Edited By Christine Skopec
Review & Contribution By Kira McDonald
Today, industries seek to harness AI’s potential for efficiency. An Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence addresses the need for proficient professionals in this field.
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a domain of study that teaches how to make computer programs that can take a call and make decisions, sort out data, and communicate with human beings. AI has many applications, from smart appliances to public safety and intuitive logistics. Artificial intelligence master’s online students learn to apply algorithmic design, creative thinking, and coding skills that help build modern AI systems. They are offered in-depth technical training and gain expertise in machine learning (ML), natural language processing, and computer vision. This degree program typically offers an in-depth study of key AI concepts, methodologies, and applications, preparing students for AI research, development, and implementation careers across various industries. Upon completing a Master’s in AI program, graduates are well-equipped to pursue various career opportunities in AI-related roles, including AI researcher, machine learning engineer, data scientist, AI consultant, robotics engineer, and more.
Table Of Contents
Featured Online Masters Programs
FindBestDegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
National University
PROGRAM: Online Masters in Computer Science (MS)
National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
FindBestDegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Online Masters in Information Technology (MS)
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Find the Best Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs
It is not easy to find the best artificial intelligence master’s degrees online. While every university claims to be the best, the onus is on the student to research and find out about the reputation of the institute, the faculty’s qualification and experience, how well equipped the campus is with all the modern tools and amenities, learners support services, lab facilities, and most importantly accreditation. Based on these and other crucial components in our ranking methodology, here are the best artificial intelligence degrees online:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Northwestern University | 633 Clark St, Evanston, Illinois 60208 | $52,698 | 97% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree Program
A Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge in AI. Typically spanning 30 to 40 credits, these programs provide flexible learning options, including on-campus, online, or hybrid formats. The curriculum covers various topics, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and ethics in AI. An online master’s artificial intelligence degree is equipped with building AI applications, speech recognition, language translation, and facial recognition. In most instances, a capstone experience towards the end of the program ensures students are ready to take on real-world projects in the market. It upgrades them with skills that unlock doors to many intriguing career opportunities. Graduates of these programs are well-prepared for diverse and high-demand careers in AI-related fields, such as AI research, machine learning engineering, data science, robotics, and AI consultancy.
Curriculum and Coursework
Pursuing post-graduate studies in AI has recently become very common, as it is seen that the future is all about automation. Looking at various sectors like robotics, medicine, finance, and business intelligence, functioning without AI seems impossible. An online master’s degree in artificial intelligence typically requires 30 credits, of which 21 are for the core courses and nine are for electives. Here are a few standard courses students can expect:
Natural Language Processing
This course covers the basic and advanced concepts for a detailed understanding of natural language processing tasks like text-to-speech generation, language modeling, natural language understanding, and natural language generation. The course helps students design applications for translating between languages, sentiment analysis, and question answering. Implementing these applications is also a part of the program.
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
This course gives students a practical understanding of the AI domain. It deals with the overview of the core concepts of AI, such as knowledge and reasoning, intelligent agents, reinforcement learning, belief networks, planning and acting, computational learning, and more.
Deep Learning
This course teaches the foundations of neural and deep learning networks. Its core concepts include convolutional neural networks for recognizing images, recurrent neural networks for generating sequences, and generative adversarial networks for generating images.
Machine Vision
This course involves designing computerized machine vision systems using algorithms. Students learn feature extraction and segmentation, image representation & structuring, and information extraction, analysis, and filtering work.
Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
This course is a comparatively new branch of applied ethics. It teaches the far-reaching and multiple ethical issues associated with the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into the many aspects of people’s lives.
