South Carolina offers four graduate programs that can prepare students for work in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, computational science, and related computing fields. The options take different approaches: Clemson offers a dedicated AI and machine learning track, the College of Charleston builds machine learning into an interdisciplinary data science degree, USC Beaufort combines machine learning with computational science and high-performance computing, and USC Aiken includes AI and machine learning as a required part of a broader computer and information science curriculum.
The programs differ in specialization depth, admissions expectations, cost, and format. Clemson is especially useful for students without an undergraduate computer science degree. College of Charleston is a strong fit for data science. USC Beaufort stands out for flexible online, blended, and campus study. USC Aiken offers a broad computing curriculum with required graduate-level AI and machine learning.
South Carolina Machine Learning Master’s Programs at a Glance
| School | Program | Format | Credits | Tuition | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University | Master of Applied Computing – AI & Machine Learning | Campus | 42 | Varies by residency and tuition tier | About 2 years full time |
| College of Charleston | M.S. in Data Science and Analytics | Campus | 30 | About $19,800 base tuition at current published rate | Varies by plan |
| University of South Carolina Beaufort | M.S. in Computational Science | Online, blended, or campus | 30 | Published program rate is outdated; verify with USCB | As little as 1 year |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | Master of Computer and Information Science | Campus | 30 | About $17,167.50 resident tuition at current part-time per-credit rate | Varies by plan |
Tuition figures are estimates based on currently published university rates and do not include required fees, books, or other costs. Clemson charges graduate tuition using residency, enrollment, and program-tier rules. USCB still displays an older program-specific per-credit rate, so students should confirm current Computational Science tuition directly with the university.
Clemson University
Clemson University’s Master of Applied Computing offers an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning track within a 42-credit graduate degree. Clemson designed the MAC for students who hold a bachelor’s degree but do not already have a full undergraduate computer science background.
Students begin with a 12-credit computing readiness sequence and then complete graduate coursework in their chosen track. The AI and Machine Learning track requires at least 15 credits and can include work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced machine learning, deep learning, data mining, and related subjects. The remaining credits give students room to add graduate computing courses that support their goals.
Clemson lists the program as campus-based and typically completed in about two years of full-time study. The GRE is required. This program is one of the clearest South Carolina choices for career changers who want a structured bridge into advanced computing and then a defined AI/ML concentration.
View Clemson’s official Master of Applied Computing program.
College of Charleston
The College of Charleston M.S. in Data Science and Analytics is a 30-credit campus program that combines computer science, mathematics, statistics, data management, and applied analytics. Machine learning is part of the required curriculum rather than a minor elective topic.
Students study machine learning and data mining alongside data cleaning, visualization, scientific computing, databases, and statistical modeling. They can complete the degree through either a practicum or a thesis, which gives the program both applied and research-oriented paths.
The program is a strong fit for students who want machine learning skills inside a broader data science framework. Applicants should already have preparation in programming, statistics, calculus, and linear algebra. Based on the university’s current published graduate tuition rate, 30 credits equal about $19,800 in base tuition before required fees and other expenses.
View the College of Charleston’s official graduate data science program.
University of South Carolina Beaufort
USC Beaufort’s M.S. in Computational Science is a 30-credit interdisciplinary degree that combines advanced computing, modeling, simulation, data analysis, scientific visualization, high-performance computing, and machine learning. It is a good fit for students who want ML skills within a broader scientific-computing program.
The curriculum includes core work in practical computing, numerical and statistical methods, systems modeling and simulation, and high-performance computing. Students can use electives for subjects such as Data Mining, Digital Image Processing, Data Visualization, Data Management and Analytics, and advanced database systems. The final six credits can be completed through a thesis, project, or coursework path.
USCB has the most flexible delivery options among the South Carolina programs listed here. Students can study fully online, in a blended format, or on campus, and the university says the degree can be completed in as little as one year depending on prior preparation and the student’s study plan. USCB lists a 3.0 minimum GPA and rolling graduate admission.
View USCB’s official M.S. in Computational Science program.
University of South Carolina Aiken
USC Aiken’s Master of Computer and Information Science requires 30 graduate credits and offers Cyber Security and General / Information Technology tracks. Every student completes MCIS A620: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as part of the 12-credit graduate core.
USC Aiken differs from the other programs because it does not offer a dedicated machine learning concentration. Instead, students combine required AI/ML study with advanced programming, databases, networking, cybersecurity, systems, and information technology coursework.
The GRE is not required, and the university prefers a minimum 3.0 GPA. USCA supports both full-time and part-time enrollment. For 2026–27, the university lists resident graduate tuition of $572.25 per credit for part-time enrollment, which equals about $17,167.50 across 30 credits before fees.
View USC Aiken’s official MCIS program.
How the South Carolina Programs Compare
Best for a dedicated AI and machine learning track: Clemson. Students complete a defined AI/ML concentration after building the required computing foundation.
Best for data science: College of Charleston. The curriculum combines required machine learning with statistics, data preparation, databases, visualization, and scientific computing.
Best for online flexibility and computational science: USC Beaufort. Students can complete the degree online, blended, or on campus while combining machine learning with high-performance computing, modeling, simulation, and data analysis.
Best for a broad computing degree with required AI/ML: USC Aiken. Every MCIS student takes graduate AI and machine learning, while the rest of the degree covers computing, cybersecurity, networking, and IT.
Machine Learning Careers in South Carolina
South Carolina gives machine learning graduates several regional career paths. Charleston has a growing technology and data sector, while the Upstate combines software, advanced manufacturing, automotive, and engineering employers. Aiken adds opportunities tied to cybersecurity, government research, and the Savannah River area. The Beaufort and Lowcountry region can also support work that connects data, scientific computing, research, and technical systems.
Machine learning skills can support roles such as machine learning engineer, data scientist, AI engineer, computational scientist, data analyst, software developer, cybersecurity analyst, and research computing specialist. Students should compare each curriculum with the type of work they want to pursue because these four programs differ substantially in how they use machine learning.
Choosing a South Carolina Machine Learning Master’s Program
Start with your academic background and career goal. Clemson provides a structured route into advanced computing with a dedicated AI and Machine Learning track. College of Charleston is a strong match for students with quantitative preparation who want machine learning within data science. USC Beaufort is the most flexible option for students who want computational science and need online or blended study. USC Aiken works well for students who want AI and machine learning as one part of a broader computing degree.
Also compare total cost, delivery format, admissions requirements, and specialization depth. USC Beaufort is the only program in this group that clearly offers a fully online option, making it especially relevant for students who cannot relocate for graduate school.