Top ai masters programs in the world năm 2024

This list features some of the best master’s degree programs in AI in the U.S. All are offered at nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

What Courses Will I Take in a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree?

The curriculums for AI master’s degrees vary by program, but students can typically expect to encounter courses in the following areas.

AI engineering

Topics include supervised learning, feed-forward neural networks, flow graphs, dynamic computational graphs, convolutional neural networks, and recurrent neural networks. Students will use high-level tools to engineer functioning machine learning models.

Data analysis

These courses introduce students to methods and tools used for data collection, storage, manipulation, analysis, and visualization. Technical aspects may include types of data and methods of sourcing data. The course may also introduce methods and tools for evaluating data quality, performing basic exploratory data analysis, and preprocessing data for use in analytics.

Deep learning

Deep learning is commonly used to solve challenging problems, particularly in the areas of computer vision, natural language processing, and recommendation systems. Courses in this area help students develop an understanding of both the mathematical theory and programmatic implementation of neural networks using programming languages.

Ethics

These courses introduce students to the legal, societal, and ethical implications of deploying AI technologies. Ethics courses are a common component of AI programs to build students’ awareness of AI’s far-reaching effects on our society and help them develop a framework for handling these issues.

Thesis or capstone project

Graduate students typically must complete either a thesis or a capstone project, depending on the specific degree. A thesis is a research-focused academic paper or project defending a theory developed by the student. Capstone projects typically focus more on the practical application of skills, with students tackling a real-world problem or developing a new product.

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree?

Career outlook

The job outlook for careers in AI is currently very positive as researchers develop new AI technologies and applications in a variety of industries. Employment opportunities for , who earn a median annual salary of $100,910, are expected to grow by 36% through 2031, with an estimated 40,500 new jobs. For , aka AI engineers, an estimated 7,000 new jobs are coming in the next decade, a 21% increase. Individuals in this field earn a median annual salary of $131,490.

Read more about AI Engineer Salary and Earning Potential.

Career paths

Because of its interdisciplinary nature, there are multiple career paths for individuals with master’s degrees in AI.

Students can choose their trajectory based on industry, such as healthcare, business, banking and finance, transportation, or education. An advanced degree can also prepare individuals to teach in post-secondary AI programs.

There are multiple job titles included under the AI umbrella. Here are some job titles and key responsibilities for AI professionals:

  • Software engineer — develops and maintains software for AI applications
  • Data scientist — collects and analyzes data to extract meaning from it
  • Machine learning engineer — teaches AI models to process data
  • Robotics engineer — creates machines that use AI to perform tasks
  • Business intelligence analyst — uses business data and AI programs to predict future business trends

Computer Vision/Machine Learning Engineer

Earning Potential: $120,000 annually

Education: Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S. preferred) in Computer Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related engineering field with an emphasis on computer vision, machine learning, and relevant experience in imaging system development.

This position is a full-time machine learning and computer vision engineer responsible for image processing and analysis and machine learning data analysis from multiple processes and optical sensors. Works in a team environment to advance and refine imaging, image processing and analysis solutions for cutting-edge membranes and heat transfer surface monitoring systems. Will be an integral member of the Product Development and Management team to best address customers’ needs and improve monitoring solutions and related services.

Artificial Intelligence Research Scientist, Sr. Associate

Earning Potential: $133,000 – $195,000 annually

Education: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or related fields

The AI research scientist will work on multiple research projects in collaboration with internal and external researchers and applied engineering teams. Will be integral to all aspects of the research lifecycle, such as formulating problems, generating hypotheses, developing new algorithms and models, conducting experiments, synthesizing results, gathering data, building prototypes, and communicating the significance of your research. Output will result in publications in AI/ML conferences and journals, high-impact business applications, open-source software, and patents.

Autonomy and AI Test Engineer

Earning Potential: $87,070-$132,963 annually

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related discipline and two or more years of progressive software development experience with a bachelor’s degree. May substitute equivalent experience in place of education.