Other courses frequently found in an online master’s degree in artificial intelligence are:
- Introduction to AI
- Introduction to Data Science
- Collaborative Human-AI Systems
- Mathematical Foundations of Informatics
- Social Informatics
- Information Representation
- Applications of Data Mining
- Recent Trends in Artificial Intelligence
- Ethics in Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction to Programming
- Calculus for Data Science
- Core Communications
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Applied Cloud Computing
- Web Mining
- Autonomous Systems
- Machine Learning
- Image Analysis
- Natural Language Processing
- Speech Recognition
- Software Engineering Principles
- Signal and Sound Processing
- Ethics and Social Implications of AI
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A master’s in artificial intelligence is one of the most in-demand degrees in current times. Taking up artificial intelligence at the master’s level will allow students to develop AI skills at par with the industry’s needs. The degree includes studying AI design & development, AI for enterprise intelligence, human-AI interaction, and efficient AI solutions and their applications. After completing the program, master’s graduates would have the ability to:
- design and implement user interfaces to better human-AI connection and decision-making;
- be skilled in coding at a high level, and possess the knowledge of general-purpose programming languages (e.g., C++ or Python);
- identify well-defined performance metrics;
- design & evaluate conversational interfaces;
- implement cognitive automation for different industries;
- develop speech-based apps;
- analyze the repercussions of the application of AI systems to organizations;
- solve real-world issues in organizational setups;
- develop robotic processes to run businesses & monitor their effectiveness; and
- design, develop, install & configure cloud-computing apps.
Types of Master’s Degrees Artificial Intelligence Students Can Obtain
The master’s in artificial intelligence online can be pursued in two ways – a Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (MEng. Artificial Intelligence) or a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MS Artificial Intelligence).
Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence
The Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence or MEng. Artificial Intelligence degree program focuses on engineering practice so students can better serve as working AI professionals. The degree offers skills & expertise that further the individual’s ability to contribute better to the technical workforce.
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence or MS in Artificial Intelligence includes the knowledge transfer of AI theory, methodologies, & applications. Students get to understand applications dependent on AI technologies, such as robotics, autonomous systems, intelligent control, and smart systems.
Areas of Specialization for Artificial Intelligence Students
Specializations are important for advancing understanding and gaining skills applicable to specific areas within a subject. Specializations study a sub-field within artificial intelligence and can lead to high-paying, new-age, in-demand jobs. Some popular specializations available in a master’s in artificial intelligence online are:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| AI for Games | AI for gaming is a responsive video game experience. Non-player characters generate AI-enabled and interactive experiences as intelligent as human players. AI is the force behind that non-player character. | Gameplay programmer, game developer |
| Deep Learning | Deep learning is also a part of Machine Learning (ML) based on artificial neural networks, where various processing layers are deployed to extract progressively higher-level features from data. | Deep learning engineer, deep learning & AI specialist, and researcher |
| Machine Learning | Machine learning uses a computer system that can learn and adapt without explicit instructions and only by analyzing and drawing inferences using algorithms and statistical models. | Machine learning specialist |
| Data Mining | This specialization studies analytic processes that assess vast data to look for consistent patterns. Students focus on methods, techniques, and algorithms for data mining. | Data extraction analyst and data mining executive |
| Internet of Things | This specialization deals with IoT design and its limitations and interfacing between the physical world and IoT devices. Its focus is on software implementation, which helps students understand how sensors are deployed in real-world events. | IoT security engineer and IoT embedded engineer |
| Data Visualization | Data visualization deals with the graphic representation of data. It is the best way of communication when there are large amounts of data to be processed. | Data visualization engineer and data analyst |
| High-Performance Computing | This concentration focuses on parallel algorithm design, analysis, and implementation in distributed and shared memory environments. | HPC engineer and verification engineer |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
Artificial intelligence online master’s programs can be done either full-time or part-time. The full-time program, a traditional method of pursuing the degree, will require 30 credit hours spread over 15 to 18 months. On the other hand, a part-time online artificial intelligence master’s program will cover the same subjects but likely require about 24 to 36 months. While the full-time program is more detailed and offers a larger window to socialize and build a network, a part-time program, mostly taken up by working professionals, provides the time flexibility they may need.
