The 13 Best No GRE AI Programs for 2026 (Master’s Degrees)

No GRE AI programs are reshaping graduate education and making advanced degrees more available. Over 60% of AI-related graduate programs now use a test-optional or test-waiver policy. You can pursue your master’s degree without the stress and expense of standardized testing. This piece covers 13 top programs. You’ll find options for a full master’s degree with no GRE requirement or an AI professional certificate. Prestigious universities including Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Tech prioritize your professional experience and academic potential over test scores.

Yeshiva University – M.S. in Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

Yeshiva University’s Katz School of Science and Health offers an M.S. in Artificial Intelligence in the heart of New York City. The 36-credit program takes 21 months to complete full-time, though you can adjust the pace for part-time study. This program stands apart with its end-to-end approach that spans mathematical principles, computational methods, and frontier systems driving modern AI applications.

The program positions you at the vanguard of AI development, including spatial intelligence, digital twins, AI-augmented software engineering, and secure multi-agent systems. You’ll work with GPU-accelerated architectures and transformer-based models that power large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, and multimodal reasoning systems.

Key Features and Curriculum

The curriculum requires 24 credits of core coursework and 12 credits of electives. Core courses include Data Acquisition and Management, Computational Statistics and Probability, Numerical Methods, Predictive Models, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, and an AI Capstone R&D Experience.

Elective options span Bayesian Methods, AI Product Studio, Natural Language Processing, Data Visualization, Advanced Data Engineering, and Special Topics. You can also take an internship for credit starting in the summer semester. The capstone integrates your coursework through an applied project, thesis, conference paper publication, or startup development through YU’s Innovation lab.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

Yeshiva’s AI program operates with no GRE requirement and is available to candidates with strong academic backgrounds. You need a bachelor’s degree with solid foundations in mathematics and programming. Prerequisite courses include at least two university courses using high-level programming languages (Java, C++, or Python), Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Mathematical Probability and Statistics. These prerequisites must show grades of B+ or better within the last three years, though equivalent professional experience counts.

International applicants submit English proficiency scores: TOEFL 85 with 20 in speaking and 18 minimum in other sections, IELTS 6.5 with no section below 6.0, Duolingo 115 with no section below 100, or PTE 61 with no section below 55.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The program costs $19,000 total for U.S. students and $35,000 for international students. Per-credit tuition runs $1,445. Additional fees include a $65 registration fee per semester and a graduate student technology fee of $350 for online courses or $175 for on-campus enrollment.

Financial aid comes through FAFSA for eligible students. Part-time students enrolled in at least 6 credits can access up to $20,500 in unsubsidized Stafford Loans each year.

Career Outcomes

The program prepares you for data science and AI research positions in industries of all types. Yeshiva reports that six of the 11 Katz School programs, including AI, prepare students for careers landing in the top 10 of U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 best jobs.

Dakota State University – M.S. in Analytics and Applied Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

Dakota State University offers the M.S. in Analytics and Applied Artificial Intelligence with exceptional flexibility for working professionals. The 30-credit program operates on your schedule and is accessible both online and on-campus in Madison, South Dakota. You can finish in 1-1.5 years as a full-time student taking 2-3 classes per term, or stretch it to 2-3 years part-time with one class at a time. The program accepts students for fall, spring, and summer semesters.

The curriculum transforms you into an analytics professional who converts large datasets into practical insights using innovative AI technologies. You’ll become skilled at tools like Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka to process and visualize data. The program emphasizes business applications and prepares you to analyze data for large organizations through business intelligence techniques.

Key Features and Curriculum

The program requires 30 credit hours: 18 credits of core courses, 6 credits of required courses, and 6 credits from your chosen track. You can customize your degree through four specialization tracks: Business, Healthcare Analytics, Information Systems, or General.

Core coursework covers data preparation, analytics techniques, and advanced data processing tools. You’ll learn to manage analytics projects throughout their lifecycle and interpret complex analytical results. The program has state-of-the-art research facilities and emphasizes ground problem-solving approaches.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

DSU operates with no GRE requirement for this program. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.7 GPA. Your transcripts must show completion of database design and programming (with SQL familiarity), programming principles, and statistical principles.

