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Available online and on-campus, the University of Michigan-Flint’s Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science and Information Systems program provides you a solid understanding of the principles of computers and computing. With two concentration options—Computer Science or Information Systems—the program builds your in-demand skills in the areas that align with your career goals.
In addition, providing a preparatory Fast Track, the MS in Computer Science and Information Systems program welcomes students without a computer science background. Through rigorous study, you are empowered to enter and excel in a career as an administrator, analyst, designer, developer, or programmer leading technology teams.
Why Choose UM-Flint’s MS in Computer Science & Information Systems Program?
Get Your Degree On-Campus or 100% Online
Whether you live far from campus, or close by, the MS in Computer Science and Information Systems is designed to accommodate your life and goals with our leading-edge Cyber Classroom learning format. It allows you to tailor your learning experience with the convenient 100% online format, the face-to-face interaction of the classroom, or a combination of both. Our approach redefines the traditional classroom experience with a seamless blending of in-class and online learning.
Transformative Cyber Classroom
UM-Flint’s Master’s in Computer Science and Information Systems program immerses students in the lectures captured in our unique cyber classroom experience through an advanced robotic audio-video recording system. The system processes multiple cameras, microphones, and digital input devices such as digital white boards and document cameras with an intelligent autonomous recording system to capture everything with clarity.
As an online student, you are able to interact with the faculty through our Canvas online content management system. You also have the capability to utilize the playback on-demand feature, allowing you to watch the lectures as many times as necessary to grasp concepts.
Real-World Experience
The MS in Computer Science and Information Systems program empowers you to apply the knowledge you gain in the classroom and research to real-world technology projects at the University of Michigan-Flint. During the program of study, you learn through team-based projects to build the collaborative and problem-solving skills needed to be an effective team member and leader.
Preparatory Fast Track for Non-CS Students
UM-Flint’s MS in Computer Science and Information Systems program offers Fast Track pre-requisite courses to help students from non-CS backgrounds obtain the essential knowledge needed to succeed in the MS degree program. Those who possess a degree in liberal arts or business may be required to take some additional math and programming courses. All of the Fast Track pre-requisite courses are taught in the cyber-classroom format which allows you to attend online or on-campus.
Ample Research Opportunities
Graduate students of the Computer Science and Information Systems program have ample opportunities to engage in research with our esteemed faculty. These scholarly pursuits encourage collaborations between faculty and students and drive innovation in the industry. Check out the current research projects.
Master’s in Computer Science & Information Systems Program Curriculum
The MS in Computer Science & Information Systems program offers a 30-credit curriculum that allows students to personalize their degree through concentration courses and electives based on their academic and career aspirations. Through rigorous study, students can improve their skills in problem-solving, technical support and training, and software/hardware management.
Concentration Options
- Computer Science concentration – Provides you with in-depth, state-of-the-art knowledge of critical computer-related technologies. The concentration coursework immerses students in multiple computer science disciplines, including algorithms, architecture, artificial intelligence, databases, and networking.
- Information Systems concentration – Offers two tracks including Business Information Systems and Health Information Systems. You can choose the track that supports your professional goals and interests to gain specialized training necessary for your career field.
Students pursuing the Business Information Systems track may supplement technology courses with business courses including Accounting, Business Economics, Entrepreneurship, Global Management, and Quantitative Analysis. Those completing the Health Information Systems track may complete additional courses in Financial Management, Healthcare Administration and Policy, and Legal Issues to customize their learning experience.
Thesis or Non-Thesis Track
Whichever concentration you select, you then get to choose between a thesis track or non-thesis track to complete the degree requirements. The thesis track challenges students to write a research paper and conduct an oral defense in addition to the required coursework. Students completing the non-thesis track complete additional credits in elective graduate-level courses and achieve satisfactory performance on the master’s level exit examination.
Dual Degrees
Students in the dual degree program have the option to complete a Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems with a concentration in Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Computer Information Systems.
Learn more about the dual degrees option.
