Stanford and UC Berkeley lead the rankings for AI masters programs, claiming the #1 and #2 spots. Carnegie Mellon University holds strong at #3, while the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign stands as the Midwest’s top choice at #5.

AI masters programs are growing faster across the country. The rankings welcomed four new schools this year: University of Chicago (#19), University of Massachusetts-Amherst (#22), Arizona State University (#25), and Boston University (#26). Top business schools now see AI’s importance, with Penn’s Wharton School launching its AI-focused MBA program ranked at #9.

These AI masters programs give you great options to balance cost and value. Georgia Tech’s online Master of Computer Science costs less than $30,000, making it accessible even for international students. The rewards can be significant – Stanford’s computer science graduates earn over $331,000 yearly within 4-5 years after finishing. Universities keep investing heavily in AI resources. Georgia Tech has built the $20 million NSF-funded Nexus supercomputer, while Texas A&M boasts North America’s most advanced university computing system – a $45 million NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD.

1. Stanford University

Stanford University’s Computer Science department runs one of the most popular master’s degree programs in AI. Students can complete this 45-unit terminal professional degree in about 1.5 years. The program serves as a professional endpoint rather than a PhD pathway, though dedicated students can earn an “MS degree with distinction in research”. Working professionals have the option to join the Honors Cooperative Program (HCP), which offers part-time flexibility.

Overview

The Master of Science in Computer Science prepares students for professional practice in the field. Students can choose between pure coursework or add research components based on their interests. All the same, acceptance to the MS program doesn’t guarantee future admission to Stanford’s PhD program.

Entry Requirements

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or international equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. While a computer science degree isn’t required, candidates should show strong quantitative and analytical abilities. International applicants must score at least 90 on TOEFL or 7.0 on IELTS. Applications for Autumn 2026 intake close on December 2, 2025, and decisions come out in March 2026.

Tuition and Costs

Each quarter costs $21,694 for engineering graduate students taking 11-18 units. The yearly total, including living costs, reaches about $101,639. Here’s the breakdown:

Housing: $23,535 annually
Food: $9,620 annually
Health insurance: $7,620 annually
Books and supplies: $720 annually

Specializations and Tracks

Nine specializations are available, including a strong Artificial Intelligence track. Students in the AI track study knowledge representation, robotics, machine learning, natural language processing, and applications in biology and text processing. Popular AI courses include AI Principles & Techniques (CS221), Natural Language Processing with Deep Learning (CS224N), and Machine Learning (CS229).

Research Opportunities

Students can work on innovative research through several channels. Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) provides research assistantships in various fields. The Stanford Digital Economy Lab lets students study how AI affects work, organizations, and the economy. Stanford’s AI Lab houses research groups that work on biomedicine, computer vision, natural language processing, and more.

Industry Connections

HAI’s Industrial Affiliates Program helps build productive relationships between companies, faculty, and graduate students. Partner companies get access to research programs, faculty expertise, and student recruitment. They can join executive breakfast series, startup showcases, and receive early HAI industry briefs. Companies also have the option to send visiting scholars, which enhances knowledge sharing.

2. University of California-Berkeley

UC Berkeley excels in artificial intelligence education through its prestigious Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS). The university doesn’t offer a dedicated AI master’s degree. Students can customize MS and MEng programs toward AI specialization.

Overview

Berkeley’s MS in Computer Science and MS in EECS programs focus heavily on research experience. The MS-only degree is highly selective. It accepts less than 10 outstanding students each year, and most spots go to current Berkeley Ph.D. students. Students who want research-oriented AI education should apply to the MS/PhD program. This program typically takes 5-6 years to finish.

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements include:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Three letters of recommendation, preferably from professors
Statement of Purpose and Personal History statement
TOEFL (minimum 90 IBT) or IELTS (minimum 7.0) for international students from non-English speaking countries

Berkeley EECS has stopped requiring or accepting GRE scores.

Tuition and Costs

The 2024-25 graduate tuition is $15,866 for in-state students and $30,968 for out-of-state students. Students should budget about $23,750 annually for living expenses. Online master’s programs in related fields cost around $82,079 (MIDS) or $78,353 (MICS).

