The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers a 30-credit Master of Science in Computer Science through the Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The program is a strong fit for students interested in machine learning because the on-campus MS includes an Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning concentration, while the online MS offers a related Data Mining and Intelligent Systems concentration.
| School | University of Tennessee, Knoxville |
| Location | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Degree | MS in Computer Science |
| Credits | 30 |
| Format | Campus or Online |
| Estimated Tuition & Required Fees | About $28,500 in-state / $59,300 out-of-state for the campus program* |
| Length | 3 semesters full-time; 2–3 years part-time |
| ML / AI Focus | Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning concentration available on campus |
Curriculum
Computer Science MS students complete three graduate core requirements: COSC 530; one course from COSC 540, COSC 561, or COSC 562; and one course from COSC 580 or COSC 581. Students then use electives and, when applicable, research credits to build the rest of the 30-credit degree.
The machine learning path is much stronger than a general computer science degree with one AI elective. UT lists Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning as an official concentration for the on-campus MS. Relevant graduate coursework includes COSC 522 Machine Learning, along with advanced work in areas such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, natural language processing, data mining, reinforcement learning, computer vision, algorithms, and visualization as courses are offered.
Credits and Program Length
The MS requires 30 credit hours. UT states that the degree can be completed in three semesters of full-time study or about two to three years part-time.
Campus students can choose among three completion options. The course-only option uses 30 credits of coursework. The project option combines 27 course credits with 3 project credits. The thesis option combines 24 course credits with 6 thesis credits. The online MS is a 30-credit course-only program.
Tuition and Cost
UT Knoxville publishes graduate tuition by credit load rather than one fixed price for the entire MS. For Fall 2026, the standard graduate maintenance fee is $639 per credit at lower course loads, with a semester maintenance-fee cap beginning at nine credits. Tickle College of Engineering courses carry an additional $252-per-credit differential. Campus students also pay university fees, and nonresidents pay additional out-of-state tuition.
For planning purposes, a student completing the 30-credit campus degree over three roughly 10-credit terms would pay about $28,500 in-state or $59,300 out-of-state in tuition, engineering differential charges, and required university fees at Fall 2026 rates. These are estimates rather than university-published total program prices. They do not include housing, meals, books, transportation, health insurance, or future rate increases.
The online MS uses a separate graduate online fee schedule. Fall 2026 online rates include the graduate maintenance fee, a $100-per-credit online support fee, library fees, and applicable out-of-state and college differential charges. Students comparing campus and online study should calculate costs from the rate schedule that matches their delivery format.
Admissions
Applicants apply through the University of Tennessee Graduate School and the EECS graduate program. Students should have enough preparation in computer science and mathematics to handle graduate work in algorithms, systems, machine learning, and related technical subjects. The department states that the GRE is not required for MS applicants.
Machine Learning and AI Focus
UT Knoxville is a strong match for this site because machine learning is built into a formal graduate concentration. The on-campus MS lists Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning as a concentration, and the department also supports research and graduate study in AI-related areas.
The program also benefits from UT’s broader engineering and computing research environment and its proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Students who want a traditional computer science foundation plus room to specialize in machine learning should find more depth here than in programs that offer only a small number of AI electives.
Campus and Online Options
The campus MS is the clearest choice for students who specifically want the Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning concentration, plus access to thesis or project options. UT also offers a fully online MS in Computer Science for working professionals. The online program requires 30 credits and offers concentrations including Data Mining and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering.
Thesis, Project, and Course-Only Options
- Course-only: 30 credits of graduate coursework.
- Project: 27 course credits plus 3 project credits.
- Thesis: 24 course credits plus 6 thesis credits and a defense.
- Online MS: 30-credit course-only format.
Who Is This Program Best For?
This program is best for students who want a broad computer science master’s degree with a defined route into machine learning and intelligent systems. The campus option is especially useful for students who want research, a thesis, or a project. Working professionals who need more flexibility can consider the online MS and its Data Mining and Intelligent Systems concentration.
Bottom Line
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers one of the stronger machine-learning-related graduate computer science options in Tennessee. The 30-credit MS, formal Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning concentration, three-semester full-time path, and campus and online choices give students several ways to build advanced AI and computing skills. Campus cost is significant for nonresidents, so applicants should compare residency, online pricing, assistantships, and other funding before choosing a format.
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