Master of Applied Computing
The Master of Applied Computing (MAC) program is designed for students without a computer science background who wish to obtain that background as well as a sequence of graduate-level courses in a specific interest area and combine those studies into a single degree. We intend for this program to expand access to graduate degrees in computing and to allow students to be classified as degree-seeking and qualify to receive financial aid and/or employer tuition benefits throughout the entire program.
Overview
The MAC program combines the 12 credit hours of computer science background of our MSCS Ready program with 30 credit hours of advanced coursework for a total program requirement of 42 credit hours. The MAC program is coursework only. MAC students who later become interested in thesis research should talk with the MAC Program Coordinator about a change of degree program to the M.S. in Computer Science.
The program is designed for entry in a Fall semester, and completion as a full-time student will normally require two academic years and the intervening summer. Part-time students should plan to complete the degree within six calendar years.
Background Requirements for Admission
Students with a baccalaureate degree in any field may apply. However, students who want to follow the Visual Computing track should have a good background in mathematics, including linear algebra. Students who want to follow the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning track or the Data Science track should have a course in statistics in their background or take the STAT 8010 course at Clemson in their first semester. Questions related to application and selection can be sent to mscs@clemson.edu.
School of Computing funding is reserved for Ph.D. study. Because of this, applicants admitted to the MAC should expect to pay full tuition or find additional funding. A database of external funding opportunities is available.
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Degree Requirements
Requirements
The MAC program combines the 12 credit hours of computer science background of our MSCS Ready program with 30 credit hours of advanced coursework for a total program requirement of 42 credit hours. The MAC program is coursework only. MAC students who later become interested in thesis research should talk with the MAC Program Coordinator about a change of degree program to the M.S. in Computer Science.
Coursework
- MSCS Ready (12 credits)
- MAC Track Courses (15 credits minimum)
- Additional Graduate Coursework (15 credits)
42 credits minimum
Degree Tracks
Students must pick one of six tracks within the degree. Each track is 15 credit hours, and individual tracks are given below. The remaining 15 credits can come from any CPSC or HCC classes or can be approved courses outside the SoC. Students who are interested in more flexibility in course selection should talk with the MAC Program Coordinator about a change of degree program to the M.S. in Computer Science.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Software Engineering
- Visual Computing
The specific course requirements for each track are provided in the Graduate Catalog for the Master of Applied Computing.
For the course descriptions of each course, please see courses of instruction. For syllabi, please see the syllabus repository.
Notes on Credit Hours
- 12 of the 42 total credit hours for the degree must be the MSCS Ready modules (CPSC 7010, 7020, 7030, 8120, 8130, 8140).
- At least 21 of the 42 total credit hours must be at the 8000 level. This includes the MSCS Ready Modules listed at the 8000 level.
- At least 27 of the 42 credit hours must be taken as CPSC and HCC courses.
Course Exclusions: Of the 42 credits of approved courses required for graduation, students may not include credits for CPSC 6890, 74xx, 8880, 8910 95x0, 9810, 9910; DPA 6000-6030, 6810-6830, 8600, 8800, 8910; or, HCC 8880, 9500, 9910. Additionally, only six credits of CPSC 6820 or CPSC/DPA/HCC 8810 can be included.
Coursework From Elsewhere
Courses Outside the School of Computing: Courses offered by other departments must be preapproved by the MAC Program Coordinator to be applied to the MAC degree. The courses appearing in the lists above are already preapproved. Please note that courses offered by other departments may have field of study restrictions and/or prerequisites that individual instructors may not wish to override. Therefore, we cannot guarantee enrollment in the courses offered by other departments to our MAC students. Please note that each track can be fulfilled by taking CPSC and HCC courses only.
Transfer Credits: Students may include up to 9 credits of approved computing courses transferred from another university. Transfer courses will be listed as CPSC 6999 or 8999 on the GS2.
Assessment: Each student must submit three course-related assignments and accompanying self-reflection prior to your Plan of Study being approved. Please see the MAC Assessment page for details.
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Applying to the MAC Program
Required Documents to Begin Application
Application to the School of Computing’s Computer Science Master of Applied Computing program requires official GRE scores for both US and international applicants. This requirement cannot be waived.
- Online Application
- Unofficial Transcripts - Official Transcripts are required upon acceptance. Do not send official transcripts until you have received your letter of acceptance.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Official GRE scores. Clemson’s institution code is 5111.
- Official English language proficiency scores (if applicable). For more information, please visit the Graduate School English Proficiency Requirements page.
How to Apply
Students interested in applying to the SOC masters program must be accepted to the Clemson University Graduate School. Application information and forms can be found on the Graduate School website. International students are welcome to apply and must meet Graduate School requirements for TOEFL and GRE scores.
Questions
Send all questions to mscs@clemson.edu. We aim to respond within 1-2 business days!
Additional information concerning deadlines and program contacts can be found in the School of Computing Graduate Handbook.
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