Clemson University

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

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.

Career Outcomes

Build CS foundations plus a 15-credit AI/ML track designed for students entering computing graduate study from non-CS backgrounds.

• 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

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.

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

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree (any major)
• GRE/GMAT: Verify annually on MAC admissions page
• TOEFL/IELTS: Per Clemson Graduate School for international applicants