Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Machine Learning through its College of Computing.
The 30-credit degree is available on the Atlanta campus and fully online through OMSCS. Half of the program is committed to machine learning: one graduate algorithms course, one core machine learning course, and three machine learning electives.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Facts
| Degree | MS in Computer Science |
| Specialization | Machine Learning |
| School | College of Computing |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia or Online |
| Format | Campus or online (OMSCS) |
| Credits | 30 |
| Culminating Experience | Coursework, project, or thesis |
| Preferred GPA | 3.0 |
| GRE | Not required |
| Campus Deadline | February 1 (fall entry only) |
| Online Deadlines | March 1 (fall), August 15 (spring) |
| Typical Length | 24 months on campus; about 3 years online |
Official MS in Computer Science specializations page
Curriculum
Georgia Tech does not offer a standalone master’s degree in machine learning. Students earn the MS in Computer Science and choose Machine Learning as one of 11 specializations.
Students complete 30 graduate credits consisting of:
- 6 credits of specialization core coursework
- 9 credits of machine learning electives
- 15 credits of free electives, part of which can be replaced by a project or thesis on campus
Every specialization course must be passed with a B or better.
Specialization Core
Students take one course from each of two areas.
Algorithms
Options include:
- CS 6515 – Introduction to Graduate Algorithms
- CS 6550 – Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- CS 7520 – Approximation Algorithms
- CS 7530 – Randomized Algorithms
- CSE 6140 – Computational Science and Engineering Algorithms
Machine learning
- CS 7641 – Machine Learning
- CSE 6740 – Computational Data Analysis: Learning, Mining, and Computation
Machine Learning Electives
Students select three electives from a list of more than 30 courses. Examples include:
- CS 7643 – Deep Learning
- CS 7642 – Reinforcement Learning and Decision Making
- CS 7650 – Natural Language
- CS 6476 – Computer Vision
- CS 7545 – Machine Learning Theory
- CS 7652 – Large Language Models
- CS 7644 – Machine Learning for Robotics
- ISYE 6420 – Bayesian Methods
The elective list runs from theory and optimization to deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Only part of the list is offered online, so OMSCS students choose from a narrower menu.
Coursework, Project, or Thesis
The campus program documents three ways to finish the degree:
- Course option: 30 credits of coursework
- Project option: 21 credits of coursework plus a 9-credit project (CS 6999)
- Thesis option: 18 credits of coursework plus a 12-credit thesis (CS 7000)
The OMSCS degree requirements describe a 10-course, coursework-only path.
Cost and Tuition
Cost is the biggest difference between the two formats. Georgia Tech prices the online program far below the campus program.
For fall 2026, the Bursar lists these graduate tuition rates per credit hour:
| Format | Georgia Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Online (OMSCS) | $227 | $236* |
| Atlanta campus | $607 | $1,341 |
*Online students living outside the United States pay $248 per credit hour. Campus rates shown are the standard graduate rates for students taking fewer than 12 credit hours; full-time campus students pay a flat $7,280 (resident) or $16,073 (nonresident) per semester.
At 30 credits, online tuition works out to roughly $6,810 to $7,440 before fees. Online students also pay an Online Learning Fee of $212 or $531 per semester, depending on course load. Campus students pay mandatory fees of up to $758 per semester.
Rates can change each term, so students should confirm current figures with the Bursar.
View Georgia Tech tuition and fees
Admission Requirements
The campus MS in Computer Science is designed for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Applicants from other majors may apply and may be assigned remedial coursework.
Georgia Tech describes a 3.0 GPA as a desirable minimum for the campus program and notes that most admitted students exceed it. Admission is highly selective.
The campus program expects undergraduate-level preparation in:
- algorithms
- operating systems
- computer architecture
- networking
- theory, formal languages, and automata
- C programming
OMSCS prefers a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field such as mathematics, computer engineering, or electrical engineering with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants who fall short of that preference are reviewed case by case, and work experience cannot replace the degree.
Application Materials
Campus applicants submit:
- online graduate application
- transcripts
- statement of purpose
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency when required
OMSCS applicants submit transcripts, a resume, three recommenders, and short-answer background questions. OMSCS does not use a statement of purpose.
The GRE is not required for either format.
Application Deadlines
| Program | Entry Term | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta campus | Fall | February 1 |
| Online (OMSCS) | Fall | March 1 |
| Online (OMSCS) | Spring | August 15 |
The campus program admits for fall only. Neither format admits for summer.
Program Format
The campus program is taught in person in Atlanta and is typically completed within 24 months.
OMSCS is fully online and built for part-time study. Students are limited by default to two courses in fall and spring and one in summer, and Georgia Tech reports a typical completion time of about three years.
Both routes lead to the same degree. The diploma reads Master of Science in Computer Science with no online designation. Students cannot mix the two formats, because campus students cannot register for online sections and online students cannot register for campus sections.
OMSCS does not sponsor visas, and international OMSCS students do not qualify for OPT. International students who need to study in the United States should look at the campus program.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Georgia Tech’s Machine Learning specialization is a strong option for students who want machine learning depth inside a full computer science master’s degree.
It may be especially appealing to students interested in:
- deep learning
- reinforcement learning
- natural language processing and large language models
- computer vision
- machine learning theory
- robotics
- a low-cost online degree from a research university
The program expects real computer science preparation and includes a required graduate algorithms course. Students coming from a non-computing background, or those who want an applied analytics curriculum, may want to compare Georgia Tech’s MS in Analytics or other Georgia programs with lighter prerequisites.
Official Georgia Tech Program Links
- MS in Computer Science program page
- OMSCS Machine Learning specialization
- Campus admission requirements
- OMSCS admission criteria
- Georgia Tech tuition and fees
Related Machine Learning Programs in Georgia
Students can also compare Georgia Institute of Technology with other master’s programs in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields offered in Georgia.
- Emory University – Atlanta
- Georgia Southern University – Statesboro
- Georgia State University – Atlanta
- Kennesaw State University – Kennesaw
- Mercer University – Online
- University of Georgia – Athens