Responsibilities include developing test plans, running testing from lab to live planes, interfacing with customers, and generally being responsible for testing the overall system plus AI-related SW as needed, communicating issues to developers. Will work with stakeholders through the life cycle, creating test plans, test cases, and test execution of software features and with the flight test team to verify the SW is safe to fly on an aircraft and ensure successful flight events.

How to Choose Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree That’s Right for You

Step 1: Choose your area of study

Students pursuing a master’s in artificial intelligence have a variety of options when it comes to their specific degree and specialization options. Gaining clarity on what you want to get out of your AI master’s program in terms of skills, knowledge, networking connections, and career opportunities is key to finding the program that’s right for you.

One decision to consider early is whether you want a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering, the two most common advanced degrees for AI professionals. Students should also explore the different major and specialization options, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data science, and more.

Now is also an ideal time to consider what your logistical needs are. Can you commit to a full-time program, or will you need to enroll part-time? Is a fully in-person program feasible, or would a hybrid remote/in-person program work better? Can you relocate, or do you need to focus your search on programs in your area?

The more specific you can be in your seeking, the easier the following steps will be.

Step 2: Research schools and programs

Once you know what you’re looking for, you can research programs to see which ones fit your needs.

In addition to your specific parameters, there are a few things everyone should look for when evaluating programs, including institutional accreditation. U.S. schools have one of two types of accreditation — . Degrees from regionally accredited schools are more widely accepted by employers and other schools, as regional accreditation standards are stricter than national standards.

Some individual AI master’s programs may also be accredited by ABET, a nonprofit agency that accredits computing, engineering, and tech-related degree programs. While earning an ABET-accredited degree is usually not a prerequisite for job eligibility, it can signify to employers that your program was held to high academic standards.

When researching programs, asking the following questions can help you determine if the program’s a good fit:

  • What specialization and elective options does the program offer? How much flexibility do students have in the curriculum?
  • Who are the faculty, and what are their areas of expertise?
  • Does the program have internship or experiential learning components?
  • What is the culture of the AI department and overall institution like?
  • What academic, career, and health support services does the school provide?

Much of this information may be available on the school or department website. However, students can also contact program representatives directly via phone, email, or social media to learn more. Attending an in-person or virtual open house can also provide more information about a particular program.

Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests

As you research details about your programs of interest, gather information about their eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines. This information will differ between schools, so using a spreadsheet or calendar to keep it all straight can be helpful.

AI master’s programs typically seek students with an educational or professional background in AI or a related field like computer science, mathematics, or computer engineering. They may have requirements for undergraduate GPA or specific undergraduate coursework to ensure students can handle the academic rigor of their graduate program.

In general, an application for an AI master’s degree will consist of the following:

  • Application form
  • Official transcripts from all colleges previously attending
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • GRE scores

Step 4: Select your program

Once you’ve collected all your information and determined which programs suit your needs, you can start submitting applications. There’s no magic number of programs to apply to. Because of the specialized nature of AI master’s programs, some students will only apply to one or two programs, while others may submit more applications to increase their chances of admission.

Keeping track of application deadlines is important, as missing due dates can impact admissions decisions. While some programs offer multiple start terms throughout the academic year, others only admit students once. Missing application deadlines can force students to delay the start of their programs.

Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Another crucial piece of information students should gather during their research process is the program’s cost, including tuition, fees, room and board (if needed), and transportation costs. They should also research what type of institutional financial aid is available, including scholarships, fellowships, grants, work-study, and more.

Graduate students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools use to determine eligibility for various forms of financial aid, including federal student loans.

There are several other avenues students should explore for funding their degrees, including scholarships from outside organizations, tuition discounts for military service members and veterans, and tuition assistance benefits from employers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs

What are the admissions requirements for a master's in AI degree program?

Each master’s in AI degree program has its own specific eligibility criteria for applicants. Review admissions requirements carefully before starting an application to ensure you’re qualified, and contact the school’s admissions office if you have questions.

Because a master’s is an advanced degree, most programs expect students to have some familiarity with AI and its related fields. Programs may require students to have some combination of the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a particular major, such as AI, computer science, mathematics, data science, etc.
  • Undergraduate coursework in AI-related topics
  • Professional experience in AI or a related field
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA (overall or in specific courses)

To ensure they’re selecting qualified candidates, master’s in AI degree programs may look for applicants with the following qualities:

  • Analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Time management and organization skills
  • Interest in collaboration
  • Communication skills

What is the average cost of a master's in AI degree program?

