Marist University MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence

Marist University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science/Software Development with an Artificial Intelligence concentration through the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.

The 32-credit degree is taught on the Poughkeepsie campus, mostly in evening classes. Machine learning is not required of every student. It enters the degree through the Artificial Intelligence concentration, one of two tracks, where Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Deep Learning are the three required courses.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Quick Facts

DegreeMS in Computer Science/Software Development
ConcentrationsArtificial Intelligence or Cloud Computing (students choose one)
SchoolSchool of Computer Science and Mathematics
LocationPoughkeepsie, New York
FormatCampus, with evening classes and occasional online courses
Credits32, plus foundation courses if needed
Culminating ExperienceTeam capping project
GRENot required
Tuition$1,030 per credit for 2026–27
STEM DesignatedYes

Official MS in Computer Science/Software Development page

Curriculum

Marist does not offer a standalone master’s degree in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data science. Students earn the MS in Computer Science/Software Development and choose one of two concentrations, Artificial Intelligence or Cloud Computing. The catalog describes the Artificial Intelligence concentration as newly introduced.

Students complete 32 graduate credits, mostly in 4-credit courses, consisting of:

  • 12 credits of core courses
  • 12 credits in one concentration
  • 4 credits for the capping project
  • 4 credits of electives, one course

Students must keep a 3.0 cumulative average and finish within seven years of acceptance.

Core Courses

  • MSCS 504L – Algorithm Analysis and Design
  • MSCS 510L – Software Design and Development
  • MSCS 542L – Database Management Systems

Every student takes these three courses, so the degree keeps a software development base whichever concentration is chosen.

Artificial Intelligence Concentration

  • MSCS 505N – Machine Learning
  • MSCS 550L – Artificial Intelligence
  • MSCS 612N – Deep Learning

Machine Learning covers supervised and unsupervised learning, regularization, validation, and model selection, with an introduction to reinforcement learning. Deep Learning covers feedforward, recurrent, convolutional, and generative adversarial networks and includes a semester-long project.

Cloud Computing Concentration

  • MSCS 560L – Networking
  • MSCS 621L – Cloud Computing
  • MSCS 630L – Security Algorithms and Protocols

Students who choose Cloud Computing can finish the degree without a required machine learning course.

Electives

Students select one course from:

  • MSCS 613N – Natural Language Processing
  • MSCS 614N – Computer Vision
  • MSCS 552L – Robotics
  • MSCS 506N – Internet of Things
  • MSCS 679L – Parallel Computing
  • MSCS 555L – Computer Graphics I
  • MSCS 565L – Game Design and Programming 1
  • MSCS 721L – Software Verification and Maintenance
  • MSCS 722L – Enterprise Mobile Dev

Natural Language Processing, which focuses on transformers and large language models, and Computer Vision are electives rather than concentration courses. The standard plan has room for only one of them.

Capping Project

In MSCS 710L – Project, students work in teams to analyze, design, and implement a large system chosen from a list of selected projects, with milestone presentations and a final presentation. Students need a 3.0 cumulative average to enroll. The catalog does not list a thesis option.

Foundation Courses

Applicants are expected to be proficient in programming, computer architecture, and mathematics. Students who are not may be assigned prerequisite courses, which do not count toward the 32 credits:

  • MATH 205 – Discrete Mathematics
  • DATA 220 – Introduction to Data Analysis
  • MSCS 501L – Object-Oriented Programming
  • MSCS 503L – Computer Organization and Architecture

These courses can be waived through a placement exam or demonstrated proficiency. Marist’s curriculum page gives the full range as 32 to 40 credits depending on background.

Cost and Tuition

Marist is a private university and charges graduate tuition by the credit, with the same rate for New York residents and nonresidents.

For the 2026–27 academic year, Graduate Admission lists:

CategoryAmount
Tuition per credit, MS in Computer Science/Software Development$1,030
Health insurance, per year (optional for domestic students, required for international students)$3,200

At 32 credits, tuition comes to about $32,960 before fees. Students who need foundation courses will take more credits and pay more.

Rates can change each year, so students should confirm current costs with Graduate Admission.

View Marist University graduate tuition and fees

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree. Marist does not publish a minimum GPA for domestic applicants to this program.

The program expects a prior course in object-oriented programming in Java. Applicants can waive it by passing a placement test on campus.

Applicants with degrees from India, Nepal, or Pakistan need a first-class graduation with minimal backlogs, usually 60 percent, a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or 7 on a 10-point scale.

Application Materials

Applicants apply through GradCAS and submit:

  • graduate application and $50 application fee
  • unofficial transcript from the bachelor’s institution, with an official transcript after acceptance
  • resume listing the programming languages the applicant knows
  • personal statement covering career objectives, reasons for choosing the program, and desired specialization
  • proof of English proficiency when required

The GRE is not required. The catalog notes that the graduate director may ask for two letters of recommendation. For English proficiency, Marist lists minimum scores of 115 on Duolingo, 6.5 on IELTS, 79 on TOEFL, or 58 on PTE.

Application Deadlines

Marist does not publish a fixed application deadline for this program on its program or admission pages. The graduate catalog states that deadlines and start terms differ by program, so applicants should confirm dates with the Office of Graduate Admission.

Program Format

The program is taught on campus in Poughkeepsie. The catalog states that courses are offered in the classroom on a regular basis and online occasionally, and Marist lists evening classes for working professionals.

Students can study full time or part time. Full-time study is at least nine graduate credits a semester, and part-time students are normally limited to one course in their first semester.

The degree is STEM designated, and Marist lists it as eligible for CPT and OPT for international students.

Who Is This Program Best For?

Marist’s MS in Computer Science/Software Development is a solid option for students who want a short AI sequence inside a campus-based computer science master’s degree in the Hudson Valley.

It may be especially appealing to students interested in:

  • machine learning and deep learning
  • a software development core in algorithms, software design, and databases
  • one elective in natural language processing or computer vision
  • a team-based capping project
  • evening classes and part-time study
  • entering from a non-computing major, with foundation courses available

The degree is a computer science master’s first. Machine learning is a choice within it, the Artificial Intelligence concentration is three courses, and there is one elective slot, no thesis, and no online version of the degree. Students who want a degree built entirely around AI, a research thesis, an online program, or public university pricing may want to compare other New York schools.

Students can also compare Marist University with other master’s programs in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields offered in New York.

View All Machine Learning Programs in New York