Student Resources

Course Registration

Registration Overview

Registration for the upcoming quarter starts during Week 8 of the current quarter. In Week 5, MPCS provides a pre-registration period where requests are reviewed and approved based on class limits and prerequisites, with waitlists potentially created for high-demand classes. Once the registration period opens, students can use the MPCS Course Registration Form to request adding or dropping courses.

To take courses outside of MPCS, students must obtain approval using the  MPCS Student Course Request Form. Approved students can independently register for graduate-level courses, while MPCS Administration will handle registration for undergraduate-level CMSC classes. Booth administration will register students directly. Students should verify if the external course requires instructor approval or has specific prerequisites.

Registration Timeline

  • Week 1: Make changes to your registration and request to enroll in external classes. Waitlisted students will be contacted as spots become available.
  • Week 2: Finalize your course selections. Add courses from waitlists with instructor approval and attendance.
  • Week 3: This is the last opportunity to drop classes for a 100% tuition refund. If you drop your only class, you will be responsible for the Student Service fee.
  • Weeks 4 – 10: No additions allowed. Dropping a class incurs 100% tuition responsibility and results in a “W” on your transcript. Ensure you drop classes before final exams or project due dates.

View the Student Registration Dates and Deadlines through the University of Chicago Registrar’s Office.

Not Registering for a Quarter: Request term-deactivation to waive the Student Service Fee. Your ID access will be deactivated during the quarter but will be reactivated upon future registration.

Registration Overview for Non-MPCS Students

The Masters Program in Computer Science (MPCS) permits external students to enroll in MPCS classes with prior approval from MPCS administration. Approved non-MPCS student requests may register for up to two MPCS classes. Requests for more than two courses will not be granted. Please note that auditing MPCS classes is not permitted.

External Student Course Request Process
  • Submit Course Requests: Complete all requests using the MPCS Course Request Form. Late submissions will not be considered. The request form for Autumn 2024 will be available starting in September.
  • Available Classes: Only the classes listed on the request form are available to external students. If a class is not listed, it is not open for registration.
  • Prerequisites and Placement Exams: MPCS classes have strict prerequisites. If Core Programming is required, you must pass the Programming Placement Exam. If Discrete Math is required, you must pass the Math Placement Exam. Each placement exam can be taken only once.
    • If you have previously completed CMSC classes, your coursework will be reviewed, and some classes may exempt you from the placement exam requirements.
  • Approval and Enrollment: You will be notified of your approval status and any necessary exams after your request is reviewed. Approval is contingent on class availability after the primary registration period.
  • Class Registration: External students may not register or attend classes without prior approval from MPCS administration. Seat availability may vary due to enrollment of MPCS students, classroom capacity, and instructor preferences.
MPCS Course Request Form for Non-MPCS Students

Course Request Form

Note: Bx/MS, CAPP, and MACSS students should choose their courses through the MPCS Pre-Registration Survey or enroll in approved classes during the open registration periods.

Important Notes
  • Auditing: MPCS does not allow auditing of classes. You must be officially registered to attend and access course materials. Unauthorized attendance or access is not permitted.
  • Eligibility: Students not enrolled in a degree program at the University of Chicago are ineligible to attend or take MPCS classes.
  • Instructor Contact: Do not contact instructors directly regarding enrollment. All permissions must be granted by MPCS administration.
  • Credit for Courses: MPCS courses taken before officially joining the program do not count towards your degree requirements. While you will not need to repeat passed courses, you must complete the required number of courses to graduate.

For further details, please follow the guidelines and use the appropriate forms provided by MPCS administration.

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