The 11 Best Part Time Masters in Artificial Intelligence Programs for 2026
A part time masters in artificial intelligence could be your ticket to a career field experiencing explosive growth. Data scientists roles are projected to rise 34% from 2024-2034, while computer and information research scientists will see a 20% increase. You just need the right program to balance education with your current commitments.
The best online masters in artificial intelligence programs offer flexibility without compromising quality. This piece reviews 11 top ai masters degree online programs for 2026 and covers tuition, curriculum, and career outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
Columbia University – Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Program Overview
Columbia Engineering launched its Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program with classes beginning in fall 2026. The program combines core AI courses in computer science and engineering with domain-specific concentrations across multiple Columbia schools. You can choose between a full-time on-campus version or a part-time online format, both sharing similar rigorous requirements. The online program features a cohort-based approach designed to improve your learning experience.
You gain access to finance, healthcare, media, and law organizations that are early adopters of AI technologies because the program is located in New York City. This part time masters in artificial intelligence awards 30 credits upon completion, with your chosen concentration annotated on your transcript.
Tuition and Cost
The program charges $2,700 per credit. Your total tuition reaches $81,000 with a 30-credit requirement. Non-U.S. residents pay a $320 international student fee. A $1,446 health service fee and a one-time $105 document fee are also required. These costs reflect the 2025-2026 academic year and may change each year.
Program Duration and Format
The online AI masters degree online spans five sequential semesters, which include fall, spring, and summer terms. You complete all coursework through Columbia Engineering Online while maintaining a minimum 2.67 GPA. Cohorts start in both spring and fall semesters and allow flexibility in your start date.
Curriculum Highlights
Your curriculum consists of four core foundational courses that cover artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and ethical AI. You select from three concentration tracks after the core: AI in Finance & Operations, AI Infrastructure, or AI and Advanced Computing. Each concentration requires four to six courses within specialized topics.
The AI Infrastructure concentration has courses on systems implementation at scale, networking security, and embedded intelligence to name just one example. You complete two additional electives or opt for a two-semester capstone project that addresses ground challenges with industry partners.
Admission Requirements
You need an undergraduate STEM degree, though exceptions exist with appropriate preparatory coursework. Technical prerequisites include proficiency in Python programming, data structures and algorithms, linear algebra, and calculus with probability.
GRE scores are optional for the 2026 admission cycle. International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo scores unless their degree came from English-speaking countries. The application deadline is August 15, 2026 for fall cohorts. Three recommendation letters, transcripts, and a personal statement between 250-1,000 words complete your application package.
Career Opportunities
The global AI market is projected to reach $407 billion by 2027. 97 million new AI-related roles are expected worldwide by 2030. Graduates pursue positions as AI/ML engineers, applied scientists, and data scientists focused on AI applications. Industries seek professionals for algorithmic trading, fraud detection, AI-driven medical imaging, and content generation roles.
Columbia’s Graduate Career Placement Team provides resume assistance and cover letter help. The team networks with industry leaders to source opportunities aligned with the curriculum. International students on F-1 visas qualify for Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training programs.
Georgia Institute of Technology – Online Master of Science in Computer Science (AI Specialization)
Program Overview
Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) stands out as one of the most affordable paths to a part time masters in artificial intelligence. The program offers an AI specialization (formerly Interactive Intelligence) among 10 other specializations. You can customize your education while working full-time. Your diploma reads “Master of Science in Computer Science” with no online designation, similar to on-campus graduates.
Georgia Tech guides AI research nationally and received $20 million from the NSF to build the Nexus supercomputer. The university operates the NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization and cooperates with NVIDIA on the AI Makerspace, a student supercomputer hub.
Tuition and Cost
The total program cost ranges from $6,385 to $6,920 depending on your course load. Tuition is $195 per credit hour and totals $5,850 for 30 required credits. A $107 fee applies each semester. Two classes per semester cost $6,385 over five semesters, while one class per semester spans ten semesters at $6,920.