International applicants need a degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year undergraduate degree. The application has a $36 fee and a 200-300 word purpose statement that explains your degree choice and career objectives.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition varies by residency status and delivery format. Nine credits per semester cost:

Assistantships are available for full-time on-campus students, though GRE scores around 320 or higher are required to be considered for assistantship.

Career Outcomes

DSU graduates enter roles as analytics professionals, data scientists, business analysts, and machine learning engineers across healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. The university reports a 99.4% placement rate for 2024 graduates in employment or continuing education, with 96.1% employed.

University of Maryland – M.S. in Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

The University of Maryland launched its M.S. in Artificial Intelligence through the Science Academy, working with the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM). You can complete the 30-credit non-thesis program in less than 2 years. Classes meet in the evenings at the College Park campus to accommodate working professionals.

The program combines technical AI fundamentals with coursework that addresses the interaction between AI, humans, and society. You’ll build foundations in mathematics, statistics, and computing while learning about human-centered AI and its societal implications. The curriculum emphasizes practical knowledge and applied learning rather than research opportunities.

Key Features and Curriculum

Your coursework spans machine learning, deep learning, and AI-driven decision-making. The program covers AI ethics, human-computer interaction, explainable AI, and policy considerations. This interdisciplinary approach prepares you to develop AI solutions that improve human well-being and promote fairness.

The curriculum develops collaborative problem solvers who can adapt and are prepared for careers in any discipline. You’ll gain technical expertise and ethical grounding to shape AI’s future responsibly.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

The program requires no GRE scores. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Your application has a statement of purpose, transcripts, and CV/resume with descriptions of research or work experience.

Prerequisites establish quantitative ability through calculus, linear algebra, and statistics coursework. You must demonstrate programming proficiency through prior coursework or substantial software development experience. International students submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students in Science Academy programs pay a special tuition rate that doesn’t differ between Maryland residents and non-residents. Graduate students taking 10 credits per semester pay:

Total fees run $727 for students enrolled in 9 or more credits.

Career Outcomes

The Computer Science department at UMD reported a 93% job placement rate for its class of 2024. The median starting salary reached $105,000 among graduates entering the workforce, with most reporting salaries between $88,000 and $127,000. Graduates accepted positions at Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Capital One, and Lockheed Martin.

Stanford University – Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

Stanford’s Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence operates through the School of Engineering as a non-degree option (NDO) pathway. You complete four courses within three years, including 1-2 required courses and 2-3 electives, totaling 13-16 units. The certificate grants academic credit and official Stanford transcripts, with up to 18 credits transferable into a Stanford MS program if you apply and are admitted.

Classes stream live from on-campus lectures and remain available for viewing throughout your enrolled quarter. Each course runs about 10 weeks with 10-20 hours of weekly commitment. Virtual office hours connect remote students with teaching teams.

Key Features and Curriculum

Your required coursework focuses on AI principles and techniques or machine learning foundations. Electives span deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, robotics and natural language processing. Course CS221 covers machine learning, search, game playing, Markov decision processes, constraint satisfaction, graphical models and logic.

The program’s technical rigor reflects Stanford’s position as home to the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL) and its industry affiliates. You’ll tackle case studies and research projects that mirror professional AI development. All courses require a B or better.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

Stanford’s graduate certificate has no GRE requirement. Stanford evaluates your application each time you enroll in a course rather than admitting you to a fixed program. You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prerequisites include programming coursework (Java or Python), discrete math, probability and linear algebra.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Your first Stanford course includes a $250 one-time document fee. Stanford does not offer scholarships or financial aid for non-degree students.

Career Outcomes

The certificate carries global recognition and improves your credentials in technology sectors substantially. Graduates report career advancement and salary increases post-completion. The Stanford name adds weight to your resume and opens doors to advanced roles and new opportunities in AI fields.

Georgia Tech – Online M.S. in Computer Science (AI Specialization)

Program Overview

Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) delivers top-ranked education with unmatched flexibility. Forbes called it “the greatest degree program ever” for its cost, culture, and industry connections. You complete all coursework on your own schedule asynchronously, taking one to multiple courses per semester. The program gives you up to six years to finish the 30 credit hours required for graduation.

