Grad student sitting writing code with two monitors.

Tomorrow Needs You. Are You Ready?

Receive a graduate education from an accredited institution.

Applied Computer Science—MS

Computer hardware and software have evolved in such a way that they are vital components of diverse systems. Due to advances in data collection and analysis, along with ever increasing computational power and availability, computers are being used in new ways to solve problems in virtually every industry. Elevate your education with cutting-edge computer solutions. Revolutionize problem-solving across industries. Are you ready?

Program Overview

Equip yourself with a master's in applied computer science, empowering you to effectively implement complex computing solutions. Upon program completion, you will adeptly employ computer science principles to craft robust solutions tailored to challenges within your chosen application domain.

This program caters to individuals pursuing a B.S. degree in disciplines beyond computer science, aiming to complement their credentials with a strong computing foundation. Additionally, those interested in enhancing their proficiency in applied computer science can also reap substantial rewards from our M.S. program.

Delivery Options
- On-Campus: MS

Applied Computer Science Program Details

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

On-Campus Programs

MS, Applied 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, Applied 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

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about applied 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 applied computer science MS. Sample areas include:

Applied Computer Science

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

3 Letters of Recommendation
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.2 or greater on a 4.0 scale
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
GRE not required but highly recommended
4-year Bachelor's degree is required. Students are expected to have a degree outside Computer Science and related fields. Students without a background in programming, discrete mathematics, data structures, and basic calculus and linear algebra may be required to take additional coursework. Students should describe their anticipated application of Computer Science in their Statement of Purpose.

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

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

Minimum bachelor's overall GPA of 3.0 at graduation
Résumé/curriculum vitae
No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Biomedical Engineering
Mechanical 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

Several faculty members at Michigan Technological University are actively engaged at the intersection of computer science and other academic fields. A significant portion of these professors also holds affiliations with MTU's Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (ICC).

Where You'll Work

Michigan Tech provides cutting-edge, purpose-built laboratories and advanced research tools, encompassing various resources such as multiple clusters, PC-based graphics systems, Oculus HMDs, a Vicon full-body tracking system, Microsoft HoloLens, a room-filling array of 24 screens, humanoid research robots like Nao and Darwin, driving simulators such as NADS MiniSIM and LCT, as well as mobile usability testing facilities, among other assets.