Computer and Information Science

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Up-close image of a student laughing while playing a video game with two more students in the background

Programming code on a computer screen in the GAME lab

About CIS

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Computer and Information Science (CIS) professionals provide expertise in the efficient and effective use of computer systems to address a wide range of practical challenges across various aspects of society. The CIS curriculum equips you with comprehensive knowledge and skills in computer systems and their applications. Currently, the CIS Department offers four Bachelor of Science degree programs (Computer and Information Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, and Data Science), five Master of Science degree programs (Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer and Information Science, Software Engineering, and Cybersecurity and Information Assurance), one doctoral degree program (Computer and Information Science), and several dual/concurrent degree programs to support your diverse career aspirations in CIS and its applications.

The CIS Department has 20 full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members with diverse teaching and research interests, along with 14 full-time and part-time teaching instructors. Some faculty members are affiliated with interdisciplinary research groups and institutes such as the Michigan Institute for Data Science, the �� Transportation Research Institute, and Michigan Interactive and Social Computing within the University of Michigan system. The department takes pride in its faculty, who have received numerous distinguished academic awards and honors in their fields. Our outstanding alumni have secured positions in industry, education, government, and non-profit organizations both locally and globally.

Our degree programs focus on the emerging skill sets of next-generation computing professionals, including:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
GPU Computing and Quantum Computing
Cloud Computing and Edge Computing
Cybersecurity
Data Science and Engineering.

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Dr. Probir Roy has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for his project titled "Collaborative Research: EduPerf: Integrating Software Performance Analysis into CS Education."
Drs. Jie Shen and Bruce Maxim have been awarded a VentureWell Future Fellowship ($35K).
Dr. Song and his student team have received the Social Impact Award of Ford College Network Test Track Competition with $20,000 to support the team in fully developing their project.
Dr. Qiang Zhu received the Springer Nature Editor of Distinction Award 2025, in recognition of his outstanding editorial contributions to the Journal of Big Data.
The International Journal of Modelling and Simulation, led by Dr. Jie Shen as Editor-in-Chief, received its 2024 CiteScore of 8.5, ranking 9th out of 414 journals (97th percentile) in the General Mathematics category of Scopus.

Department Highlights

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Student Recognition

The UPE Executive Council has awarded one of our students, Gandhimathi Padmanaban, the 2024 UPE Scholarship Award.
Kapotaksha Das has been awarded the 2024 CIS Distinguished Ph.D. Student Award.
Zhengquan Li, a Ph.D. student, who has been selected to receive the prestigious Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship.

Three individuals at a conference booth labeled "CANQUEST," engaging in a discussion with promotional materials in hand. Two are wearing white hats and standing behind the booth, while the third person is interacting with them.

Senior Design Project: CANQuest

Created by Shams Ahson, Souad Omar, Ali Chowdhury, and Nizar Saleh, CANQuest aims to break down barriers for beginners interested in automotive cybersecurity. It simulates a vehicle with real-world vulnerabilities, enabling open-source knowledge sharing and technical skill advancement. With its interactive and fully integrated simulated vehicle interface, CANQuest provides valuable resources for members of the automotive community.

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Rankings

SCImago Institutions Rankings: 117th in Computer Science in the U.S.
CSRankings: 150th in Computer Science in the U.S.
Princeton Review: 39th in Game Design (consistently been recognized since 2011) – Undergraduate Study, in the U.S.
U.S. News and World Report: 41st in Online MS Program of Information Technology in the U.S.

Reckoning with AI’s trust issues

In his new trustworthy AI course, Associate Professor Birhanu Eshete is helping students go beyond the technical know-how and understand the social, political and economic contexts of the artificial intelligence boom.

Read the story

Our department's mission is to provide an outstanding education in the various facets of Computer and Information Science. Through our multiple degree programs, we equip students with the knowledge and tools for a successful career in CIS. Our faculty, graduates of some of the best schools in U.S. and abroad, are actively engaged in both teaching and research across a wide range of areas, and seek to impart their knowledge and experience to their students.

Our professional advisory board, consisting of senior computing technologists and executives from leading global companies such as eBay, Google, IBM, GE, Ford and GM, provides timely input and guidance on our academic programs, research agendas, and professional/community service initiatives. We strive to be one of the highly reputed computer and information science departments in the country.

- Jie Shen, Interim Chair of Computer and Information Science

Advisory Board

The Department continually seeks outside interactions with business, industries, and government through its Professional Advisory Board (PAB). The PAB is composed of senior computing technologists and industry leaders who provide valuable input and advice on curriculum development, potential employment for students, research opportunities for faculty, and a perspective on future challenges requiring collaboration. The current PAB members come from leading technology companies including eBay, Google, Amazon, IBM, GE, Ford, GM, Bosch, Workday, Carhartt, Lear, May Mobility, CNE Tech, etc.

Department Staff

Jie Shen

Professor and Department Interim Chair, Computer and Information Science

[email protected]

313-593-5680

Sherry Boyd

Administrative Assistant. Graduate Programs Coordinator, Automotive and Mobility Systems Engineering (ME department) and Data Science (CIS Department Engineering)

[email protected]

313-593-5582