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Receive a graduate education from an accredited institution.

Applied Computer Science MS Program

Computing principles are increasingly important in fields far beyond computer science. Michigan Tech’s MS in Applied Computer Science is designed for students who want to bring advanced computing knowledge to problems in an application area, including those whose undergraduate education is in another discipline. The degree connects computing concepts with the practical work of designing, developing, and evaluating technical solutions.

The Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Who is This Program For?

This program may suit students whose interests lie in applying computing to another field rather than studying computing in isolation. It is particularly relevant if you want to connect programming and computational methods with an established disciplinary interest; design or evaluate software-based approaches to technical questions; and strengthen computer science foundations for interdisciplinary problem-solving.

What You'll Study

Advanced computing study provides a foundation for applying computer science principles to demanding problems in other disciplines. Explore computing concepts, their implementation, and the ways software and computational systems can be adapted to an application domain. The MS has both report and coursework paths, allowing different ways to organize approved graduate study.

Where You'll Apply Your Knowledge and Skills

You can apply advanced computer science knowledge to developing specialized software, adapting algorithms, analyzing technical data, or evaluating the performance of computational systems.

These skills translate to software and computational research groups in many industries. IBM Research and Argonne National Laboratory are examples of organizations working with advanced computing and technical data, alongside engineering firms and software developers that need specialized computational tools.

Delivery Options
- Accelerated: MS
- 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 12 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 Admissions. 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

Accelerated MS, Applied Computer Science

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you.

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

Using a holistic approach, our graduate admissions team reviews applications on an individual and ongoing basis. 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, but you will need to upload them later.

Graduate Admissions Process

Applying to your graduate program is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. Please note that international applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps.

Graduate 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 Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to your program as either 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

2 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 scores as of January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 4.5
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 90 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Score of 6.5 overall

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 4.5 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

2 Letters of Recommendation
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
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

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. We offer over 125 graduate certificates, master's degrees, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Learn From and Work With

Access expert instructors whose computing research connects with other disciplines and applied problems. Some faculty are affiliated with Michigan Tech's Institute of Computing and Cybersystems, linking computer science with a wider research community. Their interdisciplinary perspective is particularly relevant for those who want to apply computational methods to questions in science, engineering, or other technical fields.

Where You'll Study and Do Research

Michigan Tech's computing research spaces support research in visualization, simulation, interaction, and computational analysis. University resources include 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 Mini-SIM and LCT, as well as mobile usability testing facilities, among other assets. You'll have access to an impressive range of experimental and software-based methods used in applied computing research.