Master of Science in Computer Science
& Information Systems

Available online and on campus, the University of Michigan-Flint’s Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems program provides 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.

The MS in Computer Science and Information Systems program welcomes students without a computer science background after taking either undergraduate credit courses or non-credit certificates in programming, object-oriented programming, and data structures. Through rigorous study, you are empowered to enter and excel in a career as an administrator, analyst, designer, developer, or programmer leading technology teams.

Current UM-Flint students may wish to consider enrolling in our Joint BS/MS in Computer Science & Information Systems. The joint program curriculum allows students to simultaneously earn undergraduate and graduate credits, which count for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and to obtain both degrees in 5 years with early, careful planning.

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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 nearby, 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 to the convenient 100% online format, the classroom’s face-to-face interaction, or a combination of both. Our approach redefines the traditional classroom experience by seamlessly blending in-class and online learning.

Transformative Cyber Classroom

UM-Flint’s Master’s in Computer Science and Information Systems program immerses students in lectures through our unique cyber classroom experience, captured by an advanced robotic audio-video recording system. The system processes multiple cameras, microphones, and digital input devices such as digital whiteboards and document cameras with an intelligent autonomous recording system to clearly capture everything.

As an online student, you can interact with the faculty through our Canvas online content management system. You can also use the on-demand playback feature to watch the lectures as many times as needed to grasp the concepts.

100% online graphic

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 UM-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.

Fast Track Requirements for Non-Computer Science Students

Admitted students with undergraduate degrees in non-computing fields may need to acquire and demonstrate proficiency in programming, object-oriented programming, and data structures to satisfy graduation requirements for the MS in Computer Science and Information Systems. Demonstration of this proficiency is not required for admission into the MS program. Two Fast Track options are provided for students to acquire this proficiency in a time-efficient manner, as advanced coursework in the MS curriculum may require it. Fast Track courses can be taken concurrently with graduate courses. Students are encouraged to satisfy Fast Track requirements in their first year of the MS program to ensure success in subsequent advanced coursework.

  • Non-credit certificates: CIT offers non-credit certificates in several areas of preparation. Students must pass the certificate tests with 85% or better and provide proof of successful completion to the CIT Office Manager, Laurel Ming, at laurelmi@umich.edu. These certificates are not for academic credit, are a guided self-study of the topics, and take approximately four weeks per certificate.
  • Full-Semester Courses: For students seeking a more traditional, full-fledged instruction, CIT also offers three undergraduate courses covering the topics of Programming, Object-Oriented Programming, and Data Structures. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each full-semester course and maintain a B (3.0) or better cumulative grade point average in all Fast Track full-semester courses.

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.

Covers up to 100% of the difference between the residential and non-residential graduate tuition rates.

Master’s in Computer Science & Information Systems Program Curriculum

The MS in Computer Science & Information Systems program curriculum 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.

Program Options

  • Computer Science concentration – Provides you with in-depth, state-of-the-art knowledge of critical computer-related technologies. The concentration coursework includes Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering and Cloud Computing, and Digital Transformation as areas of specialization.
  • Information Systems concentration – You can choose the track that supports your professional goals and interests to gain specialized training necessary for your career field. Choose from specializations in Business Information Systems; Health Information Systems, Human-Centered Design, AR/VR and Gaming, or Digital Transformation.

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 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 UM-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 help career changers break into the fast-growing technology industry with advanced computing skills.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in Computer and Information Technology is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, exceeding the average growth rate in the United States. The median annual wage for the related occupations is $136,620.


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 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.
  • The University of Michigan will consider a three year degree from India equivalent to a U.S. 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 with a grade of “A” or better.

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 FlintGradOffice@umich.edu 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 Graduate Transcript Policy for Domestic Students for more information.
  • For any degree completed at a non-U.S. institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read International Transcript Evaluation 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.
  • 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. Non-U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States may not complete this program online from their home country. If you currently hold a non-immigrant visa and are residing in the United States, please contact the Center for Global Engagement at globalflint@umich.edu for guidance regarding your eligibility.


Application Deadlines


Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs on or before the day of the application deadline. The Master of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems program has rolling admission and reviews completed applications each month.
To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:

  • Fall – February 1 (guaranteed consideration for scholarships, grants and assistantships)
  • Fall  – May 1 (international student deadline)
  • Fall – August 1 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only)
  • Winter – October 1 (international student deadline)
  • Winter – December 1 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only)
  • Summer – April 1 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only)

Estimated Tuition and Cost

The UM-Flint takes education affordability seriously. Learn more about the tuition and fees for our program.


Program Information Request

At UM-Flint, we have dedicated staff to help you choose a program that meets your career goals. For any questions about earning or starting your MS in Computer Science and Information Systems, contact CIT Graduate Programs at citgradprograms@umich.edu.


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 a Master of Science degree in Computer Science and Information Systems.