10 Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence 

Best Online Ai Masters Degree Badge

The field of artificial intelligence is burgeoning, and colleges and universities are trying to keep up with the demand for trained, qualified workers. There are many master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence in schools in the United States today, and some of the best programs are being offered to students in an online format. Because artificial intelligence technologies require a highly skilled workforce to operate them, the lack of AI- skilled professionals is currently a hindrance to meeting the demand for a supply of well-educated, knowledgeable workers. 

There are four main segments to today’s AI industry. These include deep learning, machine learning, natural language processing, and machine vision. Some online AI degree programs focus on one of these concentrations, while others provide students with a broader base of AI knowledge. Here, we will look at 10 of the best overall master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence that are offered in an online format. 

How Did We Choose the 10 Best Online Master’s in AI Programs?

These programs were selected based upon a few criteria:

Accreditation

Each of the online programs listed below are accredited by one of the following regional institutional accreditation agencies:

  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Artificial Intelligence Focus

Every online program listed on this page offers students knowledge and training in artificial intelligence. Some might pair that knowledge with a master’s degree in a general area, such as computer science or engineering. Others might include another facet of AI, like machine learning, in the degree title.

Flexibility 

Programs listed here are all offered by their respective colleges or universities in an online format. They might also be offered in a hybrid or on-campus format, and if so, this is noted. 

Faculty

The faculty who teach within the online master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence listed below are all top-notch, experience and well-respected in their field. They are generally the same faculty as you would find in an on-campus program. 

Why Should You Choose an Online Master’s in AI Program?

There are many reasons that students may opt to get an online master’s in AI rather than go the traditional, on-campus route. They include:

  • Flexibility. Online programs are much easier to tailor to busy schedules, which can be perfect if you have other commitments in your life, such as work or parenting. Some online programs also offer flexibility in that they do not require a thesis, while others might require a project or capstone instead. Still other online AI degree programs might offer you a real-world field experience that you can arrange on your own.
  • Cost. While we did not factor cost into this listing of the best online master’s in AI programs, some online programs cost less than on-campus programs. Others offer the same tuition rates to online students as they do to on-campus students, without the hassle of going to campus. Make sure to research all costs, including tuition and fees, well when making your decisions in choosing a master’s degree in AI program.
  • Faculty. Online programs typically have well-qualified and knowledgeable faculty members, just as you would find in an on-campus program.
  • Admissions criteria.  Many online master’s in AI degree programs do not require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission, which makes it that much easier to become accepted on online programs.

What Courses Will You Study in an Online Master’s in AI Program?

Coursework in an online master’s degree program in artificial intelligence are the same as those offered in an on-campus program. They usually include subjects like:

  • Algorithms
  • Applied machine learning
  • Natural language processing
  • Cloud computing
  • Foundations of artificial intelligence

10 Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence

These programs are listed alphabetically by state order, in no particular ranking order. Here are the 10 best online master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence as of 2023.

Arizona

ASU

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

ASU’s 30-credit-hour online MSCS in Big Data Systems covers typical AI course matter such as machine learning, data visualization and artificial intelligence. Programming knowledge in C, C++, Java, Python and HTML is necessary to apply to this program. Non-computer science bachelor’s degree holders can complete prerequisite courses or take knowledge exams prior to enrollment to fulfill admission requirements. GRE scores are not required for this program.

Colorado

CSU

Colorado State University-Fort Collins, Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State’s online MSCS has an Artificial Intelligence focus but offers students a broad foundation in other subjects, such as software engineering, networks, security, and big data. GRE scores are required for admission to this program. An accelerated master’s degree program is also offered to those who qualify. Both research and non-research degree tracks are available to students who choose this online master’s in AI program.

Georgia

Kennesaw State U

Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State’s online MSCS:AI program totals 24 credit hours and offers students a thesis or professional model track. Students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science as well as those with a bachelor’s degree in other areas are invited to apply. GRE scores are not required to be admitted to this program. The AI concentration provides courses in machine learning, machine vision, natural language processing, neural networks, and deep learning.

Illinois

DePaul

DePaul University, Chicago, IL

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required to apply to DePaul’s MSAI online program. Applicants must have successfully completed calculus 1 and 2 prior to enrollment. GRE scores are not required to apply to this program. Issues studied in this degree program include personalized recommender systems, AI in healthcare, natural language processing, and ethics in AI

Lewis University

Lewis University, Romeoville, IL

Lewis University’s MSCS:AI online program requires students to have a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA in order to apply. GRE scores are not required for application to this program. A bachelor’s-to-master’s option is also available for students. Topics in the AI concentration include design and implementation of intelligent systems, machine learning, creation of experience-based models, creation of autonomous systems, secure networks, and software creation.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Northwestern’s MS in Data Science with AI specialization is available in an online, part-time format as well as in an on-campus, full-time format. The online part-time program totals 12 courses, including special courses in natural language processing and artificial intelligence and deep learning. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree. GRE scores are not required for admission to the program.

Maryland

John Hopkins

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins’ MSAI online program requires no GRE scores to apply. Prerequisites that you must have completed by the beginning of the program include calculus 1 and 2, multivariate calculus, linear algebra, programming with Java or Python, data structures, and probability and statistics. An applied degree track and a theoretical degree track are available. A variety of electives are available so that students can tailor their degree to their specifications.

Michigan

Davenport University

Davenport University, Grand Rapids, MI

Davenport’s College of Technology has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Students without a bachelor’s degree in computer science may apply, but must complete prerequisites of introduction to programming, object-oriented programming with C++, data structures and algorithms, and calculus 1 prior to enrollment.

North Carolina

Duke University

Duke University, Durham, NC

Duke’s Meng in AI is offered in an on-campus format, which can be completed in 12 to 16 months, and an online format, which can be completed within two years. A capstone and internship are both included in the program. Prior to admission, students must complete online courses in data science and Python. GRE scores are not required for admission but may be submitted to bolster your application, if desired.

Ohio

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

Case Western’s MSCS: AI online degree provides students with both live and independent coursework, as well as a focus on hands-on learning. There are two tracks based upon your prior experience – a pathways track, for those who need to take basic computer science coursework; and an advanced track, for those with a good background in computer science. GRE scores are not required to apply to this program.