Professor Yu Cai and cybersecurity students

General Computing

Your interest in computers can lead to a rewarding and satisfying career. Opportunities in computing touch all sectors of the global economy, from software development and cybersecurity to information technology, robotics, and mechatronics. There are many ways to pursue a computing degree in the College of Computing and at Michigan Tech. Deciding on a degree program that's right for you can be a tough choice—but wanting to take your time doesn't have to slow down your education.

Starting at Tech in our general computing option gives you time to explore and decide on the degree program that's best for you. In your courses, you'll explore computing-related majors as you build your confidence and knowledge. Dedicated academic advisors will support you so that, in one or two semesters, you'll be ready to make a well-informed decision about your major, then transition into the degree that works for you—without adding or completing unnecessary credits.

Stay On Track

During your first year, you'll join a group of general computing students who will take the same sections of foundational first-year courses. You'll form a team with three to four other students, which will become your study group, research group, and support network. Along with your professors and advisor, someone will always be there to help and keep you on track.

What Classes Will I Take?

Open the sliders below to learn about first-year computing classes. Choose the sequence that best matches your individual interests and experience.

CS 1090, Introduction to Computing Principles

For students who are open to the full range of possibilities, the recommended first course is CS 1090 Introduction to Computing Principles, a foundational course on the path to all the computing degree programs. In CS 1090, you'll develop essential computational thinking skills and learn the basics of programming, algorithms, abstraction, data, global impact, and internet technologies.

CS 1090 will also introduce you to programming in Python, a powerful and widely used language that is a natural choice for beginners. CS 1090 lays the foundation in computing principles that will be leveraged throughout the computing-related degree programs.

For students who ultimately decide to pursue a non-computing major, CS 1090 can satisfy a general education requirement.

CS 1121, Introduction to Programming I

For students with an interest in computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering, the right place to start is CS 1121 Introduction to Programming I, followed by CS 1122 Introduction to Programming II. These are the standard first-year classes for these three computing majors.

In CS 1121, the high-level object-oriented programming language Java is introduced as a problem-solving tool. Topics include design, coding, documentation, debugging, and testing of computer programs.

CS 1122 topics include data abstraction, class hierarchies and polymorphism, list, stack, queue, and tree data structures, complexity-based algorithm and data structure choices, and recursion.

CS 1111, Introduction to Programming in C/C++

For students interested in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or mechatronics who have more of a hardware inclination AND a little bit of computing and programming experience, the best first course is CS 1111 Introduction to Programming in C/C++.

C/C++ is widely used in systems requiring hardware-software integration.

If you're new to computing but you like the sound of these majors, no problem! We recommend taking CS 1090 first to help you get your feet wet before taking CS 1111.

MIS 2100, Introduction to Business Programming

Students with an interest in the world of business who are thinking about a management information systems (MIS) major are advised to start with MIS 2100 Introduction to Business Programming.

In MIS 2100, you'll learn problem-solving skills for business through the application of a high-level business programming language. Topics include the nature of the business programming environment, fundamentals of the language, structured programming concepts, desirable programming practices and design, and debugging and testing techniques.

Students who start in general computing and then decide that MIS is right for them may substitute CS 1090 for MIS 2100 (and vice versa for students switching from MIS to other computing majors). Both MIS 2100 and CS 1090 are approved prerequisites for either CS 1111 or CS 1131.

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Enterprise, Only at Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech Enterprises are student-run business teams providing end-to-end original product development through real-world experiences in engineering design, team building, and project management. Enterprise teams work under the direction of a faculty advisor. Students from across campus participate in Enterprise program teams.

Students in the Husky Game Development Enterprise design and develop games for business, education, and fun. Earn credit, gain experience, and build your resume, all while creating quality software that will attract and satisfy industry sponsors. Who says you can’t work and play?
Humane Interface Design Enterprise (HIDE) students design, develop, and evaluate human-centered computer interfaces to make daily work more efficient and easier to manage.
IT Oxygen Enterprise students—from numerous majors—provide Information Technology help to both student organizations and businesses, working on real projects for real companies that foster skills in development, problem-solving, and business.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the general computing option at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Students operating Balto, the robotic dog.

With multiple robotics courses now being offered and a new robotics lab slated to open this year, Michigan Technological University's College of Computing is introducing Balto the robot dog to the campus community.

Tomorrow won’t wait. Neither will we.

Computing is for everyone, everywhere. Artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, and other forms of digital connectivity are ingrained in nearly every aspect of life. Cybersecurity has never been more important. These transformational technologies require intrepid problem solvers, bold leaders, and fearless visionaries. You can be one of them.

Founded in 2019, we’re one of the first colleges in the nation and one of the few institutions of its kind to focus solely on computing. Digital transformation has morphed every discipline into a computing discipline, reinventing industries like manufacturing, criminal justice, marketing, and health care. The College of Computing is making sure that employers have the computing talent they need to thrive—and that our students are equipped for fulfilling careers now and for tomorrows to come.

The world needs Computing[MTU]. The world needs you.

Supercharge your future.

Study, do research, and build a future-forward career at a flagship R1 public research university powered by STEM. Get the theoretical knowledge and practical experience you need to succeed in a high-tech world.

Our students work alongside faculty on meaningful research, like helping to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier and making machine learning more user-friendly. They connect at the intersection of engineering and computing in our mechatronics playground. They teach middle school kids coding and cybersecurity basics, assist older generations with digital literacy essentials, and help each other persist through academic and life challenges through SAM, our unique peer mentoring program. Computing Huskies also partner with national entities like the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency as well as local businesses to analyze security and safeguard sensitive data. And, from robotics to Red Teaming, Huskies train, run, and win national competitions.

Whether competing in Esports, joining an Enterprise team, or working with a group of Huskies to build a robot in three days is your jam, you’ll find opportunities to connect with what clicks. And when it’s time to blow off steam, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s trails, forests, and Lake Superior beaches await, along with Michigan Tech’s Mont Ripley Ski Hill.

When it comes to preparing for life after graduation, our Career Fair offers more than a one-day event—it’s a series of workshops and meetups that leads to coops, internships, and full-time, well-paying positions. If you want to be ready for what tomorrow needs, your future starts now, in the Michigan Tech College of Computing.

Undergraduate Majors—Computer Science

Not sure which major is the right fit? Explore Michigan Tech majors and minors.
Or, start with our General Computing program and give yourself time to decide.

The College of Computing offers a comprehensive look at the field of computer science in classes taught by professors who prioritize their students' success.

Jacob Seiter

Computer Science Major