Accelerated Artificial Intelligence Programs
Generally, an online master’s in artificial intelligence takes about a year and a half to two years to complete. However, an accelerated master’s in artificial intelligence allows students to complete their degrees quicker, say 15 to 18 months, through several means. They can take up more summer courses to gain additional credits. They can capitalize on voluntary & other out-of-school experiences and opt for asynchronous study modes that will allow them to progress through the degree faster. It is worth noting that accelerated master’s programs are very demanding and rigorous compared to regular ones. The time and effort required to leave no room for anything apart from schoolwork. Few colleges providing an accelerated artificial intelligence degree include
Admission Requirements for Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs
Admission requirements for artificial intelligence master’s online programs differ from university to university. Most colleges require students applying for the online artificial intelligence master’s degree to submit scores of a standardized exam like the GRE. Applicants are required to have a statistics, mathematics, and probability background to be eligible for enrollment. Apart from these, some of the other admission requirements for an online artificial intelligence master’s degree are:
- An application form with its prescribed fee
- A bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics (STEM) field
- A Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- Official academic transcripts
- GRE or GMAT test scores
- A minimum of 2 years of work experience (at some universities)
- A Personal Statement or admissions essay
- The completion of prerequisites in calculus, linear algebra, and probability and statistics
It is always advisable to check with the admissions office at the university to know the exact requirements of that particular institution or program.
Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence No GRE Programs
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are frequently required for a master’s degree program. However, as a prevalent practice in recent years, some universities admit students without requiring their GRE scores. Universities with master’s in artificial intelligence no GRE programs offer the same curriculum and quality as those that do require the test score. Some universities offering a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence that does not require the GRE include
How to Ensure an Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree Program Is Accredited
Accreditation is one of the most essential components when choosing a college for a master’s education. An educational institution receives accreditation only if it meets specific quality standards. Accreditation assures that all the programs offered by the accredited university are authentic and of top-quality standards. Here are six regional accrediting agencies that grant regional accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) [5]
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) [6]
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC) [7]
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) [8]
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) [9]
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)[10]
Apart from regional accreditation, artificial intelligence master’s online programs can also be programmatically accredited by:
Read more about accreditation and its importance in the Guide to Accreditation.
Free Artificial Intelligence Courses
Master’s students can find various free artificial intelligence courses online that offer insights into mathematics, data science, AI, machine learning, deep learning, and software engineering. These free courses help students understand the real-world applications of AI and provide them with additional knowledge. Here are a few to explore:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification[16] | This course helps students build machine learning models in Python using popular ML tools. Students learn about supervised ML models for prediction, including linear regression and logistic regression. | Coursera |
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence [17] | In this course, students learn the basics of modern AI and the representative applications of artificial intelligence. Along the way, they are made aware of AI’s many possibilities and applications. | Udacity |
| Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics [18] | This course teaches students how AI is used in various scenarios through case studies. It elaborates on data limitations and teaches learners about AI and Big Data ethics. | Coursera |
Ways to Pay for an Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree
The cost of a master’s in artificial intelligence online often ranges between $30,000 and $55,000 [19], depending on the college and its reputation in the market. With this high cost of education, paying for college can be challenging, forcing students to look for financial aid from various sources. Students needing financial assistance can consider
Scholarships
Scholarships are a form of financial help given to students for their higher education. They need to meet specific criteria to be eligible to get a scholarship, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, or athletic ability.
Grants
Not-for-profit organizations, the federal government, or foundations often give grants to students with financial needs. They can be used to pay for educational expenses like student housing, transportation, books, library fees, and research materials.
Work-Study Programs
The Federal Work-Study Program is a type of part-time employment program and may include jobs on and off campus. They are usually related to the student’s study area. This program is available to all graduates, undergraduates, and post-graduates who need assistance paying tuition fees or other expenses.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships allow students to work part-time at their university, assisting teachers (graduate teaching assistants) or professors with research (graduate research assistants) in exchange for a tuition reduction or stipend.
