Artificial intelligence is moving fast, and a master’s degree can help you build job-ready skills in areas like machine learning, data analysis, and natural language processing. Use this guide to find this year’s top online master’s degrees in artificial intelligence.
Author: Brenda Barron
Expertise: TechnologyComputer ScienceGraduate Ed.Editor: Jordan Cosselman
- School Spotlights
School Spotlight: Looking Into AI Master's Programs
Read more - Classes
What Classes Will I Take in an Online AI Master's Program?
Read more - Specializations
What are Some Specializations in AI?
Read more - Cost
How Much Does an Online AI Master's Degree Cost?
Read more - Career Options
What Can You Do with a Masters in AI?
Read more - Common Questions
Common Questions about AI Master's Degrees
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Programs
Read more
If you’re a strong problem-solver who wants to work on AI systems (or apply AI in a specific industry), an online master’s in artificial intelligence can be a flexible way to level up without pausing your life.
You probably also have practical questions, like:
- Which programs are actually worth it?
- How much will it cost?
- What will I study — and how long will it take?
This guide walks through a few standout online options and what to expect from an AI master’s program.
School Spotlights: Popular Online AI Master’s Programs
There are plenty of computer science and AI master’s programs out there. For this spotlight list, we focused on programs that stand out for curriculum depth, faculty expertise, student support, and overall reputation.
These programs typically cover a range of core topics, including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision.
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin recently launched a 100% online Master of Artificial Intelligence, designed to be completed remotely.
You’ll complete 30 credits total:
- 3 credits of foundational coursework
- 27 credits of electives (so you can tailor the degree to your interests)
The program is asynchronous, and typically offers fall and spring start options.
Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus has offered online learning since 1998, and its Master of Professional Studies in Artificial Intelligence is built for students who want a structured, applied AI education.
The program includes 33 credits, generally broken into:
- Core courses
- A research topics requirement
- Electives
- A final capstone
Expect a practical mix of AI topics such as deep learning, programming, statistics, and ethics, with an emphasis on applying your skills to real-world work.
John Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering
Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering offers an online master’s path in AI through a highly technical curriculum.
Admissions typically expect prerequisite knowledge in math and computer science, such as:
- Calculus
- Linear algebra
- Java
- Python
Once admitted, you’ll complete 10 courses / 30 credits. You generally have up to five years to finish, which can be helpful if you’re working full time.
Coursework may include applied machine learning, deep learning, robotics, large language models, data science, and data visualization, plus electives to customize your focus.
What You’ll Study in an Online AI Master’s Program
It’s normal to wonder what the day-to-day coursework will look like. Most online AI master’s programs include a blend of core foundations plus electives, so you can explore a specialty like NLP or computer vision.
Here are a few common topic areas.
Ethics in AI
Ethics courses help you think critically about how AI affects people and how to design systems responsibly.
You’ll usually explore topics like bias, privacy, safety, and human-computer interaction, plus broader questions about how AI shapes society.
Neural Networks
Neural networks are a core building block of modern AI. Courses often move from fundamentals to more advanced deep learning concepts.
You can expect hands-on work with models that learn from data to make predictions and decisions.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
NLP focuses on how machines process and generate language.
Programs often cover areas such as text classification, sentiment analysis, machine translation, and information — and may include projects where you build or fine-tune models.
Common Specializations in Artificial Intelligence Master’s Programs
Some programs offer formal specializations; others let you build one informally through elective choices. Either way, a specialization can help you build deeper expertise and stand out for certain roles.
Deep Learning
Deep learning focuses on advanced neural network architectures and their applications in the real world. This knowledge enables you to pursue careers in fields involving computer vision, natural language processing, and data science.
The master’s degree in data science offered by Northwestern School of Professional Study is one example of this specialization. This program teaches every aspect of deep learning and how it can be applied to data science.
Machine Learning
Earning a master’s degree in machine learning equips you with the tools and techniques to develop your own ML models. You’ll explore supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning algorithms, as well as topics like ensemble methods and dimensionality reduction.
By specializing in machine learning, you’re ready to pursue careers in data science, analytics, development, and engineering. Colorado State University Global offers a fine example of one such degree, with their online master program in AI and machine learning.
Robotics
Designing, programming, and building intelligent robots is no easy task, but it’s one that can offer a rewarding career. That’s why a master’s degree in robotics is a wise choice.
John Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering provides an online master’s degree in robotics and autonomous systems, which teaches you all about how to ethically and skillfully create autonomous robots. This knowledge can be applied to a variety of industries from manufacturing to healthcare.
