Accredited computer science degree programs in Illinois are a growing necessity in the state as recent reports show that the Illinois technology industry grew almost two percent in 2012, higher than the national rate for technology growth.  Illinois has been named the eighth largest cyberstate since 2009. Technology workers earn higher salary rates than other private-sector workers, with an average annual wage in Illinois of $87,223, compared to $50,823 for non-technical positions. The increase in technology-related positions in the state have made accredited computer science degree programs in Illinois increasingly important as colleges create a well-trained workforce for employers. To see more accredited computer science degree programs in Illinois, visit Computer Science Degree Programs in Illinois (A-S).

University of Illinois at Chicago

College of Engineering

There is a long history of engineering education at the University of Illinois, and the tradition continues at the College of Engineering on today’s campus. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in:

  • Bioengineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil and Materials Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

The college has an enrollment of approximately 3,600 students attending from areas around the world. Because the University of Illinois Chicago is located close to many multinational and technical leaders in the industry, the College of Engineering provides students with networking opportunities as well as industry leaders who are part of the faculty.

CS Minor

Students may choose a Computer Science minor as a way to gain a deeper understanding of computing technology and to enhance their qualifications in the job market. The minor includes a core set of requirements that provide a solid understanding of fundamental computer technology. The minor may be personalized by choosing an additional elective. Electives include:

  • Computer game design
  • Database systems
  • Software design
  • Visualization
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer hardware organization
  • Graphics

BS in Computer Science

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that prepares students for careers in the relatively young discipline. The program offers a broad background in computer science that contains a strong theoretical component. There is special emphasis placed on applied skills in design, implementation and validation of computer systems. Students gain a common background in computer science, systems, organization, architecture and other aspects of the industry. Students develop an understanding that computer science exists in every industry and that the computer scientist must understand the diversity of each industry in order to apply computer skills properly. Students may choose from three concentrations:

  • Computer Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Human-centered Computing

Computer Science Master of Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of Illinois Chicago places special emphasis on areas of artificial intelligence, computational biology, databases, and other aspects of the human-computer interaction. The university offers several specialized research laboratories with over 300 workstations and servers along with an extensive array of multimedia equipment. Students must have a Bachelor’s level degree in computer science or computer engineering, although outstanding candidates with other degrees and coursework in computer science may also be accepted. Students must have a 3.50 GPA and an acceptable GRE score. Two letters of recommendation and a personal statement are also required. There are a minimum of 36 semester hours required to obtain the degree. Thesis students must earn eight hours in CS 598. Project students must earn four hours in CS 597. Coursework students must earn all 36 hours from the coursework described in the course catalog.

Computer Science Doctor of Philosophy

University of Illinois Chicago offers a Doctor of Philosophy in computer science that is designed for students who have received a Master of Science degree in computer science or a closely related field who desire more in-depth knowledge in technology. Graduates are often employed in commercial or industrial research, as well as becoming faculty members in Computer Science departments throughout the world.

Accreditation

  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

Contact

Minor
Department of Computer Science
851 South Morgan (M/C 152)
Room 1120 SEO
Chicago, IL 60607-7053
Telephone: 312-996-3422
Email: ugrad@cs.uic.edu
Website: http://www.cs.uic.edu/main/computerscienceminor

Undergraduate
Department of Computer Science
851 South Morgan (M/C 152)
Room 1120 SEO
Chicago, IL 60607-7053
Telephone: 312-996-3422
Email: ugrad@cs.uic.edu
Website: http://www.uic.edu/ucat/catalog/LAMSCS.shtml#1

Graduate
Department of Computer Science (MC 152)
851 South Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60607-7053
Telephone: 312-996-2290 or 312-413-4950
Email: grad@cs.uic.edu
Website: http://www.cs.uic.edu/bin/view/main/graduateprograms#phd

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

College of Engineering

The College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the Top Five engineering programs in the world, with students that attend from around the world. The college offers a top-notch faculty, a student body that is diverse and alumni that have become leaders in their field. Programs at the College of Engineering focus on collaboration, innovation and excellence.

CS Minor

Any undergraduate student, except for those in Computer Engineering, may pursue a minor in Computer Science. Students must take:

  • Intro to Computer Science or Intro to Computing Systems
  • Discrete Structures or Basic Discrete Structures
  • Data Structures

In addition, students must choose three additional courses from the following list:

  • Computer Special Topics
  • System Programming or Computer Systems Engineering
  • Numerical Methods
  • Theory of Computation

To pursue the computer science minor, students must complete a Statement of Intent to Pursue a Campus-Approved Minor form.

CS in the College of Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science through the Department of Engineering is designed for students who want a broad, deep knowledge of digital computer theory, design and applications. For the first two years, students work in math and physics while getting introduction to the fundamental areas of computer science. Basic computer science and electives are completed in the third year to broaden the student’s academic background. During the fourth year, students are encouraged to gain a deeper understanding of specific topics in which the student has a strong interest.

CS + X

The CS + X program is a new family of degrees at the University of Illinois that represents a unique partnership between the College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program allows students the flexibility of study incorporating a strong grounding in computer science with training in the arts and sciences. The program is designed to provide students with an understanding of how computing affects every industry. From designing methods for high-frequency trading to internet communication and embedded real-time systems used for medical devices, employees with a background in computer science are very beneficial to almost every industry. Currently, the programs approved in combination with the CS + X program are:

  • Anthropology
  • Astronomy
  • Chemistry
  • Linguistics

BS-MS 5-Year Program

The University of Illinois offers a 5-year program that combines two degrees – a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Master of Science (with thesis) in Computer Science. The program is competitive and admission is based on overall academic performance, letters or recommendation and statement of purpose. Current juniors enrolled in the College of Engineering with superior academic performance are eligible to apply for the program. Students who successfully complete the program receive both degrees. Transfer students who are also in their junior year may apply for the program as well.

Master of Science, Computer Science (MS w/thesis) Degree Requirements

The University of Illinois offers a Master’s in Computer Science that requires 32 credit hours, which includes four hours of thesis research. A minimum of 16 Computer Science credit hours must be taken at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus and students must have a minimum of 12 500-level credit hours overall. Students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA and each student must secure a thesis advisor and begin research no later than the beginning of the third semester in the program. Degree requirements must be completed within five consecutive fall and spring semesters.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (Ph.D.)

Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science with an approved Master’s Degree must complete 64 credit hours, and 32 hours must be in Thesis Research. Students entering the program with a Bachelor’s degree must complete 96 credit hours with 32 hours of Thesis Research. Independent Study and Seminar may not be applied to 500-level coursework required for the degree. By the end of the fifth year, students must complete a teaching assistantship and receive a satisfactory performance evaluation. Students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA. Ph.D. examination and dissertation requirements include:

  • Qualifying Examination
  • Preliminary Examination
  • Final Examination or Dissertation Defense
  • Dissertation Deposit

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission

Contact

Undergraduate
CS Academic Office
1210 Seibel Center
201 North Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801-2302
Telephone: 217-333-4428
Email: undergrad@cs.uiuc.edu
Website: http://cs.illinois.edu/prospective-students/undergraduates

Graduate
Department of Computer Science
201 North Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801-2302
Telephone: 217-333-4197
Email: admissions@cs.illinois.edu
Website: http://cs.illinois.edu/prospective-students/graduate-students

As technology jobs increase throughout the state of Illinois, there will be additional need for employees with strong computer science skills. Students who enter accredited computer science degree programs in Illinois will have a greater chance of success upon completing their degree as computer skills will become increasingly necessary in all types of industries.