Master's in artificial intelligence programs for 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the next industrial revolution, some say, so the rush to be an expert in the field has never been greater. With a growing number of jobs requiring AI skills, universities have sought to be at the forefront of workforce education by establishing master’s degree programs in AI. Fortune has compiled 34 schools with AI graduate programs—where you can get ahead as a leader in the subject.
- Order/Rank
- A - Z
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Washington
- Auburn, AL
- Austin, TX
- Baltimore, MD
- Birmingham, AL
- Bridgeport, CT
- Chicago, IL
- Commerce, TX
- Dearborn, MI
- Denton, TX
- Durham, NC
- Evanston, IL
- Fort Collins, CO
- Gainesville, FL
- Houston, TX
- Kennesaw, GA
- Kent, OH
- Louisville, KY
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Rochester, NY
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- St. Louis, MO
- St. Paul, MN
- Syracuse, NY
- Tempe, AZ
- University Park, IN
- Vermillion, SD
- West Lafayette, PA
*Please note that not all schools offer this specific type of information.
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ| Application fee | $70–$115 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $60,035 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Business |
Auburn University
Auburn, ALAuburn's master of science in AI engineering can be completed in-person in Alabama or online. Applicants must have a bachelor's in a STEM-related field or sufficient experience. The price for the in-person program is higher than the online cost listed.
| Application fee | $60 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $28,470–$46,470 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | No, for online |
| Specialization | Engineering |
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA| Application fee | $0–$100 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $57,435–$120,000 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Engineering, Innovation, or in Rwanda |
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO| Application fee | $25 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $20,250 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | Yes |
| Specialization | Engineering |
DePaul University
Chicago, ILDePaul's MS in artificial intelligence began in 2021. Students must have experience in programming, data structures, and data analysis. The school has four deadlines throughout the year.
| Application fee | $25 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $45,840 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PADrexel University’s master's in AI and machine learning can be completed on-campus or online on either a full- or part-time basis. As a result, students may graduate within two to four years. The program has two concentrations: computational and applied, with the former requiring additional background in computer science.
| Application fee | $65 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $64,710 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
Duke University
Durham, NC| Application fee | $75 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $98,970 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Engineering/product innovation |
Illinois Tech
Chicago, IL| Application fee | $100 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $53,400 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MDThe AI master's at Johns Hopkins is conducted online, with most courses being asynchronous. The program is focused on engineering. At Johns Hopkins, 78% enrolled students’ tuition is covered by employer contribution programs. Applicants are encouraged to apply by three weeks before their desired starting term.
| Application fee | $0 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $52,700 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Engineering |
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA| Application fee | $60 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $33,984 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | Yes |
| Specialization | N/A |
Kent State University
Kent, OH| Application fee | $50 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $19,954/year |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | Yes |
| Specialization | N/A |
Maryville University
St. Louis, MO| Application fee | $0 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $27,225 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL| Application fee | $95 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $110,000 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Engineering |
Penn State University
West Lafayette, PAPenn State offer master's in AI programs both online as well as at Penn State Great Valley. The program allows for stackable certificates to be obtained, such as in natural language processing or computer vision.
| Application fee | $65 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $38,415 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
Purdue University
University Park, INPurdue's master of science in AI has two tracks: AI and Machine Learning and AI Management and Policy. Both are completed online, and both cover topics of AI ethics, societal impact, and fundamentals. The deadlines to apply are August 1, December 1, and April 1 for fall, spring, and summer, respectively.
| Application fee | $0 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $28,000 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Machine learning or management & policy |
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NYSyracuse's AI master's will take an applied human centered approach. The program is set to begin in fall 2025 and is housed within the university's school of information studies.
| Application fee | $75 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $60,000 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Applied human centered |
East Texas A&M University
Commerce, TXEast Texas A&M University's master of science in artificial intelligence program takes two years to complete, and students can select to write a thesis or not. There is a rolling admissions process. The university recently renamed from Texas A&M University–Commerce.
| Application fee | $50 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $41,344 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
University of Alabama–Birmingham
Birmingham, ALUAB's master of science in artificial intelligence is focused on medicine. Students are at the forefront of modernizing medicine as they learn the skills to best implement AI technology into health administration, research and clinical care. Applicants must have a background in healthcare as well as programming. For spring admission, the deadline is December 1; August 1 for the fall.
| Application fee | $70 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $62,714/year |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Medicine |
University of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD| Application fee | $35 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $36,270 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Business |
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CTAt the University of Bridgeport, the master's in AI program has four concentrations: robotics and automation; deep learning and computer vision; data science and data analytics; and cybersecurity.