Specializations and Tracks

Berkeley’s AI research spans deep learning, knowledge representation, reasoning, planning, decision-making, vision, robotics, speech, and natural language processing. Students can work with campus-wide vision sciences, information retrieval, and computational biology programs.

Research Opportunities

The Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR) unites researchers from computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, planning, and robotics. Unlike many other schools, Berkeley’s exceptional researchers teach most courses directly to students.

Industry Connections

The university’s location in the Bay Area gives students unique access to Silicon Valley opportunities. Berkeley partners with leading tech companies through programs like ML@B, which connects student engineers with industry projects.

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University leads the world in artificial intelligence education with its world’s top-ranked AI program according to 2025 rankings. Students can choose from several masters degree paths in AI that suit their academic background and career goals.

Overview

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (MSAII) program helps students identify AI applications and create solutions to real-life problems. Students complete this four-semester program that blends AI and machine learning curriculum with team-based experiences. CMU’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Systems Management (AIM) runs for 12 months and teaches students how to deploy AI safely. Students with engineering backgrounds can pursue MS in Artificial Intelligence Engineering degrees from several departments.

Entry Requirements

Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and GRE scores for admission. International students must prove English proficiency through TOEFL (minimum 100), IELTS, or Duolingo scores. Students should apply by December 10, 2025 for Fall 2026 admission. The application fee is $80 before November 19 and increases to $100 after that date. The application package needs three recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, current resume, and a 2-3 minute video explaining program interest.

Tuition and Costs

MSAII program tuition costs $30,000 per semester during Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. This amount rises to $31,500 per semester for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. AIM program students pay $28,710 per semester in the 2025-2026 academic year. Students should budget for health insurance ($2,964-$3,258), books and supplies ($2,400), and other fees.

Specializations and Tracks

The university’s programs cover multiple engineering disciplines. Students can specialize in biomedical engineering, information security, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering. Students learn machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and deep learning fundamentals.

Research Opportunities

Students work on research projects at CMU’s research centers, including the Block Center for Technology and Society and the PwC Digital Transformation and Innovation Center. The MSAII program requires all students to complete a Capstone project. Teams of 5-7 students work together to develop AI systems that solve industry-sponsored challenges.

Industry Connections

CMU has built reliable partnerships with industry leaders and offers various ways for corporate sponsors to get involved. Bank of New York Mellon, Dorothy AI, and Pittsburgh International Airport have sponsored past capstone projects. CMU graduates work at leading companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Goldman Sachs, and PwC.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology stands at the forefront of AI education with its acclaimed masters degree programs in AI. The university’s commitment becomes even more impressive with the $20 million NSF-funded Nexus supercomputer that came in 2024. This prestigious institution serves as Georgia’s primary hub for artificial intelligence education.

Overview

The university delivers exceptional AI education through several programs. Students can choose from MS in Computer Science (both residential and online), MS in Machine Learning, and MS in Analytics. Their online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program has earned praise for its accessibility while maintaining the same high academic standards as its on-campus counterpart.

Entry Requirements

Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The OMSCS program prefers candidates with undergraduate degrees in computer science or related fields such as mathematics, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. Students from other countries must provide acceptable TOEFL or IELTS-Academic scores. You can apply by March 1 for Fall and August 15 for Spring enrollment.

Tuition and Costs

The OMSCS program stands out as a top value among premier AI masters programs. The MS in Analytics costs about $41,737 for in-state residents completing the 36-credit program. Students from outside Georgia pay $55,505, while international students invest approximately $58,519. Students typically spend $11,532 for on-campus housing and $13,974 for off-campus living.

Specializations and Tracks

The MS in Computer Science offers an Artificial Intelligence specialization (previously Interactive Intelligence) that requires 15 hours of focused coursework. Students study machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and AI ethics. The curriculum groups core courses into areas like AI Methods, Interaction, and Cognition.

Research Opportunities

Faculty members guide students through ambitious, long-term projects in the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program. Students can explore specialized AI courses including Modern Internet Research Methods and Deep Learning. Starting Fall 2025, the university will cover conference registration or journal publication fees for students whose research gets accepted at respected conferences.

Industry Connections

The university has built strong collaborations with industry leaders through its research centers and AI initiatives. Georgia Tech heads the NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT) and works with industry partners to optimize supply chains. Its strategic location helps create connections with major technology companies, reflected in the $107.90 million funding from NSF, foundations, and partners for AI initiatives.

