Program Overview

Computer Science

Overview

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at Illinois State provides students with the knowledge and tools necessary to study important issues in computer science, obtain productive employment, or pursue advanced degrees. The program emphasizes foundational knowledge in computer science and programmatic application of fundamental concepts in leading-edge applications.

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Yongning Tang
Old Union 107

University Admission Requirements

• Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
• Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned.
• If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL .
• If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL .

Additional Program Admission Requirements

GPA

• You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of your undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a Master's program.

GRE

• Submit your score from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Revised General Test.
• Admitted students typically meet or exceed Quantitative score of 155, and combined Verbal + Quantitative score of 315.

Computer Science MS GRE Waiver Petition

• Applicants to the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program at Illinois State University may petition to have the GRE requirement waived if they meet one of the following criteria:
  • Successful completion of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline.
  • Demonstrated exceptional academic potential through significant scholarly contributions or professional accomplishments in fields related to information systems or computer science.

Academic Background

• This program requires an undergraduate degree in computer science or closely related areas.
• If you lack sufficient background, you will need to complete fundamental courses before enrolling in the MS Computer Science degree courses.

English Proficiency Score (International Students Only)

• International students must obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 94 (internet-based testing), IELTS of 7 or Duolingo of 115.

Application Deadlines

• Fall (August) Term — May 1
• Spring (January) Term — Currently not accepting application for spring admission.

Graduate Assistantships

• The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support.
• They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

• To be eligible for an assistantship, a student must, generally:
  • Be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program.
  • Be in good-standing.
  • Be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

• Graduate assistants receive:
  • Monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage.
  • A waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment.
  • A waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment.

Costs & Funding

• See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees.
• Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources.
• Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.