How Much Does an Online AI Master’s Degree Cost?
Costs vary widely by school and program structure. As a rough range, an online AI master’s may cost anywhere from about $10,000 to $50,000+.
Estimated examples from the programs above:
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Austin | Master of Artificial Intelligence | 30 | $10,000 |
| Penn State World Campus | Master of Professional Studies in Artificial Intelligence | 33 | $34,848 |
| John Hopkins – Whiting School of Engineering | Master of Artificial Intelligence | 30 | $52,700 |
Tuition and Financial Aid for AI Master’s Students
Graduate education is a big investment, but many students reduce costs through a mix of:
- Scholarships
- Employer tuition assistance
- Work-study (where available)
- Federal financial aid (for eligible programs/students)
A good next step is to check both the university’s financial aid office and any school- or department-level scholarship pages connected to the program.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in AI?
A master’s degree in AI can support careers across tech, research, and applied analytics — especially roles that benefit from advanced modeling skills.
Below are examples of career directions and the kinds of work they may involve.
Data Science
Data scientists analyze and extract insights from complex data sets. Data cleaning, modeling, and interpretation are some of your daily duties, while common fields for data scientists include finance, healthcare, and tech.
While a bachelor’s degree is often sufficient, a master in AI opens you up to advanced data science analysis jobs and further specialization.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $108,020 | $184,090 | 9% | Professional, Scientific, Technical Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Information Security
AI is strongly interwoven in cybersecurity, and recent advancements in this field allow for even higher career aspirations. Information security analysts safeguard computer systems from cyberthreats.
While a master’s degree may not be required, it can provide specialized knowledge in AI-driven security solutions, pushing you into more leadership in cybersecurity leadership and research.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120,360 | $182,370 | 9% | Professional, Scientific, Technical Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Computer and Information Research Science
An online master’s degree in artificial intelligence equips students with the skills needed to conduct high-level research and become potential pioneers of new AI technology.
Researching advanced concepts, developing new algorithms, and designing innovative systems are just some of your goals as you work in academia and at industry research labs.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $145,080 | $233,110 | 9% | Professional, Scientific, Technical Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Software Development
Software developers and engineers create a variety of applications, and AI is increasingly a key part of these systems.
While a master’s degree is not a requirement, specialized training can differentiate candidates and open doors to opportunities in AI-driven software development. Emerging fields like machine learning and neural networks are backed by software developers who have specialized in AI.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $132,270 | $208,620 | 9% | Professional, Scientific, Technical Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine
Information Security Engineer
Differentiated from information security analysts who focus on analyzing cybersecurity threats, information security engineers design security architecture.
Assessing vulnerabilities, developing security solutions, and handling breaches are some of your daily tasks. A master’s degree in AI allows a focus on AI-driven cybersecurity and handling of advanced security systems.
| Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile | Projected Growth | Top Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| $104,920 | $174,300 | 9% | Professional, Scientific, Technical Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine
FAQs About AI Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s degree in artificial intelligence?
Most online AI master’s programs require a relevant bachelor’s degree and proof you can handle advanced technical coursework.
Common requirements include:
- GPA: Often 3.0+ (varies by school)
- Relevant degree background: Computer science or a related field is common
- Prerequisites: Many programs expect programming and math (often calculus and sometimes linear algebra)
Always check the program’s admissions page, because prerequisites vary a lot.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s degree in AI?
Most online AI master’s programs take about 1–3 years, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
Some schools allow longer completion windows (for example, certain programs may allow up to five years) to support working professionals.
Is there a benefit to earning a master’s degree in AI online instead of in person?
Yes, the biggest benefit is flexibility. Online programs typically make it easier to:
- Keep working while you study
- Learn on a schedule that fits your life
- Access the same core curriculum without relocating
Many programs also include ways to collaborate and network through remote projects, discussion spaces, and virtual office hours.
Do I need to learn coding or computer programming to study artificial intelligence?
Yes, programming is essential for AI graduate study.
Most programs assume you can code (or you’ll learn quickly), and commonly use languages like Python, plus others such as Java or C++, depending on the curriculum.
Will I be accepted into an AI graduate program if I’m not a computer science (CS) undergrad?
Yes, many programs will consider applicants from fields like math, engineering, or physics, as long as you can show you’re prepared for the technical workload.
If you don’t have a CS background, it helps to demonstrate:
- Strong math fundamentals
- Programming ability (especially Python)
- Completion of prerequisite coursework (or equivalent experience)