U.S. residents earning between $80,000-$90,000 annually may qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit and reduce costs by up to $1,400. Financial aid options mirror traditional graduate programs.
Program Duration and Format
Most students complete this best online masters in artificial intelligence in three years approximately. You can take up to six credit hours per semester while working full-time, though faculty recommend this maximum only if you can dedicate sufficient time. Credits remain valid for six years from the semester earned.
Curriculum Highlights
The AI specialization requires 15 credit hours split between core courses and electives. You select one algorithm course from options like Introduction to Graduate Algorithms or Software Development Process. On top of that, you complete two courses from Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge-Based AI, or Machine Learning.
You choose two courses from categories like Interaction (Human-Computer Interaction, AI Ethics), AI Methods (Computer Vision, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing), or Cognition (Introduction to Cognitive Science) for electives. The remaining 15 hours are free electives from any OMSCS offerings.
Courses just need college-level mathematics like calculus, linear algebra, and probability. Programming assignments focus on Python.
Admission Requirements
Preferred qualifications include an undergraduate degree in computer science or related fields with a 3.0 GPA minimum. You must demonstrate expertise in programming fundamentals, object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms.
International applicants need TOEFL or IELTS scores. The application requires three recommendation letters, transcripts from all institutions attended, and responses to supplemental questions. Fall matriculation applications close March 1, while spring admission ends August 15. Decisions release 10-12 weeks after deadlines.
Career Opportunities
Graduates report substantial career advancement. One OMSCS graduate transitioned from non-tech sales to an AI/ML R&D role and doubled income while gaining opportunities to publish and patent. Another saw total compensation increase by $90,000 after completing two-thirds of the program. A third graduate’s income quadrupled four years post-graduation. The degree benefits those seeking entry into tech from other industries especially.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Best Online Masters in Artificial Intelligence
Program Overview
The Siebel School of Computing and Data Science partnered with Coursera to deliver this best online masters in artificial intelligence through a flexible, coursework-only format. Your Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree requires no thesis and comes from a U.S. News & World Report top-five CS graduate program. Faculty members have earned recognition that has NSF CAREER awards, Sloan Research Fellowships, and IEEE Fellow distinctions.
You access lectures through Coursera while Illinois faculty and teaching assistants handle grading on more rigorous assignments required for university credit. The program offers coursework in artificial intelligence, databases, human-computer interaction, software engineering, and high-performance computing.
Tuition and Cost
| Student Type | Rate per Credit Hour | Total Program Cost (32 credits) |
| Illinois Resident | $535 | $17,120 |
| Non-Resident | $535 | $17,120 |
All online students starting Fall 2025 will pay an additional $3 per credit hour fee. The $90 application fee is non-refundable.
Program Duration and Format
You control completion time and can finish in as little as one year or extend up to five years. This ai masters degree online operates asynchronously. You can balance work and personal commitments.
Application deadlines fall on May 30 for fall cohorts and October 15 for spring admission. Decisions release after thorough individual evaluation.
Curriculum Highlights
The 32-credit-hour curriculum lets you select four core areas for specialization. The AI track requires three courses completed for 4 credits each with a B- or higher grade. Students interested in data science can complete the MCS-DS track within the same 32-credit requirement through courses in machine learning, data mining, data visualization, and cloud computing.
Admission Requirements
You need a four-year bachelor’s degree equivalent to University of Illinois standards. Three-year undergraduate programs may disqualify applicants. The university requires a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in your final two years of undergraduate study.
Non-computer science majors must demonstrate background in programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, and theory of computation. GRE scores remain optional. International applicants whose native language isn’t English need TOEFL or IELTS scores whatever their citizenship status.
Your application has an academic statement of purpose (one to two pages), a personal statement (250 words maximum), CV, and scanned transcripts. Official transcripts are required only after admission.
Career Opportunities
Illinois AI research has generated multiple startups that have Reconstruct for construction site documentation and EarthSense for agricultural machine learning solutions. Faculty lead roles in two $20 million AI institutes funded by the NSF and USDA.
