The best artificial intelligence master’s degrees enhance your skills and prepare you for the workforce in an ever-growing field of artificial intelligence (AI). A Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence will cover subjects like robotics, machine learning, and big data.
In this article, we outline artificial intelligence master’s degree options, including online learning options. You will also find some of the top artificial intelligence master’s degree jobs that you can look forward to on your career path.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
Some of the best colleges where you can get a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence in the US include Stanford University, Northeastern University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Boston University, and Carnegie Mellon University.
What Schools Offer the Best Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degrees?
- Stanford University
- Northeastern University
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Boston University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence include a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a statement of purpose.
Some universities might ask for your GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test scores, a reference list, and a short video in which you introduce yourself. These requirements will vary by program.
Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- 3.0 GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence
You can get an artificial intelligence master’s degree by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. These usually involve obtaining all the program credits and completing a final thesis presentation or internship program.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
For most programs, you need 30 credits to earn a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence. These credits are usually divided into core courses, elective courses, and a final capstone project or thesis.
Some programs include other types of courses that are required to complete your Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence. These courses are usually divided into specialization courses and career application courses.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Requirements
- Core courses, including Foundations of AI, Machine Learning, and Python
- Elective courses, including Data Collection and Predictive Analysis
- Specialization courses that include special topics in AI
- Career application courses
- Final capstone project and/or thesis
Best Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Duke University | Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Fairfax University of America | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools |
| Northeastern University | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Oregon State University | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Stanford University | Master of Science in Computer Science with AI Specialization | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Maryland | Master of Professional Studies in Machine Learning | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Southern California | Master of Science in Computer Science with AI Specialization | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Artificial Intelligence: Top Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Programs
During your school search, it is important to find a program that develops your specialized skills, supports your learning, and meets your educational preferences. These top artificial intelligence master’s degree programs offer rigorous academic curricula that will help you advance your career. Read on to discover the best Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence programs on offer.
What Is an Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree?
An artificial intelligence master’s degree is a graduate program that teaches students to create AI solutions. It covers mechanics, engineering, robotics, logic, and programming. Most master’s programs take two years to complete. During this time, students work on their programming and engineering skills. Master’s degrees lead to high-paying jobs and career advancements.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
A master’s degree is very important in the field of artificial intelligence. Computer science undergraduate degrees cover the basics of mathematics, engineering, and artificial intelligence, but it’s at the graduate level that students dive into the specifics of AI, gain specialized skills, and conduct industry-relevant research.
Having a master’s degree in AI will make you stand out to employers and they will recognize your technical expertise in the field. This will lead to a wider pool of job opportunities, higher salaries, and better career prospects.
What Types of Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Artificial Intelligence?
The most common types of master’s degrees you can get in artificial intelligence are Master of Science and Master of Professional Studies. There are a few differences between these types of degrees, especially when it comes to practical application.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or a Master of Professional Studies in Artificial Intelligence?
It’s better to get a Master of Professional Studies in Artificial Intelligence if you’re looking to get hired quickly. These programs are designed with a focus on practical skills. They involve hands-on learning, an obligatory capstone project, and industry experts as teachers. Completing this type of program gives you professional training and prepares you for senior positions in the field.
A Master of Science in AI provides advanced knowledge in broader areas and includes a lot of research and lab work. This type of degree is suited for students who want to enroll in a doctoral program after graduation.
What Is the Difference Between an Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree and an Artificial Intelligence Certificate?
The difference between an artificial intelligence master’s degree and an artificial intelligence certificate is the level of knowledge each provides. Both programs will instill practical skills that you can apply to your professional life. However, master’s degrees cover a much broader range of topics than a certificate program. Certificate programs also take less time to complete.
An artificial intelligence master’s degree will open doors for a wider range of career paths, and these types of academic credentials are typically more transferable between industries. On the other hand, a graduate certificate trains you in a specific topic or skill.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
Getting a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence costs approximately $19,314, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This value represents the average graduate tuition in all institutions between 2018 and 2019. The cost of tuition will depend on how long it takes for students to complete their Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, the university they enroll in, and the location of their classes.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree?
It takes approximately two years to get an artificial intelligence master’s degree. The duration of your degree will vary depending on the number of courses your program requires and whether you’re enrolling full-time or part-time.
To get a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence you have to complete at least 30 credits. The program is divided into four semesters, meaning that you have to complete a minimum of seven credits per semester to graduate in two years.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
It can be hard to get a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence. How difficult you find the program will depend on many factors like your interest and expertise in the subject, quality of prior education, and the method of delivery. Some people can pick up new coding languages in a few days, while others need more time.
Practice makes perfect when it comes to learning AI. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in the field, the program will likely be easier for you, as you will already have a background in the basics of AI, machine learning, and computer science.
Why Should You Get an Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree?
You should get an artificial intelligence master’s degree because it will provide the necessary knowledge and technical skills to adapt and thrive in the artificial intelligence sector. Companies across all industries are turning to AI to help them improve their businesses.
Artificial intelligence can be applied to virtually any business and industry. With a master’s degree, you’ll have the skills, qualifications, and insight to come up with your own projects and become a pioneer in AI innovation.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Artificial Intelligence?
The main courses you need to take for a master’s degree program in artificial intelligence cover principles of machine learning, probability and statistics for artificial intelligence, neural networks and deep learning, computer vision, and applications of AI and big data.
Principles of Machine Learning
This course gives students an introduction to machine learning. It touches on basic concepts like maximum likelihood estimations and deep learning networks. It also discusses current applications of machine learning such as data mining and speech recognition.
