Top Master's Programs in Artificial Intelligence
Updated April 15, 2024
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Artificial intelligence is everywhere. It is all around us. From self-driving cars to ChatGPT, the private and public sectors rely on AI on a daily basis.
According to the World Economic Forum, the industry will need 97 million AI specialists by 2025, to keep up with a growing demand.
With all of the artificial intelligence degrees out there to choose from, why go for a master's in artificial intelligence?
Earning a master's degree in artificial intelligence can position you competitively for a career in the rapidly growing field of AI. Discover the leading programs that can enhance your prospects for future career opportunities.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence enables machines and software to perform tasks using data. The machines and software continually learn, similar to the way the human mind works. AI can solve complex problems, perform decision-making, and recognize visual and audio patterns.
The ability of AI to mimic our cognitive functions has made it useful in nearly every industry. You'll find AI in e-commerce, education, finance, medicine, agriculture, and gaming.
The speed of breakthroughs in AI has created a gap between the demand and ability of professionals trained in AI. This provides an opportunity for those who hold a master's in artificial intelligence.
In fact, generative AI ranked as the fastest-growing career in the first half of 2023 according to Upwork.
Top Master's Programs in Artificial Intelligence
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We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
MIT features 50 departments and programs that offer graduate degrees. The MIT Office of Graduate Education offers various master's in engineering degrees available through the electrical engineering and computer science program. You can focus your research in artificial intelligence or choose from 19 other concentrations. The AI program is extremely competitive and only admits applicants who hold an undergraduate degree from MIT.
Applicants must submit transcripts, an online application, a statement of objectives, and three letters of recommendation. The admission window is between September-December.
#2 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UPenn enrolls 13,147 full-time graduate and professional students. The School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a master's in robotics that features a specialization in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The required AI courses explore topics that include vision and learning, integrated intelligence for robotics, and principles of deep learning. Students can expect to complete the program in two years.
Current seniors at UPenn who have at least a 3.2 GPA can apply to the accelerated program. All other students must apply online by submitting an application with a resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts. The GRE is optional.
#3 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
Stanford University
Stanford, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
This renowned Californian college offers some 200 graduate areas of study, including a flexible master's in computer science degree with a specialization in artificial intelligence.
Delivered through the Stanford School of Engineering, the 45-credit program offers a part-time or full-time format, with the option to study online or in person.
Part-time studies take about 3-5 years, while full-time learners graduate in 1-2 years. Program courses include AI principles and techniques, natural language processing with deep learning, and machine learning.
Eligible applicants need at least a bachelor's degree with a solid undergraduate foundation in quantitative and analytical skills from an accredited college.
#4 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UCLA is a top-ranked public university that features graduate degrees in more than 130 subjects, including a master's in artificial intelligence. The Samueli School of Engineering's master of engineering offers a focus in artificial intelligence that you can complete in one year of full-time on-campus study.
You'll complete 36 credits and a capstone project in which you collaborate on a team of 3-4 students. The program emphasizes leadership and technical skills, with courses in technical project management, systems engineering and leadership and innovation.
UCLA accepts applications in the fall. Candidates need a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related major. Also, you need to have earns a minimum 3.0 GPA in the prerequisite courses.
#5 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Johns Hopkins has more than 24,000 students studying over 260 subject areas at campuses in Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D.C., China, and Italy. With 10 academic departments, the Whiting School of Engineering offers an online master's in artificial intelligence degree.
Artificial intelligence students train in machine learning, algorithms for data science, cloud computing, deep neural networking, and natural language processing. The program consists of 10 courses where you have the choice to pick either an applied or theoretical track.
Most admitted students hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or are currently in the last semester of their senior year. You also need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
#6 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
Duke University
Durham, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Duke offers a master's of engineering degree with nine concentrations, including artificial intelligence for product innovation. You can complete the master's in artificial intelligence degree in 12-16 months on the campus in Durham, North Carolina. Online learners normally complete the program in 24 months.
Over two or three semesters, you'll take eight technical courses, two business courses, and one capstone project. The capstone project, along with an internship provide hands-on experience before finishing your degree.
Interested students should have a science or technical background, a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, one semester of programming, and two semesters of calculus.
#7 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cornell, founded in 1865, features 17 colleges and schools. Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science offers a master's in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence.
Completed over four semesters, the master's in artificial intelligence program offers full funding to students who work as teaching assistants. The 34-credit program includes a thesis research project and an oral presentation. Courses focus on artificial intelligence, programming languages and methodology, scientific computing and applications, algorithms and theory of computation, and systems.
Known to be competitive, Cornell only admits about 7-8 engineering master's students per year. You need at least a bachelor's degree — preferably in computer science — to apply.
#8 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UM Ann Arbor has 19 schools and colleges offering more than 275 degrees. Their master's in artificial intelligence program is held at the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
The 30-credit program requires 12 foundational credits, nine concentration credits, and nine elective credits.
