Technology Will Change
Build Expertise That Lasts
Technology Will Change
Build Expertise That Lasts
Technology is constantly changing, but your ability to understand it, evaluate it and build what comes next should grow with it. Clemson's online M.S. allows you to complete coursework remotely, with no required live classes.
Steps to Apply Tuition and FeesProgram Overview
Designed to complement the schedules of working professionals
Rather than preparing for one technology or one moment in the industry, graduate study in computer science can help you build expertise you can continue applying throughout your career.
Clemson’s fully online M.S. in Computer Science is designed for professionals who want to deepen their computing expertise while continuing to meet their professional and personal commitments. Build advanced knowledge in computer science, including the foundations behind emerging technologies such as AI, without relocating for campus study. Not only will you strengthen your understanding of advanced computing techniques, but you will also evaluate new technologies and their capabilities and limitations, and adapt as the field evolves.
Featured Benefits
You don’t have to put your career on hold to deepen those technical capabilities.
- Start with a performance-based admission pathway.
- Earn a Clemson degree online.
- Invest in expertise, not just the technology of the moment.
Clemson’s online M.S. gives working professionals an opportunity to build on their existing experience through graduate-level computer science study. Whether you want to expand your technical depth, work on increasingly complex computing problems or prepare yourself for a field being reshaped by AI and other emerging technologies, the program provides a foundation for continued professional growth.
Types of Admission
Performance-Based Admission
Designed for practicing or aspiring professionals, this pathway does not require a formal computing background. Begin by completing two three-credit pathway courses and earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher in both. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field is required, but no specific academic or professional background is needed.
Performance-based pathway courses:
- CPSC 8400 – Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- CPSC 8740 – AI-Receptive Software Development
NOTE: No resume, GRE, essays, or letters of recommendation are required.
Traditional Admission
The traditional pathway requires a formal application and supporting materials, which are reviewed by a selection committee for admission. Applicants are typically expected to have some educational background in computer science or a related field.
NOTE: Apply with an unofficial academic transcript, no GRE required, and 2 letters of recommendation. Review the required documents and admission requirements for the Computer Science M.S. traditional pathway.
Navigating Change:
Expertise for What’s Next
AI is changing how computing work gets done. That makes a deep understanding of computer science more important, not less.
Graduate study can help you understand what happens beneath the tools: how algorithms work, how software is designed, how computational approaches are evaluated and how new technologies can be incorporated thoughtfully into complex systems.
Build on the experience you already have
Start the pathway with two courses that introduce core areas of graduate-level computer science while developing knowledge that can carry forward into the M.S. Together, the courses strengthen algorithmic thinking and explore modern software development in an AI-influenced environment, providing a foundation for the advanced coursework ahead.
Algorithmic Research
CPSC 8400 – Design and Analysis of Algorithms
The study of algorithms is a significant part of the foundation for the discipline of computing. Over the past several decades, research in algorithmic computer science has advanced at a rapid pace, and its contributions have had a profound impact on almost every area of science and industry. Develop a deeper understanding of the principles used to design, analyze and reason about computational solutions.
Human-Centered Design
CPSC 8740 – AI-Receptive Software Development
Designed to be accessible as an entry-level course in modern software development principles, this course embraces the potential for strategic integration and appropriate use of AI tools to enhance operational efficiency of the development process without compromising quality or safety. Emphasis is also placed on human-centered design, ensuring an enhanced user experience both during development and post-development of software technology.
The goal of advanced study is not simply to become proficient with a particular tool; you already bring experience to the table. It's to build knowledge designed to travel with you as computing evolves.
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Is the M.S. fully online?
Yes. The online M.S. in Computer Science can be completed remotely and is distinct from the School’s on-campus study options. No live courses are required, and optional office hours provide opportunities to connect with instructors.
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Do I need a bachelor’s degree in computer science?
No. The performance-based admission route does not require a formal computer science background, although an accredited bachelor’s degree is required. Prospective students should review the pathway courses and expectations to determine whether they have the preparation needed to succeed.
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How does performance-based admission work?
Complete the two designated three-credit pathway courses with a grade of B (GPA 3.0 for both) or better in each. Then submit the required bachelor’s degree documentation through Clemson’s enrollment and admission process.
This pathway does not require a traditional graduate application, GRE or letters of recommendation.
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Is the GRE required?
Not for the performance-based admission pathway. Requirements for the traditional graduate application are separate, so prospective students should select the route that best matches their circumstances.
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Who can answer questions about my options?
Please email us to request information or learn more about the program, admissions pathways and next steps. Additional program details can be found in the Online MSCS Handbook.
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Is this degree still valuable as AI changes computing careers?
AI is indeed changing software development and many other areas of computing, and our curriculum deliberately includes focused training in both technical and human-facing aspects of AI, leveraging the strength of our faculty in these broad areas. The program also provides a broad understanding of advanced computing beyond just AI, so graduates will be well prepared to learn and adapt as computing technologies continue to evolve.
Students deepen their understanding of computer science concepts and develop the ability to analyze problems, evaluate technologies and apply advanced computing approaches. The curriculum also directly engages with AI-influenced software development through coursework such as AI-Receptive Software Development.
The objective is to prepare students to continue learning and adapting as computing technologies evolve, not simply to train them on the tools in use today.
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Will what I learn still be relevant years from now?
Specific technologies, programming tools and development practices will continue to change. The program, therefore, combines engagement with emerging technology with deeper computer science knowledge intended to remain useful as those technologies evolve.
Graduate-level study in areas such as algorithms, computational problem-solving and software development can provide a foundation for understanding technologies that exist today as well as those that emerge later in your career.
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Does the online degree look different from the in-person degree?
No. Online students earn the same M.S. in Computer Science degree as graduates of Clemson’s in-person M.S. program. The degree does not identify the program as online.
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Can I complete the program while working?
The program is structured to make graduate study accessible to working professionals. Coursework is online, and no live courses are required. Students should still plan for a meaningful time commitment. The 30-credit-hour degree consists of 10 courses, and students typically take two to three courses per standard Clemson semester. Students should plan for approximately nine hours of work per course each week.
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How long will the degree take?
The online M.S. in Computer Science requires 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours and can be completed in approximately 20 months. Students typically take two to three courses per standard Clemson semester and should plan for approximately nine hours of work per course each week. No live courses are required; optional office hours provide opportunities to connect with instructors.
Make Your Next Move. →
No one can know exactly which technologies will define computing a decade from now. That is precisely why deeper computer science knowledge matters.
