Clemson University

How this program compares

At an estimated $36K in total tuition, the MAC in Applied Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning track) sits roughly 16% below the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database — placing it in the 54th percentile on cost among the 394 we track at this level. It runs on a full-time, part-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: The catalog states students may hold a baccalaureate in any field; AI/ML and Data Science tracks expect statistics preparation or concurrent first-semester statistics. Admission is competitive—verify GPA expectations and prerequisites with the MAC coordinator.

About This Program

Clemson’s MAC is a professional computing master’s that explicitly includes an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning track alongside cybersecurity, data science, HCI, software engineering, and visual computing tracks—aimed at intensive skill building rather than a standalone “MS in AI” title. Most students complete it in about 2 years.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Complete prerequisite-style CS graduate preparation before advanced specialization.

Estimated total tuition is $36K, below the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database and in the 54th percentile on cost at this level. That puts it in the mid-range on price among comparable programs.

It is one of 3 AI-related programs we track in South Carolina, of which about 33% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 67% of the South Carolina programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $36.5K.

Career Outcomes

The MAC in Applied Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning track) at Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina) is oriented toward Machine Learning Engineer hiring, with alumni reporting pay near $120,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and Deep Learning maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. Data Scientist
• 3. AI Software Engineer
• 4. Applied ML Developer

What You'll Learn

• Complete prerequisite-style CS graduate preparation before advanced specialization.
• Stack graduate AI/ML coursework including deep learning and data mining options.
• Satisfy program residency and 8000-level credit rules typical of Clemson’s School of Computing.
• Pair technical depth with other MAC degree requirements outlined in the current handbook.

Curriculum Highlights

Clemson’s Graduate Catalog describes the Master of Applied Computing (MAC) as 42 credits: 12 credits of computing background coursework plus 30 credits of advanced work, with at least half of credits at the 8000-level and at least 27 credits from CPSC and HCC courses unless preapproved. Students pick one of six tracks; the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning track requires at least three courses drawn from CPSC 6300 (Applied Data Science), 6420 (Artificial Intelligence), 6430 (Machine Learning: Implementation and Evaluation), 8420 (Advanced Machine Learning), 8430 (Deep Learning), and 8650 (Data Mining), with up to two additional track electives from a handbook-maintained list. Applicants to this track should have prior statistics or plan to take statistics in the first semester per catalog guidance.

Top Employers

Clemson computing graduates recruit into Southeast technology employers, defense contractors, and national firms; consult the School of Computing’s employment disclosures for cohort-specific outcomes.

Admissions

Admission to Clemson University's MAC in Applied Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning track) generally expects a bachelor's degree (any major). Plan for the GRE, which this program lists as verify annually on mac admissions page. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of purpose / objectives: Confirm current requirement
• Letters of recommendation: Typically required
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required
• English proficiency for international students

Frequently Asked Questions