Johns Hopkins University – Online AI Masters Degree
Program Overview
Johns Hopkins partnered with the Applied Physics Laboratory to create this ai masters degree online. The program assembled researchers, scientists and engineers from one of the nation’s premier research facilities. The Whiting School of Engineering delivers the program online to serve working professionals. You complete 10 courses split between four core requirements and six electives. The curriculum spans machine learning, data science, natural language processing, robotics, neural networks, computer intelligence and expert systems.
The program balances theoretical concepts with practical applications you can implement in real-life systems. Top-level researchers make up the faculty and guide you through rigorous coursework addressing AI-driven technologies that power modern solutions.
Tuition and Cost
| Component | Amount |
| Estimated Total Program Cost | $52,700 |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Graduation Fee | $100 |
78% of enrolled students receive employer tuition contributions. The Dean’s Fellowship reduces per-course costs for Engineering for Professionals students automatically.
Program Duration and Format
You have up to five years to complete the degree. The program operates online through asynchronous and synchronous course formats. Applications are accepted year-round with rolling admissions for spring, summer and fall enrollment. Your schedule determines when you can start with this flexibility.
Curriculum Highlights
Four core courses are your foundations: Creating AI-Enabled Systems, AI Algorithm Design and Analysis, Applied Machine Learning, and either Introduction to Generative AI or Applied Generative AI. You can waive one core course if you earned an A or B in equivalent graduate coursework.
You select a minimum of three courses from AI-specific offerings for electives and may choose up to two from any Engineering for Professionals program. Three courses must be 700-level at minimum. The program offers focus areas in various AI applications, though your transcript won’t show these.
Admission Requirements
Your prior education must have three semesters of calculus with multivariate calculus, one semester each of linear algebra and probability/statistics, plus two semesters of Python programming. You won’t be disqualified if you lack prerequisites. You receive provisional admission instead and complete required courses before full admission.
Most admitted students have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. GRE scores aren’t required. International students need TOEFL scores of 100 or higher. Only one C-range grade counts toward your degree.
Career Opportunities
The Applied Physics Laboratory itself recruits employees with advanced AI skills and seeks expertise in machine learning and big data. The Lab allows staff members to acquire AI programming abilities relevant to their domains.
University of Texas at Austin – Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Program Overview
UT Austin disrupted graduate education with its $10,000 part time masters in artificial intelligence, one of the first fully online AI master’s programs from a top-tier university. The program launched in January 2024 through a partnership with edX and attracted over 600 students in its first semester. This at-scale model delivers rigorous instruction from tenured faculty and removes financial and geographic barriers.
The 30-credit-hour program prepares working professionals for roles in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and robotics applications. Your diploma reads “Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence” with no online designation, similar to on-campus degrees.
Tuition and Cost
| Component | Amount |
| Total Program Tuition | $10,000 |
| Per Course Cost | $1,000 |
| Per Credit Hour | $333 |
Additional fees apply beyond base tuition. Students can seek employer tuition reimbursement or apply for federal and institutional financial aid through FAFSA.
Program Duration and Format
You control your completion timeline and can finish in as little as 18 months or extend up to six years. The self-paced online format lets you enroll in one to five courses per semester. Faculty recommend one to two courses per long semester for working professionals, especially during first semesters.
Enrollment is mandatory each fall and spring semester with at least one course, though summer enrollment remains optional. Courses feature on-demand lectures with weekly release schedules in an asynchronous, instructor-paced structure.
Curriculum Highlights
The program requires three credit hours of foundational coursework plus 27 elective hours. Ethics in AI serves as the mandatory foundational course and emphasizes responsible AI development for systems with consequential impacts.
Core elective options include Deep Learning, Machine Learning and Reinforcement Learning. Additional offerings span Natural Language Processing, Case Studies in Machine Learning, Optimization and Health IT Systems. Students cooperate through virtual platforms including Slack and Discord.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or comparable foreign degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preferred degrees include computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or statistics.
