Academics / Masters Programs

MPCS GRE/GMAT Requirement

Admission to the MPCS is highly competitive, and GRE/GMAT scores are a valuable part of our application evaluation. We use the GRE/GMAT scores to help us determine an applicant’s ability to manage the academic rigor of the MPCS program, specifically in terms of its quantitative coursework. We use these scores in combination with previous academic coursework and any professional experience to review applications holistically. For this reason, GRE/GMAT scores are always recommended, especially if your background does not include technical or quantitive coursework.

MPCS GRE/GMAT Information

GRE/GMAT Requirements to MPCS programs for AY 2024-25

  • Full-Time MS in CS 9-Course Program and Full-Time MS in CS 12-Course Specialization Program: All applicants must submit official GRE/GMAT scores or submit a waiver request based on the waiver criteria listed below.
  • Pre-Doctoral MS in CS Program: All applicants must submit official GRE/GMAT scores or submit a waiver request based on the waiver criteria listed below.
  • Part-time MS in CS Program: GRE/GMAT scores are recommended, but NOT required. Due to the rigorous nature of our coursework, if your background does not contain technical or quantitative coursework, we strongly recommend submitting scores with your application.
  • Joint MBA/MPCS Program: GRE/GMAT test scores are required for all applicants to the Joint MBA/MPCS Program.

GRE/GMAT Waiver Criteria

1: Qualifying Professional Experience. At the time of application submission, applicants must indicate in their work history and on their resume that they have completed five or more years of full-time professional work experience.

  • Professional work experience is defined as any work after completion of a bachelor’s degree. Work experience can be in any field, it does not necessarily need to be in an area of technology.

  • Five or more years are calculated as the time between completion of bachelor’s degree and the date of application submission.

2. Qualifying Education:

  • If you have earned a PhD in one of the following areas: Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or other rigorous mathematical areas, with a GPA of at least a 3.5.

  • If you are a current UChicago undergraduate student or recent graduate (within the past 5 years) with a major or minor in Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics. We will also consider undergraduate majors in other areas as long as you have completed completed CMSC 122, 142, 152, 162 or CMSC 27100/27130 Discrete Math with a quality grade.

GRE/GMAT Waiver Request Form

If you meet the above mentioned GRE/GMAT waiver criteria, please fill out the GRE/GMAT waiver request. You will receive a decision back within 5 – 7 business days.

Please DO NOT fill out the GRE/GMAT Waiver request if you are a part-time applicant. Scores are not required for part-time applicants. 

MPCS GRE/GMAT Waiver Request Form

GRE/GMAT Scores for Admitted Applicants

Due to the highly rigorous, quantitative nature of our coursework, we expect the quantitative sections of these exams to showcase an applicant’s strong quantitative profile. Successful applicants to the program have received scores in the following ranges on the quantitative sections of each exam:

GRE Quantitative: 80th percentile and above

GMAT Quantitative: 70th percentile and above

If you take the exam more than once, we will look at your highest score for each section. We do not look at a total score. GRE Subject Test scores are not required.

GRE/GMAT University Codes

Please have all official score reports sent to the following University codes:

[For the GRE] The University of Chicago’s school code is: 1832.

[For the GMAT] The University of Chicago – Masters Program in Computer Science’s code is: H9x-WG-56.

Please note, if your GRE or GMAT score has expired, it is no longer valid and will not be accepted as an official test score.