Computer Science

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers a comprehensive and rigorous Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science through the College of Engineering. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of computing, preparing them for diverse careers in technology, software development, research, and academia. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and research activities that reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovative approaches to computing challenges. Faculty members are renowned experts in their fields and are committed to delivering high-quality instruction, mentorship, and collaborative research opportunities. The university's strong industry connections facilitate internships and employment prospects, fostering a seamless transition from education to professional work. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to explore emerging fields such as data science, robotics, and human-computer interaction. Students can tailor their academic journey through elective courses and specialization tracks to align with their interests and career goals. The University of Michigan's vibrant campus community offers numerous student organizations, competitions, and events related to computing and technology, enriching the student experience. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue advanced study or to enter the workforce with the skills necessary to innovate and lead in the rapidly evolving field of computer science. The department maintains a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds. Overall, the computer science program at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor provides a challenging and inspiring educational environment that combines rigorous academics with real-world application opportunities, empowering students to become leaders in technology.

Pre-Major Requirements

To declare in the LSA Computer Science (CS) major a student must first complete 4 pre-courses for the major. These are: EECS 203, EECS 280, MATH 115, MATH 116. Performance in these classes is indicative of student aptitude for the Computer Science program, and students who do not perform well are encouraged to meet with a CS-LSA advisor. Students must achieve a 2.5 GPA over the 4 pre-courses for the major and have at least a C in each course. Students may repeat a pre-major course once, for a maximum of two attempts at each course, and only the final grade for the course will be used to compute the premajor GPA. Only courses with grades of C+ or below can be repeated for this purpose.

Requirements for the Major

Grades of C or better must be achieved in all courses taken to satisfy Computer Science requirements.

1. Core Courses:
   1. Computer Science: EECS 281, 370, 376.
   2. Probability and Statistics: STATS 250, 280, 412 or 426, or STATS 265/IOE 265.
2. Capstone Course ( which may not be counted as CS Upper Level Technical Elective below):  Senior Thesis(EECS 443) or Major Design Experience Course (check with the department for current list of approved MDE courses).
3. Upper-Level CS Technical Electives. 16 credits.  Check with the department for an up-to-date list of approved Upper Level CS elective courses. The department can suggest groupings of electives that pursue different tracks such as software development, robotics, or bioinformatics, among various others.
4. At least 27 credits must be upper-level

Honors Plan

Students wishing to complete an Honors major in Computer Science must have earned a 3.2 or higher GPA in the four required pre-courses for the major (MATH 115, 116, EECS 203 and 280). Student must also have earned an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher (as required by LSA for Honors), and must have a final major GPA in Computer Science of 3.5 or higher. Students must complete the Senior Thesis course (EECS 443), write a thesis, and make an oral presentation of the thesis results, with the faculty advisor and a second faculty member determining whether the thesis is of a quality that qualifies the students for Honors.

1. You must apply via The Common Application, and submit the University of Michigan Questions. International students are not eligible for application fee waivers.
2. All undergraduate first-year applicants are required to submit test results from either the SAT with writing or the ACT with writing.
3. Submit the School Report.
4. Submit one Teacher Evaluation (academic teacher).
5. Submit a Counselor Recommendation (encouraged, but not required).
6. Submit your high school transcript. An official English translation is required to accompany the transcript if the transcript is not issued in English by the school. (Students who have already completed high school, including university transfer applicants, should be sure to have final high school transcript submitted showing the graduation date. Also provide a detailed explanation of any educational gaps.)
7. If you are a speaker of English as a second language, you will need to submit your MELAB, TOEFL, or IELTS scores.
8. Please note that international students on temporary visas are not eligible for financial aid, and should expect to pay the full cost of attendance. Scholarships are generally not available.   

Do not submit any extra documents unless specifically requested, as this may only delay your decision.

Funding for the Computer Science program at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is available through various sources, including institutional scholarships, departmental aid, federal and state financial aid programs, and external scholarships. Undergraduate students typically have access to the Michigan Grant, which provides need-based assistance to eligible undergraduates. Additionally, the university offers merit-based scholarships such as the Merit Based Scholarships for incoming students, which can substantially offset the cost of tuition and fees. Graduate students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in Computer Science may receive funding through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships. These positions often include a tuition waiver and a stipend, supporting students financially during their studies. The university's Rackham Graduate School administers numerous fellowship programs that support graduate students in STEM fields, including Computer Science. Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships, such as those offered by industry organizations or government agencies, which can supplement university-provided assistance. Work-study programs are also available, allowing students to work part-time on campus to help finance their education. The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status, with in-state students benefiting from lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state students. The university publishes detailed cost estimates annually, including tuition, fees, housing, and personal expenses to aid students in planning their finances. Students interested in financing their studies are advised to consult the university's financial aid office for personalized advice and detailed application procedures. Overall, the combination of institutional aid, assistantships, external scholarships, and work opportunities provides a comprehensive financial support system that makes the Computer Science program accessible to a diverse student body.

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers a comprehensive Computer Science program designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in technology and related fields. The program provides students with a strong foundation in the core principles of computer science, including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and systems. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through laboratories, projects, and research activities, fostering practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. The curriculum is structured to accommodate both undergraduate and graduate students, offering a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science that emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation.

At the undergraduate level, students can choose to pursue specializations or minors in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, human-computer interaction, and software engineering. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches by allowing students to take courses across different departments, integrating fields like mathematics, electrical engineering, and information technology. The university maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and research centers, providing students with internship opportunities, co-op programs, and access to cutting-edge research projects.

The faculty comprises leading researchers and industry experts dedicated to advancing knowledge and education in computing. Many courses incorporate research components, enabling students to participate in impactful projects. The university also supports entrepreneurial initiatives and startups, fostering an environment of innovation and technological advancement.

Students benefit from extensive resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories, computer facilities, and dedicated advising support to help chart their academic and career paths. Graduates of the Computer Science program at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further graduate studies, with many securing positions in major tech firms, startups, research institutions, or continuing their education at top graduate schools worldwide. Overall, the program aims to cultivate skilled, innovative, and socially responsible computing professionals ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.