Probability and Statistics for Artificial Intelligence
This course teaches students how to take probability and statistical concepts and apply them in solving real problems in the industry. It will cover hypothesis testing, probability theory, and descriptive statistics.
Neural Networks and Deep Learning
Students taking this course will learn the basic principles of neural networks and explore current approaches to deep learning. The course covers apps identifying people in pictures, self-driving cars, and multi-language translation software.
Introduction to Computer Vision
This introductory course will give students theoretical and practical knowledge of computer vision principles, preparing them to use these to solve real-life problems. It covers topics like image formation, camera imaging, image processing, and object recognition.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
With this course, students will become familiar with real-world applications of artificial intelligence and big data. They’ll understand how they can apply these solutions in a range of industries from health care to robotics.
Continuing Education Paths for Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Graduates
Once you get your Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, you can either choose a continuing education path or join the workforce directly. With a Master of Science, you can get certification in AI to improve your practical skills or enroll in a PhD program.
Related Artificial Intelligence Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Programs
Things to look for in the best artificial intelligence master’s degree programs are accreditation, flexibility, curricular content, cost, and how much the program can prepare you for a future career.
Accreditation
When choosing a graduate program in artificial intelligence, it is crucial to enroll in a master’s degree that is accredited by a reputable and recognized institution. Valid accreditation guarantees that you are getting the best education from industry experts and employers will look to make sure that your qualifications come from an accredited school.
Flexibility
Many graduate students need to balance full-time jobs and other responsibilities with their studies. For these students especially, a flexible program is key. Flexible programs may offer options for flexible workload, an asynchronous teaching format, or online classes.
Curricular Content
If you’re interested in a particular area of artificial intelligence, make sure you find a program that carries courses in your specialization of interest. You can look for a master’s degree program that allows you to individually choose the courses you want to take, which will give you more agency in building your curriculum.
Cost
Tuition costs vary greatly from college to college and depend on whether you’re taking online or in-person classes. The tuition will also be affected by whether you’re enrolled in a private university or a public one, and if you’re enrolling in-state or out-of-state. Make sure you choose a program that meets your financial situation.
Career Preparation
The main goal of obtaining a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence is to become better prepared for a career in the field. Some programs focus more on career preparation than others, so keep that in mind when choosing the best one for you. Many institutions offer career services to help you find work, polish your resume, and practice for job interviews while on the job hunt.
What Is the Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree?
The most affordable artificial intelligence master’s degree is the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence offered by the University of Texas at San Antonio. The average annual tuition for the program is just $7,056 and costs just $397.53 per credit for in-state students.
Salary and Job Outlook for Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Graduates
After completing your Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, you will be ready to apply for advanced job opportunities in senior management and team leadership positions. In the next sections, will be taking a closer look at some of the jobs you can get with this type of degree.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree?
It’s not hard to get a job with an artificial intelligence master’s degree. This type of program gives you advanced skills in computer programming, software development, and machine learning, which employers value tremendously. Since AI is a rapidly evolving field, job opportunities arise regularly as companies embrace AI technology.
What’s the Average Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an artificial intelligence degree is $103,000 per year, according to PayScale. This value varies depending on your specialization, experience, education, and the companies you work for.
For example, a machine learning engineer might earn an average salary of $112,513 per year, a robotics engineer earns on average $85,589 per year, and a senior software engineer makes over $120,000 annually.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an artificial intelligence master’s degree are in the fields of computer programming, mechanical engineering, computer and information research, database administration, and computer systems analysis. AI is a relatively new field, with a great number of careers available across virtually all industries. As the market for artificial intelligence and machine learning continues to expand, new career opportunities and even new job titles will continue to appear.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Jobs
- Computer programmer
- Mechanical engineer
- Computer and information research scientist
- Database administrator or database architect
- Computer systems analyst
Potential Careers With an Artificial Intelligence Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
You can make between $96,000 and $142,000 per year with a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence. Depending on the field you choose, the company, and the industry you’re working with, these values will vary.
Highest-Paying Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $131,490 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| Database Administrator or Database Architect | $98,860 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $95,300 |
| Computer Programmer | $93,000 |
Best Jobs for Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Grads
With a degree in artificial intelligence, you have access to jobs in a variety of fields. Below, we’ll outline some of the highest-paying artificial intelligence jobs for master’s degree graduates. We go into detail about what they entail, the job outlook, and the average annual pay.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence is worth it. This type of program will give you the foundational knowledge and practical experience you need to secure high-paying jobs in a high-demand job market. It is also the best way to go if you’re looking to continue your education and pursue a PhD.
You can choose to enroll in in-person or online learning programs. Many institutions, especially for online courses, offer schedule flexibility and an affordable cost of tuition. If you’re passionate about the field of artificial intelligence, the education credentials and analysis skills you will gain from a master’s program will put you at the forefront of research in this advancing technology.
Additional Reading About Artificial Intelligence
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Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree FAQ
The top new trends for AI in the future include natural language processing to help machines better comprehend human languages, cyber security, cloud and AI integration, and the development of the metaverse.
AI helps businesses grow by improving marketing strategies, cyber security, and the financial services of companies in any industry. Artificial intelligence helps businesses improve customer experience, automate work processes, and make decisions.
Some good artificial intelligence projects to help build a beginner’s portfolio include handwriting recognition programs, predicting house prices, creating chatbots in Python, and designing product recommendation systems.
Yes, you should learn Python for artificial intelligence. It is one of the most popular coding languages and one of the easiest to learn. Plus, it is extremely object-oriented and can be used for projects of any scale.
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