Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
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Artificial intelligence is everywhere. It is all around us. From self-driving cars to ChatGPT, the private and public sectors rely on AI on a daily basis.
According to the World Economic Forum, the industry will need 97 million AI specialists by 2025, to keep up with a growing demand.
With all of the artificial intelligence degrees out there to choose from, why go for a master’s in artificial intelligence?
Earning a master’s degree in artificial intelligence can position you competitively for a career in the rapidly growing field of AI. Discover the leading programs that can enhance your prospects for future career opportunities.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence enables machines and software to perform tasks using data. The machines and software continually learn, similar to the way the human mind works. AI can solve complex problems, perform decision-making, and recognize visual and audio patterns.
The ability of AI to mimic our cognitive functions has made it useful in nearly every industry. You’ll find AI in e-commerce, education, finance, medicine, agriculture, and gaming.
The speed of breakthroughs in AI has created a gap between the demand and ability of professionals trained in AI. This provides an opportunity for those who hold a master’s in artificial intelligence.
In fact, generative AI ranked as the fastest-growing career in the first half of 2023 according to Upwork.
Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$53,450
- Out-of-state$53,450
- In-State$53,450
- Out-of-state$53,450
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled11,254
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$53,166
- Out-of-state$53,166
- In-State$37,678
- Out-of-state$37,678
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled26,552
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
Stanford University
- Stanford, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,473
- Out-of-state$55,473
- In-State$54,315
- Out-of-state$54,315
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled15,953
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate14%
- Students Enrolled44,589
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,160
- Out-of-state$54,160
- In-State$57,010
- Out-of-state$57,010
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled28,890
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,880
- Out-of-state$55,880
- In-State$57,900
- Out-of-state$57,900
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled16,172
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Cornell University
- Ithaca, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$58,586
- Out-of-state$58,586
- In-State$29,500
- Out-of-state$29,500
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled23,620
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,520
- Out-of-state$53,669
- In-State$24,344
- Out-of-state$49,120
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate26%
- Students Enrolled47,907
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,448
- Out-of-state$40,032
- In-State$12,028
- Out-of-state$22,886
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate32%
- Students Enrolled50,476
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,260
- Out-of-state$59,260
- In-State$47,880
- Out-of-state$47,880
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled46,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Why Should You Get a Masters in Artificial Intelligence?
The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, AI will displace about 85 million existing jobs and add 97 million more. With a master’s in artificial intelligence, you can take advantage of fast-growing jobs created as a result of breakthroughs in AI. That said, there are both pros and cons to earning this graduate degree.
Pros
- Freedom to pursue highly sought-after job opportunities
- Advance your theoretical and practical knowledge of AI with the possibility of focusing on a specialized area
- A good return on your investment
Cons
- A master’s degree requires a time commitment of 1-2 years and you may not always have online course options.
- Graduate school is often as expensive as ab undergraduate degree and not every program offers funding.
- The challenging coursework requires a lot of discipline and perseverance
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Data Science?
Careers in artificial intelligence remain in high demand. A master’s in artificial intelligence offers the opportunity to compete for careers in a variety of computer science areas. We discuss three possible careers below.
Data Scientist
Data scientists are data experts who work in private industries and government agencies. They examine data and draw insights to provide business solutions. Through data analysis, they can identify potential risks and notify stakeholders.
Data scientists implement statistics learning methods. This role requires proficiency in programming languages such as Matlab, R, Python, SQL.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree, if not a master’s or doctoral degree
- 2022 Median Annual Salary: $103,500
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +35%
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers design, build, and implement machine learning models. They also monitor and retain production models, solve issues in natural language processing, and fix engineering issues. The position requires staying up to date on trends and new technologies. In addition, machine learning engineers collaborate with other engineers to build models that detect cybersecurity risks.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree, or preferably a master’s degree for seniors positions
- 2023 Average Annual Salary: $115,500
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineers automate tasks in a variety of industries. From robotic surgical tools to underwater robotic systems, these professionals can build and test various robotic systems. Work settings may include private manufacturers, automotive industries, or farming. They may focus on the hardware and/or software side of robotics.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree for senior-level positions
- 2023 Average Annual Salary: $91,760
- Job Outlook (2022-32): +2-4%
Frequently Asked Questions about Artificial Intelligence
Why is artificial intelligence important?
From banking to retail, many industries have adopted AI to automate human tasks and boost productivity and efficiency. For companies, AI can reduce costs and detect fraud.
Every day, AI helps make our lives easier with self-driving cars, self-cleaning litter boxes, voice commands, and security cameras. That said, the effect of AI on employment remains to be seen.
How is artificial intelligence used?
Many industries have adopted artificial intelligence to automate redundant tasks. In medicine, AI sometimes takes on the work of diagnosing patients and transcribing medical documents. Paired with robotics and machine learning, AI can help surgeons during operations to make clinical decisions.
By leveraging data, AI models can train on and improve performing various tasks, including detecting credit card fraud. Even in our daily lives, we encounter AI technology on popular apps like Instagram, where AI algorithms suggest relevant accounts for users to follow. Whether in healthcare, finance, or social media, AI’s pervasive presence continues to transform industries and enhance user experiences.
How do you use artificial intelligence?
You likely use artificial intelligence every day, by interacting with chatbots when you need customer service help or requesting the weather on Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Streaming platforms such as Netflix use AI algorithms to make personalized content recommendations based on your previous usage.
AI enhances homes by using data on your preferences to adjust lighting and set thermostats, while in e-commerce, it personalizes your experience by recommending purchases based on your browsing history.
