• On-Campus Component
    Yes
  • Cost
    $1,665.00 per credit (part-time)*
  • Total Credits
    31
  • Credential
    Graduate Degree
  • Admission GPA
    3.00
  • Application Deadlines
    March 1 for fall
  • Campus
    Twin Cities
  • College
    College of Science and Engineering

The Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a coursework-only degree. Most applicants are more focused on expanding their skills than on the research aspects of computer science. Many MCS students are currently working in industry in the United States and have been out of school for some time. Throughout your career as an MCS student you will receive support from your academic advisors, peer and research groups, departmental program administrator, and a number of individuals across campus who work to best facilitate your progress.

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/instructor.

UNITE Student and Faculty Engagement office will coordinate and verify local proctors for exams/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

This degree requires 31 major credits. Here is just a sampling of the courses you might take:

  • 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 Outlook

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 students 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.