The AI specialization requires 15 hours of focused study in artificial intelligence methods, interaction, and cognition. You’ll maintain the same Georgia Tech standards as on-campus students. Your diploma reads “Master of Science in Computer Science” with no online designation.

Key Features and Curriculum

The AI specialization structures coursework into core requirements and electives. You select one algorithms course from options that include CS 6515 Introduction to Graduate Algorithms, then complete two courses from CS 6601 Artificial Intelligence, CS 7637 Knowledge-Based AI, or CS 7641 Machine Learning.

Electives span three categories: Interaction courses like CS 6750 Human-Computer Interaction and CS 6603 AI, Ethics, and Society; AI Methods that include CS 7643 Deep Learning and CS 7650 Natural Language Processing; and Cognition courses such as CS 6795 Introduction to Cognitive Science. The remaining 15 hours come from free electives in OMSCS.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

OMSCS operates with no GRE requirement, whereas the on-campus program requires scores. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. International students submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

You must complete two foundational courses with B or better grades within 12 months after matriculation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The entire degree costs approximately $10,000. Federal financial aid applies to enrolled students meeting enrollment requirements.

Career Outcomes

OMSCS graduates have secured positions at major technology companies and research institutions. The program produced 10,000 alumni in its first decade.

University of Texas at Austin – M.S. in Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

UT Austin’s M.S. in Artificial Intelligence is one of the most affordable AI graduate programs in the country at just $10,000 to complete the degree. The 30-credit-hour online program launched in January 2024 and enrolls over 640 students. You can complete the degree in 18 to 36 months and take between one and five courses per semester based on your schedule. This flexibility allows you to balance work and family without relocating to Austin.

The program addresses the global need for AI professionals. 97 million new AI-related jobs are expected over the next two years. Your diploma reads “Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence” with no online designation.

Key Features and Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 3 hours of required courses and 27 hours of electives, totaling 10 courses to graduate. Ethics in AI serves as the required foundational course and prepares you for the ethical responsibilities of developing consequential AI systems.

Elective options include Advanced Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Case Studies in Machine Learning. You’ll work with applications spanning healthcare and computer vision.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

The program operates with no GRE requirement, though you may submit scores to strengthen your application. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preferred degrees include computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, or data science.

Applications open December 15 to fall admission with a priority deadline of March 15 and final deadline of April 15.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Total tuition runs $10,000 at $1,000 per course or $333 per credit hour. Federal financial aid applies to enrolled students meeting requirements.

Career Outcomes

Graduates secure positions with high salaries in industry and government sectors.

Northwestern University – M.S. in Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

Northwestern Engineering’s M.S. in Artificial Intelligence operates as a 15-month full-time program with an intimate cohort of approximately 45 students. Classes meet on weekdays and begin in September for the traditional MSAI track. The program also offers an MSAI+X track designed for professionals with advanced degrees (MD, PhD, or JD), which runs 12 months starting in June. Your proximity to Chicago’s STEM industries creates direct pathways to internships and employment.

Key Features and Curriculum

The curriculum builds on your increasing knowledge of AI technologies and workflows in a systematic way. You’ll become skilled at technical tasks while recognizing psychological and design implications of human interactions with intelligent systems. Core courses span Introduction to AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing. The traditional track has a summer quarter for optional external internships, followed by an Industry Capstone Project where hybrid teams of 4-5 MSAI and MBAi students tackle ground problems.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

GRE scores are optional; if submitted, they will be considered but are not required. You need a BA/BS in Computer Science or related field, with strong preference given to applicants with at least two years of work experience in software development or architecture. The program requires three letters of recommendation and accepts applications until the cohort fills. International applicants must score 100 or higher on TOEFL or 7.0 or higher on IELTS.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The program does not offer institutional grants, scholarships, or teaching assistantships.

Career Outcomes

Alumni work in nine industries that span consulting, financial services, healthcare, and technology. Capstone project sponsors have CDW, EY, Google, Home Depot, and Vanguard.