Student Loans
Banks, credit unions, and private lenders offer student education loans at interest. Students can borrow 100% of their required money but must pay it back with interest, which is usually high.
FAFSA
Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if they qualify for federal financial aid for grad school.
Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Scholarships
Scholarships are provided to students to support their studies financially. This financial assistance is based on their academic achievements, talent, or their contributions to the community. Here are a few artificial intelligence master’s degree scholarships to explore:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship [20] | The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is available for military veterans and their dependents pursuing STEM domains. Students with a Post-9/11 GI Bill or a Fry Scholarship are eligible for this scholarship. | Up to $30,000 | Varies |
| ISA Educational Foundation Scholarships [21] | ISA Educational Foundation Scholarships are for students with outstanding performance and showcase a good potential for contribution to automation and control domains. Scholarships cover tuition fees, related expenses, and research activities. | Varies | February 28 |
| Generation Google Scholarship (North America) [22] | The Generation Google Scholarship was created to assist aspiring computer science students to excel in technology and become leaders in the field. | Up to $10,000 | March |
Career Opportunities and Salaries for Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Students After Graduating
An online master’s in artificial intelligence can lead to some of the best jobs in the market in various industries and settings. According to a report published by Capgemini’s Digital Transformation Institute, jobs in the AI industry are expected to grow exponentially, with 83% of companies that use AI technologies reporting that AI is already contributing to creating new jobs [23].
Artificial Intelligence graduates have diverse skill sets that equip them for various industry roles. Here are some standard job titles for AI graduates:
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineer
- Computer Vision Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- AI Research Scientist
- Deep Learning Engineer
- AI Software Developer
- AI Consultant
- AI Product Manager
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Engineer
- AI Ethicist
- AI Project Manager
- Automation Specialist
- Chatbot Developer
- Recommender Systems Engineer
- Speech Recognition Engineer
- AI Instructor or Educator
Following graduation, students with an artificial intelligence master’s degree may pursue the following positions:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information System Managers [24] | Critical-thinking skills, time-management skills, communication skills, collaboration skills, problem-solving skills | $164,070 | 15% (much faster than average) | Computer and information systems managers plan, direct, design, and coordinate a company’s computer-related tasks. They help determine the organization’s IT goals and implement those goals. |
| Data Scientists [25] | Computer skills, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, logical-thinking skills, math skills | $103,500 | 35% (much faster than average) | Data scientists develop algorithms & models that can support programs for ML. They use machine learning to categorize and classify data to make predictions. |
| Software Developers [26] | Communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, detail-oriented, and creativity | $124,200 | 25% (much faster than average) | Software developers design, research, develop, implement, and manage programs and software applications. They also test and evaluate new programs and identify areas for improvement in existing programs. |
| Information Security Analysts [27] | Creative skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented | $112,000 | 32% (much faster than average) | Information security analysts create and implement security measures safeguarding an organization’s systems and computer networks. They also monitor and investigate security loopholes in their organization’s networks. |
| Computer Programmers [28] | Communication skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented | $97,800 | -11% (decline) | Computer programmers create, modify, and test scripts that enable computer software and applications to work efficiently and as they should. They also convert designs already created into computer-readable instructions. |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists [29] | Communication skills, math skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented, logical thinking | $136,620 | 23% (much faster than average) | Computer and information research scientists design new ways to use existing technologies and design and develop new ones. They identify problems, find solutions, develop theories, and build models to address them. |
| Computer System Analysts [30] | Communication skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented, problem-solving skills | $102,240 | 10% (faster than average) | Computer system analysts study an organization’s latest computer systems and procedures to design improvements for them. They devise methods to improve existing computer systems’ functionality and build new systems by configuring hardware and software. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Graduates
Obtaining a professional certification and an online artificial intelligence master’s degree will help candidates stand out and carve a niche. Furthermore, recruitment firms seek professionals with a certification that supports and endorses their knowledge and expertise. A certification in AI will open doors to various positions at businesses of all sizes. Here are a few AI-related certifications:
Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer [31]
The Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer certification is among the most prestigious in artificial intelligence engineering. The credential is intended for professionals who want to improve their AI skills and efficiency on any AI-based project worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer (AiE) Certification [32]
The Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA) AiE certification is one of the most potent qualifications in AI today because it opens up opportunities for candidates for faster career growth and more challenging projects and roles by demonstrating their readiness for developing AI applications and designing AI-based solutions for a wide range of use cases and user industries.