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has established itself as a midwestern powerhouse in AI education, featuring the Grainger College of Engineering and the brand-new Siebel School of Computing and Data Science as world-leading hubs of innovation.

Overview

UIUC offers several pathways for students seeking a masters degree in AI. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science is research-oriented, requiring 28 credit hours of coursework and 4 credit hours of thesis. In addition, the Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) with optional Data Science track provides a coursework-only option that can be completed entirely online.

Entry Requirements

Admission to UIUC graduate programs requires:

A four-year bachelor’s degree equivalent to that granted by the University of Illinois
Minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in the last two years of undergraduate study
Three letters of recommendation (for PhD and MS with thesis)
Academic statement of purpose and personal statement (250 words)
English proficiency scores for international students

Tuition and Costs

The online MCS program costs between $19,840-$24,864 total, with rates of $780 per credit hour ($623 for Illinois residents). On-campus costs vary by program and residency status.

Specializations and Tracks

Students can pursue specialized graduate tracks in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Graphics and Visualization, and more. The AI track requires completing three courses with a grade of B- or higher.

Research Opportunities

Since 2019, UIUC has conducted over $270 million of AI-related research projects. The university leads three NSF-funded AI institutes, including AIFARMS (AI+Agriculture)—a $20 million initiative.

Industry Connections

Major partnerships include the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute, backed by a $100 million commitment from IBM, as well as the C3.ai Digital Transformation Institute, a collaboration with UC Berkeley and Microsoft. Interestingly, C3.ai even offers its employees a fully reimbursed MCS degree from UIUC.

6. University of Washington

The University of Washington stands as a leading AI institution nationwide. Located in Seattle’s dynamic tech hub, it offers outstanding master’s programs in artificial intelligence through several departments.

Overview

Students can pursue AI expertise through multiple pathways. A new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Engineering program will start in Fall 2026. The Information School’s MSIM degree features a specialized AI track that students can complete either online or on campus.

Entry Requirements

Students need to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale. International applicants must show their English proficiency through test scores: 80 for TOEFL iBT, 110 for Duolingo, or 6.5 for IELTS.

University of Washington Tuition and Costs

Each department sets its own program costs. The MSIM program’s 2025-2026 rate is $998 per credit, while the Professional Master’s Program (PMP) in Computer Science costs $1,120 per credit. Full-time MSIM students typically enroll in 8-10 credits each quarter, with total costs reaching $10,403 per quarter including fees.

Specializations and Tracks

Students can specialize in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI. The MSIM program has enhanced its AI curriculum with a three-course sequence that covers foundations, governance, and implementation of AI systems.

Research Opportunities

UW leads several AI research initiatives. The AI Institute for Societal Decision Making and the Data Science & AI Accelerator program help advance data-intensive projects rapidly.

Industry Connections

The university builds strong partnerships with major tech companies. The UW+Amazon Science Hub supports AI and robotics research, while NVIDIA provides additional collaboration opportunities. Students connect with potential employers through the Industry Affiliates Program, which provides access to resume repositories, internships, and co-op programs.

7. Cornell University

Cornell Tech, a graduate engineering campus in New York City, provides outstanding master’s education in AI through its Master of Engineering in Computer Science program. Leading tech industry advisors helped design this program.

Overview

The MEng in Computer Science at Cornell Tech provides a flexible curriculum with technical courses that cover both fundamental and advanced computing areas. The program helps students become innovators at major tech companies or entrepreneurs at startups. Students work together in teams with business and law students to create startups and develop solutions for companies.

Entry Requirements

Students who get accepted usually have a background in computer science or related technical fields and strong entrepreneurial skills. Candidates without technical backgrounds need to show they have completed courses in software engineering and linear algebra. They should also know data structures and algorithms well.

Tuition and Costs

The Master of Engineering program costs $71,266 for tuition in 2025-2026. Students must pay about $4,400 in extra fees:

Health Insurance: $3,944-$4,058 (estimated)
NYC Health Fee: $340
Student Activity Fee: $110

Specializations and Tracks

The AI for Engineers certificate has courses that cover modern artificial intelligence fundamentals. Students need to pick at least three courses from these options:

Applied Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Generative AI
Natural Language Processing

Research Opportunities

Cornell Tech houses leading research groups that focus on security, privacy, cryptography, data modeling, and human-computer interaction. The Data & Modeling Research Group brings together faculty from computer science, electrical engineering, business, and operations research.