Carnegie Mellon University – M.S. in AI and Innovation

Program Overview

Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science houses the M.S. in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (MSAII), founded in 2018 as one of the nation’s first AI-focused master’s programs. The 4-semester program spans 195 units and blends rigorous technical training with innovation development and entrepreneurship. You’ll work on real-life capstone projects sponsored by companies like Bank of New York Mellon, John Deere, and Pittsburgh International Airport.

Key Features and Curriculum

The curriculum divides into three components: 84 units of Core Curriculum including a 36-unit Capstone Project, 72 units of Knowledge Requirements, and 36 units of electives. Core courses progress through AI and Future Markets, Law of Computer Technology, AI Engineering, and AI Innovation before they end in your Capstone Project. Knowledge requirements cover Coding Bootcamp, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Generative AI or Large Language Models, and Natural Language Processing. A required summer internship between first and second years provides industry experience.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

The program requires GRE scores for submission but has no minimum GRE score requirement. The acceptance rate runs around 10%. You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. International applicants must score at least 100 on TOEFL or 7.5 on IELTS. Applications for Fall 2027 entry open September 2026.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Annual tuition runs $63,000. Merit-based scholarships range from 10% to 75% of tuition. Every admitted student is eligible to consider. Research assistantships can provide $5,000-$6,000 annually.

Career Outcomes

The MSAIE-IS program reported a median salary of $130,000 for 2025 graduates. Top employers include Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, and Uber.

University of Southern California – M.S. in Computer Science (AI)

Program Overview

USC Viterbi’s M.S. in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) ranks among the nation’s first programs dedicated to AI training. The 32-unit program provides rigorous instruction in deep learning theories and AI applications without a thesis option. Topics span machine learning, statistics, computer vision, natural language processing and robotics.

Key Features and Curriculum

You complete 20 units of required courses: Analysis of Algorithms, Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning and Its Applications, Machine Learning and Web Technologies. Three group electives follow, with one course minimum from Machine Learning and Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing and Speech Recognition, and Computer Vision and Robotics categories.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

The GRE is not required for 2026 applications. You need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields. Applications include transcripts, resume/CV and personal statement. Letters of recommendation are optional.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate engineering students pay similar tuition whether enrolled on-campus or through DEN@Viterbi. Graduate financial aid has federal loans and USC scholarships, fellowships and assistantships depending on eligibility.

Career Outcomes

Graduates reported an average salary of $129,667. Employers include Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Tesla and Nvidia. The program recorded 48 internships at technology companies of all sizes.

Boston University – M.S. in Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences offers an M.S. in Artificial Intelligence that requires 8 courses totaling 32 credits. Students complete the degree in three semesters on average. The program focuses on machine learning, computer vision and natural language processing. This prepares you for careers as an AI engineer in information technology or further PhD study. You can finish in one year by taking four courses per semester without overloading.

Key Features and Curriculum

Four core courses establish your foundation: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Image and Video Computing and Introduction to Natural Language Processing. You then select four electives from designated lists. At least one must come from data-focused options that include Data Mechanics, Computational Tools for Data Science or Graduate Introduction to Database Systems. Additional electives include all 500-level computer science courses and AI-related offerings from Mathematics, Statistics and Electrical Engineering departments.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

The program does not require GRE for admission. Priority applications are due January 15, with regular deadline March 15 for fall entry.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Merit-based scholarships range between $5,000 and $30,000 per semester of full-time study. High-achieving students receive strong consideration, especially women and underrepresented minorities.

Career Outcomes

Between 2015 and 2025, 296 program alumni found jobs at 222 companies. Top employers include Amazon (12.5%), Google (8%), Meta (8%), Microsoft (6%) and Bloomberg (4%).

Johns Hopkins University – AI Professional Certificate Program

Program Overview

Johns Hopkins Engineering Professionals offers a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence that requires four courses completed within five years. The certificate grants academic credit with official transcripts. It provides a credential that can stand alone or potentially apply toward a master’s degree if you pursue full admission later. Johns Hopkins works together with Great Learning on specialized certificate programs. These include Applied Generative AI (16 weeks), AI in Healthcare (10 weeks), AI Business Strategy (10 weeks), and Generative AI & Agents Fundamentals (8 weeks).

