M.S. in Computer Science

1. Academic Qualifications:

• A completed undergraduate degree: International postgraduate applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.  
• Minimum GPA: UIS typically requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.  

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 is required, with no individual band score below 5.5.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 79 is required.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 50 is accepted.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105 is accepted.

The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is dedicated to supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. To make education more accessible, UIS offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to eligible international students. 

1. International Student Scholarships: UIS provides merit-based scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. The availability and amount of these scholarships may vary each year.

2. CBA International Student Scholarships: The College of Business and Management (CBA) at UIS offers scholarships for international students pursuing business-related degrees. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover a portion of tuition costs.

3. UIS Foundation Scholarships: The UIS Foundation offers a range of scholarships for both domestic and international students. These scholarships may be based on various criteria, including academic performance, leadership, and financial need. International students are encouraged to explore and apply for these opportunities.

4. Graduate Assistantships: UIS offers graduate assistantship positions that provide students with a stipend and often include a tuition waiver. Graduate assistantships involve assisting professors with research, teaching, or administrative tasks. These positions are available in various academic departments.

5. External Scholarships: UIS encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from organizations, foundations, and government agencies in their home countries. These scholarships can help fund their education at UIS.

6. Fulbright Program: UIS participates in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships for international students pursuing graduate degrees in the United States. Eligibility and application procedures for the Fulbright Program can be found on the official Fulbright website.

7. Assistantship Opportunities: Apart from graduate assistantships, international students may find part-time employment opportunities on campus, which can help offset living expenses while gaining valuable work experience.

8. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at UIS may offer scholarships or assistantships specific to their programs. These opportunities can vary widely, so students should inquire within their respective departments.

It's important for international students to review the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and requirements for each scholarship opportunity. UIS encourages early applications and ensures transparency in the scholarship selection process.

To apply for scholarships at UIS, international students typically need to complete the scholarship application form and provide supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Additionally, demonstrating English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS may be required.

Graduates of the M.S. in Computer Science program at the University of Illinois Springfield are well-prepared for a multitude of rewarding career opportunities in the ever-evolving field of computer science.  

1. Software Developers and Engineers: Graduates can work as software developers and engineers, designing, coding, and testing software applications for various industries.

2. Data Scientists: With a strong foundation in data analysis and machine learning, graduates can pursue careers as data scientists, extracting valuable insights from large datasets.

3. Cybersecurity Specialists: The program equips students with knowledge of cybersecurity principles, making them well-suited for roles as cybersecurity analysts, ensuring the security of digital systems and data.

4. AI and Machine Learning Engineers: For those interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning, careers as AI engineers or machine learning engineers involve developing intelligent systems and algorithms.

5. Systems Architects: Graduates may choose to become systems architects, responsible for designing and implementing complex computer systems and networks.

6. Database Administrators: Database administrators manage and maintain databases, ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval.

7. IT Managers: With leadership and technical skills, some alumni may pursue roles as IT managers or directors, overseeing technology initiatives within organizations.

8. Research Scientists: Graduates interested in research can pursue roles as research scientists in academia, industry, or research institutions.

9. Consultants: Computer science consultants provide expertise to organizations, helping them make informed technology decisions and optimize their systems.

10. Academia: Some graduates may decide to continue their education and pursue doctoral studies, leading to careers in academia and research.