Tennessee Tech MS in Computer Science: AI & Machine Learning

Tennessee Tech University offers a 30-credit Master of Science in Computer Science in Cookeville, Tennessee. The campus-based program offers thesis, project, and coursework-only paths, with graduate study available in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data mining, data science, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.

SchoolTennessee Tech University
LocationCookeville, Tennessee
DegreeMaster of Science in Computer Science
Credits30
FormatCampus
2026-27 TuitionAbout $22,260 in-state or $26,460 domestic out-of-state for 30 credits
LengthAbout 2–2.5 years; Tennessee Tech lists about 2.5 years as typical for a master’s degree
ML / AI FocusStrong elective and research options in machine learning, AI, and data science

Curriculum

The MS in Computer Science now requires 30 semester credits for each of its three pathways. Students build a program of study with advisor-approved graduate courses and then complete a thesis, project, or independent-study requirement.

  • Thesis: 24 credits of approved coursework plus 6 credits of thesis research.
  • Project: 24 credits of approved coursework plus 6 credits of project work.
  • Coursework only: 27 credits of approved coursework plus 3 credits of independent study.

All MS students must also complete online Principles of Computer Science Research modules no later than the completion of 15 graduate credits.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

Tennessee Tech’s degree is broader than a dedicated machine learning master’s, but it offers a meaningful AI and ML path within computer science. Students can use graduate electives and research to build depth in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data mining, and data science.

A key option is CSC 6230 – Machine Learning, a 3-credit course that covers supervised learning, classification, feature selection, evaluation methods, clustering, and introductions to unsupervised and reinforcement learning. Other AI-related offerings in the graduate curriculum have included Data Mining and Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Data Science & Applications, Data Mining, and advanced AI topics.

This flexibility makes the program relevant for students who want graduate-level ML training while keeping access to broader computer science areas such as algorithms, distributed computing, security, and high-performance computing.

Credits and Program Length

The current catalog lists 30 credits for all three MS options. This is an important change from the older 31- to 34-credit structure previously shown on this profile.

Tennessee Tech does not publish a fixed completion time specifically for the Computer Science MS on its program page. Graduate Studies says a typical master’s student takes about 2.5 years. Students carrying a heavier full-time course load may be able to finish closer to two years, depending on course scheduling and the selected thesis, project, or coursework path.

Tuition and Cost

For 2026-27, Tennessee Tech publishes a graduate rate of $742 per credit for Tennessee residents and $882 per credit for domestic out-of-state students. At 30 credits, that produces an estimated program cost of $22,260 for Tennessee residents and $26,460 for domestic out-of-state students.

International graduate students are listed at $1,468 per credit, or about $44,040 for 30 credits. These calculations use Tennessee Tech’s published per-credit graduate rates. Actual charges can vary by semester and course selection, and living expenses are separate.

Admissions

Applicants are generally expected to have a bachelor’s degree from an approved program and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The Computer Science department also considers three recommendation letters, research or professional experience, publications, and the availability of appropriate faculty advisors.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science supports admission in full standing. Applicants from closely related fields may be reviewed individually and can be required to complete background coursework. The current College of Engineering catalog states that the GRE is not required for applicants to the Computer Science MS.

Campus Format and Research

Tennessee Tech classifies the Computer Science master’s as on-campus. The department emphasizes graduate research and collaboration with other engineering departments, university Centers of Excellence, outside institutions, and national laboratories.

The thesis path is the clearest choice for students who want substantial research experience or who may continue into a PhD. The project option provides a substantial applied component, while the coursework-only path gives students more room to build a course plan around AI, machine learning, security, or other computer science interests.

Who Is This Program Best For?

This program is a strong fit for students who want a broad computer science master’s with the option to develop a serious machine learning or AI focus. It also makes sense for Tennessee residents looking for a public-university program with a 30-credit curriculum and a resident tuition estimate near $22,000.

Bottom Line

Tennessee Tech’s MS in Computer Science qualifies for inclusion because students can combine dedicated machine learning coursework with AI, data science, and research options. The program is 30 credits, campus-based, and offers thesis, project, and coursework-only routes. For 2026-27, estimated tuition is about $22,260 in-state or $26,460 for domestic out-of-state students.