Emory University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science through its Department of Computer Science and the Laney Graduate School.
The program does not have a formal machine learning concentration. Students build machine learning depth through a required Intelligent Systems core course and a wide set of electives, then finish with a thesis, a project, or additional coursework. Every student also completes a practicum.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Facts
| Degree | MS in Computer Science |
| Concentration | None; machine learning through core and electives |
| School | Department of Computer Science, Laney Graduate School |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Format | Campus-based |
| Courses | 10 courses (about 30 credits) |
| Culminating Experience | Thesis, project, or coursework |
| Practicum | Required |
| Minimum GPA | None published |
| GRE | Not required |
| Fall Deadlines | January 15 (priority), April 15 (final) |
| Spring Deadlines | November 1 (priority), December 1 (final) |
| STEM Designated | Yes |
Official MS in Computer Science page
Curriculum
Emory’s MS in Computer Science is a general computer science degree built around the department’s strengths in machine learning, data mining, natural language processing, and healthcare analytics.
All three completion options come to about 30 credits:
- 3 core courses, one from each subject area
- At least 4 electives
- A thesis, a project, or 3 additional courses
- A practicum, required of every student
Core Courses
Students take one course from each of three areas.
Algorithms
- CS 523 – Data Structures and Algorithms
- CS 526 – Algorithms
Intelligent systems
- CS 534 – Machine Learning
- CS 557 – Artificial Intelligence
- CS 570 – Data Mining
Computer systems
- CS 551 – Systems Programming
- CS 554 – Database Systems
- CS 580 – Operating Systems
Core courses a student does not use for an area requirement can count as electives. A student focused on machine learning can take Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Mining.
Machine Learning Electives
Electives can come from computer science, biomedical informatics, biostatistics, and mathematics. Machine learning options include:
- CS 571 – Natural Language Processing
- CS 572 – Information Retrieval
- CS 563 – Digital Image Processing
- CS 512 – Ethics in Computing and AI
- BMI 536 – Introduction to Deep Learning
- BMI 532 – Model-Based Machine Learning
- BMI 550 – Applied Biomedical Natural Language Processing
- MATH 571 – Numerical Optimization
Several of the deep learning and applied machine learning electives sit in Biomedical Informatics, which reflects Emory’s health and biomedical research focus.
Thesis, Project, or Coursework
Students choose how to finish the degree in their final term:
- Coursework option: 3 additional approved courses
- Project option: 6 credits of project work plus 1 additional course
- Thesis option: 9 credits of thesis (CS 599R) with an oral defense
Practicum
Every student completes a practicum, which is a project or internship supervised by an Emory faculty member or an industry computer science expert. It is typically a software engineering internship in the summer after the first year, and students are expected to find their own placements.
Emory also runs an Applied AI Practicum in which small teams of master’s students build an AI or machine learning solution for a partner organization.
Cost and Tuition
Emory is a private university and charges the same tuition regardless of residency.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the Laney Graduate School lists:
| Enrollment | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Full time (9 or more credits) | $24,900 per semester |
| Part time (fewer than 9 credits) | $2,767 per credit hour |
Mandatory fees and student health insurance are additional. Because most students finish in three or four semesters, total tuition depends heavily on pace.
Admitted students, including international students, are automatically considered for partial tuition scholarships. Emory does not publish scholarship amounts.
View Laney Graduate School tuition and fees
Admission Requirements
Emory considers applicants with degrees in most disciplines and describes the MS as a gateway into computer science for students from other fields.
Applicants need working knowledge of a high-level programming language. Java, C, or C++ is recommended, and Python is acceptable.
Emory highly suggests preparation in:
- data structures and algorithms
- linear algebra
- discrete structures
- introductory programming
Emory does not publish a minimum GPA and does not offer conditional admission.
Application Materials
Applicants submit:
- online application and $75 application fee
- one-page statement of purpose
- CV or resume
- unofficial transcripts from every post-secondary institution
- at least one letter of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency when required
The GRE is not required. Applicants may self-report scores, and there is no penalty for leaving them out.
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | January 15 | April 15 |
| Spring | November 1 | December 1 |
Program Format
Emory delivers the MS in Computer Science on its Atlanta campus. The department does not describe an online option, and the required practicum and small cohorts are built around in-person study.
Students can start in fall or spring. Most finish within two years, and well-prepared students sometimes finish in three semesters. Emory reports an average class size of about 35.
The degree is STEM designated, which may allow qualifying international students on F-1 visas to extend their U.S. work authorization after graduation.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Emory’s MS in Computer Science is a strong option for students who want a small, research-active computer science program with room to specialize in machine learning.
It may be especially appealing to students interested in:
- machine learning and data mining
- natural language processing
- biomedical and health applications of AI
- a required internship or practicum
- a thesis or research project
- moving into computer science from another quantitative field
This is not a machine learning degree by title, and machine learning depth depends on the courses a student chooses. Students who want a named machine learning specialization on their transcript, or who need an online program, may want to compare other Georgia schools.
Official Emory University Program Links
- MS in Computer Science program page
- Degree requirements
- Admissions page
- Laney Graduate School tuition page
Related Machine Learning Programs in Georgia
Students can also compare Emory University with other master’s programs in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields offered in Georgia.
- Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta
- Georgia Southern University – Statesboro
- Georgia State University – Atlanta
- Kennesaw State University – Kennesaw
- Mercer University – Online
- University of Georgia – Athens