Preparing students for challenging technology industry careers or world-class faculty positions
The Computer Science Department offers four graduate degree programs: Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy in Informatics, Master of Computer Science and Master of Science in Informatics. Strictly speaking, we also offer a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in CS, but this is only granted along the way to students working towards the Ph.D.
Although each program emphasizes advanced coursework and inquiry in a lively environment, the Doctor of Philosophy degree is a terminal research-oriented degree involving close work with a faculty advisor, and the Master of Computer Science is oriented to serve professional technologists.
Undergrad students at the University of Iowa, getting a B.S. or a B.A. in Computer Science may take advantage of our 5-year B.S.-M.C.S. or B.A.-M.C.S. program. A version of this program is now available to Computer Science students at Grinnell College.
101
Graduate students in Computer Science
35
Graduate students in Informatics
Master of Computer Science
The Master of Computer Science is a course-based program for students who wish to enhance their careers with advanced knowledge of computer science. Students completing their M.C.S. go on to positions in the software industry or to Ph.D. programs.
Learning Outcomes
- an in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of concepts and/or technologies covering a breadth of computer science;
- ability to solve problems in the context of the areas covered;
- a grounding in theoretical aspects of Computer Science; and
- exposure to cutting-edge research.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.
Master of Science in Informatics
The Master of Science in Informatics is a non-research, course-based program for students who wish to enhance their careers with advanced knowledge of informatics. The coursework combines core informatics courses with cognate courses in one of these areas: geoinformatics, health informatics, or human-computer interaction.
Learning Outcomes
- understanding of computational thinking concepts;
- experience in software development;
- expertise in data analytics methods;
- comprehension of and practice applying human-centered computing concepts;
- awareness of professional ethics; and
- domain-specific knowledge and skills related to the cognate area.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science emphasizes preparation for research and teaching in academic settings and for research and development in private, industrial, or government laboratories.
Learning Outcomes
- broad, up-to-date, knowledge of computer science;
- fluency at reading, analyzing, synthesizing, and communicating research;
- thorough understanding of a research area and its major open problems;
- awareness of computing research ethics; and
- performance of original research advancing the state of knowledge in area.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.
Doctor of Philosophy in Informatics
The Doctor of Philosophy in Informatics emphasizes preparation for research, teaching, and scholarly endeavor in academic settings or private, industrial, or governmental laboratories. Students focus on applying informatics research to a field of choice (e.g., health, biology, human-computer interaction, geography, design).
Learning Outcomes
- broad, up-to-date knowledge of informatics topics including computational thinking, software development, data analytics, human-centered computing concepts, and professional ethics;
- domain-specific knowledge and skills related to the field of application of informatics research;
- fluency at reading, analyzing, synthesizing, and communicating research; and
- thorough understanding of relevant research methods and ability to conduct original research that contributes to the field of informatics.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.
Graduate Certificate in Informatics
The graduate certificate in Informatics is designed for students enrolled in graduate degree programs who wish to study informatics as a complement to their degree program and for non-degree students who are interested in increasing their knowledge of informatics.
Complement your degree program
Increase your knowledge of informatics by adding this to any degree program during your studies.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.