Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
  
2024-2025 Catalog

Computer Science and Information Systems (MS)


https://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/computer-science-information-systems-ms/

Mission and Assessment

The mission of the Computer Science and Information Systems (MS) program is to provide a solid understanding of the principles of computers and computing, not only in the context of problem solving, but also in technical support, education and training, and software/hardware management. Given a real-world problem, the student should be able to understand the problem, analyze it, design a solution, and implement it on a computer with the tools available. 

The program has two concentrations, Computer Science and Information Systems, each with multiple tracks.  The goal of the Computer Science concentration is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the theory and applications of traditional computer science; the goal of the Information Systems concentration is to provide students with a blend of computer science theory and business theory and applications.

The program participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on Assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment

Admission Information

The Graduate Programs Office serves as the primary source of information for all prospective graduate students, providing detailed guidance and resources to facilitate the application process.  Up-to-date and comprehensive details regarding admissions procedures, requirements and deadlines can be found on the program page on the Graduate Programs website.

Fast Track Options

Students with undergraduate degrees in non-technical fields may need to demonstrate proficiency with algorithms, object-oriented programming, and data structures to qualify for admission to a computing related MS program. The following two options are in place to qualify for admission to UM-Flint graduate programs in CIT:

Non-Credit Certificates

CIT offers a non-credit certificates in three areas of preparation: Algorithms, Programming, and Data Structures. Students must pass the certificate tests with scores of 85% or better, and provide proof of successful completion to the Graduate Programs office. Each of these guided self-study certificates are not for academic non-credit, are guided self-study of the topics, and takes approximately 4 weeks to complete per certificate.

Undergraduate Courses 

For students with bachelor’s degrees in non-computing disciplines, the department offers an accelerated “Fast Track” program consisting of one or more of the courses listed below depending on transcript evaluation. This allows students from any background to prepare themselves for success in the MS CSIS program. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each individual Fast Track course and must maintain a B (3.0) or better cumulative grade point average in all Fast Track courses.

Course Delivery

The program offers a truly unique and exciting educational experience through a newly developed multi-media cyber-classroom which captures the entire classroom experience. Coupled with Canvas® online content management software, it allows each student in computer science and information systems courses to tailor their education from a completely virtual, online learning experience to a completely in-class, on-campus experience. 

Transfer of Credit

With approval of the CSIS Graduate Committee, students may transfer in, or elect as a graduate non-candidate for degree (NCFD), up to six credits of graduate-level courses in computer science and information systems. See Transfer of Credit in the Graduate Study section for additional information on University of Michigan-Flint policies regarding the transfer of graduate credit. 

Time Limit for Degree Completion

All requirements must be completed within six calendar years of initial enrollment in the program. 

Academic Rules and Regulations

See the College of Innovation and Technology (CIT) , College of Innovation and Technology Graduate Programs , and Graduate Study   sections for rules and regulations pertaining to all Innovation & Technology graduate programs.

Requirements


Thirty-two to thirty-four credits; students select a concentration in Computer Science or Information Systems, with a thesis or non-thesis option.

A. Concentration of Choice (24-26 credits)


One of the following concentrations:

Computer Science Concentration (24 credits)


Track of Choice (12 credits)

Three courses from a single track below:

Information Systems Concentration (26-28 credits)


Track of Choice

Two courses from a single track below:

Electives (8 credits)

Two additional CIS, CSC, DTI and/or HCD courses at the 500 level, excluding independent study courses and excluding:

B. Option of Choice (8 credits)


One of the following options:

Thesis Option


Eight credits in thesis research, consisting of a research project with a final thesis paper and an oral defense. 

Non-Thesis Option


Eight additional credits in courses from the concentrations above, or in elective graduate-level ARI, CIS, CSC, CYB, DSC, DTI, HCD, MTH or SWE courses, including at most one independent study and at most one internship course.