Computer hardware and software are vital components of diverse systems.
Advances in data collection and analysis and ever-increasing computational power and availability mean that that computers are being used in to solve problems in countless new ways.
The rigorous application of computing to solve problems in another science, or virtually any domain, requires foundational and advanced knowledge in both computer science and the application domain.
Program Overview
The Michigan Tech Master of Applied Computer Science prepares students to apply computing within their chosen application domain. Graduates of the program will identify and apply principles in computer science to develop a rigorous solution to a problem in their application domain.
The program is designed for students who are completing a BS degree in a field outside of computer science and who wish to add computing credentials to their BS degree. Other students may also benefit by completing the MS in Applied Computer Science. Please consult with the program director or your advisor.
Degree Options
The MS in Applied Computer Science requires 30 hours of coursework, which can be completed on campus in three to four semesters. Students complete the degree program through a Coursework or a Report option.
This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.
Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:
| Option Parts | Credits |
|---|---|
| Coursework (minimum) | 24 Credits |
| Report | 2-6 Credits |
| Total (minimum) | 30 Credits |
| Distribution | Credits |
|---|---|
| 5000-6000 series (minimum) | 12 Credits |
| 3000-4000 (maximum) | 12 Credits |
Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.
This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.
A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:
| Distribution | Credits |
|---|---|
| 5000-6000 series (minimum) | 18 Credits |
| 3000-4000 (maximum) | 12 Credits |
Admissions Requirements
Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.
Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.
To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:
- have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
- be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.
See additional application requirements, including required materials:
Program Specific
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.2 or greater on a 4.0 scale
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- GRE not required but highly recommended
- 4-year Bachelor's degree is required. Students are expected to have a degree outside Computer Science and related fields. Students without a background in programming, discrete mathematics, data structures, and basic calculus and linear algebra may be required to take additional coursework. Students should describe their anticipated application of Computer Science in their Statement of Purpose.
International Students
- TOEFL: Recommended Score of at least 90 iBT
- IELTS: Recommended Score of 6.5 overall
Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.
Admissions Decisions
Made beginning on January 1 (for Fall) and October 1 (for Spring)
Recommended Deadlines
Fall Semester: April 1
Spring Semester: August 1
Summer: Please contact the Graduate Program Director
International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.
Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.
Program Specific
- Minimum bachelor's overall GPA of 3.0 at graduation
- Résumé/curriculum vitae
- No GRE required
Eligible Undergraduate Majors
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering