A master’s degree in artificial intelligence can help land you a highly skilled job in this ever-changing field of technology. There are many master’s degree programs in AI in United States colleges and universities, but they are not all created equal. We have already looked at the best online master’s degree in artificial intelligence programs on another page (link). Here, we will look at the best non-online (campus-based) master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence.
What are the Benefits of Getting a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
If you are already working in the field of computers and technology, getting a master’s degree in artificial intelligence can help you to advance in your career aspirations. Artificial intelligence is becoming important in many different industries, such as finance, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. The opportunities for employment for those holding a master’s in AI are vast and diverse. With a master’s degree in AI, you will have the latest, most up-to-date knowledge in the field. Your marketability will increase tenfold. Your earning potential will also rise. And, as there is already a great demand for highly trained, skilled professionals in AI, you should have little problem finding employment with a master’s degree in artificial intelligence.
What are the Advantages of On-Campus Master’s in AI Programs?
Online master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence are perfect for some who might have other commitments, such as a full-time job or a family. On-campus master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence, on the other hand, can be the best solution if you are interested in an immersive, hands-on learning experience. You will experience direct, person-to-person interaction with students and faculty, giving you access to valuable networking opportunities as well as creating social networks. On-campus programs also often offer better opportunities for field experiences and internships in the same location as the program. If these factors are important to you, choosing an on-campus master’s degree program in AI makes sense.
How we Ranked the 12 Best Master’s Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence
Accreditation
Each of the on-campus master’s degree in artificial intelligence programs listed below are accredited by a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You can be assured that their programs are up to quality standards. These accreditation agencies include:
- 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)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASC)
Focus on Artificial Intelligence
All master’s in AI programs listed below have a focus on artificial intelligence. This might be reflected in a concentration in the degree program, or as a straight major within the degree title itself. You will receive quality education in artificial intelligence if you choose any of these programs.
Primary On-Campus Programs
Each of the master’s degree in artificial intelligence programs listed below have a primary on-campus program. While they might offer online classes, or in some cases an online version of the program, their primary focus is on-campus graduate education in artificial intelligence.
12 Best On-Campus Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence Programs
Here, we present the 12 best on-campus master’s degree in artificial intelligence programs. They are listed alphabetically by state, in no ranking order.
Arizona
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
- Master of Science in Robotics & Autonomous Systems – Artificial Intelligence Concentration
- On-campus program located in Tempe
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Contact: SCAI Graduate Advising Office at (480) 965-3199 or [email protected]
No GRE scores are required for admission to ASU’s MS in Robotics & Autonomous Systems- AI Concentration program. Administered through the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence at the Tempe campus, the program offers thesis and portfolio (non-thesis) options. Those admitted to this program should already possess basic knowledge in discrete mathematics, programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.
California
California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Master of Science in Computer Science- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Research Path
- On-campus program located in Los Angeles
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASC)
- Contact: Behzad Parviz, Ph.D., Graduate Advisor at (323) 343-6696 or [email protected]
Cal State’s MSCS in AI/ML offers a research path that requires a thesis and project. GRE scores and recommendation letters are not required for admission to the program, but a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is necessary. The degree totals 30 units and includes courses such as Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Machine Learning and Deep Learning, and Modeling and Simulation.
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence
- On-campus program located in Los Angeles
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASC)
- Contact: Guy Van den Broeck, Area Director, at (310) 206-6552 or [email protected]
Presented through the Samueli School of Engineering, USC’s MEng. in AI prepares graduates to work in Silicon Valley and elsewhere. A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA is necessary to apply. No GRE scores are required. The 36-credit program includes courses such as machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, neural networks and deep learning, and probabilistic programming and relational learning. A capstone project is required. Students will also gain hands-on experience in the Computer Science Department’s Statistical and Relational Artificial Intelligence (StarAI) lab.
Florida
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Artificial Intelligence Concentration
- On-campus program located in Coral Gables
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Contact: Jan Macko, Director of Admissions for College of Engineering, at (305) 284-4773 or [email protected]
Students in the University of Miami’s MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering with AI concentration will study knowledge representation and reasoning, computer vision, data mining, machine learning and neural networks during the 30-credit program, which includes a 3-credit concluding research project. No GRE scores are required for admission. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred for applicants, but those with bachelor’s degrees in other areas may be able to take prerequisite coursework to meet admission requirements.