Key Features and Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate consists of four core courses. These cover machine learning, AI-enabled systems, production AI solutions, and generative AI. Course EN.705.601 Applied Machine Learning teaches you to solve computational problems using data from real-life applications. EN.705.603 Creating AI-Enabled Systems brings a systems viewpoint to AI development. EN.705.604 Production AI offers hands-on experience. You build AI systems with cloud technologies like Microsoft Azure.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

Johns Hopkins certificate programs operate with no GRE requirement. Your prior education must include three semesters of calculus with multivariate coverage. You need one semester each of linear algebra and probability/statistics, two semesters of Python programming, and one semester of advanced programming such as Data Structures. You can complete missing prerequisites provisionally.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Certificate program costs vary by track. The Applied Generative AI program runs $2,950. AI in Healthcare costs $2,990, and AI Business Strategy is $2,600.

Career Outcomes

Johns Hopkins ranks #6 nationally and #1 in Computer Information Technology[571]. Certificate completion earns Continuing Education Units. Programs award between 6 and 16 CEUs depending on duration.

UC Berkeley – Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

UC Berkeley Executive Education delivers this professional certificate through collaboration with the College of Engineering and Haas School of Business. The 6-month online program spans 24 modules and requires 15-20 hours of weekly commitment. You’ll gain hands-on experience with ML/AI tools and build a market-ready GitHub portfolio.

Key Features and Curriculum

The curriculum has three sections: Foundations of ML/AI covering Python and data analysis fundamentals, AI/ML Techniques addressing regression and classification with time series analysis, and Advanced Topics that include natural language processing and deep neural networks with a capstone project. You’ll work with tools like scikit-learn and Jupyter notebooks, plus innovative frameworks throughout the program.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

This ai professional certificate has no gre requirement. You need a bachelor’s degree, math skills, and some programming experience. A STEM educational background and technical work experience are recommended, along with familiarity with Python, R, or SQL.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The program costs $7,500 and covers all modules, hands-on activities, live sessions, career coaching, and your verified digital certificate. UC Berkeley Executive Education grants your certificate upon completing 80% of required activities, including the capstone project.

Career Outcomes

Entry-level ML engineers with zero to two years of experience earn an average of $145,000. The program prepares you to work as Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and AI Engineer.

Arizona State University – M.S. in Artificial Intelligence

Program Overview

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University houses the M.S. in Artificial Intelligence Engineering with a concentration in Computing Sciences. You complete 30 credit hours through a portfolio, thesis, or applied project culminating experience. International students on F-1 visas can extend their Optional Practical Training up to 24 months through this program.

Key Features and Curriculum

Core courses make up 12 credits and span AI Ethics and Social Responsibility, AI Engineering Foundations, AI Systems and Tools, and Data Collection and Evaluation for AI Systems. Your concentration requires 9 credits that include CSE 571 Artificial Intelligence plus additional CSE 500-level courses. You can take 3 to 9 credits of electives based on your chosen culminating experience.

Admission Requirements with No GRE Requirement

ASU eliminated the GRE requirement as of Fall 2023. You just need a bachelor’s degree in computing, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or related fields with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Your resume must demonstrate familiarity with MATLAB, Python, SQL, or R. International applicants submit TOEFL scores of 90, IELTS 7, or Duolingo 115.

Tuition and Financial Aid

You can access federal financial aid through FAFSA using school code 001081.

Career Outcomes

Graduates pursue roles in cybersecurity, database development, software development, and software integration.

Find a Program

You can pursue an AI master’s degree or professional certificate without the stress and expense of GRE preparation. Over 60% of programs are now test-optional. This gives you access to education from institutions like Stanford, Georgia Tech, and Carnegie Mellon that was previously harder to reach. Your choice depends on your budget, timeline, and career goals. Affordable options like Georgia Tech and UT Austin cost around $10,000. Premium programs from Northwestern and CMU offer intensive cohort experiences. Working professionals benefit most from flexible online formats. Recent graduates might prefer full-time on-campus programs. Review each program’s prerequisites, specializations, and outcomes to find your best fit and start your application today.