Tarleton State University MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Tarleton State University offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with thesis and professional options. Students can complete either track fully online or on campus in Stephenville. The program combines a focused AI and machine learning curriculum with research, projects, and flexible technical electives.

Quick Facts

FactDetails
SchoolTarleton State University
LocationStephenville, Texas
DegreeMS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Credits33 thesis; 36 professional
FormatOnline or Campus
Estimated tuition and required per-credit feesAbout $14,965–$16,326 for Texas residents; $29,089–$31,734 for nonresidents, before fixed semester or campus fees
LengthFour long semesters, or about 2 years
AI/ML focusArtificial intelligence, reinforcement learning, deep neural networks, optimization, robotics, robot vision, and high-performance computing

Curriculum

The 2026–27 graduate catalog lists a 27-credit program core. All students complete Artificial Intelligence and Statistical Models, select four courses from a focused AI and computing group, and take three additional graduate electives in computer science, computer engineering, or mathematics.

The focused elective group includes:

  • Robotics and Autonomous Systems
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • High Performance Computing
  • Optimization for Machine Learning
  • Deep Neural Networks
  • Advanced Algorithms
  • Parallel Computing and Algorithms
  • Robot Vision

The professional track adds one more course from this group and two more graduate electives. The thesis track adds six credits of thesis research. Students cannot count the same course twice across the program and track requirements.

Credits and Program Length

The thesis option requires 33 credits, while the professional non-thesis option requires 36 credits. Tarleton states that students typically finish either plan in four long semesters, usually fall and spring. This equals about two years of full-time study.

Regular course offerings are limited during summer terms, although thesis students may conduct research in the summer. Students can transfer up to 12 graduate credits with university approval.

Tuition and Cost

Tarleton does not publish one fixed price for this degree. The 2026–27 tuition schedule lists graduate tuition of $241.90 per credit for Texas residents and $669.90 per credit for nonresidents. Engineering students also pay a $51.34-per-credit differential, a $123.50-per-credit university services fee, and an athletics fee of $36.75 per credit, subject to the semester maximum.

Using those published per-credit charges, the estimated cost is about $14,965 for the 33-credit thesis option or $16,326 for the 36-credit professional option for Texas residents. The comparable nonresident estimates are about $29,089 and $31,734.

These calculations include the main published per-credit tuition and required fees. They exclude fixed semester or campus fees, course-specific charges, books, living costs, and future price changes. Tarleton’s graduate cost-of-attendance page shows higher annual budgets because it includes housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Online and campus students should use the university tuition estimator for a personal quote.

Admissions

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, or a related field from an accredited institution. Tarleton lists a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 for program admission.

Applicants from other academic backgrounds may receive individual review. The department may require undergraduate leveling courses when a student lacks sufficient preparation in programming, mathematics, statistics, algorithms, or related computing subjects. These courses do not count toward the graduate degree.

After enrollment, students must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA and earn a grade of C or better in every course on the degree plan.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

This is a dedicated AI and machine learning degree, not a general computer science program with a limited AI component. The core builds a foundation in intelligent systems and statistical modeling, while the electives support depth in neural networks, reinforcement learning, optimization, computer vision, robotics, and large-scale computing.

Several courses include programming projects and applied model evaluation. Reinforcement Learning covers deep RL, policy-gradient, and actor-critic methods. Deep Neural Networks covers convolutional, recurrent, and LSTM networks. Robot Vision connects computer vision with deep learning for autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Visit the official program page for more information.

Online or Campus Format

Tarleton offers both tracks 100% online and face-to-face at the Stephenville campus. The page is classified as Online or Campus because students can complete the full degree through either delivery option.

The university launched the program in spring 2025 through the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in the Mayfield College of Engineering. Online students should confirm each term’s course schedule, especially if they want a specific advanced elective.

Thesis or Professional Track

The 33-credit thesis track includes six credits of supervised thesis research. It is the better match for students who want original research experience or plan to pursue doctoral study.

The 36-credit professional track replaces the thesis with nine additional credits of technical coursework. It fits students who want broader course coverage and project-based preparation for industry roles.

Who Is This Program Best For?

Tarleton’s program is a strong match for:

  • Working professionals who need a fully online AI and machine learning master’s.
  • Texas residents who want a public-university program with an estimated tuition and required per-credit cost near $15,000–$16,500.
  • Students who want a choice between thesis research and a coursework-based professional plan.
  • Learners interested in robotics, reinforcement learning, deep neural networks, optimization, or computer vision.

Applicants who need extensive introductory programming or mathematics preparation may have to complete leveling courses first. Students should also compare the thesis and professional plans carefully because the shorter thesis route depends on completing a substantial research project.

Bottom Line

Tarleton State offers a direct and technically focused MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Students can study online or in Stephenville, choose a 33-credit thesis or 36-credit professional plan, and finish in about two years. The program stands out for its elective depth in neural networks, reinforcement learning, optimization, robotics, and vision, while Texas residents receive a much lower tuition rate than nonresidents.