transfer of credits from any other graduate program.

The MPCS offers very a limited number of merit-based, partial-tuition scholarships, and no full-tuition scholarships. Students are automatically considered for scholarships at the time of admission and there is not a separate application to be considered. The majority of funds in the CS Department are reserved for CS PhD Students. Any students interested in need based financial aid can contact the UChicago Grad Financial Aid Office.

The Student Loan Administration has some helpful information regarding the cost of attendance and living in Chicago during your graduate study. We encourage all international students to investigate outside sources of aid, including programs within their home nation, as well as organizations such as EducationUSA  the Institute of International Education  and International Education Financial Aid.

Further information about educational funding can be found here.

Students completing the program earn a Master of Science in Computer Science. The degree is awarded by the University of Chicago through the Division of Physical Sciences, Department of Computer Science.

The 12-course program is designed for students who are interested in seeking further specialization beyond our regular 9-course program. Students in the 12-course program can take additional classes in one of the following five specializations:

• Application Development
• Data Analytics
• High Performance Computing
• Software Engineering

The additional specialization will offer a stronger professional skill set and the opportunity for an internship or research project.

As part of the MPCS degree, students may request to take the following types of classes outside of the MPCS:

• Coursework in the CS department, such as upper undergraduate level (20000) and PhD level (30000) classes.
• Up to two (2) courses from non-CS PSD graduate level courses or courses from other graduate divisions and schools (e.g., Booth School of Business).

No previous coursework prior to entering the program will be considered towards your degree.

Please refer to the Courses outside the MPCS policy.

Graduate programs in computer science can either be theory-focused or skills-focused. Theory is meant for students interested in research. Skills-focused is designed for students interested in a professional career in the field. University of Chicago’s Masters Program in Computer Science is highly skills-focused.

For a person interested in a computer science career it is important to select a program that focuses on a wide range of applied skills. The MPCS curriculum represents a realistic balance between the foundation courses and the applied courses. We are always adding new and innovative courses to keep up with the fast-paced world of IT, including courses in Software Engineering, Big Data, Data Analytics, High Performance Computing, Information Security, Application Development, Web Development and Cloud Computing.

The courses, projects, tech talks and student organizations are all designed to truly develop what is needed to succeed in the workplace. Employers are interested in demonstrated knowledge and skills. Our program helps you meet the needs of the workforce, no matter your background, by developing hard computer science skills with an advanced education degree.

Yes, the MPCS MS in Computer Science degree does qualify for the OPT STEM extension.

Please see our GRE/GMAT Requirement page.

In order to waive the English language requirement, you must satisfy the criteria listed here. If you do not meet the criteria for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver, official scores will be required for you application to the MPCS.

If the academic background included in the Education section of your application fulfills the requirements for a waiver, your TOEFL/IELTS score will automatically be waived on the online application. If your background qualifies for a waiver and you are unable to submit your application, please contact admin-mpcs@lists.uchicago.edu.

The program does not have minimum GRE requirements, however, successful applicants have earned the following scores in the General GRE test:

• Verbal: 50th percentile and above
• Quantitative: 80th percentile and above

​The MPCS requires TOEFL scores to be 100 or above (or IELTS overall score of 7) in order to be eligible for admission to the University of Chicago.

GRE/GMAT is valid for five (5) years.

TOEFL/IELTS is valid for two (2) years.