Computer Science

Applied Computer Science MS Degree Program

Computer hardware and software are vital components of diverse systems.

Advances in data collection and analysis and ever-increasing computational power and availability mean that computers are being used in to solve problems in countless new ways.

The rigorous application of computing to solve problems in another science, or virtually any domain, requires foundational and advanced knowledge in both computer science and the application domain.

Program Overview

The Michigan Tech Master of Applied Computer Science prepares students to apply computing within their chosen application domain. Graduates of the program will identify and apply principles in computer science to develop a rigorous solution to a problem in their application domain.

The program is designed for students who are completing a BS degree in a field outside of computer science and who wish to add computing credentials to their BS degree. Other students may also benefit by completing the MS in Applied Computer Science. Please consult with the program director or your advisor.

Degree Options

The MS in Applied Computer Science requires 30 hours of coursework, which can be completed on campus in three to four semesters. Students complete the degree program through a Coursework or a Report option.

Admissions Requirements

Before admission, students must demonstrate a basic understanding of computer science in each of the four categories below. Students with a B.S. in Computer Science, a B.S. in Computer Engineering, a B.S. in Software Engineering, or who have completed Michigan Tech's minor in computer science are expected to meet this requirement.

Programming Knowledge

Students must know a high-level language and be able to use it as a problem-solving tool, including design, coding, documentation, debugging, and testing of programs. Required knowledge includes data abstraction, list, stack, queue, and tree data structures, complexity-based algorithm and data structure choices, and recursion. Completion of CS 1131 Accelerated Introduction to Programming or CS 1142 Programming at the Hardware Software Interface meets this requirement.

Data Structures

Students must know fundamental concepts in data structures, including abstract data types (priority queues, dictionaries, and graphs) and their implementations (algorithm analysis, sorting, and text processing). Completion of CS 2321 Discrete Structures meets this requirement.

Discrete Mathematics

Students must know fundamental concepts in discrete structures that are used in computer science, including sets, trees, graphs, functions, relations, recurrences, proof techniques, logic, combinatorics, and probability. Completion of CS 2311 Discrete Mathematics meets this requirement.

Basic Calculus and Linear Algebra

Students are expected to know single-variable calculus and its application, and linear algebra concepts such as systems of equations, vectors, matrices, orthogonality, subspaces, and the eigenvalue problem. Completion of MA1160/MA1161 Calculus I and MA2330 Introduction to Linear Algebra meet this requirement.

A student who partially meets or does not meet each of the requirements may receive provisional admission. Your admission letter will identify the courses that must be successfully completed to provide the required background.

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.

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.

Taking the Leap to Graduate School?

Learn more about the Graduate Master's Applied Computing Program at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Funding Opportunities

Financial Support

The graduate program endeavors to support all students who need financial support using a combination of external and internal funding. The funding opportunities are varied across disciplinary boundaries. The graduate school endeavors to find funding opportunities for each incoming student appropriate to that student’s background, however, funding is not guaranteed.

Decisions on financial support and contract offers for the upcoming academic year are typically made in the spring semester.

Applicants for GRA (Graduate Research Assistant) positions should submit a current vita emphasizing their research qualifications.

Conferences and Travel Support

It is important for students to attend conferences in their area of research. Often, travel support is available through various research grants, but students should not depend upon this. Limited travel funds are available from the Graduate Student Government (GSG). Contact gradadms@mtu.edu with your questions regarding funding opportunities.

Fellowships and Scholarships

Resources

 

The Department of Computer Science

In Michigan Tech’s Department of Computer Science, we pioneer the future. Our students learn to think deeply at the computational level, where the technological evolution is happening. Our peer mentoring programs, access to friendly faculty, and research collaborations across our R1 institution give Computing Huskies the support of a vibrant campus and industry network. Claim your place at the head of the pack and be part of the transformation as artificial intelligence and other advancements just over the edge of the computing horizon change the world.

In Tech's computer science department, you can:

  • Pilot human-robotics interactions and walk Balto, the robot dog greeter in our robotics lab.
  • Mentor fellow Huskies—or get the help you need in our one-of-a-kind Student Academic Mentors (SAM) program.
  • Tap into leading-edge research and continuous development opportunities in Michigan Tech’s Center for Artificial Intelligence.
  • Hang out in the Rekhi Round Lounge or our faculty-student lounge and get to know your fellow Huskies from across campus.
  • Do game-centric research for early Alzheimer’s detection and other life-changing projects in Tech’s new H-STEM Complex, which is devoted to cross-disciplinary health research.
  • Pursue a minor in computer science, cybersecurity, or data acquisition and controls to level up what you bring to the table.

MTU engineering

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, Michigan Tech's College of Computing is 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 healthcare. At Tech, we are making sure employers have the computing talent they need to thrive—and that our students are equipped for fulfilling careers now and for all the 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 schoolers 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 US Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency as well as local businesses to analyze security and safeguard sensitive data. And, from robotics to the MTU RedTeam, Huskies train, run, and win national competitions.

Find your jam at Tech—whether it's competing in Esports, joining an Enterprise team, or working with a group of Huskies to build a robot in three days. Here, 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, leading to co-ops, 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.