Missouri State University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science that gives graduate students room to study machine learning, artificial intelligence, data mining, and other advanced computing topics.
The 30-credit program is based in Springfield, Missouri and offers course-only, project, and thesis options. Students can build a study plan around their interests instead of following a fixed machine learning specialization. Missouri State says the degree can be completed in about 1.5 years with full-time study.
Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| School | Missouri State University |
| Location | Springfield, Missouri |
| Credits | 30 |
| Format | Campus |
| Program Options | Course-only, project, or thesis |
| Length | About 1.5 years full-time |
| ML/AI Study | Machine learning, AI, deep learning, data mining |
| 2026–27 Resident Tuition | $414 per credit |
Missouri State MS in Computer Science Overview
Missouri State’s Master’s Degree in Computer Science is a flexible graduate program for students who want advanced study in computing without committing to one narrow concentration.
Students develop their program of study with an advisor and can select courses based on their academic and career goals. Missouri State specifically identifies data mining and machine learning/artificial intelligence among the advanced subjects available to graduate computer science students.
The degree requires at least 30 graduate credit hours. Students can choose a course-only path, complete an applied project, or pursue a thesis. This flexibility gives students interested in machine learning a way to combine advanced coursework with project or research experience.
Machine Learning and AI Curriculum
Machine learning is not a formal concentration within the degree. Instead, students can use electives and research work to build an AI-focused program within the broader computer science master’s.
Missouri State lists machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data mining among its graduate study areas. The department also offers advanced coursework such as Deep Learning. Students can combine AI-focused study with graduate work in algorithms, databases, software engineering, and other areas of computer science.
This structure can work well for students who want graduate-level machine learning experience while keeping the broader foundation of an MS in Computer Science.
Course-Only, Project, and Thesis Options
The course-only option emphasizes graduate coursework without requiring a formal thesis. The project option gives students a way to apply advanced computer science methods to a substantial technical problem. The thesis option provides the most research-focused path and may appeal to students considering doctoral study or research careers.
For machine learning students, the project and thesis paths can provide an opportunity to focus more deeply on an AI topic even though the degree itself remains broadly titled Computer Science.
Admission Requirements
Missouri State prefers applicants with an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related STEM field such as mathematics, physics, or engineering. Applicants from other academic backgrounds may also be considered.
Students who lack required computer science preparation may need prerequisite coursework. Applicants should review Missouri State’s current graduate admission and program requirements because prerequisite needs can vary based on previous coursework.
How Long Does the Missouri State Computer Science MS Take?
Missouri State says students can complete the master’s degree in approximately four semesters, or about 1.5 years, with full-time study. Part-time study is also possible.
Missouri State Computer Science MS Tuition
For the 2026–27 academic year, Missouri State lists standard graduate tuition of $414 per credit for Missouri residents and $825 per credit for nonresidents for seated graduate courses.
| Student | Tuition Per Credit | Estimated 30-Credit Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri resident | $414 | $12,420 |
| Non-Missouri resident | $825 | $24,750 |
These estimates use the 30-credit program minimum and tuition only. Required university fees, course fees, books, and other expenses can increase the total cost. Some nonresident students may qualify for tuition reductions or waivers. Students should check Missouri State’s current graduate tuition and costs before enrolling.
What Makes Missouri State’s Program Stand Out?
Missouri State provides a middle ground between a general computer science master’s and a dedicated artificial intelligence degree. Students get a broad CS foundation while retaining enough flexibility to study machine learning, deep learning, AI, and data mining.
The three completion paths are another advantage. Students can emphasize coursework, complete an applied project, or pursue thesis research. Missouri residents also receive a relatively low published graduate tuition rate, with estimated base tuition of about $12,420 for the 30-credit minimum at 2026–27 rates.
Is Missouri State a Good Choice for Machine Learning?
Missouri State is worth considering for students who want a broad computer science master’s with the ability to focus part of their studies on machine learning and AI.
It is less specialized than a dedicated MS in Artificial Intelligence or MS in Machine Learning. However, Missouri State explicitly identifies machine learning and AI as graduate study areas and provides project and thesis options that can support more focused work.
- 30-credit MS in Computer Science
- Graduate study in machine learning and AI
- Advanced coursework including deep learning
- Course-only, project, and thesis options
- About 1.5 years of full-time study
- Published resident graduate tuition of $414 per credit for 2026–27
Related Programs
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