Applicants from non-technical backgrounds qualify if they demonstrate sufficient relevant coursework. GRE scores are optional. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Your application requires a two-page statement of purpose and CV that details how you meet prerequisite courses. Fall applications open December 15 with a priority deadline of March 15 and final deadline of April 15.
Career Opportunities
Projections show 97 million new AI-related jobs globally over the next two years. Graduates enter a market that expands faster than most. The program prepares you for positions in forecasting consumer behavior, fraud detection, energy, healthcare, manufacturing and software development.
University of Pennsylvania – Online Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence
Program Overview
Penn Engineering delivered the first Ivy League online AI masters degree online with its MSE-AI program, launching in spring 2025. Faculty members rank among the world’s leading AI researchers. They teach classical AI, natural language processing, generative AI and modern deep learning with ethical frameworks. The asynchronous curriculum allows you to study anywhere while benefiting from a tight-knit online community.
Tuition and Cost
| Component Cost | Per CU | Total (10 courses) |
| Tuition | $3,675 | $36,750 |
| Online Services Fee | $162 | $1,620 |
| Total | $3,837 | $38,370 |
Tuition scales based on courses taken per semester. This represents lower costs compared to on-campus engineering programs.
Program Duration and Format
You complete 10 courses. You can finish between 16 to 40 months depending on semester course load. Enrollment flexibility lets you switch between part-time and full-time registration each semester. Summer enrollment remains optional. A Student Success Advising Team assists with course scheduling and degree planning.
Curriculum Overview
Seven core courses are your foundation: CIS 5210 Artificial Intelligence (required first semester), CIS 5300 Natural Language Processing, ESE 5410 Machine Learning for Data Science, ESE 5420 Statistics for Data Science, ESE 5460 Principles of Deep Learning, either CIS 5550 Internet and Web Systems or CIS 5690 GPU Computing for Machine Learning Systems, and EAS 5240 Technology Ethics and the Legal Landscape. You complete two technical electives and one free elective. Graduates can pursue additional certificates in Data Science and Software Systems.
Admission Requirements
You need an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, or equivalent. Your application requires a personal statement, recommendation letters, transcripts and resume [372]. International applicants must submit English proficiency scores. Admission operates on a competitive basis.
Career Opportunities
Graduates join Penn Engineering’s alumni network exceeding 28,000 professionals globally. Career services provide interviewing skills development and one-on-one advising with job listings throughout enrollment.
Purdue University – Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Program Overview
Purdue University offers this part time masters in artificial intelligence with two distinct majors that address different career paths. Professionals with technical backgrounds in programming and mathematics will find the AI and Machine Learning major suitable. Those seeking leadership roles without needing coding knowledge should consider the AI Management and Policy major. Core foundational courses and a capstone project are shared by both tracks, which diverge in selective and elective coursework.
The degree carries the Purdue University name with no online designation. Asynchronous formats deliver the program entirely.
Tuition and Cost
| Component | Amount |
| Cost per Credit Hour | $933.33 |
| Total Credits Required | 30 |
| Estimated Total Tuition | $28,000 |
The program charges no application fee.
Program Duration and Format
Students complete this best online masters in artificial intelligence in two years, and they take two to three courses per semester. You have up to five years to complete the degree. Courses operate asynchronously through Brightspace with 24/7 access. Assignments follow set deadlines. Application deadlines fall on August 1 for fall, December 1 for spring, and April 1 for summer semesters.
Curriculum Details
Both majors need 30 credit hours with 10 credits in core courses: Interdisciplinary AI Fundamentals, Artificial Intelligence Policy Governance and Ethics, Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence, and the capstone. The Machine Learning major adds Advanced AI Fundamentals plus selective courses in AI/ML and Data Mining topics. The Management and Policy major has AI Essentials and selective courses that cover AI applications in business and data management.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. The Machine Learning major needs programming background in Python, plus coursework in algorithms, calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory. The Management and Policy major needs at least 24 months of work experience instead of technical prerequisites. Transcripts, recommendation letters, and a resume make up your application.