Career Opportunities with a Master’s Degree in Computer Science & Information Systems
The University of Michigan-Flint’s master’s degree in Computer Science & Information Systems arms you with competitive advantages to pursue leadership positions in the technology industry. It can also assist career changers to break into the fast-growing technology industry with advanced skills in computing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in Computer and Information Technology is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, exceeding the average growth rate in the United States. The median annual wage for the related occupations is $91,250.
How to Apply to the MS in Computer Science & Information Systems Program?
Interested applicants to the Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems program should meet the following requirements:
- A Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or Computer Engineering is preferred. Applicants with other undergraduate degrees may enter the program while they complete the Fast Track coursework to allow them to quickly attain the required background knowledge.
- Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
State Authorization for Online Students
In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the need for universities and colleges to be in compliance with the distance education laws of each individual state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in an online program, please visit the State Authorization page to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission, submit an online application below. Other materials can be emailed to or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.
- Application for Graduate Admission
- $55 application fee (non-refundable)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- For International students official transcripts must be submitted for credential review to an approved credentialing agency. You must submit your transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation. Once the evaluation is completed, the transcript course-by-course evaluation report must be submitted to the University of Michigan-Flint. This document must be submitted directly from the transcript evaluation company.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly and/or professional ability (At least one recommendation must be from an academic reference). This requirement is waived for all University of Michigan Alumni.
- Statement of Purpose describing your objectives for graduate study and reasons for selecting this program
- International students must submit
additional documentation.This program can be completed online or on-campus. Admitted students are eligible to obtain a student visa (F visa).
International students may also complete this program online in their home country.
For undergraduate students who are interested in the joint Bachelor of Science/MS Computer Science and Information Systems Program program, please find the joint degree application requirements.
International Admission – English Proficiency Requirements
- TOEFL paper-based test: 560 overall
- TOEFL iBT: 84 overall (scores of 61-83 require LIN 101 and LIN 102 as prerequisites when enrolled)
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (Academic Writing) (scores of 5.5 and 6.0 require LIN 101 and LIN 102 as prerequisites when enrolled)
- MET: overall score of 52 (B2 level)
- Duolingo: 110
- ECPE: Certificate of Proficiency
2. Provide an official transcript showing a degree earned at an accredited U.S. college or university OR a degree earned at a foreign institution where the language of instruction was exclusively English** OR successful completion (‘C’ or higher) of ENG 111 or ENG 112 or its equivalent.
Special Requirement for Citizens of India
Applicants who attended an institution in India where the language of instruction was exclusively English cannot use that method exclusively to meet the English proficiency requirements. Applicants who attended a verified English-medium institution must also submit an approved test score or use one of the other approved methods. Those with a 5.0 IELTS score will be eligible for standard admission and will have no further English proficiency requirement; those with below a 5.0 IELTS score will not be admitted.
*If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and wish to waive this requirement, you may make your case to the director of the CSIS program. The director, in turn, must make the case to the Dean of Graduate Programs. You must provide sufficient evidence that you have the requisite English proficiency.
**The university reserves the right to require an applicant to provide other evidence of English proficiency if independent sources cannot verify that the language of instruction was exclusively English.
Application Deadlines
Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs by 5 p.m. on the day of the application deadline. The Master of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems program offers rolling admission with monthly application reviews.
To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:
- Fall – May 1 (guaranteed consideration/international student deadline*)
- Fall – August 1 (if space permits, US citizens and permanent residents only)
- Winter – October 1 (guaranteed consideration/international student deadline)
- Winter – November 15 (US citizens and permanent residents only)
- Spring – March 15 (US citizens and permanent residents only)
*You must have a complete application by the early deadline to guarantee application eligibility for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.
Academic Advising
At the University of Michigan-Flint, we are proud to provide dedicated advisors who can help students find their own path to academic and career success. Book an appointment today to talk to your advisor about your plan of pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science and Information Systems.
Learn More about the MS in Computer Science & Information Systems Program
Do you envision yourself starting a rewarding career or advancing your current role in the technology field? If so, take the next step to submit your application!
Our online and on-campus learning format makes it convenient for you to earn the Master of Science degree in Computer Science and Information Systems. Want to learn more about the program? Request information.