University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with programming experience and quantitative coursework in areas like calculus and discrete mathematics.

About This Program

A research-oriented master's degree designed for students seeking advanced technical expertise in computer science or preparation for doctoral-level studies.

Career Outcomes

Excel as AI Research Scientist in Cross-Industry AI with technical AI expertise

• 1. Software Engineer
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. Systems Architect

What You'll Learn

• Design and analyze advanced algorithms for computational efficiency.
• Develop intelligent systems using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.
• Implement scalable software solutions in cloud computing environments.
• Optimize data structures and networks for high-performance computing.

Curriculum Highlights

The program requires coursework across diverse breadth areas, including architecture, AI, and theory, culminating in a required supervised master's thesis.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta.

Admissions

A bachelor's degree in computer science or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with programming experience and quantitative coursework in areas like calculus and discrete mathematics.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)