Career Opportunities
Machine Learning graduates pursue roles as data scientists, software developers, machine learning engineers, and robotics engineers. Management and Policy graduates enter positions that include IT director, business analyst, product manager, and business intelligence analyst.
Northwestern University – Online Master of Science in Data Science (AI Specialization)
Program Overview
Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies delivers this fully remote ai masters degree online for working professionals who balance studies with full-time employment. The Master of Science in Data Science features an Artificial Intelligence specialization that offers AI courses found in specialized AI engineering programs while building broader data science expertise. You gain experience with three programming languages: Python, R, and Go.
Tuition and Cost
Component2025-26 Cost
| Tuition per Course | $5,098 |
| Technology Fee per Course | $130 |
| Estimated Total (12 courses) | $62,736 |
Program Duration and Format
The part time masters in artificial intelligence spans two to five years. You balance one or two classes per quarter with your job. Any quarter works as a starting point with flexible, self-paced study.
Curriculum Highlights
The program requires 12 courses: seven core requirements, two AI specialization courses (Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning), two electives, plus capstone or thesis. Core courses cover Math for Modelers, Applied Statistics with R, Database Systems and Practical Machine Learning. Decision Analytics and Data Governance Ethics and Law round out the requirements.
Career Opportunities
Data scientist roles rank among top three best jobs with over 4,000 openings. The field projects 27.9% employment growth through 2026.
University of Maryland – Online Master of Engineering in Engineering Artificial Intelligence
Program Overview
Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) delivers this AI masters degree online through the A. James Clark School of Engineering, ranked #9 in the U.S. for online graduate engineering. The Master of Engineering in Engineering Artificial Intelligence provides technical education in designing smart engineered devices and systems for cyber-physical, medical, communication, and robotic applications. The program welcomed its inaugural cohort in Fall 2025.
You study statistical inference, machine learning, and engineering fundamentals while specializing through electives in Generative AI, Industrial AI, Robotic Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Ethical and Sustainable AI, Large Language Models, and Deep Learning. The structure spans multiple Clark School departments and lets you customize coursework toward bioengineering, cybersecurity, embedded systems, or mechanical engineering backgrounds.
Tuition and Cost
| Component | Amount |
| Cost per Course | $4,312 |
| Total Program (10 courses) | $43,120 |
This special tuition rate applies to Maryland residents and non-residents. Graduate student fees add $737 per semester for nine or more credits, or $376.50 for eight or fewer credits. Summer fees include a $229.70 campus fee or $108.70 distance learning fee.
Program Duration and Format
This part time masters in artificial intelligence requires 30 credits over 10 courses. You choose between 100% online delivery, in-person classes at College Park, or hybrid formats. The Distance Education Technology and Services office provides live interactive systems, webcast course capture, chat, bulletin boards, and video conferencing.
Application deadlines are July 31 for fall, December 16 for spring, and May 15 for summer terms.
Curriculum Highlights
Four required core courses are your foundations: Probability and Statistics for Engineering AI, Numerical Methods for Engineering AI, Foundations of Machine Learning for Engineering AI, and Foundations of Data Science for Engineering AI. You select two additional core courses from Fair, Ethical and Sustainable Engineering AI, Generative Engineering AI, Large Language Models in Engineering AI, Python Applications for Engineering AI, or Fundamentals of AI and Deep Learning. Four pre-approved technical electives complete your degree.
One unique advantage allows you to stack the M.Eng. with a Graduate Certificate in Engineering by selecting electives from one domain and earning two credentials with 10 courses.
Admission Requirements
You need transcripts, a statement of purpose, and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores for international students. The program requires two letters of recommendation, though GRE scores remain optional. Your CV or resume is optional but recommended.
Career Opportunities
Graduates pursue professional careers in embedded system design and implementation, industrial and automotive systems engineering, software and data engineering, communications system design, and medical signal processing. The program gives you the tools to develop technologies advancing healthcare, transportation, manufacturing productivity, and communication systems.
