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Graduate Admissions

Coursera

Clemson University offers online degrees through Coursera, allowing global learners to earn a Clemson degree via courses hosted on Coursera’s platform.

Learn more at Coursera

TYPES OF ADMISSION

Performance-Based Admission

With no formal computing background required, performance-based admission is designed for aspiring professionals who are ready to build a comprehensive set of computer science skills.

To gain admission, you'll complete two 3-credit pathway courses on the Coursera platform, earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher in each course. With that and proof of your bachelor’s degree, you’ll be accepted into the degree program.

To gain access to Coursera, prospective students will provide their unofficial bachelor's degree. After the Coursera courses are completed, students will then provide their official bachelor's degree to be able to register for M.S. courses.

Pathway Courses: Design and Analysis of Algorithms (CPSC 8400) and AI-Receptive Software Development (CPSC 8740).

Traditional Admission

Traditional admission to the online computer science M.S. requires a formal application and supporting materials. A selection committee will review your application to determine if you are eligible for admission.

With traditional admission, applicants are typically expected to have some educational background in the field. Clemson’s computer science website provides admission requirements.

Students will need to provide their two PBA courses and their official bachelor's transcripts to automatically matriculate.

Deciding Between Online Coursera and In-Person Clemson Programs?

If you are unsure about which computer science program you’d like to pursue and whether an online program through Coursera is the better option for you, we suggest the following.

  1. Browse program offerings.
    Browse Clemson’s graduate-level computer science areas of study to decide which fits your interests and career goals the best.
    Note: You can see overview information for our graduate-level programs on the Degrees Site.
  2. Learn about Clemson’s M.S. in computer science.
    Visit the program website to learn more about our faculty and coursework.
    Explore Coursera’s website for more information on their instructional format.
  3. Apply.
    For Coursera, complete your performance-based admission process.
    Note: An unofficial transcript is required to submit your enrollment form for Coursera.
    For traditional admission, use the traditional Graduate School application.
    Note: A personal statement, GRE scores, resume and letters of recommendation are required for traditional admission.
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