Mills offers unique graduate programs for people with bachelor's degrees in other fields who wish to transition into computer science or interdisciplinary work. We believe that knowledge of another discipline and computer science is a powerful combination, allowing our graduates to enrich themselves and the world.

Our Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Computer Science (ICS) program provides students of liberal arts background with knowledge of computer science and how computers interact with many other disciplines, gives students perspective on the strengths and limitations of computers, and suggests what advances are needed in computer science to solve theoretical problems in a variety of fields. The innovative aspect of the program that distinguishes it from other master's programs in computer science is its focus on relating computers to other disciplines where the combination has potential for great impact. We encourage you to view the list of ICS theses, which combine computer science with biology, business, education, music, and many more topics.

We also offer post-baccaulaureate certificate programs focusing exclusive on computer science. There are two tracks: one for students planning to directly enter industry, and one for students who wish to go on for PhDs in computer science. Students from our certificate program have been admitted to top graduate schools, including MIT, University of Washington, University of Virginia, and University of California at San Diego.

Because our students and program are so unique, we encourage prospective students to contact us to discuss their educational goals and whether Mills would be a good match.

More about us:

• Female MIT grads make mark on field, Katie Hafner, New York Times, August 21, 2003. (Discusses MIT grad Ellen Spertus and her direction of the Mills ICS program.)
• From Art to Science, Wall Street Journal, February 5, 2004.
• Transforming non-geeks into computer whizzes, Silicon Valley Biz Ink, December 5, 2003.
• Leveraging an Alternative Source of Computer Scientists: Reentry Programs by Sheila Humphreys and Ellen Spertus. Inroads -- SIGCSE Bulletin (Special Issue on Women and Computing), Vol. 4, No. 2 (June 2002).
• Our students' winning papers in the Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility student essay context:
  • Viruses, Worms and Biodiversity in Computer Systems, Amy Palke, 2003.
  • High-Bandwidth Internet Access: Monopolies or Markets, Stephanie Rotter 2003.
  • Technology and the Very Young: Lapware, Smart Toys, and Beyond, Leah S. Roderman, 2002.
  • Computer Forensics and Your Rights (Grand Prize Winner), Tu Tran, 2002.