Arizona State University – Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business
Program Overview
- P. Carey School of Business launched the first AI graduate degree from a U.S. business school. This best online masters in artificial intelligence delivers entirely asynchronously with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. The program anchors itself in the mindful AI triad: business domain knowledge, technical understanding, and ethical awareness. You gain technical skills in programming and AI tools. You also learn strategic business frameworks to implement AI in a variety of business contexts.
The curriculum balances technical expertise with business application. It covers AI capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. Graduates integrate five key disciplines: artificial intelligence, business strategy and management, technology, data analytics, and ethics.
Tuition and Cost
Student TypeEstimated Tuition and Fees
| Resident | $44,500 |
| Non-Resident | $44,500 |
| International | $44,500 |
A non-refundable $500 enrollment deposit is required before you register for classes.
Program Duration and Format
This ai masters degree online requires 30 credit hours across 10 courses. You complete coursework in five to 7.5-week sessions with fully asynchronous delivery. Start dates include August 20, 2026. You can begin when your schedule permits. The program provides up to 24 months of Optional Practical Training extension for international students.
Curriculum Highlights
Six credit hours cover required core courses: Artificial Intelligence in Business and AI Business Strategy. You select 21 credit hours from electives before you complete the three-credit Transforming Business with AI capstone. Early courses develop technical skills in programming, prompt engineering, and database management. Later courses put more weight on AI integration within business contexts.
Admission Requirements
You need a minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 undergraduate hours or applicable master’s program. Applications are reviewed holistically. GPA is one of many factors that the committee considers. Submit graduate application with fee, official transcripts, essay response, current resume, and one recommendation letter. GRE and GMAT scores aren’t required. International applicants whose native language isn’t English must provide English proficiency proof.
Career Opportunities
Worldwide AI spending is projected to exceed $2 trillion in 2026. The World Economic Forum projects net job growth of 78 million globally by 2030. AI and related technologies will drive this growth largely. You can pursue roles including AI consultant, AI project manager, business transformation specialist, customer experience designer, data analyst, and predictive modeler. Notably, 86% of business leaders expect AI and digital technologies to transform their organizations fundamentally.
Duke University – Online Master of Engineering in AI for Product Innovation
Program Overview
Duke’s MEng in AI for Product Innovation merges technical machine learning skills with software product design expertise for working professionals. You build AI-powered products and systems through hands-on projects with corporate partners. The program welcomes students from engineering and science backgrounds of all types, with no prior programming experience required due to an included Python bootcamp.
Tuition and Cost
| Component | Amount |
| Total Program Cost (Online) | $73,080 |
| Per Semester | $14,460 |
| Books (estimated) | $660 |
Program Duration and Format
This part time masters in artificial intelligence requires 30 credits completed online over 24 months in five semesters. Two required on-campus residencies provide networking opportunities.
Curriculum Highlights
Complete a pre-program Python bootcamp, five technical AI courses, three product development courses including management and business fundamentals, plus six elective credits. Your capstone involves solving ground challenges with industry partners.
Admission Requirements
You need an undergraduate STEM degree, Python proficiency, two semesters of calculus, plus TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores for international students. Applications require two recommendation letters and transcripts.
Career Opportunities
Duke reports a 100% placement rate within six months and a median starting salary of $118,000. Graduates join OpenAI, Target’s AI Lab, Eli Lilly, Samsung, IBM, and DoorDash.
Get Started
The right part time masters in artificial intelligence depends on your budget and career goals. Georgia Tech offers exceptional value at under $7,000, while Columbia and Penn provide Ivy League credentials. UT Austin delivers affordability at scale for $10,000. Programs range from technical tracks that require programming expertise to business-focused options that need no coding skills.
These online programs let you advance your career without pausing your income. Traditional education paths can’t match this flexibility. AI roles are projected to grow over the next decade, and median salaries exceed $118,000. This is a big deal as it means that your investment in education positions you for long-term success. Think about your priorities and apply to programs that line up with your specific needs.