Industry Connections

Cornell Standard Project agreements make intellectual property collaboration between students and organizations easier. The program’s success shows in its placement rate – 90% of recent Computer Science graduates found Software Developer positions at established companies or startups.

8. Columbia University

Columbia University sits at the heart of New York City’s tech ecosystem. The university provides AI education through several programs and plans to launch a Master of Science in artificial intelligence planned for fall 2026.

Overview

Students can choose from different AI program formats. The online Columbia Artificial Intelligence certificate program takes 18 months. Students complete six core courses and attend an on-campus immersion. The new MS in AI requires 30 credits over 48 weeks of full-time study. Students can attend classes either in person or online.

Entry Requirements

Students must have:

Proficiency in Python (object-oriented programming, syntax)
Completed coursework in Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and Statistics
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience recommended

International students must have proper immigration status to live in or enter the US.

Tuition and Costs

Each course in the AI certificate program costs $3,666 ($22,000 total). Graduate MS students pay about $2,700 per credit plus health insurance and other fees.

Specializations and Tracks

The MS program features concentrations in engineering domains like biomedical studies and AI infrastructure. Students can also pursue options in public policy, media, finance, and public health through other schools.

Research Opportunities

The Creative Machines Lab welcomes 2-3 new PhD students each year. Students work on innovative technology in robotics and AI research.

Industry Connections

Nobel Prize winners and world-class researchers work together with corporate partners across 20 undergraduate and graduate programs. Their research helps solve society’s challenges.

9. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious engineering school now offers a versatile online master’s degree in AI. This program makes Ivy League education available to professionals worldwide through asynchronous learning.

Overview

The online Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Artificial Intelligence gives students detailed technical skills in classical AI, natural language processing, generative AI, and modern deep learning. We designed this 10-course program for students with undergraduate degrees in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Seven core courses are the foundations, along with two technical electives and one free elective.

Entry Requirements

Students need to submit unofficial transcripts that show completed coursework, credit hours, and grades. Students from non-English institutions should use transcript evaluation services. The university needs official transcripts only after admission and enrollment. You can apply between September 15, 2025, and February 1, 2026. The GRE test is optional, but international students must prove English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests.

Tuition and Costs

The 2025-2026 academic year costs include:

Tuition: $3,675 per course unit
Online Services Fee: $162 per course unit
Total per course: $3,837

The program’s flexible structure lets students maintain full-time jobs while studying. U.S. citizens can get financial help through the Penn Engineering Graduate Scholarship.

Specializations and Tracks

The core curriculum includes Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Statistics, Deep Learning, Web Systems/GPU Computing, and Technology Ethics. Students can choose technical electives like Computer Vision, Computational Photography, and Networked Systems. The AI for Engineers certificate helps students focus on modern artificial intelligence fundamentals.

Research Opportunities

Graduate students can apply for the Penn AI Fellowship to study artificial intelligence across disciplines. Fellows get faculty mentoring, research funds, and networking events that promote interdisciplinary collaboration. The university funds bold, high-risk/high-reward AI research projects.

Industry Connections

Penn Engineering’s industry-focused curriculum prepares graduates to lead AI development and implementation in companies of all sizes. Research projects cover AI Foundations, AI+Business, AI+Education, AI+Health, AI+Science, and AI+Society.

10. University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego has expanded its AI education footprint with innovative programs. The university will launch a new undergraduate AI major in Fall 2025. This expansion builds upon their existing masters degree in AI pathways through the Computer Science and Engineering Department.

Overview

The Master of Science in Computer Science program provides AI specialization options through advanced coursework in machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. Students can select from Thesis Plan, Comprehensive Standard Plan, or Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Plan formats.

Entry Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA is required for admission. International students must submit TOEFL scores (minimum 85 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 7.0). Students planning to join Fall 2026 should apply by December 23, 2025.

Tuition and Costs

Annual graduate tuition for 2025-2026 is $21,375 for California residents, while non-resident supplemental tuition adds $15,102. Students should budget around $30,264 for off-campus housing expenses.

