Mercy University MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Mercy University offers a Master of Science in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning specialization through the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in the School of Liberal Arts.

The specialization runs 36 credits and can be taken online, in person, or as a mix of the two. Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and DevOps and MLOps are all required courses within it. Mercy does not offer a standalone master’s degree in artificial intelligence, and the same degree also has 30-credit Data Science and Software Development specializations.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Quick Facts

DegreeMS in Computer Science
SpecializationArtificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (Data Science and Software Development also offered)
SchoolSchool of Liberal Arts
LocationDobbs Ferry, Bronx, and Manhattan, New York or Online
FormatOnline, campus, or hybrid
Credits36 (30 for the other two specializations)
Culminating ExperienceData science project and two capstone courses
Minimum GPA3.0 (2.5 to 3.0 with a program director interview)
GRENot listed as a requirement
Tuition$1,147 per credit for 2026–27; $695 per credit listed for the online program
Application DeadlineRolling admission
STEM DesignatedYes

Official MS in Computer Science page

Curriculum

Every student in the MS in Computer Science chooses one of three specializations. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is the longest at 36 credits. The catalog describes it as the Data Science specialization plus deep learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision, natural language processing, MLOps, and data engineering in the cloud.

Mercy’s sequence map for the specialization lays out 36 graduate credits, twelve 3-credit courses, consisting of:

  • 3 credits of foundation coursework
  • 24 credits of specialization courses
  • 9 credits of project and capstone courses

Foundation Course

  • CISC 520 – Database Management Systems

The catalog also lists CISC 505 – Object-Oriented Programming and CISC 510 – Theoretical Concepts in CS as foundation courses for the degree. They do not appear in the sequence map for this specialization, so students should confirm their plan with the program director.

Specialization Courses

  • CISC 530 – Mathematical Methods for Data Analysis
  • CISC 540 – Computational Data Analysis
  • CISC 550 – Machine Learning
  • CISC 560 – Big Data
  • CISC 580 – Computer Vision
  • CISC 585 – Natural Language Processing
  • CISC 610 – DevOps and MLOps
  • CISC 620 – Data Engineering Services in the Cloud

All eight courses are required. The published sequence has no free electives, and the course list has no separate course titled deep learning or reinforcement learning.

Project and Capstone Courses

  • CISC 602 – CS Data Science Project
  • CISC 702 – CS Capstone II
  • CISC 703 – CS Capstone III

Each of the three requires approval of the program director. The catalog also lists CISC 600 – Computer Science Thesis as a capstone option for the degree.

Data Science Specialization

Students who want a shorter route can take the 30-credit Data Science specialization. It requires the three foundation courses, four specialization courses, two electives, and one capstone:

  • CISC 530 – Mathematical Methods for Data Analysis
  • CISC 540 – Computational Data Analysis
  • CISC 550 – Machine Learning
  • CISC 560 – Big Data

Electives for the degree include CISC 565 – Social Media and Large-Scale Data Analytics, CISC 570 – Advanced Operating Systems, CISC 590 – Internship in Computer Science, and CISC 595 – Special Topics in Computer Science. Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing are not required in the Data Science specialization.

Cost and Tuition

Mercy is a private university and charges graduate tuition by the credit, with the same rate for New York residents and nonresidents.

For the 2026–27 academic year, the university lists:

CategoryAmount
Graduate tuition, Computer Science, per credit$1,147
Online MS in Computer Science, per credit$695
Registration fee per term, 12 or more credits$465
Registration fee per term, fewer than 12 credits$233

At 36 credits, tuition comes to about $41,292 at the $1,147 rate and about $25,020 at the $695 online rate, before fees. The 30-credit specializations come to about $34,410 and $20,850.

The $695 rate appears on Mercy’s online program page and not on the main tuition schedule, so students should confirm which rate applies to them, especially if they plan to mix online and campus courses. The graduate application fee is $40, and first-time international students pay a $450 fee. Rates can change each year.

View Mercy University tuition and fees

Admission Requirements

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 must request an interview with the program director.

Applicants are expected to have foundational knowledge of computer science, including:

  • programming
  • operating systems
  • computer networks

Mercy accepts undergraduate degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, computer information systems, information technology, and electrical and computer engineering. Applicants from other fields can show competence through an NYU Tandon Bridge certificate, verified accredited coursework, or Coursera or edX certificates, reviewed case by case.

The graduate catalog separately lists one course each in discrete structures, calculus, and programming, and recommends linear algebra and analysis of algorithms.

Application Materials

Applicants submit:

  • online graduate application and $40 application fee
  • official transcripts
  • resume
  • statement of purpose covering reasons for the degree and career plans
  • at least one letter of recommendation
  • proof of English proficiency when required

Mercy does not list the GRE among the requirements for this program. International applicants need a course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, a Duolingo score of 110, a PTE score of 53, or the equivalent TOEFL score.

Application Deadlines

Mercy uses rolling admission for this program and does not publish fixed application deadlines.

International applicants who need an F-1 visa should have their documents and I-20 request in at least 60 days before the term starts, or 30 days for students transferring from another U.S. school.

Program Format

Mercy lists the MS in Computer Science as offered 100 percent online, in person, or as a hybrid of the two, with full-time and part-time study.

The online program is asynchronous. In-person locations are listed as Westchester, the Bronx, and Manhattan, with some evening and weekend classes at the Dobbs Ferry and Bronx campuses. Mercy does not say which campuses offer the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning courses in person.

The university describes the degree as taking one year full time or two years part time. The sequence map for the 36-credit specialization spreads the courses over four semesters at 9 credits each.

Mercy’s international admissions page lists the MS in Computer Science as a STEM program. Mercy undergraduates can also reach the specialization through a BS/MS 4+1 pathway.

Who Is This Program Best For?

Mercy University’s MS in Computer Science with the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning specialization is a strong option for students who want a prescribed, applied machine learning curriculum in the New York City area or online.

It may be especially appealing to students interested in:

  • machine learning and big data
  • computer vision
  • natural language processing
  • MLOps and cloud data engineering
  • part-time, evening, or online study
  • rolling admission with no GRE listed

The specialization is fully prescribed in the published sequence, with no electives, and it sits inside a computer science degree, not a dedicated AI degree. The course list has no separate deep learning or reinforcement learning course, and the campus tuition rate is that of a private university. Students who want a standalone AI degree, a research thesis track, more elective choice, or public university pricing may want to compare other New York schools.

Students can also compare Mercy University with other master’s programs in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields offered in New York.

View All Machine Learning Programs in New York