MCS vs. MSCS – MCS ICS

Compare the MCS and MSCS degrees to see which one is right for you…

	Master of Computer Science (MCS)	Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
Focus	This is a professional program designed for students interested in careers in high-tech industry, business and government related fields.	This is a Master of Science program designed for students interested in: research possible future PhD programs careers in industry or academia
Dedicated Career Counselor	Program offers a dedicated Career Counselor to help prepare students for the workforce	Students have access to the UCI Career Center
Target Student Population	Students interested in professional preparation Those drawn to a shorter time to degree	Research oriented students
Time to Degree	15 month program, Beginning of Fall quarter to end of Fall quarter	5-6 quarters
Units	52 units (13 courses) – see site for course descriptions	Minimum 47 units (14 courses)
Tuition	$52,290 (Regardless of residency) https://mcs.ics.uci.edu/prospective-students/cost-and-financial-aid/	Resident: $5,660.5 per quarter Non-Resident: $10,695 per quarter
Degree	Master of Computer Science	Master of Science
Fellowships	Available to domestic and international students based on academic merit, financial need, and contribution to diversity.	Self-funded
Schedule	Classes and labs offered primarily in late afternoons and evenings	Classes and labs offered throughout day
Exit Exam	3 capstone courses	Thesis or comprehensive exam options
GRE required?	YES	YES
Letter of recommendations	Minimum 3	Minimum 3
TOEFL/ IELTS required?	International students – YES. The minimum TOEFL score is 80. For more information, please see Graduate Division’s English Proficiency site. UCI will only waive the TOEFL requirement for applicants who have completed ALL requirements for a B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the U.S. prior to submitting their application. As an alternative to the TOEFL, you may submit scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).UC Irvine only accepts scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center. An overall score of 7 for admission, with a score of no less than 6 on any individual module.	International students – YES. The minimum TOEFL score is 80. For more information, please see Graduate Division’s English Proficiency site. UCI will only waive the TOEFL requirement for applicants who have completed ALL requirements for a B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the U.S. prior to submitting their application. As an alternative to the TOEFL, you may submit scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).UC Irvine only accepts scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center. An overall score of 7 for admission, with a score of no less than 6 on any individual module.