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Tomorrow Needs You. Are You Ready?

Receive a graduate education from an accredited institution.

Computer Science—MS, PhD

Variables at other schools are always givens at Michigan Technological University. Our combination of outstanding faculty and facilities gives you the opportunity to excel in your chosen area of expertise in computer science through research and studies with hands-on experience in the lab and friendly, collegial atmosphere. Are you ready?

Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Overview

Our master's or doctorate in computer science program has experts in architecture, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, distributed systems, embedded and multimedia systems, graphics and visualization, human-computer interaction, machine learning, software engineering, virtual environments, and wireless networks. Our research in scientific visualization turns Big Data into understandable datasets while virtual reality researchers study the interplay of human cognition and virtual environments.

Delivery Options
- Accelerated: MS
- On-Campus: MS, PhD

Computer Science Program Details

Choose a specific degree option or delivery type to learn more about the computer science program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Computer Science is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

PhD Requirements: Computer Science

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

MS, Computer Science: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
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.

MS, Computer Science: 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:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
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.

MS, Computer Science: Coursework Option

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 of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Accelerated MS, Computer Science

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you.

Additional Accelerated Master's Program Details

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about computer science at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

Contact

Graduate Director

Jean Mayo

Graduate Assistant

Janna Chittick

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your computer science MS and PhD. Sample areas include:

Artificial Intelligence
Computer Architecture
Human-Computer Interaction
Virtual Reality

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

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.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

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.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

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:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale
GRE (for International Students only, waived for PhD if undergraduate degree is from a U.S. institution)
4-year Bachelor's degree required - Must have a degree in Computer Science or a similar field. Students with degrees in other fields may be required to take preparatory courses.

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

For full financial consideration for Fall: February 1

International Student Requirements

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.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation
GPA of 3.0 or greater
No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Computer Science
Software Engineering
Computer Engineering

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Work With

Our faculty and graduate students influence the world in their studies, research, and work. Faculty research has been funded by the NSF, DOE, NIH, DARPA, Microsoft, Google, and others. Four faculty members and an alumnus have received NSF CAREER Awards.

Where You'll Work

Michigan Tech offers state-of-the-art, special-purpose labs and research equipment, including multiple clusters, PC-based graphics systems, Oculus HMDs, a Vicon full-body tracking system, Microsoft HoloLens, a room-sized wall of 24 screens, and humanoid research robots (e.g., Nao, Darwin), driving simulators (e.g., NADS MiniSIM, LCT), and mobile usability testing labs and more.

Faculty Spotlight

Laura Brown

Laura Brown
Associate Professor,
Computer Science

"It's 80 percent and 20 percent."

Big Data is a big deal, and data mining depends on the skills of computer scientists. While 80 percent of our time is juggling this data, it’s what we learn in that other 20 percent that makes all of the difference. Brown and her colleagues work with the 80 to push what’s possible in that 20.

Program Faculty