Georgia Southern University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Machine Learning through the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing.
The 30-credit program can be completed fully online, in a hybrid format, or in person in Statesboro. Students choose a thesis, a research project, or a coursework-only path.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Facts
| Degree | MS in Computer Science |
| Concentration | Machine Learning |
| School | Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing |
| Location | Statesboro, Georgia or Online |
| Format | Online, hybrid, or campus |
| Credits | 30 |
| Culminating Experience | Thesis, research project, or coursework |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 (3.0 for international applicants) |
| GRE | Required |
| Fall Deadline | July 15 |
| Spring Deadline | November 15 |
| Summer Deadline | April 30 |
Official MS in Computer Science page
Curriculum
Every student in Georgia Southern’s MS in Computer Science chooses one of four concentrations: Machine Learning, Data and Knowledge Systems, Software Engineering, or Software and Cyber Security.
Students complete 30 graduate credits consisting of:
- 10 credits of core coursework
- 9 credits in the Machine Learning concentration
- 2–11 credits of computer science electives, depending on the completion option
- A 9-credit thesis, a 3-credit research project, or additional coursework
Computer Science Core
- CSCI 7130 – Artificial Intelligence: Theory and Application
- CSCI 7132 – Database Systems Design: Theory and Application
- CSCI 7432 – Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures
- CSCI 7630 – Current Trends in Computing
Machine Learning Concentration Courses
Students take one required course:
- CSCI 7434 – Data Mining
They then select at least two courses from:
- CSCI 7501 – Computational Intelligence
- CSCI 7435 – Data Warehousing
- CSCI 7510 – Decision Support Systems
- CSCI 7090 – Selected Topics in Computer Science
The concentration leans toward data mining, data warehousing, and decision support. It does not include a dedicated deep learning course, so students who want that depth should ask the department which topics and electives are currently offered.
Thesis, Research Project, or Coursework
Students finish the program through one of three paths:
- CSCI 7999 – Thesis: 9 credits
- CSCI 7899 – Research Project in Computer Science: 3 credits
- Coursework only: additional electives plus a graduate technical seminar
Georgia Southern encourages students with a 3.8 GPA or higher to choose the thesis.
Cost and Tuition
Georgia Southern is one of the lowest-priced options in Georgia, especially for online students.
For fall 2026, the Bursar lists these graduate tuition rates per credit hour:
| Category | Tuition per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Fully online MS in Computer Science | $287 |
| Georgia resident (Statesboro campus) | $287 |
| Nonresident (Statesboro campus) | $1,218 |
At 30 credits, tuition comes to about $8,610 online or for a Georgia resident on campus, before fees. Online students also pay a technology fee and an online learning fee each semester, and campus students pay mandatory fees of up to $724 per semester.
Rates can change each year, so students should confirm current costs with the Bursar.
View Georgia Southern tuition and fees
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field such as computer engineering, information technology, information systems, or software engineering.
Applicants with a degree in a non-computing field can qualify with at least two years of relevant professional computing experience.
Domestic applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. International applicants need a 3.0.
Applicants who meet most but not all requirements may be admitted provisionally and asked to complete prerequisite courses in object-oriented programming, data analytics with Python, and program design.
Application Materials
Applicants submit:
- online graduate application and $50 application fee
- official general GRE scores
- transcripts for all prior college work
- proof of English proficiency when required
The GRE is required. Georgia Southern does not publish a minimum score.
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 15 |
| Spring | November 15 |
| Summer | April 30 |
Program Format
Georgia Southern offers the MS in Computer Science fully online, in a hybrid format, or in person on the Statesboro campus. Both the thesis and non-thesis tracks are available online.
International students on F-1 visas must enroll in the hybrid or in-person program.
Georgia Southern also lists the Machine Learning concentration under its Direct Admissions pathway for the non-thesis track.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Georgia Southern’s Machine Learning concentration is a strong option for students who want an affordable, flexible computer science master’s with a data-focused specialization.
It may be especially appealing to students interested in:
- data mining
- computational intelligence
- data warehousing and decision support
- a fully online degree at a low per-credit price
- a choice of thesis, project, or coursework
- admission with a 2.5 GPA or professional computing experience
This is a general computer science degree with a 9-credit concentration, so it offers less machine learning depth than a dedicated AI or machine learning program. Students who primarily want deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision may want to compare other Georgia schools.
Official Georgia Southern University Program Links
- MS in Computer Science program page
- Graduate catalog entry
- Graduate admissions page
- Tuition and fees
Related Machine Learning Programs in Georgia
Students can also compare Georgia Southern University with other master’s programs in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields offered in Georgia.
- Emory University – Atlanta
- Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta
- Georgia State University – Atlanta
- Kennesaw State University – Kennesaw
- Mercer University – Online
- University of Georgia – Athens