International Association of Business Analytics Certification (IABAC) [33]
The IABAC demonstrates proven knowledge of core artificial intelligence concepts and cutting-edge tools for managing and delivering AI assignments per global best practices.
Intel Edge AI Certification [34]
The Intel Edge AI Certification teaches candidates how to use the most up-to-date Intel developer tools and platforms to build their portfolios of edge AI solutions. Virtual classroom instruction and hands-on projects are part of the certification program.
Additional Resources for Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Graduates
Students with a master’s degree in artificial intelligence online need to keep pace with the ever-evolving market and technological advancements in computer science and AI. Learners and working professionals must build a network of like-minded people and upgrade their skill sets. Joining a professional organization can provide AI graduates and professionals with a host of tools, resources, seminars, journals, and publications, among other things. Here are a few to look into:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Partnership on AI [35] | PAI is a not-for-profit organization that creates recommendations, tools, and other resources to share insights that can be converted into actionable guidance. PAI works to uplift public understanding, inform public policy, and drive adoption in practice in AI-related matters. |
| Security Industry Association (SIA) [36] | The Security Industry Association works towards promoting non-regulatory strategies encouraging AI research & development and enabling security professionals to take advantage of new skills that boost the efficiency of security & life safety systems. |
| Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) [37] | The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence aims to upscale AI research. It encourages the responsible use of the technology. It aims to improve AI practitioner education and training, raise public awareness of AI, and advise research funders and planners on the significance and potential of recent AI advancements. |
| Association for Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (AUAI) [38] | The Association for Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence is a non-profit that promotes research to increase and improve knowledge representation, learning, and reasoning under uncertainty. AUAI hosts the annual Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (UAI). |
| Open AI [39] | Open AI is an artificial intelligence research and development company. The company’s research papers and blogs provide in-depth insights into artificial intelligence and its future. |
FAQs About Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Programs
Why should you do an artificial intelligence master’s degree online?
Earning an artificial intelligence master’s degree online will open up many student opportunities. The best part is that it can be completed while maintaining a student’s current job. An online master’s program offers time flexibility, a must for working professionals.
What can you do with an online artificial intelligence master’s degree?
Can you get an artificial intelligence degree online?
Are artificial intelligence skills in demand?
Which is the best master’s in artificial intelligence specialization?
How much does an artificial intelligence degree online cost?
Citations:
Illinois Institute of Technology
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC)
Accreditation Board for Computer Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Data Science Council of America (DASCA)
Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA)
Central Blockchain Council of America (CBCA)
Coursera – Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification
Udacity – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Coursera – Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics
Nation Center for Education Statistics (NCES) – Digest of Education Statistics
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
ISA Educational Foundation Scholarships
Generation Google Scholarship (North America)
TechRepublic – Report from Capgemini’s Digital Transformation Institute
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook – Data Scientists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook – Software Developers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook – Computer Programmers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook – Computer Systems Analysts
Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Artificial Intelligence Engineer (AiE) Certification
International Association of Business Analytics Certification (IABAC)
Security Industry Association (SIA)
Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)
Association for Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (AUAI)
National Center for Education Statistics – Digest of Education Statistics