University of Kansas

What you'll study

The programme builds on core computing principles while emphasising information-centric applications. Students typically take a mix of required core modules and elective courses to tailor their studies to specialisms. Teaching combines lectures, laboratories, seminars and project work.

• Core topics: algorithms and data structures, software engineering, database systems, and research methods for computing.
• Information-focused modules: information retrieval, data management and curation, information architecture and metadata, and human–computer interaction.
• Advanced and elective topics: machine learning and data mining, natural language processing, cybersecurity and privacy, cloud and distributed systems, and visualisation.
• Project or thesis: students choose between a research thesis supervised by a faculty member or an applied master’s project often undertaken in partnership with industry, campus research centres or cross-disciplinary departments.
• Practical experience: coursework emphasises hands-on labs, team software projects, and opportunities to work with real datasets or deploy prototypes. There are also options to engage with interdisciplinary research groups across the university.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, engineering, or a closely related discipline. Where an applicant’s background lacks specific computing prerequisites, the department may require completion of bridging courses or demonstrate competency through prior coursework or professional experience.

• Academic transcript: a transcript showing satisfactory performance in undergraduate study.
• Supporting documents: a personal statement describing academic interests and goals, a current CV, and academic or professional references.
• Test scores: some applicants may be required to submit standardised test scores where applicable; English language proficiency evidence is required for international applicants who do not meet the university’s exemption criteria.
• Experience: relevant professional or research experience can strengthen an application, particularly for applicants shifting from another field.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for a range of technical and information-focused roles across industry, government and research. The combination of computing and information skills is highly transferable and valued in data-driven organisations.

• Data scientist or data engineer
• Software engineer or systems developer
• Information architect, data curator or database administrator
• UX researcher or interaction designer
• Cybersecurity analyst or information assurance specialist
• Research assistant or PhD candidate in computing and information disciplines

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers a collaborative environment with faculty active in areas such as AI, data science, HCI and security, and students can draw on interdisciplinary links across campus. The programme’s balance of theory, hands-on projects and research supervision gives students flexibility to pursue academic research or direct entry into professional practice.

• Access to specialised labs and research centres and opportunities to work with faculty on ongoing projects.
• Options for industry engagement and applied projects that connect students with regional and national employers.
• Support services for graduate students, including career and professional development resources, and a campus community that fosters collaboration across departments.