Michigan
Davenport University, Grand Rapids, MI
- Master of Science in Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence
- On-campus program located at the W.A. Lettinga Campus, Grand Rapids
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and CAE-CDE
- Contact: Admissions Advisor at (800) 686-1600 or [email protected]
Davenport University has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. AI courses include artificial intelligence, computer vision, pattern recognition and machine learning, and secure software analysis and design. A master project or master research thesis may be chosen by the student. The program is also available online.
Kettering University, Flint, MI
- Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence
- On-campus program located at the Troy campus
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Contact: Admissions at (810) 762-9500
Kettering’s MEng. in AI is available on-campus at the Troy campus as well as online to students residing in China. This program is very hands-on and is located in the heart of the automotive industry in the United States, where AI professionals are in great demand. Courses include AI for autonomous driving, computer vision for autonomous driving, machine learning, information retrieval, and data mining. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field and a 3.0 GPA. GRE scores are not required for admission.
Missouri
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- On-campus program located in St. Louis
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Contact: Computer Science Department at [email protected] or Admissions at [email protected]
Admission to St. Louis University’s MSAI program requires a bachelor’s degree in a STEM area and a 3.0 GPA. Knowledge of programming, data structures, calculus and statistics is necessary. GRE scores are recommended. The 33-credit program includes courses in machine learning, artificial intelligence foundations, artificial intelligence applications, and a capstone project. Fieldwork and internship opportunities for students abound in the St. Louis area.
University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
- Master of Science in Computer Science: Data Science and Applied Artificial Intelligence
- On-campus program located in Warrensburg
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Contact: Mahmoud Yousef, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator at (660) 543-8892 or [email protected]
UCM’s MSCS program in Applied AI is available both at the Warrensburg campus and online. Internships, master’s degree projects and research tenses are all available to interested students. AI courses include machine learning, advanced data visualization, NoSQL database systems, and big data analytics. No GRE scores are required to apply to this program.
Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE
- Master of Science in Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence
- On-campus program in Omaha, NE
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Contact: Myoungku Song, Ph.D., Graduate Program Chair at (402) 554-2077 or [email protected]
UNO’s MSCS:AI program offers a fast track for students who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, enabling them to get both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in five years. A bachelor’s degree and 3.0 GPA are necessary to apply. GRE scores are not required. Courses in the AI concentration include image processing and computer vision, machine learning for text, multi-agent systems and game theory, and algorithms for robotics. Students may complete a capstone or thesis option.
New York
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- Master of Engineering in Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence Research
- On-campus program offered in Ithaca and New York City
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Contact: Computer Science Dept. at (607) 255-8593 or [email protected]
Students in Cornell’s MEng. in CS:AI program have access to the Cornell Theory Center and the Program in Computer Graphics, offering them hands-on experience in advanced parallel processing and visualization systems. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in two semesters. AI courses include computer vision, autonomous mobile robots, data mining and machine learning, and deep learning. A project must be completed at the conclusion of the program.
Yeshiva University, New York, NY
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- On campus program located in New York City
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Contact: Jared Hakimi, Director of Graduate Admissions, at (646) 592-4722 or [email protected]
Yeshiva’s 36-credit MSAI program can be attended full- or part-time. It also offers a bachelors to master’s pathways option for students interested in getting both degrees in five years. Internships with New York City companies such as Dow Jones and S&P, as well as hands-on experience in the school’s Innovation Lab are available to students. Administered through the university’s Katz School of Science and Health, classes are small and give students time to interact with faculty and each other.
Oregon
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- On-campus program located on the Corvallis campus
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Contact: College of Engineering at (877) 257-5182 or [email protected]
Oregon State’s MSAI degree program is an interdisciplinary program through the college’s departments of electrical engineering and computer science. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field are invited to apply for admission, as long as they complete prerequisites in programming and mathematics. The school boasts the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex, housing one of the country’s most powerful supercomputers to aid research in AI. Both a thesis option and a project option is available in the master’s degree program.
Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
- On-campus program
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Contact: Amber Vivis, Program Administrator at (412) 268-9998 or [email protected]
Carnegie Mellon’s MSAII consists of 195 units of study, including a 36-unit capstone. Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA and GRE scores. Prerequisite courses may be required before starting the program. Courses include artificial intelligence and future markets, law of computer technology, AI engineering, and AI innovation.