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.

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. Preference will be given to students with a background in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) field. Applicants who lack eligibility requirements in coursework (Algorithms, Programming, and Data Structure) will be required to complete courses from the prerequisite list by taking the online non-credit certificates option or the Fast Track option.
• Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may be offered admission. Admission in such cases will depend heavily on other indices of the student’s ability to handle graduate-level work. These might include strong performance on GPA in the major and/or other experiences that are clearly indicative of strong academic ability.
• Applicants with a three-year bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of the U.S. are eligible for admission at the University of Michigan-Flint if the course-by-course credential evaluation from the World Education Services (WES) report clearly states the three-year degree completed is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

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 [email protected] or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.
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.

• Application for Graduate Admission
• $55 application fee (non-refundable)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please read our full transcript policy for more information.
• For any degree completed at a non-US institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read the following for instructions on how to submit your transcripts for review.
• If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency (additional information can be found below).
• University of Michigan will consider a three year degree from India equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree if the degrees have been earned with a minimum of 60% marks and the awarding institutions have been accredited by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a grade of “A” or better.
• Two 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 personal goals for graduate study
• Students from abroad must submit additional documentation.
• International students on a student visa (F-1 or J-1) may begin the MS program in the fall or winter semester. To comply with the immigration regulations requirements, international students on a student visa must enroll in at least 6 credits of in-person classes during their fall and winter semesters.

This program can be completed 100% online or on-campus with in-person courses. Admitted students can apply for a student (F-1) visa with the requirement of attending in-person courses. Students living abroad may also complete this program online in their home country. Other nonimmigrant visa holders currently in the United States please contact the Center for Global Engagement at [email protected].

International Admission – English Proficiency Requirements

If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, even if you are currently a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and regardless of how long you have resided or been educated in the U.S.*, you must demonstrate English proficiency by providing evidence through one of the following methods:

1.  Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, the Michigan English Test (MET) (replaces MELAB), Duolingo English Test, or Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE). Scores must be no more than two (2) years old.

Review the following document for more information on specific scores required for admission consideration.

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 – December 1 (US citizens and permanent residents only) 
• Summer – April 1 (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.

The final deadlines for international students are May 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the winter semester. Those students from abroad who are not seeking a student visa may follow the other application deadlines noted above.