Computer and Information Science

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Programming code on a computer screen in the GAME lab

About CIS

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Computer and Information Science 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, BS, Software Engineering, BS, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, BS, and Data Science, BS), five Master of Science degree programs (Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, MS, Computer and Information Science, Software Engineering, MS, and Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, MS), one doctoral degree program (Computer and Information Science, PhD), and several dual/concurrent degree programs to support your diverse career aspirations in CIS and its applications.

The CIS Department has 22 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 UM 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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The Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn continues to expand its research impact through innovative, interdisciplinary, and externally funded research. Our faculty collaborates across the University of Michigan and with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations to address pressing challenges in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, transportation, sustainability, and computing education.

Recent Research Awards

NSF ($600,000) – Foyzul Hassan (PI) and Mohamed Wiem Mkaouer (Co-PI), SHF: Small: Towards a Unified Approach for DevOps Configuration Drift Detection (2026–2029).
VentureWell Ecosystem Futures Catalyst Grant ($85,000) – Jie Shen (PI), Sustainability-Focused Computing Innovation and Education for the Digital Transformation of Electric Vehicles (2026–2028).
OVPR Bold Challenges Boost Program ($75,000) – Utkarshani Jaimini (PI); Ang Li, Greg (MCity, UM-Ann Arbor), and Ravi Anupindi (Ross School of Business, UM-Ann Arbor), A2D2: City-Scale World Model for Transportation and Supply Chain Resilience (2026–2027).
CORE Grant ($50,000) – Xiao Zhang (PI); Shengquan Wang, Gengxin Li, and Zhesheng Zhang (UM-Ann Arbor), Q-VLP: Quantum-Enhanced Visible Light Positioning for Precision IoT Applications (2026–2027).
CORE Grant ($47,907) – Krisanu Bandyopadhyay (CASL, PI); Utkarshani Jaimini and Karishma Patnaik (ECE), AI- and Robotics-Guided Discovery of Surface-Bound Copper Nanoparticle Assemblies for Sustainable Catalysis (2026–2027).
UM-Dearborn–UM-Flint Collaborative Research Grant ($29,972) – Anwar Ghammam, Mohamed Wiem Mkaouer, and Bruce Maxim, From AI Assistance to AI Teammates: Rethinking Learning and Skill Development in the Age of Generative AI (2026–2027).
UM-Dearborn–UM-Flint Collaborative Research Grant ($29,993) – Khouloud Gaaloul and Shima Afshar (UM-Flint), Verified and Learning-Enabled Energy Management for Safe and Efficient Operation of Fuel-Cell Hybrid Buses (2026–2027).

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

U.S. News and World Report: 5th in CS undergraduate degree program in Michigan
Princeton Review: 38th in Game Design (consistently been recognized since 2011) – Undergraduate Study, in the U.S.
U.S. News and World Report: 5thin Best CS Schools Graduate in Michigan, 151st in the U.S.
U.S. News and World Report: 2nd in Online MS Programs in Michigan, 44th in the U.S.
Programs.com: 19th in Top 25 Cybersecurity Master’s Degree Programs 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

A new CIS course, CIS 541: Immersive Computing and Digital Twins, will be offered in Fall 2026. Students are encouraged to visit the course catalog to read the full course description about this exciting new offering.

Be at the Tech Frontier: Gain deep exposure to next-generation interconnected technologies, including Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, and Smart Manufacturing, and learn how they are transforming industry.
Access Emerging Research: Stay current with cutting-edge literature, emerging trends, and the latest technological advances shaping the future of computing and engineering.
Flexible Attendance Options: Designed for busy graduate students, the course is offered in both in-person and online formats.
Strengthen Your Resume & Career Prospects: Gain hands-on experience through practical projects that build an impressive portfolio and demonstrate in-demand skills to employers in computer science, engineering, and related fields.

Grader positions for undergraduate and graduate courses are available at the beginning of each semester. CIS students who are interested in applying are encouraged to visit the CIS Grader Position Form for additional information and application details.

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.

- Di Ma, 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.