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a master’s degree in the U.S. is $62,650. For students specifically seeking a Master of Science, the average cost is a little lower, at $59,720.

However, there are a number of factors that impact the cost of a master’s in AI degree. The most important consideration is whether a school is public or private and, if it’s public, whether you’re paying in-state or out-of-state tuition. Generally, in-state students at public universities pay the lowest tuition, with private schools and out-of-state public university students paying more.

Students should also consider that the sticker price for a degree program is rarely what they end up paying out of pocket. Scholarships, grants, tuition assistance benefits, and discounts can all help students lower the cost of their AI master’s degree.

How long does it take to complete a master's in AI degree?

The length of time it takes to complete a master’s in AI program varies depending on the type of degree you’re seeking and the total number of credits required.

The minimum number of credits required for a master’s degree is 30. Many professional degrees, like a Master of Engineering (M.S.), tend to be 30-36 credits and can be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study.

Meanwhile, a Master of Science (M.S.) may require up to 65 credits. These programs may take students 2-3 years to finish when enrolled on a full-time basis.

Students who enroll part-time can expect to take additional time to graduate. Students should consider program length and what their enrollment status will be when selecting a program.

How hard is a master's in AI degree?

Because master’s degrees focus on advanced, in-depth skill mastery, these programs typically expect students to have a basic-to-intermediate understanding of key AI concepts and skills, like computer science, linear algebra, probability and statistics, algorithms, programming, and more. The more comfortable students are with these foundational skills, the easier time they’ll have in their master’s program.

A number of soft skills are also needed to succeed in AI master’s programs and careers, including analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, attention to detail, collaboration, and communication.

Another key factor in how challenging an AI degree program will be is your commitment and motivation. AI master’s programs can be demanding, so it’s important to set yourself up for success by ensuring you can focus time and energy on your coursework.

Is a master's in AI degree worth it?

There are numerous potential benefits to earning a master’s degree in AI.

Many mid and senior-level AI jobs require that candidates have a master’s degree because of the advanced or specialized nature of the job’s responsibilities. Earning a master’s in AI can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the required skills and knowledge to fulfill these roles.

Students in AI master’s programs may also get access to certain experiences and opportunities, like internships, labs, research projects, and more. They can also use their time in the program to build their professional networks with faculty, classmates, researchers, and others, leading to employment and mentorship opportunities.

Should I get a master's in AI degree in person or online?

Whether a student should earn their master’s in AI degree online or in person is another personal choice that depends on a few factors.

Online programs offer more flexibility and convenience than traditional in-person programs, which may make them more accessible for students who are working, caring for kids or other family members, or unable to relocate. They can also be more affordable, saving students money on transportation costs and lost wages.

However, online learning may not be for everyone, particularly students who learn best through real-time discussions and hands-on learning. If you’re considering an online program, research the instruction methods courses use to ensure they align with your learning styles and preferences.

Which master degree is best for AI?

Something more specialized, like a master of engineering in machine learning or a master of science in data analytics, can lead to other AI-related roles. Other master's degrees leading to AI roles include computer science, data engineering, and information technology. Some programs offer specializations.

Which country is better for masters in artificial intelligence?

Best Country to Study MS in Artificial Intelligence The United States, particularly renowned for its technological advancements and research opportunities, is often considered one of the top choices for MS in artificial intelligence in the USA.

What is the best AI school in the world?

Top 10: AI Schools.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) MIT boasts a hub of research and practice in AI and machine learning..

Stanford University. ... .

University of California - Berkeley. ... .

Carnegie Mellon University. ... .

Oxford University. ... .

Harvard University. ... .

Tsinghua University. ... .

The Chinese University of Hong Kong. ... .

Is a masters in AI worth it?

A master's degree in artificial intelligence is an excellent tool for ambitious professionals. With a master's, you can seek data analytics, research science, and software engineering positions. AI has become indispensable across multiple industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail.