Computer Science at Michigan State University

Programme overview

Builds a foundation in theory, programming and developing computing solutions, along with teamwork, communication, professionalism and ethics. Can also be completed through Lyman Briggs College.

Faculty: College of Engineering | Department: Department of Computer Science and Engineering | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Majors can add cognates in areas such as business, mathematics, psychology and foreign language; research areas include embedded intelligence, robotics, digital evolution, data mining and pattern recognition.

Career pathways

Computer programmer, systems analyst, software engineer and consultant across industries including consumer electronics, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, communications and government.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Michigan State University first-year applicants (all undergraduate majors): admission is competitive with no minimum GPA or test score. A college preparatory curriculum is strongly encouraged: 4 years English, 3 years mathematics (2 algebra, 1 geometry), 3 years social studies, 2 years science, 2 years of one foreign language; applicants with gaps are still considered. ACT/SAT scores are optional (test optional). Honors, AP and IB courses are encouraged. Fall 2026 enrolled middle 50% had a high school GPA of 3.5-4.0. Deadlines: Early Action Nov 1 (decision by Jan 15); regular decision priority Feb 1 (decision by Mar 31); applications accepted through Apr 1.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most first-year students enter in the fall semester. Admission to other semesters may be limited or not available at all.

Transfer applicants can apply for fall (August start), spring (January start) and summer (May start) semesters. International transfer students are not eligible for summer admission.

First-year early action deadline is Nov. 1 (non-binding), with an admission decision by Jan. 15 and the acceptance fee due by May 1. Regular admission has a Feb. 1 priority deadline (decision by Mar. 31) and a final application deadline of Apr. 1, with rolling decisions after Feb. 1. MSU is test optional: applicants may apply without an ACT or SAT score.

The first-year application fee is $75 (or an application fee waiver if eligible). First-year applicants can apply through the MSU application or the Coalition application with Scoir. The application for fall 2027 opens in August.

International first-year applicants have the same deadlines: early action Nov. 1, priority Feb. 1, final Apr. 1, acceptance fee by May 1.

Transfer application deadlines: fall April 1, spring open until capacity is reached, summer March 1. International transfer applicants for fall have a March 1 deadline and must pay the acceptance fee by April 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/first-year

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