Optional concentrations include intelligent interaction, computer vision, machine learning, and knowledge management and reasoning. You have the option to complete a thesis or final project.
#9 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UT Austin's Computer and Data Science Online program offers an online master's in artificial intelligence. This program features on-demand lectures and asynchronous coursework to explore deep learning, ethics in AI, machine learning, and reinforcement learning. You'll also analyze case studies in machine learning and natural language processing, often working with other online learners.
The two-fold application process requires that you first apply to UT Austin. Most admitted students have a minimum 3.0 GPA and with a bachelor's degree and strong academic record in mathematics, computer science, or related subjects.
#10 Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
USC's master's in artificial intelligence, delivered through the Viterbi School of Engineering, requires 32 credits. This program focuses on its students gaining a foundation in machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence, before study chosen electives.
Students choose from one of three group electives: machine learning and deep learning, natural language processing and speech recognition, and computer vision and robotics. Admission to this program requires at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Why Should You Get a Masters in Artificial Intelligence?
The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, AI will displace about 85 million existing jobs and add 97 million more. With a master's in artificial intelligence, you can take advantage of fast-growing jobs created as a result of breakthroughs in AI. That said, there are both pros and cons to earning this graduate degree.
- Freedom to pursue highly sought-after job opportunities
- Advance your theoretical and practical knowledge of AI with the possibility of focusing on a specialized area
- A good return on your investment
- A master's degree requires a time commitment of 1-2 years and you may not always have online course options.
- Graduate school is often as expensive as ab undergraduate degree and not every program offers funding.
- The challenging coursework requires a lot of discipline and perseverance
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Data Science?
Careers in artificial intelligence remain in high demand. A master's in artificial intelligence offers the opportunity to compete for careers in a variety of computer science areas. We discuss three possible careers below.
Data Scientist
Data scientists are data experts who work in private industries and government agencies. They examine data and draw insights to provide business solutions. Through data analysis, they can identify potential risks and notify stakeholders.
Data scientists implement statistics learning methods. This role requires proficiency in programming languages such as Matlab, R, Python, SQL.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree, if not a master's or doctoral degree
- 2022 Median Annual Salary: $103,500
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +35%
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers design, build, and implement machine learning models. They also monitor and retain production models, solve issues in natural language processing, and fix engineering issues. The position requires staying up to date on trends and new technologies. In addition, machine learning engineers collaborate with other engineers to build models that detect cybersecurity risks.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree, or preferably a master's degree for seniors positions
- 2023 Average Annual Salary: $115,500
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers automate tasks in a variety of industries. From robotic surgical tools to underwater robotic systems, these professionals can build and test various robotic systems. Work settings may include private manufacturers, automotive industries, or farming. They may focus on the hardware and/or software side of robotics.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree or a master's degree for senior-level positions
- 2023 Average Annual Salary: $91,760
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +2-4%
Frequently Asked Questions about Artificial Intelligence
Why is artificial intelligence important?
From banking to retail, many industries have adopted AI to automate human tasks and boost productivity and efficiency. For companies, AI can reduce costs and detect fraud.
Every day, AI helps make our lives easier with self-driving cars, self-cleaning litter boxes, voice commands, and security cameras. That said, the effect of AI on employment remains to be seen.
How is artificial intelligence used?
Many industries have adopted artificial intelligence to automate redundant tasks. In medicine, AI sometimes takes on the work of diagnosing patients and transcribing medical documents. Paired with robotics and machine learning, AI can help surgeons during operations to make clinical decisions.
By leveraging data, AI models can train on and improve performing various tasks, including detecting credit card fraud. Even in our daily lives, we encounter AI technology on popular apps like Instagram, where AI algorithms suggest relevant accounts for users to follow. Whether in healthcare, finance, or social media, AI's pervasive presence continues to transform industries and enhance user experiences.
How do you use artificial intelligence?
You likely use artificial intelligence every day, by interacting with chatbots when you need customer service help or requesting the weather on Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Streaming platforms such as Netflix use AI algorithms to make personalized content recommendations based on your previous usage.
AI enhances homes by using data on your preferences to adjust lighting and set thermostats, while in e-commerce, it personalizes your experience by recommending purchases based on your browsing history.
Source list
- Average machine learning engineer salary. (2023). Payscale
- Average percentiles of graduate tuition and fees. (2021). National Center for Education Statistics
- Average Robotics engineer salary. (2023). Payscale
- Average undergraduate tuition and fees. (2021). National Center for Education Statistics
- Data Scientists: Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2022). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Monahan, Kelly. (2023). The evolving marketplace for generative AI. Upwork
- Robotics engineers. (2022). O*Net Online
- The future of jobs report. (2020). The World Economic Forum
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