Computer and Information Science

Three students gather around a gaming computer smiling and laughing

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 the CIS Department

CIS professionals offer expertise in the effective and efficient use of computer systems for tackling a broad spectrum of practical challenges emerged from all the aspects of our society. The CIS curriculum provides students with broad and deep knowledge and skills on computer systems and their applications. Currently, the CIS Department offers four B.S. degree programs, five M.S. degree programs, one Ph.D. degree program, and several dual/concurrent degree programs to fulfill students’ diverse career aspirations in CIS and its applications.

The CIS department currently has 21 full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty members with diverse teaching and research interests, plus a number of full-time/part-time teaching faculty members. Some of our faculty members are also affiliated with interdisciplinary research groups/institutes such as the Michigan Institute for Data Science (MIDAS), the UM Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), and the Michigan Interactive and Social Computing (MISC) in the University of Michigan system. The department prides itself on its faculty members who have been recognized with numerous distinguished academic awards/honors in their respective fields. Our outstanding graduates have attained positions in industry, education, government, and non-profit organizations locally and worldwide.

The CIS Department invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the general area of computer systems (including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data science, information science, emerging systems, game design, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud/edge computing, and quantum computing). The expected starting date is September 1, 2025. Please submit your application.

We will be conducting university business in-person and virtually.

Our in-person office hours are:

Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

You may also contact us at: [email protected].

Department Staff

Jie Shen

Professor and Department Interim Chair, Computer and Information Science

[email protected]

313-593-5680

Sherry Boyd

Student Administrative Assistant Senior (Graduate Program Coordinator), Computer and Information Science (MS in Data Science Program)

[email protected]

313-593-5582

Dana Dyson

Administrative Assistant Associate, Computer and Information Science

[email protected]

313-436-9145

Kimberly LaPere

Student Administrative Assistant Senior (Graduate Program Coordinator), Computer and Information Science

[email protected]

313-436-9145

Kate Markotan

Administrative Assistant, Computer and Information Science

[email protected]

313-583-6544

Our Faculty & Research

Graduate Student Instructors

The UPE Executive Council has awarded one of our students, Gandhimathi Padmanaban, the 2024 UPE Scholarship Award.

Dr. Birhanu Eshete has been awarded a two-year, $300,000 grant from SRI International for his project titled "DeResistor: Detection-Resilient Probing of Censorship Middleboxes." The U.S. State Department is the primary sponsor of this project.

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."

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.

Grader positions for undergraduate and graduate courses are available at the beginning of each semester. If you are CIS students and interested in the positions, please send your resume and copies of your transcripts in to Dana Dyson at [email protected] before a semester starts.