Master of Computer Information Systems

Live and study in one of the fastest-growing markets for tech grads

While earning your Computer Information Systems degree on campus at CSU's College of Business in Fort Collins, Colorado, you’ll engage with world-class faculty under AACSB accredited curriculum, and gain a broad network of professionals in your field.

This degree program is designated as a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) field. The STEM designation allows on-campus international students the opportunity to receive a visa extension after they've completed their degree.

Start Dates Eligibility and Requirements STEM Designation Common Schedules Financial Aid and Support Tuition and Fees

Two Start Dates

Join when you're ready. Your residency will determine when you should apply for the on-campus program.

AugustInternational applicants
apply by May 1 U.S. applicants
apply by July 1
JanuaryInternational applicants
apply by Oct. 1 U.S. applicants
apply by Dec. 1

Eligibility and Requirements

We know you're more than a test score or a grade. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach when considering applications, which means we look at who you are as a person and what you would bring to our program and campus community. While we encourage our applicants to meet the minimum criteria, the inability to meet one may be offset by strengths in other areas. Generally, On-Campus Master of Computer Information Systems applicants must meet or exceed the following criteria:

An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution in any field with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher

We review your field of study and cumulative GPA rather than the sole GPA from your degree-granting institution (if applicable).

Satisfactory GMAT or GRE scores or waiver

GRE scores are converted to GMAT equivalency. A GMAT score of 550 or higher, or an equivalent GRE score is desired. Scores in the quantitative sections are especially significant. The test must have been taken within the past five years. You may request a waiver to the GMAT or GRE if you have 2+ years of full-time professional experience and a cumulative 3.0 GPA. To seek a waiver, contact an enrollment counselor.

International applicants: satisfactory English proficiency test scores

If you are an international applicant, you should have one of the following: Internet-based TOEFL score of 86 or higher, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or a PTE score of 58 or higher. The test must have been taken within the past two years.

Other TOEFL testing formats may be accepted. Please contact us for information.

Written communication skills

We evaluate your written communication skills via the statement of purpose and resume that you'll supply with your application.

Demonstrated capability, skills, and goals

We evaluate your capability, skills, and goals via the professional recommendations, resume, and statement of purpose that you'll supply with your application.

STEM designation

The Master of Computer Information Systems program meets the federal definition of a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program as it emphasizes technical skills combined with options for scientific coursework.

Benefits for international students

International MCIS students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) that allows them to work for 12 months in the United States after completing the degree program. The STEM designation of the MCIS program makes students eligible for an additional 24-month OPT extension. With up to 36 months more time to work and network in the U.S., international students can build a valuable set of professional skills and contacts that can help them with their career endeavors.

Additionally, the MCIS program offers students the chance to participate in Curricular Practical Training. CPT connects students with off-campus job, training and internship opportunities. These off-campus opportunities align with the student’s course requirements and help them complete their degree.

Business graduate students enter Rockwell Hall

Common Schedules

Here are some examples of common schedules for the on-campus program. Once you're admitted, your advising team will help you customize a schedule that fits your goals.

1½-Year Fall Start Plan
2-Year Fall Start Plan
3-Year Fall Start Plan

1½-Year Spring Start Plan
2-Year Spring Start Plan
3-Year Spring Start Plan

Financial Aid and Support

Grad school is an investment. We're here to help. The College of Business offers opportunities for students to reduce college expenses.

Scholarships Assistantships Student Jobs

Tuition and Aid

WICHE member states map including Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Guam, CNMI Every student is different. Your tuition and fees will reflect your student type and academic path. We do our best to give you accurate estimates, but please email the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@colostate.edu to get the most precise information about your cost of attendance.

The College of Business offers specific opportunities for graduate students to reduce college expenses. We offer fellowships, scholarships and graduate assistantships.

If you live in the Western U.S., you may qualify for in-state tuition through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Estimated 2024-2025 Tuition and Fees, On-campus program

Amounts displayed are intended as an estimate only, and should not be used for billing purposes. Master of Computer Information Systems, 33-credit program

Resident Full Time Nonresident Full Time

Resident and Western Regional Graduation Program (WRGP)¹

Resident full-time (typically 9 credits per semester)
	Semester²	Program³ (3 semesters)
Base tuition	$5,747	$17,413
Graduate differential tuition⁴	$3,762	$11,286
General fees	$961	$2,884
Alternative transportation fee	$37	$111
University facility fee	$356	$1,069
University technology fee	$32	$96
College technology fee	$103	$309
Total	$10,999	$33,168

Nonresident full-time (typically 9 credits per semester)
	Semester²	Program³ (3 semesters)
Base tuition	$14,091	$42,696
Graduate differential tuition⁴	$3,762	$11,286
General fees	$961	$2,884
Alternative transportation fee	$37	$111
University facility fee	$356	$1,069
University technology fee	$32	$96
College technology fee	$103	$309
Total	$19,343	$58,451

1. Master of Computer Information Systems is a current member of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). This tuition-savings program will be evaluated for renewal annually. Master of Computer Information Systems students who are residents of the following WICHE member states may apply for WRGP and qualify for savings on out-of-state or non-resident tuition costs. The WICHE states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
2. Semester tuition estimates are based on typical fall and spring semesters.
3. Program tuition estimates account for a projected annual increase.
4. Graduate differential tuition is $342 per credit hour and is subject to annual increases.

How We Calculate On-Campus Tuition and Fees

The College of Business follows the University's graduate tuition guide and additionally charges graduate differential tuition. Graduate differential tuition helps support the student experience by enhancing classroom technology through innovation, hiring highly qualified faculty, and providing advising support, scholarships, highly equipped computer labs, and comprehensive career services.

Charges will vary, depending on the student’s actual registration, residency, and course of study. Additional University fees also may apply. Try out the University tuition and fees calculator to better understand how tuition and fees can change.

CSU reserves the right to change tuition rates without notice. Tuition rates – based on academic years – are subject to increase on an annual basis and subject to Board of Governor approval. All prices refer to U.S. currency.

All full fee-paying resident‐instruction graduate students automatically will be enrolled in and billed for CSU student health insurance. Information and instructions on applying for a waiver to opt out of the insurance are available for domestic students and international students.

On-Campus Master of Computer Information Systems