Towson University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence Track that provides focused graduate study in artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, generative AI, computer vision, and related areas.
The 30-credit program is offered through Towson’s Department of Computer and Information Sciences in Towson, Maryland. The new Artificial Intelligence Track begins in Fall 2026 and is specifically intended for students interested in designing, implementing, and applying artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.
Students can complete the degree through either a project or thesis option. Towson also offers late-afternoon, evening, and summer courses, making the program accessible to both full-time students and working professionals.
Quick Facts
| School | Towson University |
| Degree | M.S. in Computer Science |
| Machine Learning Option | Artificial Intelligence Track |
| Location | Towson, Maryland |
| Credits | 30 |
| Format | Campus |
| GRE Required | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 for full admission |
| Maryland Graduate Tuition & Fees | $774 per credit/unit |
| Out-of-State Graduate Tuition & Fees | $1,400 per credit/unit |
| Project/Thesis | Either option available |
| AI Track Begins | Fall 2026 |
Tuition and fee rates shown are Towson University’s published 2026–2027 graduate rates and may change.
Program Overview
Towson’s M.S. in Computer Science is a 30-credit graduate program covering advanced computer science topics and preparing students for technical careers or further doctoral study.
Students complete a common computer science core before adding coursework associated with their selected track. Four tracks are currently offered:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
For students focused on machine learning, the Artificial Intelligence Track is the most direct option. Towson describes the track as preparation for the design, implementation, and application of AI and machine learning solutions.
The program also provides some scheduling flexibility. Towson offers late-afternoon, evening, and summer classes and states that the program can accommodate full-time students and part-time working professionals.
Artificial Intelligence Track
The Artificial Intelligence Track requires 30 credits in total.
All students complete 15 credits of core computer science courses. AI students then complete nine credits of specialized track coursework along with either a graduate project or thesis.
AI Track Courses
Students take:
- COSC 581 – Artificial Intelligence
They then select at least two of the following:
- COSC 602 – Computer Vision and Image Processing
- COSC 661 – Generative AI and Large Language Models
- COSC 750 – Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- COSC 757 – Data Mining
This gives Towson’s AI track a clear machine learning focus. Students can study deep learning, computer vision, generative AI, large language models, and data mining within the same graduate program.
Students who choose the thesis option must complete their thesis in an artificial intelligence area.
Core Computer Science Curriculum
Students in the AI track also complete a 15-credit computer science core:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems Principles | 3 |
| Database Management Systems I | 3 |
| Advanced Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis | 3 |
| Software Engineering I | 3 |
| Computer Networks | 3 |
The combination of this computer science foundation and the specialized AI courses makes the program broader than a standalone machine learning degree.
Students receive advanced training in software, algorithms, databases, networks, and computing systems before completing their AI specialization.
Full requirements are available in Towson’s 2026–2027 Graduate Catalog.
Project or Thesis
Towson gives students two options for completing the M.S.
The non-thesis option includes a three-credit graduate project. The thesis option includes six credits of thesis work.
The graduate project allows students to study an advanced computing topic or design and implement a real-world application under faculty supervision. Students must complete at least 18 graduate credits before registering for the project.
Students complete a proposal, work with a faculty adviser, prepare a final report, and present the finished project to a faculty committee.
Students interested in research can instead pursue the thesis option. AI track students who select this route must complete a thesis related to artificial intelligence.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to Towson’s M.S. in Computer Science should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or another field that provides the required academic preparation.
According to Towson’s graduate admission requirements:
- GRE scores are not required
- A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required for full admission
- Applicants with at least a 2.75 GPA may be considered for conditional admission
- Applicants without a computer science background may need prerequisite coursework
Students who need prerequisite courses may be required to complete:
- COSC 501 – Fundamentals of Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
- COSC 502 – Computer Organization and Assembly Language for Non-CS/CIS Majors
- MATH 263 – Discrete Mathematics
Prerequisite requirements depend on the applicant’s undergraduate background. Students without a computer science background must apply for fall admission.
Application Deadlines
Towson publishes priority and final deadlines for both fall and spring admission.
| Entry Term | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | June 15 | August 7 |
| Spring | November 1 | December 15 |
Students who do not have a computer science background must apply for fall admission.
Applicants should verify current dates with Towson before applying because deadlines can change.
Tuition
For the 2026–2027 academic year, Towson lists graduate tuition and fees at:
| Residency | Cost Per Credit/Unit | Approx. 30-Credit Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Resident | $774 | $23,220 |
| Out-of-State | $1,400 | $42,000 |
The approximate program totals above multiply Towson’s published per-unit tuition and fee rates by the 30 credits required for the M.S. They do not include living expenses, books, prerequisite courses, or other personal costs.
Students who need prerequisite computer science or mathematics courses should expect additional costs.
See Towson University’s current tuition and cost information for updated rates.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Towson’s program may be a good fit for students who want a computer science master’s degree with a defined AI and machine learning specialization rather than a narrowly focused machine learning degree.
The program stands out for its combination of:
- A dedicated Artificial Intelligence Track
- Neural networks and deep learning coursework
- Generative AI and large language model coursework
- Computer vision
- Data mining
- A project or thesis option
- Evening and summer course availability
- No GRE requirement
The program may be particularly attractive to Maryland residents because of the lower in-state graduate tuition rate.
Students primarily interested in machine learning should select the Artificial Intelligence Track, although Towson’s separate Data Science Track also includes coursework in data mining, neural networks and deep learning, and big data analytics.
Towson University vs. a Dedicated Machine Learning Master’s
Towson does not award a degree titled “Master of Science in Machine Learning.” The degree is an M.S. in Computer Science, and machine learning is studied through the Artificial Intelligence Track.
That distinction is important.
Students receive a broader computer science education than they might in a dedicated machine learning master’s program. At the same time, the AI track provides substantial coursework directly related to modern machine learning, including deep learning, computer vision, generative AI, and large language models.
For students who want a broad computer science master’s with a formal AI specialization, Towson provides a strong option.
Related Programs
- Bowie State University - Bowie
- University of Maryland - College Park
Students comparing additional options can explore our complete guide to machine learning master’s programs in Maryland to find and compare other programs across the state.
Official Program Resources
- Towson University M.S. in Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence Track and Degree Requirements
- Graduate Catalog – M.S. in Computer Science
- Admission Requirements and Deadlines
- Graduate Project Requirements
- Towson University Tuition and Costs
Program details and tuition were reviewed against Towson University sources for the 2026–2027 academic year. Students should confirm current requirements and costs directly with the university before applying.