Top Master’s Programs in Artificial Intelligence

Nalea J. Ko
By
Updated on April 15, 2024
Edited by
Whether you want to become an engineer or a computer and information research scientist, these top master’s in artificial intelligence degrees can help you leverage a new career.

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

Read About Our Methodology Here

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Cambridge, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
  • Accredited

MIT features 50 departments and programs that offer graduate degrees. The MIT Office of Graduate Education offers various master's in engineering degrees available through the electrical engineering and computer science program. You can focus your research in artificial intelligence or choose from 19 other concentrations. The AI program is extremely competitive and only admits applicants who hold an undergraduate degree from MIT.

Applicants must submit transcripts, an online application, a statement of objectives, and three letters of recommendation. The admission window is between September-December.

100%

Online Enrollment

$53,450

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

98%

Retention Rate

$53,450

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
7%
Students Enrolled
11,254
Institution Type
Private
#2

University of Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

UPenn enrolls 13,147 full-time graduate and professional students. The School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a master's in robotics that features a specialization in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The required AI courses explore topics that include vision and learning, integrated intelligence for robotics, and principles of deep learning. Students can expect to complete the program in two years.

Current seniors at UPenn who have at least a 3.2 GPA can apply to the accelerated program. All other students must apply online by submitting an application with a resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts. The GRE is optional. 

85%

Online Enrollment

$37,678

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

95%

Retention Rate

$37,678

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
26,552
Institution Type
Private
#3

Stanford University

  • Stanford, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

This renowned Californian college offers some 200 graduate areas of study, including a flexible master's in computer science degree with a specialization in artificial intelligence. 

Delivered through the Stanford School of Engineering, the 45-credit program offers a part-time or full-time format, with the option to study online or in person. 

Part-time studies take about 3-5 years, while full-time learners graduate in 1-2 years. Program courses include AI principles and techniques, natural language processing with deep learning, and machine learning. 

Eligible applicants need at least a bachelor's degree with a solid undergraduate foundation in quantitative and analytical skills from an accredited college. 

6%

Online Enrollment

$54,315

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$54,315

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
5%
Students Enrolled
15,953
Institution Type
Private
#4

University of California-Los Angeles

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

UCLA is a top-ranked public university that features graduate degrees in more than 130 subjects, including a master's in artificial intelligence. The Samueli School of Engineering's master of engineering offers a focus in artificial intelligence that you can complete in one year of full-time on-campus study. 

You'll complete 36 credits and a capstone project in which you collaborate on a team of 3-4 students. The program emphasizes leadership and technical skills, with courses in technical project management, systems engineering and leadership and innovation. 

UCLA accepts applications in the fall. Candidates need a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related major. Also, you need to have earns a minimum 3.0 GPA in the prerequisite courses. 

94%

Online Enrollment

$11,442

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

96%

Retention Rate

$26,544

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
14%
Students Enrolled
44,589
Institution Type
Public
#5

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Johns Hopkins has more than 24,000 students studying over 260 subject areas at campuses in Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D.C., China, and Italy. With 10 academic departments, the Whiting School of Engineering offers an online master's in artificial intelligence degree. 

Artificial intelligence students train in machine learning, algorithms for data science, cloud computing, deep neural networking, and natural language processing. The program consists of 10 courses where you have the choice to pick either an applied or theoretical track. 

Most admitted students hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or are currently in the last semester of their senior year. You also need a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

88%

Online Enrollment

$57,010

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

97%

Retention Rate

$57,010

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
28,890
Institution Type
Private
#6

Duke University

  • Durham, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Duke offers a master's of engineering degree with nine concentrations, including artificial intelligence for product innovation. You can complete the master's in artificial intelligence degree in 12-16 months on the campus in Durham, North Carolina. Online learners normally complete the program in 24 months. 

Over two or three semesters, you'll take eight technical courses, two business courses, and one capstone project. The capstone project, along with an internship provide hands-on experience before finishing your degree. 

Interested students should have a science or technical background, a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, one semester of programming, and two semesters of calculus. 

42%

Online Enrollment

$57,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

97%

Retention Rate

$57,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
8%
Students Enrolled
16,172
Institution Type
Private
#7

Cornell University

  • Ithaca, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Cornell, founded in 1865, features 17 colleges and schools. Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science offers a master's in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence. 

Completed over four semesters, the master's in artificial intelligence program offers full funding to students who work as teaching assistants. The 34-credit program includes a thesis research project and an oral presentation. Courses focus on artificial intelligence, programming languages and methodology, scientific computing and applications, algorithms and theory of computation, and systems. 

Known to be competitive, Cornell only admits about 7-8 engineering master's students per year. You need at least a bachelor's degree — preferably in computer science —  to apply. 

94%

Online Enrollment

$29,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

96%

Retention Rate

$29,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
23,620
Institution Type
Private
#8

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

UM Ann Arbor has 19 schools and colleges offering more than 275 degrees. Their master's in artificial intelligence program is held at the College of Engineering and Computer Science. 

The 30-credit program requires 12 foundational credits, nine concentration credits, and nine elective credits. 

Optional concentrations include intelligent interaction, computer vision, machine learning, and knowledge management and reasoning. You have the option to complete a thesis or final project. 

91%

Online Enrollment

$24,344

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

96%

Retention Rate

$49,120

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
26%
Students Enrolled
47,907
Institution Type
Public
#9

The University of Texas at Austin

  • Austin, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

UT Austin's Computer and Data Science Online program offers an online master's in artificial intelligence. This program features on-demand lectures and asynchronous coursework to explore deep learning, ethics in AI, machine learning, and reinforcement learning. You'll also analyze case studies in machine learning and natural language processing, often working with other online learners. 

The two-fold application process requires that you first apply to UT Austin. Most admitted students have a minimum 3.0 GPA and with a bachelor's degree and strong academic record in mathematics, computer science, or related subjects. 

92%

Online Enrollment

$12,028

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

97%

Retention Rate

$22,886

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
50,476
Institution Type
Public
#10

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

USC's master's in artificial intelligence, delivered through the Viterbi School of Engineering, requires 32 credits. This program focuses on its students gaining a foundation in machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence, before study chosen electives. 

Students choose from one of three group electives: machine learning and deep learning, natural language processing and speech recognition, and computer vision and robotics. Admission to this program requires at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

89%

Online Enrollment

$47,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

91%

Retention Rate

$47,880

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
16%
Students Enrolled
46,287
Institution Type
Private

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.

checkPros

  • 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

xCons

  • 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.