A Guide to Online Computer Science Degrees in Michigan

Founded in 1885, Michigan Technological University is a Tier 1 national university and ranks among the best schools for veterans. Total enrollment stands at 7,200, and the university’s 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio is excellent for a public tech institution, allowing for intimate, individualized instruction. Over 45% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and just 15% have more than 49. MTU also takes a hands-on role in helping students with their careers. More than 450 companies recruit students on campus at two annual career fairs, and alumni have a 95% job placement rate within six months of graduation.

For students interested in computer science-related degrees, Michigan Tech offers master’s tracks in Integrated Geospatial Technology and Medical Informatics. For the latter, students will cover a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects, including decision support systems, consumer health informatics, international healthcare systems, global health informatics, and translational
research informatics. Meanwhile, the MS in IGT includes classes like Data Analysis and Adjustments, Remote Sensing and Cartography, 3D Surveying and Modeling with Laser Scanner Data, and Positioning with GNSS. Both degrees are available on accelerated tracks for scheduling flexibility, and students choose between thesis, report, or course work options.

Founded in 1892, Central Michigan University is a public Tier 1 university in Mount Pleasant, with a total enrollment of approximately 28,000 (7,000 enrolled in online), making the university one of the largest in the state. Four CMU professors have been named Michigan Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation, more than in any Michigan school, and five professors have been named Fulbright Scholars. With a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Central Michigan balances a vibrant, collaborative learning setting with manageable class sizes: over a third have fewer than 20 students, and less than 10% have over 49. The Honors Program, Alternative Break program, and Volunteer Center are all also nationally recognized.

Central Michigan offers 3 relevant online graduates degrees for computer science students: an MS in Information Systems; an MS in Administration with a concentration in Information Resource Management; and an MA in Education Technology. For maximum flexibility, CMU offers some tracks with hybrid options, allowing students to complete coursework that combine online and on-campus classes. Further, classes are offered in accelerated 8- and 10-week blocks, in addition to traditional 16-week blocks. All students benefit from a personal “online student ally” who acts as an adviser. Additional services include a writing center, online demos, registration assistance, and Blackboard, which hosts group discussion boards, live chat rooms, videoconferencing, and more.

University of Michigan – Dearborn, founded in 1959, is ranked 6th in the region among public schools by US News and 40th overall. All curricula are interactive and student-centered, designed for full-time students and working professionals. With a total enrollment of 9,000, Dearborn’s 15:1 student-to-faculty provides the small, intimate class sizes of a traditional liberal arts school coupled with the resources of a large public university. A third of all classes of have fewer than 20 students, and less than 8% have over 49. The Community Involvement and Volunteerism Center (CIViC) and student government are among 125 popular clubs.

Dearborn offers 4 computer science master’s degrees: an MS in Computer and Information Science; MSE in Computer Engineering; MS in Software Engineering; and MS in Information Systems and Technology. All courses are built for maximum flexibility to accommodate working professionals and adult learners, and many grad students have full-time jobs, families, work travel or other personal obligations. In addition, through the Canvas learning platform, students have access to a highly collaborative, dynamic delivery system which includes group discussion boards, live chat rooms, video conferencing capability, 24/7 course material, tech support, and more. Admissions are rolling.

One of the best public schools in the country, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor holds top national rankings from US News, Princeton Review, Forbes, Washington Monthly, and several other publications. US News also ranks it 9th for innovation and 17th for veteran services. Founded in 1817, the school has a total enrollment of over 43,000 but maintains an exceptional 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio to support individualized learning coupled with the resources that come with having a $10 billion endowment. Nearly 60% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and just 17% have over 50.

For computer science students, Ann Arbor offers an online MS in Information that consists of 48 credits, which can be completed in 2 years full-time or 3-4 years on a part-time basis. To tailor the track to professional needs and areas of interest, students choose from a range of concentrations: Big Data Analytics, Civic Technology, Computational Social Science, Digital Curation, Libraries and Archives Assessment, and UX Research and Design. All courses are designed for maximum flexibility, and the degree places an emphasis on practical engagement and career development; each student must complete six hours of field work prior to graduation. As an indicator of success, 99% of MSI graduates are employed in their chosen profession or pursuing additional education. Alumni can be found at Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Hewlett Packard, and elsewhere.

Founded in 1855, Michigan State University has a student enrollment of approximately 50,500, making it the eighth-largest in the United States. Among the best-ranked schools in the country, its programs have been highlighted by US News, Bloomberg Businessweek, Washington Monthly, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and QS World University Rankings, among others. The school’s 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio combines personalized instruction with collaborative education, and 25% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Michigan State has also earned a large number of academic honors scholarships, including 42 Goldwater winners, 17 Rhodes, 18 Churchill, 16 Truman, 16 Marshall, and 12 Udall. There are over a half of a million alumni worldwide.

For students interested in the intersection of tech and learning, Michigan State offers an online MA in Educational Technology which consists of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as 2 years. Courses include Technology and Leadership, Learning Technology by Design, Creativity in Teaching and Learning, Nature and Design of Compelling Experiences, Adapting Innovative Technologies in Education, and Online Literacy and Reading-to-Learn in the Digital Age. (For those interested, students can choose to begin with an Educational Technology Certificate Program.) Courses are designed to accommodate working K-12 teachers and are flexible and practitioner-based. Up to 9 credits may be transferred.