What Sets UM-Flint's Computer Science & Information Systems (MS) Program Apart?

Focus:

The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science and Information Systems program offers concentrations in Computer Science or Information Systems, as well as a preparatory Fast Track for those without a computer science background.

Computer Science concentration – a rigorous program designed to provide you with in-depth, state-of-the-art knowledge in critical computer-related technologies such as Architecture, Databases, Networking, Algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence.

Information Systems concentration – a unique program offering two tracks: Business Information Systems and Health Information Systems. You can select technical courses to match your interests and business courses such as Quantitative Analysis, Accounting, and Economics or health information courses such as Healthcare Administration and Policy, Financial Management, and Legal Issues to customize your learning experience.

Flexibility:

• Cyber Classroom – flexibility is the hallmark of the UM-Flint MS in Computer Science and Information Systems program. Our multi-media Cyber Classroom captures the entire classroom experience and allows you to tailor your education from a virtual, completely online learning experience to a completely in-class, on-campus one.

• Fast Track – prepares students without undergraduate degrees in computer science for graduate coursework in the program.

• Dual MBA/MS program – an option to pursue both the MS in Computer Science & Information Systems, and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). You’ll benefit from double counting coursework credits in both programs.

• BS/MS program – allows students to complete both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science/Information Systems in only 5 years.

Resources:

• Like all University of Michigan faculty, UM-Flint’s CS/CIS instructors are true “leaders and best” – experienced, tested, and respected experts in their field.  Each faculty member has numerous publications in internationally recognized conferences and journals, and faculty always seek to engage students in their research.  Even distance learning students have been successfully involved in our research efforts and co-authored numerous papers with the faculty.

• Opportunities to apply classroom learning, research, and new technology abound at UM-Flint. One recent example saw Computer Science faculty and students join forces with those from the Department of Nursing to create an educational video game to help nursing students learn how to deliver congruent care to patients of diverse cultural backgrounds.  Students are also currently working on creating a smart bike kiosk system throughout the campus to support the University's Bike Share program.

Results:

The program has been graduating over twenty graduates per year.  Students in the industry have commented that the program helped them advance within their organizations or successfully change their career into a computer-related field.  We have also had a number of students go on for their Ph.D.'s at leading regional institutions including Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Oakland University and University of Michigan-Dearborn.

In-Depth

The Cyber Classroom

Our program offers a unique educational experience through our multi-media Cyber Classroom, which captures the 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 the entire classroom experience. Online students then interact with the faculty through our BlackBoard® online content management system. The Cyber Classroom allows you to tailor your education from a completely virtual online learning experience to a completely in-class, on-campus experience, or to a combination of both.

You may even customize your learning experience on the fly as your life responsibilities dictate, which allows you to smoothly complete your degree, even if you do not live near the campus, or if your job requires constant or extended travel. Our approach boldly redefines the traditional brick-and-mortar classroom experience and offers a transparent blending of the in-class and online experiences.

Fast Track

The Fast Track option is intended for students without prior undergraduate degrees in computer science or a related field. It typically consists of six courses, allowing students from any background to prepare themselves for success in the MS program coursework. Those who do not possess a BS in a technical field, but rather a liberal arts or business field may be required to take some additional math and programming courses to prepare them for the rigors of the masters-level courses. All of the pre-requisite courses that comprise the core of the Fast Track are taught in the cyber-classroom format.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or Computer Engineering is preferred.  Applicants with other undergraduate degrees may enter the program with conditional admission while they complete the Fast Track program to allow them to quickly attain the required background knowledge.

• Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

• Completion of the following UM-Flint courses or their equivalents prior to regular admission into the Master’s program*:

- CSC 335 Computer Networks I or CIS 335 Telecommunication and Computer Networks
- CSC 365 Computer Architecture or CIS 365 Information Technology Hardware and Software
- CSC 375 Data Structures and Algorithms or CIS 375 File, Data, and Object Structures
- CSC 382 Software Engineering I or CIS 410 System Design and Analysis
- CSC/CIS 384 Database Design

*Applicants with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems typically fulfill the prerequisites.  These classes also comprise the core of the Fast Track program.  Students with little math or programming experience may be required to take additional classes.

Application Process

To be considered for admission, submit the following 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

• 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 UM-Flint students who have received or expect to receive a Computer Science or Computer Information Systems degree.

• Statement of Purpose describing your objectives for graduate study and reasons for selecting this program

• International students must submit additional documentation. Visit www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/admissions/international-students.page for details.

Application Deadlines

The program has rolling admissions and reviews completed applications each month.

Application deadlines are as follows:     

• Fall (early deadline*) – May 1
• Fall (final deadline) – August 1
• Winter – November 15
• Spring – March 15

*You must apply by the early deadline to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

International students are required to apply earlier than the deadlines posted here. The final deadlines for international students are May 1 for the fall semester, September 1 for the winter semester, and January 1 for the spring term.

Catalog Description:

Gene Smith

Graduation Year: 2012

Hometown: Clarkston, MI

I have gained valuable professional experience because of the degree I received at UM-Dearborn, so when I received the opportunity to return to college, I decided to continue the University of Michigan tradition of excellence and attend UM-Flint to get my master’s in computer science. Being part of the University of Michigan education system, has presented me with great opportunities and has allowed me to expand my professional experiences throughout my career.  I feel that the quality of education at UM-Flint is equal to, if not better than the majority of upper educational facilities in the United States.  I believe that getting a master’s in computer science, along with my electrical engineering degree will allow me to expand my opportunities into other engineering areas such as medical or biomedical engineering.