Specializations and Tracks

The AI specialization curriculum features innovative courses like AI Algorithms, Computational Robotics, and Generative AI.

Research Opportunities

Students can explore multiple AI research pathways through the NSF-funded Accelerated AI Algorithms Institute.

Industry Connections

UC San Diego’s DeepMind Fellowship provides machine learning students with tuition coverage, stipends, and dedicated industry mentorship from this leading AI company.

11. University of Southern California

USC stands among the first universities in the nation to offer a dedicated master’s degree in AI. The program provides strong training in deep learning theories and applications in machine learning, statistics, computer vision, and natural language processing.

Overview

Students must complete 32 units of graduate engineering coursework to earn their Master of Science in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence). The program builds technical expertise in AI fundamentals while developing practical implementation skills. USC’s AI curriculum excels with its detailed coverage of theory and application, which prepares students for tech leadership roles.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. International students must meet English proficiency standards with IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL scores of 90+ (no band below 20). The program no longer requires GRE scores as of 2024.

Tuition and Costs

Graduate engineering tuition for 2024-2025 costs $2,543 per unit. The complete 32-unit program totals about $81,376. Students pay mandatory fees of $744 each semester. Health insurance ranges from $1,224 in Fall to $2,298 for Spring/Summer terms.

Specializations and Tracks

The program has five core courses:

Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
Deep Learning and Its Applications
Machine Learning
Analysis of Algorithms
Web Technologies

Students choose three electives from specialized groups such as Machine Learning/Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing/Speech Recognition, and Computer Vision/Robotics.

Research Opportunities

Students can pursue research at facilities like the Geometry, Vision, and Learning Lab. Faculty projects cover ophthalmology, cardiology, cancer, aerospace, and embodied intelligence. Many students start with unpaid positions that often lead to funded opportunities.

Industry Connections

The department works closely with tech giants like Intel, Meta, Micron, and Samsung. Many graduates land positions at leading companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, and Uber. Students often secure summer internships at companies like Qualcomm, CloudBees, and Arista Networks.

12. University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA offers multiple paths for professionals who want to pursue their master’s degree in AI, with options available in both traditional computer science and specialized engineering programs.

Overview

Students can choose between two main paths for AI education at UCLA: the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program and the professional Master of Engineering (MEng) with an Artificial Intelligence concentration. The MSCS spans two years and lets students pick between thesis and capstone options. The MEng program takes one year to complete, running from fall through summer quarters.

Entry Requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA to apply. International students must show their English proficiency through TOEFL (minimum 87) or IELTS (minimum 7.0) scores. GRE scores remain optional for Fall 2025-2026 admissions, but the admissions team will review them if submitted.

Tuition and Costs

The MEng program’s price tag sits at $52,920 plus quarterly fees. MSCS students pay different rates – California residents pay $21,115 annually, while non-residents pay $36,297.

Specializations and Tracks

The MEng AI concentration teaches students how to build smart machines that can reason, learn, and handle tasks requiring human intelligence. Students learn through core courses in artificial intelligence fundamentals, automated reasoning, and natural language processing.

Research Opportunities

The university hosts several AI initiatives, including the Trustworthy AI Lab. Research teams work on groundbreaking projects in deep learning, computer vision, and machine learning.

UCLA Industry Connections

MEng students work on team-based capstone projects that bring together everything they’ve learned. These projects involve analyzing, designing, and testing real-life AI solutions.

13. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has a thriving AI research community at its Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Students can choose from several paths to earn their master’s degree in this field.

Overview

The Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) program requires 38 credits with an emphasis on shared learning. The research environment brings together faculty, scientists, and fellows who promote valuable exchanges of ideas between research groups.

Entry Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is needed for admission. PhD candidates should demonstrate strong research capabilities or potential.

Tuition and Costs

MADS program costs depend on where you live:

In-state students pay $1,161 per credit hour ($44,118 total)
Out-of-state students pay $1,548 per credit hour ($58,825 total)
Students must also pay for infrastructure maintenance ($185) and university fees ($241.19)

Specializations and Tracks

Research areas cover graph-based language processing, computational social science, natural language processing, and trustworthy AI development.

Research Opportunities

The university’s faculty contributed 18 papers at NeurIPS 2025. Students can get funding through the Michigan Institute for Data Science’s (MIDAS) Propelling Original Data Science grants.

