Bowie State University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with an optional Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning specialization. The 30-credit graduate program combines core computer science study with advanced work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, probabilistic modeling, and related areas.
Students can complete the M.S. in Computer Science through either an applied research option or a graduate thesis option. Bowie State also lists the program as available online.
Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| Specialization | Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning |
| School | Bowie State University |
| Department | Department of Computer Science |
| Location | Bowie, Maryland |
| Format | Online or campus |
| Credits | 30 |
| Core Courses | 15 credits |
| Research Requirement | Applied research or master’s thesis |
| Minimum GPA for Admission | 2.5 |
| GRE | Not listed as required |
| Fall/Summer Application Deadline | July 1 |
| Spring Application Deadline | December 1 |
| 2026–27 In-State Tuition | $475 per credit for part-time graduate students |
| 2026–27 Online Nonresident Tuition | $737 per credit for part-time graduate students |
Program Overview
Bowie State’s M.S. in Computer Science provides a broad graduate-level foundation in computing while allowing students to focus their elective work on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The degree requires 30 graduate credits, including five core courses totaling 15 credits. Students then complete additional coursework and choose between an applied research project and a graduate thesis.
The university offers three optional areas of specialization:
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- High Performance and Data Science
For students interested specifically in machine learning, the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning specialization is the most direct route.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Curriculum
The AI/Machine Learning specialization covers topics such as:
- machine learning
- artificial intelligence
- probabilistic modeling and inference
- natural language processing
- robotics
- knowledge representation
- logical reasoning
- cognition
- intelligent systems
Bowie State’s graduate computer science curriculum also includes several courses directly related to AI and machine learning.
Selected AI and Machine Learning Courses
| Course | Focus |
|---|---|
| COSC 573 – Artificial Intelligence I | Search, knowledge representation, logic, probabilistic modeling, machine learning, planning, and vision |
| COSC 673 – Artificial Intelligence II | Machine learning, neural networks, natural language understanding, computer vision, robotics, and intelligent systems |
| COSC 719 – Image Processing I | Computer vision, image processing, feature extraction, segmentation, and image analysis |
| COSC 731 – Principles of Data Mining | Classification, clustering, prediction, association rules, and real-world data mining |
| COSC 750 – Pattern Recognition I | Statistical inference, classifiers, parameter estimation, feature selection, and computer vision |
The university also describes machine learning coursework as emphasizing practical, problem-focused applications. Examples include computer vision, natural language processing, simulation, and voice and music synthesis.
Computer Science Core
The master’s program includes five required core courses totaling 15 credits.
Bowie State’s graduate computer science curriculum includes foundational coursework in areas such as:
- computer organization
- software design and development
- operating systems
- discrete structures
- algorithm design and analysis
COSC 503 – Software Design and Development I may be required as a prerequisite. Credits earned for this prerequisite do not count toward the 30 credits required for the master’s degree.
Students can review the complete degree requirements in the Bowie State graduate catalog.
Applied Research or Master’s Thesis
Students can choose one of two paths for completing the degree.
Applied Research Option
Students who prefer a project-based route can complete COSC 698 – Applied Research in Computer Science after earning at least 27 graduate computer science credits.
The course requires students to complete a semester-long research project and present their results through a seminar and comprehensive paper.
Master’s Thesis Option
Students who want deeper research experience can complete a two-semester master’s thesis through COSC 696 and COSC 697.
Students select a computer science research problem, conduct research under faculty supervision, prepare a formal thesis, and defend their work before a faculty committee.
The thesis route may be especially useful for students considering research careers or doctoral study.
Online and Campus Options
Bowie State lists the M.S. in Computer Science as available online.
This gives students the option to pursue the AI/Machine Learning specialization without necessarily relocating to Bowie, Maryland.
Students should confirm current course availability with the department because individual specialization courses may not be offered in every format or every semester.
Tuition and Cost
For the 2026–27 academic year, Bowie State lists graduate tuition separately for campus and fully approved online programs.
Part-Time Graduate Tuition
| Residency / Format | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Maryland resident | $475 per credit |
| Nonresident – fully online program | $737 per credit |
| Nonresident – campus | $760 per credit |
Based on 30 required credits, tuition at the part-time per-credit rate would be approximately:
- $14,250 for Maryland residents
- $22,110 for nonresident online students
- $22,800 for nonresident campus students
These estimates exclude mandatory fees and any prerequisite coursework.
Bowie State also publishes flat full-time graduate tuition rates for students taking at least 12 credits per semester. Students should check the university’s current graduate tuition and fees when estimating their total cost.
Graduate assistantships are available on a limited basis. Eligible graduate students may receive a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver covering nine credits per semester.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants submit:
- Bowie State Graduate School application
- $40 application fee
- official undergraduate transcript
The Computer Science Graduate Admissions Committee also evaluates whether students have completed the required academic preparation.
Expected prerequisites include:
- Calculus I and II
- one additional mathematics course beyond calculus
- software design and development equivalent to COSC 503
Acceptable additional mathematics preparation may include linear algebra, differential equations, discrete structures, probability and statistics, advanced calculus, or similar coursework.
Application Deadlines
Bowie State lists the following graduate application deadlines for the Computer Science M.S.:
| Entry Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall/Summer | July 1 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Students should confirm deadlines before applying because graduate admission dates can change.
What Makes the Program Different?
Bowie State combines a traditional computer science master’s curriculum with a clearly defined AI and machine learning specialization.
The degree also gives students several ways to shape their studies. Students can pursue AI and machine learning directly, take related data science courses, and finish with either applied research or a full master’s thesis.
The relatively low 2.5 minimum GPA also makes the program accessible to some applicants who may not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement common at other graduate computer science programs.
Its Maryland location may also appeal to students interested in government, defense, cybersecurity, and technology employers in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore region.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Bowie State may be a strong option for students who want:
- a computer science master’s with a formal AI and machine learning specialization
- both machine learning and broader computer science training
- online study as an option
- a choice between applied research and a master’s thesis
- relatively affordable public-university tuition
- admission requirements that are less restrictive than some competing computer science programs
Students seeking a degree devoted entirely to machine learning may prefer a standalone machine learning master’s. Bowie State provides a broader M.S. in Computer Science, with AI and machine learning forming an optional specialization within the degree.
Is Bowie State’s Machine Learning Program Worth Considering?
Yes, particularly for students who want graduate-level machine learning training without giving up the broader foundation of a computer science degree.
The program includes dedicated study in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, data mining, and related fields. Students also get an applied research or thesis option and can complete the program online.
For Maryland students, the $475-per-credit graduate tuition rate also makes Bowie State one of the more affordable machine learning-related master’s options in the state.
Related Programs in Maryland
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