Admissions
Application Requirements
The application requirements listed below apply to the MPCS 9-course and 12-course Master of Science in Computer Science programs. Applicants to the additional MPCS programs should refer to their respective academic program pages.
The application process is completed entirely online. All materials should be submitted electronically through the online application; we do not accept additional materials or documents sent on paper.
Application for Admissions
A completed application for admission must be submitted prior to the posted deadlines to be considered for the desired term of entry. Applicants will create an account and submit their application through the Physical Sciences Division.
Application Fee
An application fee of $90 is required and non-refundable. Applicants may qualify for specific fee waivers. For all questions regarding fee waivers, please refer to the Physical Sciences Division fee waiver policy.
Unofficial Academic Transcripts
Applicants must submit unofficial academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, regardless of whether a degree was awarded. If study abroad credit appears on the transcript where the degree was conferred, no additional transcript from the study abroad institution is needed.
Official transcripts are only required from degree-granting institutions for students who accept an offer of admission. Any significant discrepancies between the official transcript and the submitted copy may result in the rescinding of the admission offer.
All applicants are expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
Short Essay Questions
The application for admission includes three short essay questions (250 words or less) for the admissions committee to better understand you as an applicant. These questions include:
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- Please describe any programming experience you have, including the languages used and your level of experience with each. You may list coursework completed, work experience in a specific technology, self-directed projects, learnings or interests.
- Describe your background in advanced mathematics, including any coursework in Discrete Mathematics and Algorithms. Include details of any other significant mathematical or quantitative courses and relevant work experience that showcases your quantitative ability.
- Describe any past internship, research or work experience that was technical or professional in nature. Include specific technologies, tools, or methodologies you used, and what you learned from these experiences.
Additionally, the application will ask for immediate and long-term career goals (250 characters or less):
- What is your immediate post-MPCS-degree career goal? (250 characters max)
- What is your long-term post-MPCS-degree career goal? (250 characters max)
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applicants must submit a current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) that provides a comprehensive overview of their educational background, work experience, and any relevant skills or accomplishments.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. Letters can be academic or professional. We do not have any specific prompts that must be answered in your letters. We suggest your letters speak to your technical/quantitative experience.
Letters should be on letterhead from your recommender’s university or place of employment, and come directly from your recommender’s university/professional email address.
Your application will not be reviewed until both letters of recommendation are submitted.
Standardized Test Scores (GRE/GMAT)
Starting with the Autumn 2025 application cycle, the University of Chicago’s Masters Program in Computer Science will adopt a test-optional policy.
For applicants without an academic background in computer science, mathematics, or related disciplines, or lacking relevant quantitative or technical work experience, it is strongly recommended to submit GRE or GMAT scores. These standardized tests provide additional insights into quantitative aptitude. However, if other aspects of the application better represent potential, it is acceptable to apply without these scores.
Sending Official Score Reports
- GRE: Use University of Chicago’s school code: 1832.
- GMAT: Use University of Chicago – Masters Program in Computer Science’s code: H9x-WG-56.
Note: Expired GRE or GMAT scores will not be accepted.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants, regardless of citizenship, must either meet one of the English language waiver criteria or submit proof of English language proficiency. If you meet the criteria for a waiver, the application system will automatically apply the waiver, and will not require you to report a TOEFL/IELTS score.
Applicants required to submit proof of English proficiency may do so by submitting a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam score or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic exam score, For more information, please review the University of Chicago GRAD’s Proof of English Proficiency Requirement.