For better or worse, artificial intelligence is here to stay. Organizations are rapidly deploying AI solutions to reduce costs, increase productivity, enhance security, and automate business processes. While AI will replace or reduce certain roles, many predict it will create more jobs than it displaces, especially for those with the right skills and credentials.
Completing a respected online master's program in artificial intelligence is one of the best ways to learn and validate marketable skills in this space.
To help you choose the best online AI masters program, we analyzed over 50 leading programs to identify the top 5. We looked at numerous factors, including curriculum relevance, school reputation, student outcomes, program features, flexibility, cost, and value.
This page will highlight the best online master's programs in artificial intelligence. We’ll also answer some of your FAQs about the costs, requirements, and value of these programs.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most degree rankings online rely primarily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring school-wide rates for graduation, retention, class size, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go beyond institutional stats to analyze the current and future relevance of the skills and certifications you’ll gain. We also list programs' actual tuition fees and delve deeper into value and flexibility to consider accelerated learning and certificate options.
| The Best Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Rank | School | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan | M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| 2 | University of Texas at Austin | Master’s of Artificial Intelligence |
| 3 | Johns Hopkins University | AI Master's Program Online |
| 4 | Penn State World Campus | M.P.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| 5 | University of San Diego | M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence |
The Best Online AI Master’s Programs
We ranked the best online master's degrees in artificial intelligence in the U.S. based on numerous factors, including the relevance of the curriculum, university reputation, student outcomes, program features, flexibility, cost, and value.
Here are our picks for the best online AI master’s programs in 2024:
1. University of Michigan
UM-Dearborn's M.S. in Artificial Intelligence features an in-depth core AI curriculum in computational learning, intelligent systems, algorithm design, and software engineering. Students then get a choice of four well-structured, highly relevant concentrations: computer vision, intelligent interaction, machine learning, or knowledge management and reasoning, preparing them for R&D or leadership roles across various industries.
Michigan’s online AI master’s program is designed to accommodate full-time and part-time students, offering working professionals courses in the late afternoon and evening hours. This program can be completed online, on campus in Michigan, or as a hybrid.
- Format: Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid
- Tuition Cost:
- MI residents: $40,770 (30 credits at $1,359 per credit)
- Non-resident: $45,150 (30 credits at $1,505 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
2. University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin’s Master’s of Artificial Intelligence features a core curriculum in deep learning, AI ethics, machine learning, AI strategy, and reinforcement learning. Students can customize this online master's program with marketable electives in areas like AI in healthcare, natural language processing (NLP), and online learning algorithms.
Though the pace of this program is set by UT Austin faculty, the structure is asynchronous (self-paced), so you can learn on your schedule. Beyond its well-curated and customizable curriculum, UT Austin’s online AI master’s was the most affordable program to make this year’s ranking.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $10,000 (10 courses at $1,000 per course)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
3. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins’ acclaimed Applied Physics Lab created one of the nation’s best Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs Online. Students get a deep-dive AI education featuring core classes in NLP, applied machine learning, AI system development, and data science algorithms. This program also features a dizzying array of industry-relevant and fascinating electives in areas like deep learning for computer vision, robotics, game theory, data visualization, cloud computing, and UAV systems and controls.
JHU also offers an AI graduate certificate where students take four core courses instead of the ten courses in the AI master's program. If you’re unsure whether to pursue a complete AI master’s online, this is a great way to save time and money while earning a solid AI credential from a top-tier institution.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost:
- AI Masters: $50,900 (10 courses at $5,090 per course)
- AI Grad Certificate: $20,360 (4 courses at $5,090 per course)
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
4. Penn State World Campus
Penn State's Master of Professional Studies in Artificial Intelligence provides the expertise to develop intelligent systems using cutting-edge AI skills in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and computer vision. This program also features deep customization; some of our favorite electives include data visualization, data-driven decision-making, reinforcement learning, and network and predictive analytics for soci-technical systems.
This top-ranked online AI master’s program fosters skills in designing, developing, and deploying AI products across various applications, preparing graduates to navigate and lead in multiple industries. U.S. News & World Report also recognized PSWC’s prowess, naming it one of the nation’s best graduate IT programs for 2024.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $34,848 (33 credits at $1,056 per credit)
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
5. University of San Diego
Rounding out this year’s best online AI masters programs, USD’s M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence offers a comprehensive curriculum in the technical and soft skills needed for advanced AI roles. This graduate degree focuses on real-world application, ethics, and social good, preparing students for various roles in artificial intelligence and beyond.
The fully online format allows for flexible learning, and students benefit from the expertise of faculty who are active AI practitioners, ensuring a relevant and impactful learning experience. Graduates of the MS-AAI program at USD have achieved lucrative positions at Microsoft, Illumina, and Amdocs, among other major employers.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $27,750 (30 credits at $925 per credit)
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
How much does an online AI master’s program cost?
The tuition for an online AI master’s program varies widely from $10,000 to $95,000 before applying for financial aid, grants, and scholarships. Additionally, many employers will help pay your tuition because AI skills are in demand. To get the lowest cost possible, identify your preferred AI master’s program(s), contact the university admissions department to get the best price with financial aid, and then discuss reimbursement with your current employer if you have one.
What are the admission requirements for an AI master's degree?
Most online AI master’s programs in the U.S. require an accredited bachelor’s degree in AI or other STEM majors like computer science, software engineering, mathematics, information technology, or data science. Students with bachelor’s degrees in non-related subjects are usually accepted case-by-case. Some artificial intelligence master’s programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA (usually 3.0 or greater). GRE is generally not needed for AI master’s admission.
What is the cheapest online master's in artificial intelligence?
With a $10,000 tuition for all U.S. residents, UT Austin’s Master of Artificial Intelligence is the cheapest AI master’s program you can take online in 2024.
What’s the best online master's in machine learning?
This is a good question, as machine learning is one of the hottest artificial intelligence niches. In our analysis of AI masters’ curricula, we found the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Michigan to be the best online master's in machine learning. U-M dedicates an entire concentration of its AI master program to machine learning skills, including courses in natural language processing, advanced data and text mining, deep learning, Fuzzy systems, artificial neural networks, and more.