| Application fee | $0 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $27,370 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL| Application fee | $30 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $30,134/year |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | AI systems |
University of Houston–Downtown
Houston, TX| Application fee | $50 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $24,000 |
| Format | In-person/hybrid |
| GRE required | Yes |
| Specialization | N/A |
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY| Application fee | $65 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $24,900 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Medicine |
University of Michigan–Dearborn
Dearborn, MI| Application fee | $60 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $20,000–$51,000 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Computer vision; intelligent interaction; machine learning, or knowledge management and reasoning. |
University of North Texas
Denton, TX| Application fee | $75 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $36,000 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | Yes |
| Specialization | N/A |
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA| Application fee | $90 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $36,560 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Engineering |
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA| Application fee | $55 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $28,950 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY| Application fee | $90 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $76,000/year |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Business |
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD| Application fee | $35 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | TBD |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
University of St. Thomas
St. Paul, MNThe University of St. Thomas seeks to train students to "become successful AI practitioners" through its master's in AI program. The deadlines to apply are August 1 or January 6.
| Application fee | $0 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $39,300 |
| Format | Online or in-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
University of Texas–San Antonio
San Antonio, TX| Application fee | $50 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $30,000 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Analytics; computer science; or intelligent & autonomous sytems |
University of Texas–Austin
Austin, TX| Application fee | $65 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $10,000 |
| Format | Online |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
University of Washington
Seattle, WA| Application fee | $90 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $41,250–$43,500 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | Engineering |
Yeshiva University
New York, NY| Application fee | $65 |
| Approx. total tuition, out-of-state | $48,924 |
| Format | In-person |
| GRE required | No |
| Specialization | N/A |
The field of artificial intelligence continues to grow, especially its relationship with higher education. Many programs, including those at well-known schools like the University of Pennsylvania, Purdue University, and Arizona State University, were just announced in 2024, and other schools will likely begin to create their own graduate degrees in the subject. However, it may take a few years for there to be a broad review of which programs are the best for student success.
For prospective students, the best programs will be the ones that are the most innovative and adaptive. Most programs desire students with at least a bachelor's degree as well as some exposure to computer technology. Artificial intelligence is changing constantly, and thus the curriculum will need to as well. Furthermore, having professors that are experts in the field is also a great idea. Long story short, conduct diligent research before deciding on one program.
If a school is not listed—or needs information updated—please contact Fortune Education at education@fortune.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is a master in artificial intelligence?
A master’s degree in artificial intelligence is a graduate-level degree that teaches the up-to-date technical foundation to become a leader in AI.
Programs generally balance theoretical concepts with real-world knowledge. Course topics may focus on:
- Machine learning
- Natural language models
- Data science/data analytics
- Human-computer interaction
- Deep learning
- Robotics
- Ethics
- AI business strategy
- AI capstone
Which degree is best for artificial intelligence?
Because master’s in AI degrees are interdisciplinary—meaning courses are taken from across various departments—it can be considered the best way to learn artificial intelligence. Students may enroll in courses in departments such as computer science, engineering, business, or philosophy.
Is a master's in AI difficult?
A master’s in AI is not easy. Many programs require applicants to have a background in computer science, such as Python, before enrolling in a master’s in AI program. Others require students to have majored in computer-related subjects as an undergraduate. For those without experience, some schools may require you to take additional coursework. Industry experience is also a major plus.
Is a degree in AI worth it?
For those who are eager to become leaders in AI, pursuing a degree in AI can certainly be worth it. This is because you will have learned the in-demand technical skills that others will not have as well as be able to apply ethical and data-driven decision-making. Also, because the degree is relatively new, fewer people will have the degree, making yours more exclusive.
What is the best school for artificial intelligence?
Because AI programs are so new, it is difficult to discern which school is the best for AI. However, schools with strong computer science and engineering programs have been researching and teaching AI concepts for some time and have faculty with immense experience in the space. Carnegie Mellon University, for example, has three different graduate programs focused on AI alone.
How long is a master’s in AI?
Most AI master’s programs last between one and two years but many allow students the flexibility to take courses on a part-time basis, which may extend their studies for potentially three years or longer. This could allow for individuals to continue working while still being enrolled.
What is the average salary of someone with a master’s in AI?
Those graduating from a master’s in AI program can pursue a variety of occupations in the computer science, data science, and engineering space. However, computer-related jobs tend to have high-paying salaries. According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an AI engineer is about $131,636—with an additional pay of $70,000 expected (bonuses, profit sharing, etc.).
