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Computer Science MS, PhD Programs

Computing evolves quickly, but the questions behind reliable, intelligent, and useful systems run deeper than any one technology. Michigan Tech’s MS in Computer Science gives you the opportunity to build advanced knowledge of computation while exploring subjects from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to systems, software, and human–computer interaction.

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

Who is This Program For?

If you'd to look beyond using technology to understand how computing systems are designed, tested, and improved, consider the MS in Computing from MTU. This program is ideal for those who want to investigate algorithms, architecture, software, artificial intelligence, or other computing specialties; study how computing systems are designed, evaluated, and improved; and/or pursue research questions involving data, interaction, security, or computation.

What You'll Study

Build depth in computer architecture, artificial intelligence, cloud and distributed systems, cybersecurity, data science, embedded systems, graphics and visualization, human–computer interaction, machine learning, software engineering, multimedia systems, virtual environments, or wireless networks. Faculty investigations have included visualizing complex scientific data and studying how people think and interact in virtual environments. Your degree pathway determines which areas you pursue most deeply.

Where You'll Apply Your Knowledge and Skills

Computer science knowledge shapes the software and computing systems people rely on. Depending on your specialization, you can develop or evaluate software, investigate machine-learning methods, strengthen distributed or embedded systems, or improve how users interact with digital tools.

Computing work takes place in software companies, research laboratories, and technology groups embedded in other industries. IBM Research investigates AI and computing systems whereas Argonne National Laboratory applies advanced computer science to scientific problems. Healthcare and manufacturing organizations also heavily rely on software teams.

Delivery Options
- Accelerated: MS
- On-Campus: MS, PhD

Computer Science Program Details

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

On-Campus Programs

PhD Requirements: Computer Science

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

MS, Computer Science: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis 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.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 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, 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, 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, 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 Accelerated Master's Program Details

Additional Program Information

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

Artificial Intelligence
Computer Architecture
Human-Computer Interaction
Virtual Reality

View the 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 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale
GRE
- Not required for Master's applicants
- Required for PhD International Students only, waived if undergraduate or Master's degree is from a U.S. institution
4-year Bachelor's degree required - Must have a degree in Computer Science or a similar field. Students with degrees in other fields may be required to take preparatory courses.

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 between March 15 to April 1

Recommended Deadlines

Fall Semester: January 15

Spring Semester: August 1

Summer: Please contact the Graduate Program Director

For full financial consideration for Fall: February 1

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
GPA of 3.0 or greater
No GRE required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Computer Science
Software Engineering
Computer Engineering

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

Benefit from computer science faculty researching intelligent systems, data-intensive computing, and how people interact with technology. Their work, which connects core computing concepts with challenges in other disciplines, will provide different perspectives as you develop your specialty.

You'll become part of an academic community that influences the world in their studies, research, and work. Faculty research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Energy (DOE), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Microsoft, Google, and others. Four faculty members and an alumnus have received NSF CAREER Awards.

Where You'll Study and Do Research

MTU has ample computing research resources for visualization, simulation, interactive systems, and experimental computing. You'll have access to state-of-the-art, special-purpose labs and research equipment, including multiple clusters, PC-based graphics systems, Oculus HMDs, a Vicon full-body tracking system, Microsoft HoloLens, a room-sized wall of 24 screens, and humanoid research robots (e.g., Nao, Darwin), driving simulators (e.g., NADS Mini-SIM, LCT), and mobile usability testing labs and more.

Faculty Spotlight

Laura Brown

Laura Brown
Associate Professor,
Computer Science

"It's 80 percent and 20 percent."

Big Data is a big deal, and data mining depends on the skills of computer scientists. While 80 percent of our time is juggling this data, it’s what we learn in that other 20 percent that makes all of the difference. Brown and her colleagues work with the 80 to push what’s possible in that 20.

Program Faculty