The University of New Hampshire offers an on-campus Master of Science in Computer Science in Durham with substantial opportunities to study machine learning and artificial intelligence. UNH faculty research includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and information retrieval.
The degree is broader than a dedicated machine learning master’s, but students can build an AI-focused program through graduate courses such as Machine Learning, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Foundations of Neural Networks, and Natural Language Processing. UNH also offers thesis, project, and coursework-only paths.
This makes UNH a good fit for students who want a traditional computer science master’s with room to develop significant depth in machine learning and AI.
Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| School | College of Engineering and Physical Sciences |
| Location | Durham, New Hampshire |
| Format | On campus |
| Credits | 31–38, depending on option |
| Program Length | 1–2 years full time |
| Options | Thesis, project, or coursework |
| GRE | Required for standard applicants |
| Typical GPA | Above 3.2; no absolute minimum stated |
| Fall Deadline | March 1 for funding; April 1 final |
| Spring Deadline | December 1 |
Program Overview
UNH’s M.S. in Computer Science is designed to deepen students’ computer science knowledge, software development skills, and research abilities. The program supports both professional and research goals, including preparation for advanced technical positions and doctoral study.
Students choose among three degree options. The thesis option requires 31–33 credits, the project option requires 31–33 credits, and the course option requires 34–38 credits. Each path includes the one-credit CS 900 Graduate Seminar plus advanced computer science coursework.
The program is designed primarily for full-time, in-person study in Durham. Part-time enrollment is possible, but UNH notes that most classes meet during the day and the program does not have a remote option.
Visit UNH’s M.S. in Computer Science program page.
Machine Learning and AI Curriculum
Machine learning is not a formal concentration within the M.S., but UNH offers enough graduate AI coursework for students to make it a major part of their degree plan. Several AI courses also count toward the program’s implementation-intensive requirement.
Relevant Graduate Courses
- CS 830 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- CS 850 – Machine Learning
- CS 851A – Reinforcement Learning
- CS 852 – Foundations of Neural Networks
- CS 853 – Information Retrieval and Generation Systems
- CS 859A – Natural Language Processing
- CS 881 – Building with AI: Text and Knowledge
- CS 959 – Fair, Accountable and Transparent Machine Learning
The curriculum gives students access to both foundational and applied AI topics. For example, CS 850 covers foundational and contemporary machine learning methods with hands-on work using real-world datasets, while other courses address neural networks, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, generative information systems, and responsible machine learning.
Review the current UNH Graduate Catalog requirements for the Computer Science M.S.
Thesis, Project, and Course Options
Thesis Option
The 31–33 credit thesis option includes seven graduate computer science courses plus six credits of master’s thesis work. It is the strongest path for students who want sustained faculty-guided research or may continue into a Ph.D. program.
Project Option
The 31–33 credit project option includes eight graduate computer science courses and a three-credit master’s project supervised by a faculty advisor. This route can work well for students who want an applied AI or machine learning capstone without completing a full thesis.
Course Option
The 34–38 credit course option requires ten graduate computer science courses and does not require a thesis or master’s project. It provides the most room for students who want to build a coursework-heavy plan across AI, machine learning, systems, algorithms, and other CS topics.
Program Format and Length
UNH lists the M.S. in Computer Science as a one- to two-year full-time program. All courses are taught in person at the Durham campus. Students can enroll part time, although the daytime course schedule can make the program difficult to combine with a full-time job.
The program also has an accelerated option for eligible UNH undergraduates. Qualified students can begin graduate coursework before finishing their bachelor’s degree and apply eligible credits toward both degrees.
Tuition and Cost
For 2026–27, standard UNH graduate tuition is $7,626 per semester for New Hampshire residents and $14,970 per semester for out-of-state students enrolled full time. Computer science students in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences also pay a $752 per-semester tuition differential.
That puts full-time tuition plus the CEPS differential at approximately $16,756 per academic year for New Hampshire residents and $31,444 for out-of-state students, before mandatory fees, health insurance, housing, and other expenses. Actual total tuition depends on the student’s degree option, pace, and number of semesters enrolled.
UNH also lists 2026–27 full-time mandatory fees plus the technology fee at $2,560 per academic year. Students should use the university’s current billing information when estimating total cost.
View UNH’s current graduate tuition and fee schedule.
Admissions
The program is designed for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but UNH also considers students from other academic backgrounds. Applicants without a computer science degree may need prerequisite coursework in programming, data structures, computer organization, operating systems, computer science theory, and possibly mathematics.
UNH states that the program has no absolute GPA minimum, although successful applicants generally have a GPA above 3.2. The current program page lists the GRE General Test as required for standard applicants. Three recommendation letters and a personal statement are also required.
The fall application deadline is March 1 for funding consideration and April 1 for final consideration. The spring deadline is December 1. The department notes that applications may close early if the program fills.
What Makes UNH’s Computer Science M.S. Different?
Strong AI Course Selection
UNH offers graduate coursework across machine learning, neural networks, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, generative information systems, and responsible AI. Students can build meaningful AI depth without being locked into a narrow degree structure.
Three Ways to Complete the Degree
The thesis, project, and coursework options give students a clear choice between research, applied project work, and additional classroom study.
AI and Machine Learning Faculty Research
UNH identifies artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and information retrieval among its faculty research areas. That can be especially useful for thesis students who want research experience connected to AI.
Is UNH’s Computer Science M.S. Worth Considering?
UNH is a strong option for students who want a traditional computer science master’s with substantial flexibility to focus on machine learning and AI. The program does not carry a formal machine learning concentration, but the graduate course catalog has enough depth to support a serious AI-focused plan.
The three completion options are another advantage. Students interested in research can pursue a thesis, students who want applied work can complete a faculty-supervised project, and students who prefer broader technical coursework can choose the course-only path.
The main limitation is format. UNH describes this as an in-person program with daytime classes, so it is less suitable for students who need a fully online master’s or plan to remain in a full-time job while studying.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Best for: Students who want an on-campus computer science master’s with strong AI and machine learning electives and the choice of thesis, project, or coursework-only study.
Consider another program if: You want a degree formally titled in machine learning or artificial intelligence, need a fully online format, or need evening classes built around full-time employment.
Related Machine Learning Programs
Students comparing UNH with other programs can also review machine learning master’s programs in New Hampshire.
- Dartmouth Engineering - Hanover