A Guide to Online Computer Science Degrees in Michigan

Michigan was first discovered by French explorers in the 17th century, though various Native American tribes had lived in the region for thousands of years. For the next few hundred years, the state remained frontier country, trading in fur, lumber, grain, and iron ore. In the twentieth century, Michigan and Detroit became synonymous with the automative industry after Henry Ford developed his T-Model and shipped it out to every corner of the country. Since then, while the automotive industry remains a major bedrock to the economy, Michigan has done its part in diversifying and modernizing its economy to meet the technological demands of the 21st century. The state’s demographics are beginning to follow suit, as well: the minority population in Michigan is growing year by year, and Southeastern Michigan has a large Arab community.
Computer Science opportunities in Michigan
Today, Michigan’s economy has a GDP of $490 billion, placing it 13th in the country, and a 5% unemployment rate. Ford and General Motors are the state’s two largest employers, followed by companies representing a range of industries: Dow, Whirlpool, Kellogg, DTE Energy, Ally, Stryker, and others. Still, as anyone who’s heard about self-driving cars knows, the automotive industry is digging deeper into the tech sector, and Michigan is leading the way. The state ranks 12th in the country for tech jobs and in the top 5 for engineering services and research and development labs. According to an Automation Alley of top tech executives in both Southeast Michigan and Silicon Valley, Michigan should surpass Silicon Valley in the future for car technologies: 99% of Michigan respondents said they expected growth in 2016; 83% said they would increase R&D spending; and 82% were hiring. In 2016, the most in-demand workers were mechanical engineers, industrial engineers, UX specialists, software app developers, and computer systems analysts.

Cost for tuition against national average
Of course, Michigan’s world-class public colleges and universities are responsible for much of Michigan’s growing economy. Unfortunately, Michigan residents will have to pay a modest premium for their education. For 2016-17, average tuition at four-year institutions was $12,464, about $3k than the national average. That’s a 3% increase year-over-year and 8% increase over 5 years (which is actually 3% lower than the national average). Fortunately, the trend shifts for two-year community colleges, which at $3,596 per year is about $500 less than the national average, representing a 3% one-year increase and 10% five-year increase.
Average Salary for computer science jobs in Michigan:

  • Web Developer:$64,170
  • Software Applications Developer: $87,220
  • Computer Systems Analyst: $86,770
  • Database Administrator: $86,630
  • Data Scientist: $103,292
  • Information Technology Manager: $101,937

The 5 Best Online CS Degree Providers: MI


While students should first and foremost make sure that a university offers the exact field of study they’re interested in pursuing, knowing the overall quality of an online degree providing university is also important. Below we’ve surveyed all of the computer science-related degree providers in Florida and ranked them according to academic prestige and the breadth of their academic offerings. Our academic prestige metric takes into account online-centered predictors of program quality such as class size, the range of online support services, the percentage of faculty with terminal degrees in their field, and admissions profiles. Together these two metric categories help to flesh out some of the overall best online degree-granting institutions for computer science in the state. Check out our top offerings below!

1
Michigan Technological University
CSZ Score: 96.5/100
Online CS Degrees: 2

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.

2
Central Michigan University
CSZ Score: 96/100
Online CS Degrees: 2

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.

3
University of Michigan-Dearborn
CSZ Score: 96/100
Online CS Degrees: 4

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.

4
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
CSZ Score: 95.5/100
Online CS Degrees: 1

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.

5
Michigan State University
CSZ Score: 95/100
Online CS Degrees: 1

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.

Directory of Online Computer Science Degrees in Michigan

Baker College of Flint Flint, MI Online CS Degrees: 10




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(800) 964-4299
1050 W Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Business – Accounting/Computer Information Systems
  • Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming
  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology – It Support Specialist
  • Associate of Applied Science in Web Development
  • Bachelor of Computer Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Computer Science in Database Technology
  • Bachelor of Computer Science in Game Software Development
  • Bachelor of Computer Science in Mobile Application Software Engineering
  • Bachelor of Information Systems in Information Systems
  • Bachelor of Web Development
University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn, MI Online CS Degrees: 4




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(313) 593-5000
4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI 48128




GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Computer and Information Science (MS)
  • Computer Engineering (MSE)
  • Software Engineering (MS)
  • Information Systems and Technology (MS)
Wayne State University Detroit, MI Online CS Degrees: 3




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(313) 577-2424
42 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48202




GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Education in Career And Technical Education
  • Master of Education in Instructional Technology
  • Master of Library And Information Science
Michigan Technological University Houghton, MI Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(906) 487-1885
1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931




GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Medical Informatics
  • Master of Science in Integrated Geospatial Technology
Central Michigan University Mt Pleasant, MI Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(989) 774-4000
1200 S. Franklin St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48859




GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Science in Administration – Information Resource Management
  • Master of Arts in Educational Technology
Lawrence Technological University Southfield, MI Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(248) 204-4000
21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Information TechnologyGRADUATE DEGREES
  • Master of Science in Information Technology
Lansing Community College Lansing, MI Online CS Degrees: 2




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(517) 483-1957
309 N Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Business in Computer Programmer/Analyst
  • Associate of Business in E-Business
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(734) 764-1817
500 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109




GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Md/Master of Science in Information (Msi)
Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

1 (517) 355-1855
220 Trowbridge Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824




GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Educational Technology – Master of Arts?(AP)
Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(616) 331-5000
1 Campus Dr, Allendale, MI 49401




GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master of Education in Educational Technology
Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(231) 591-2000
1201 S State St, Big Rapids, MI 49307




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
Marygrove College Detroit, MI Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(313) 927-1200
8425 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221




GRADUATE DEGREES

  • Master in Education in Educational Technology
Kirtland Community College Roscommon, MI Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(989) 275-5000
10775 N St Helen Rd, Roscommon, MI 48653




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Applied Science (Aas) in Health Information Technology
Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI Online CS Degrees: 1




ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO

(616) 234-4000
143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503




UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

  • Associate of Arts in Information Security