Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence
Shilpee Singh
Shilpee Singh is an English Literature graduate and a Linguistics postgraduate from Delhi University. She believes in sustainable living and tries to lead a holistic life. She has a knack for writing and puts together the best facts for the reader’s benefit.
Degrees
BA. Hons. English Literature // MA in Linguistics // Batchelor in Education (Gold Medalist)
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
I have been in the domain for about a decade
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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 a wide range of 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 in building modern AI systems. Students are offered in-depth technical training and gain expertise in machine learning (ML), natural language processing, and computer vision.
Find the Best Online Artificial Intelligence
Master’s 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, student 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: *
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 Degree
in Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is the field of study that deals with creating machines that maintain minimum human interference. Machine learning, operating rules, and deep learning power this process. An online master’s artificial intelligence degree equips students in building AI applications, speech recognition, language translation, and facial recognition. The degree program covers data mining, advanced mathematics, engineering, and robotics. 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.
Read the Guide to Master’s Programs to understand more about them.
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. The core concepts it covers include convolutional neural networks for recognizing images, recurrent neural networks for generating sequences, and generative adversarial networks for generating images.
Machine Vision
This course deals with 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 that deals with applied ethics. It teaches far-reaching and multiple ethical issues that come 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, students 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 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 or MEng. Artificial Intelligence or a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence or MS Artificial Intelligence.
Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence
The Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence or MEng. in Artificial Intelligence degree program focuses on engineering practice so that 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, & its 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 one’s understanding and gaining skills applicable to specific areas within a subject. Specializations study a sub-field that falls 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 layers of processing are deployed to extract progressively higher-level features from data. | Deep learning engineer, deep learning & AI specialist, researcher |
| Machine Learning | Machine learning is the use of 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 a huge amount of data to look for consistent patterns. Students focus on processes, techniques, and algorithms for data mining. | Data extraction analyst, data mining executive |
| Internet of Things | This specialization deals with IoT design and its limitations and interfacing between the physical world & IoT devices. There is a focus on software implementation, which helps students understand how sensors are deployed in real-world events. | IoT security engineer, 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, data analyst |
| High-Performance Computing | This concentration focuses on parallel algorithm design, analysis, and implementation in distributed and shared memory environments. | HPC engineer, 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 one’s network, a part-time program, mostly taken up by working professionals, offers 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. Students 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 leaves no room for anything apart from schoolwork.
Requirements for Getting into an Artificial
Intelligence Master’s Online Program
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. Students must 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.
No GRE Artificial Intelligence Master’s
Online Programs
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are frequently a requirement for enrolling in 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. Johns Hopkins University is a good example of a university offering a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence that does not require the GRE.
How to Ensure an Artificial Intelligence Master’s
Online Program Is Accredited
Accreditation is one of the most important components to look for when choosing a college for one’s master’s education. An educational institution receives accreditation only if it meets certain 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)
- 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)
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.
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Artificial
Intelligence Master’s Students
One can find various free artificial intelligence courses over the internet that provide insights into mathematics, data science, AI, machine learning, deep learning, and software engineering. These free courses can 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[1] | In this course, students learn to identify the key events that led to Earth’s formation. The course traces relationships between emerging complex and simple life on Earth and extreme events like tsunamis, volcanoes, and floods that have devastating effects. | Coursera | Stanford University |
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence[2] | 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 the many possibilities and applications in the field of AI. | Udacity |
| Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics[3] | In this course, students are taught how AI is used in various scenarios through case studies. The course elaborately deals with data limitations. Learners are also taught about the part ethics plays in AI and Big Data. | Coursera | University of California, Davis |
Ways to Pay for an Artificial Intelligence
Master’s Online
The cost of a master’s in artificial intelligence online often ranges between $30,000 and $55,000[4], 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 in need of financial assistance can consider:
Scholarships
Scholarships are a form of financial help given to students for their higher education. Students must meet specific criteria to be eligible to get a scholarship, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, or athletic ability.
Grants
Grants are often given to students with financial needs by not-for-profit organizations, the federal government, or foundations. 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 graduate, undergraduate, and post-graduate students who need assistance to pay tuition fees or meet 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 provide student education loans on 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.
Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Master’s
Online Degree Students
Scholarships are offered 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 | Amount/Award | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship[5] | The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is available for military veterans and their dependents pursuing studies in STEM domains. Students with Post-9/11 GI Bill or a Fry Scholarship are eligible for this scholarship. | Up to $30,000 | Varies |
| ISA Educational Foundation Scholarships[6] | ISA Educational Foundation Scholarships are for students with outstanding performance and the ones who 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)[7] | The Generation Google Scholarship was created to assist aspiring computer science students in excelling in technology and becoming leaders in the field. | Up to $10,000 | Opens early 2023 |
Career Opportunities and Salaries
After Graduating
An online master’s in artificial intelligence can lead to some of the best jobs in the market in a variety of 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[8]. Following graduation, students with an artificial intelligence master’s degree may pursue the following positions:
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information System Managers[9] | 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. | Critical-thinking skills, time-management skills, communication skills, collaboration skills, problem-solving skills | $159,010 | 16% (much faster than average) |
| Data Scientists[10] | Data scientists develop algorithms & models that can support programs for ML. They use machine learning to categorize and classify data to make predictions. | Computer skills, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, logical-thinking skills, math skills | $100,910 | 36% (much faster than average) |
| Software Developers[11] | 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. | Communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, detail-oriented, creativity | $109,020 | 25% (much faster than average) |
| Information Security Analysts[12] | Information security analysts create and implement security measures that safeguard an organization’s systems and computer networks. They also monitor and investigate security loopholes in their organization’s networks. | Creative skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented | $102,600 | 35% (much faster than average) |
| Computer Programmers[13] | 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. | Communication skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented | $93,000 | -10% (decline) |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists[14] | 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. | Communication skills, math skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented, logical thinking | $131,490 | 21% (much faster than average) |
| Computer System Analysts[15] | Computer system analysts study an organization’s latest computer systems and procedures to design improvements for them. They devise methods to enhance existing computer systems’ functionality and build new systems by configuring hardware and software. | Communication skills, analytical skills, detail-oriented, problem-solving skills | $99,270 | 9% (faster than average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Master’s
Students in Artificial Intelligence
Obtaining a professional certification in addition to an online artificial intelligence master’s degree will help a candidate stand out and carve a niche for themselves. Furthermore, recruitment firms seek professionals with a certification that supports and endorses their knowledge and expertise. A certification in AI will open doors to a variety of positions at businesses of all sizes. Here are a few AI-related certifications:
Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer[16]
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[17]
The Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTiBA) AiE certification is one of the most powerful qualifications in AI today because it opens up opportunities for candidates for faster career growth and more challenging projects and roles through 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)[18]
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[19]
The Intel Edge AI Certification teaches candidates how to use the most up-to-date Intel developer tools and platforms to build their own portfolios of edge AI solutions. Virtual classroom instruction and hands-on projects are part of the certification program.
Additional Resources for Master’s Students in
Artificial Intelligence Degrees
FAQs About Artificial Intelligence
Master’s Online Programs
Why should you do an artificial intelligence master’s degree online? (required)
An artificial intelligence master’s degree online will open up a pool of opportunities for students. The best part about the program is that it can be done by retaining one’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?
After an artificial intelligence master’s degree, graduates can pursue careers as Al data scientists, big data engineers, AI interaction designers, ML engineers, computer and information research scientists, AI data analysts, and software specialists.
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?
Author Bio:
Shilpee Singh
Shilpee Singh is an English Literature graduate and a Linguistics postgraduate from Delhi University. She believes in sustainable living and tries to lead a holistic life. She has a knack for writing and puts together the best facts for the reader’s benefit.
Degrees
BA. Hons. English Literature // MA in Linguistics // Batchelor in Education (Gold Medalist)
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
I have been in the domain for about a decade
Citations:
- 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 – Computer and Information System Managers
- 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 – Information Security Analysts
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook – Computer Programmers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook – Computer and Information Research Scientists
- 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)
- Intel Edge AI Certification
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.