Industry Connections

The AI Connections Program helps create partnerships between industry leaders and researchers in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics. Companies work with the university on data mining, precision health, conversational systems, and robotics projects.

14. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University combines ground application experience with academic excellence in its online master’s degree in AI program. The university partnered with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to help address the national shortage of AI talent.

Overview

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program lets working professionals complete classes online at their own pace. Students learn both theory and practical skills they can apply to real-life systems and processes. Johns Hopkins also provides an MS in Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence for Business. This program features an AI-focused curriculum that covers machine learning, generative AI, and responsible AI.

Entry Requirements

Students need these prerequisites:

Single and multivariable calculus
Linear algebra
Probability and statistics
Python programming knowledge

Students without these courses can still get provisional admission.

Tuition and Costs

Each course costs $5,455. The full 10-course master’s program comes to about $54,550. The MS in Information Systems and AI costs around $91,500 per year.

Specializations and Tracks

Students must complete either 5 AI courses or 4 AI courses plus a master’s project/thesis in AI. The core areas include Machine Learning, Text and Speech, and Vision and Robotics.

Research Opportunities

The university runs several research initiatives. The Johns Hopkins Data Science and AI Institute focuses on various fields from neuroscience to public-sector innovation.

Industry Connections

The university has a significant partnership with Amazon through the AI2AI initiative that supports research in natural language understanding and visual commerce. A remarkable 78% of students get their tuition covered by their employers.

15. University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin now offers a groundbreaking online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program that’s remarkably affordable and flexible.

Overview

The program is fully online and takes 30 credit hours to complete through 10 courses. Students become skilled at leading AI innovations in companies of all sizes. Working professionals will find the program convenient with its asynchronous, instructor-paced courses and on-demand lectures they can watch anywhere.

Entry Requirements

Students just need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. While the program prefers degrees in computer science, engineering, statistics, or mathematics, candidates from non-technical backgrounds can qualify by showing they’re well-prepared.

Tuition and Costs

Students pay $10,000 total ($1,000 per course), making this one of the most affordable AI master’s degrees in the country. The program requires a $500 deposit when you enroll.

Specializations and Tracks

The program’s curriculum has:

Required course: Ethics in AI
Foundational courses: Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Planning/Reasoning Under Uncertainty, Reinforcement Learning
Electives: AI in Healthcare, Natural Language Processing, Online Learning and Optimization

Research Opportunities

Students can work with the Machine Learning Laboratory, Texas Robotics, and Good Systems. These centers focus on machine learning algorithms, robotics, and ethical AI development.

Industry Connections

The program’s corporate partnerships are a great way to get recruitment opportunities, networking events, and technical talks. Graduates find roles in technology, healthcare, finance, and software development.

Get Started

Looking beyond university rankings is essential when you pick the right master’s degree in AI program. This detailed guide shows programs that are substantially different in their focus areas, costs, and career outcomes. Stanford and UC Berkeley lead the pack, while the University of Chicago and Boston University show how quality AI education is growing across the country.

Money matters a lot in program selection. Some affordable options like UT Austin’s $10,000 online degree and Georgia Tech’s OMSCS program are available to more people. Premium options cost more than $80,000. All the same, the investment can pay off big time – Stanford graduates earn up to $331,000 yearly within a few years after graduating.

Your program’s location can shape your entire experience. Schools in tech hubs give students unique access to mutually beneficial alliances, internships, and networking opportunities. Carnegie Mellon’s strong industry connections and Columbia’s place in New York City’s tech ecosystem are great examples of this advantage.

Programs are structured differently at each school. Stanford puts its focus on professional development. UIUC takes a research-based approach that needs a thesis. Many universities now offer flexible online options that work well for professionals who want to learn while keeping their jobs.

Research opportunities vary a lot between schools. Carnegie Mellon and UC Berkeley have world-famous AI research labs that work on innovative challenges in many fields. These labs are a great way to get hands-on experience with new technologies while learning from experts.

Your perfect AI master’s program depends on what you want to achieve, where you’re coming from, and what limits you have. This guide gives you the key information you need to make smart choices about advanced AI education in 2025 and beyond, whether you’re looking for affordable tuition, research opportunities, industry connections, or specialized courses.