Columbus State University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $10.1K puts this master's program at the 3rd percentile on cost — roughly 76% below the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Prior coursework in programming, linear algebra, and statistics is strongly recommended.

About This Program

Offered 100% online, this program prepares students for leadership roles in the tech industry with a focus on artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation. Coursework concentrates on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning. Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

Budget planners should note $10.1K estimated total tuition (3rd percentile among AI master's programs, below the $42.9K average). That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

It is one of 26 AI-related programs we track in Georgia, of which about 69% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 62% of the Georgia programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $36.8K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $110,000.

Design and implement machine learning models for classification, regression, and clustering tasks.

Career Outcomes

The Online MS in Applied Computer Science – AI & Data Science at Columbus State University (Columbus, Georgia) is oriented toward Machine Learning Engineer hiring, with alumni reporting pay near $110,000. Its focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 36% 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 Solutions Architect
• 4. Analytics Manager

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for classification, regression, and clustering tasks
• Apply deep learning techniques to complex data analysis and computer vision problems
• Extract actionable insights from large datasets using statistical methods and data visualization
• Develop AI solutions for real-world business and technical problems through capstone projects

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum features core CS courses and specialized electives in data visualization, machine learning, and predictive analytics for diverse applications.

Top Employers

Top employers for AI and data science professionals include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, IBM, and consulting firms like McKinsey and Deloitte.

Admissions

Admission to Columbus State University's Online MS in Applied Computer Science – AI & Data Science generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. 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: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions