• On-Campus Component
    Yes
  • Cost
    $1,665.00 per credit (part-time)*
  • Total Credits
    31
  • Credential
    Graduate Degree
  • Admission GPA
    3.25
  • Application Deadlines
    March 1 for fall
  • Campus
    Twin Cities
  • College
    College of Science and Engineering

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) graduate program offers coursework across a broad spectrum of theoretical and applied computer science, combined with research opportunities in nearly all areas of the field.

Degree Options

The degree has three tracks: Plan A, a thesis-based degree; Plan B, a project-based degree; and Plan C, a coursework-only degree. Students completing all coursework for the MSCS through UNITE typically opt for the Plan C Coursework-Only option. Each track has a separate set of requirements, though the general structure remains the same.

To read more about the different tracks, visit the program website.

Course Delivery

Online courses for this program are offered through the College of Science and Engineering’s UNITE Distributed Learning office. Please note that synchronous events (exams, quizzes, presentations) may be required, depending on course or instructor.

UNITE Student and Faculty Engagement office will coordinate and verify local proctors for exams and quizzes for students so that students do not travel to campus. UNITE staff will also work with students when synchronous presentations are required.

Students may combine courses taken through UNITE with on-campus courses toward their degree, if desired.

* NOTE: Nonresidents enrolled in UNITE-offered sections of courses pay the resident tuition rate as long as they are not enrolled in on-campus sections in the same semester.

* While a number of courses in Computer Science are offered through UNITE, the department cannot guarantee the degree can be completed fully online. Please contact the department to discuss options further.

Sample Courses

Here is just a sampling of the courses you might take in this program:

  • CSCI 5471 – Modern Cryptography (3 cr)
  • CSCI 5611 – Animation & Planning in Games (3 cr)
  • CSCI 5161 – Introduction to Compilers (3 cr)
  • CSCI 5231 – Wireless and Sensor Networks (3 cr)
  • CSCI 5302 – Analysis of Numerical Algorithms (3 cr)
  • CSCI 5304 – Computational Aspects of Matrix Theory (3 cr)

Online Catalog

Registering for UNITE Courses

Enroll in classes through UNITE Faculty and Student Engagement, not the University's One Stop registration site. The UNITE sections of courses appear as "closed" sections in the One Stop system. UNITE is an educational unit with the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

Career Opportunities

College of Science and Engineering (CSE) students are well prepared for industry positions, competitive graduate programs, and academic positions. Following graduation, CSE graduates are heavily recruited by prominent technology companies and go on to do stellar work, both locally and nationally. As the field of computing plays an increasingly major role in practically all disciplines, the demand for well-trained employees is only expected to grow.

Computer science graduates have found jobs at:

  • Amazon
  • Apple, Inc.
  • C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
  • Dell Compellent
  • Epic
  • General Mills
  • Google
  • IBM
  • Intel Corporation
  • Medtronic
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Open Systems International, Inc.
  • Oracle
  • Securian Financial Group
  • Target Corporation
  • Thomson Reuters
  • Travelers

Visit the CSE Career Services website for more information or to take advantage of their resources.

Tuition Information

In addition to the per credit tuition of $1,539.00, other fees apply (including a UNITE fee of $100 per credit and CSE Collegiate fees).

Please visit OneStop Student Services for more information.