
Applied Artificial Intelligence
Online
DURATION
20 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
04 Apr 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
06 May 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 28,950 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* whole program cost
Key Summary
Introduction
Earn Your Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Online
Accelerate Your Career in Booming Job Market with AI Master’s Degree
One thing is certain — the job market is booming for artificial intelligence engineers, data scientists, and programmers, as well as many other AI-related jobs. Talented professionals with experience and a master's in AI are strong contenders for a wide range of six-figure positions across many industries.
Designed to prepare graduates for success in this vitally important and fast-growing field, this master’s in artificial intelligence online degree program has been developed by AI experts in close collaboration with key industry and government stakeholders to provide in-depth practical and technical training.
Note that the program title is Applied Artificial Intelligence; this means it has a significant focus on the practical applications of AI in business and industry. AI master’s degree students will be immersed not just in the fundamental principles and concepts of artificial intelligence but also in ethics-based, real-world problem-solving.
Applied Artificial Intelligence Faculty: Real-World Experts
The faculty members selected for USD’s artificial intelligence master’s degree program possess advanced terminal degrees (master and doctoral) and a unique combination of government, academic, research, and industry experience spanning enterprises focused on technology, engineering, health care, business, marketing, education, and more.
Additionally, MS-AAI faculty advisors will work with students and guide them so that learning in the courses is contextualized for individualized development and career advancement.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an important quality indicator for college and university degree programs, generally regarded as a stamp of approval that ensures you will be able to apply for financial aid and transfer your credits if you decide to switch schools. Most state universities and private non-profit universities will have regional accreditation. The University of San Diego has earned both regional and national accreditations.
Accreditations include
The WASC Senior College and University Commission – WASC is a regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as certifying institutional eligibility for federal funding in a number of programs, including student access to federal financial aid. Learn more about the importance of selecting a regionally accredited program.
Enrollment and Academic Advisors
Applying to a graduate program can be complicated — that’s why our team of advisors is here to help answer all of your questions.
When you first inquire about our online master’s in artificial intelligence program, you will be assigned a personal Enrollment Advisor who will be available to answer your questions, help you assess your eligibility for admission, and guide you through the application process.
In addition, each of our graduate degree programs has an Academic Advisor who is responsible for evaluating applications and admitting new students, monitoring your academic progress, and providing guidance as needed. Program Advisors also serve as instructors for their respective programs.
Right from the start, you’ll receive support and guidance from experienced advisors who are invested in helping you achieve your education goals!
Online Learning at USD
Designed for busy working professionals who want to earn their master’s degree while balancing the demands of work and family life, the University of San Diego offers convenient, yet rigorous online learning programs that enable you to achieve your educational goals on your own schedule.
As an online graduate student, you will have access to your classroom and lectures at any time and can view your assignments, syllabus, and course resources from any computer with internet capability.
The degree you’ll earn as an online graduate student is of the same quality and rigor as that earned by campus-based students. The online courses embody the same learning outcomes, educational rigor, and high level of academic excellence.
Admissions
Curriculum
Innovative Curriculum Tailored to the Needs of Industries and Employers
The Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the foundation, principles, technical knowledge, and skills they will need to apply powerful, modern, ethical, and socially responsible artificial intelligence techniques to real-world applications.
Launched through the University of San Diego’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the online AI master’s degree program culminates in a Capstone experience that pairs degree candidates with fellow students, instructors, mentors, and potential industry partners on a rigorous, practicum-based project that hones their ability to apply their skills in the workplace.
In addition to simulating real-world experience, the Capstone project also involves developing a technical portfolio that will demonstrate your experience and proficiency to potential employers.
Designed to be completed in 20 months over five semesters, the USD master’s in artificial intelligence online degree program requires students to complete 30 academic units plus six prerequisite units (note: the prerequisites may be waived depending on a candidate’s education and experience). Of the 30 academic units:
- 6 units focus on introductory topics and fundamentals
- 21 units cover technical aspects essential to the field of artificial intelligence
- 3 units are dedicated to the comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Capstone Project
The courses are updated regularly in consultation with faculty and industry experts to ensure that they are closely aligned with progress and advancement in a field that is still undergoing rapid development. This includes ongoing consultation with a wide range of public and private sector stakeholders. The MS-AAI program’s Board of Industry Advisors includes experts and managers from a range of different industries with experience in data science and AI-based technologies.
Gallery
Program Outcome
Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Program Goals
The mission of the online AI master’s degree program is to offer a robust, state-of-the-art online learning experience that enables students to master the technical skills, practical expertise, and soft skills necessary for developing and deploying ethical and socially responsible intelligent systems that autonomously solve challenging engineering, science, health care, and business problems in data-rich domains.
The USD Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program:
- Leverages the best of both worlds by combining comprehensive technical knowledge and skills with a profound understanding of how to apply the techniques, principles, and algorithms (including hard and soft skills) in real-world applications;
- Focuses on continuous improvement, gaining insight used to enhance curriculum immediacy and relevance through ongoing consultations with its Industry Advisory Board, faculty, and a broad range of artificial intelligence experts and managers;
- Employs highly skilled faculty with a passion for teaching, many of whom are applied artificial intelligence practitioners in key roles at a wide range of commercial, academic, and government organizations;
- Integrates ethics, privacy, social good, and moral responsibility in applying artificial intelligence tools and techniques across the entire curriculum;
- Takes a student-centered approach, employing faculty who demonstrate teaching excellence and who are committed to engaging with and mentoring students;
- Is one of the nation’s only 100% online master’s in artificial intelligence programs.
The University of San Diego MS-AAI program aspires to function as a respected artificial intelligence thought leader organization as part of its mission to develop current and future generations of ethically responsible AI professionals.
Scholarships and Funding
Financial Aid
One of the University of San Diego’s highest priorities is to ensure that sufficient tuition and financial aid support is available to all eligible students. The first step in applying for aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
In addition to financial aid, the University of San Diego provides assistance in securing additional financial support for students to further their education, including scholarships and grants.
Program Tuition Fee
Ideal Students
Is the Applied Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Right For You?
Students seek out the University of San Diego’s online master’s degree programs because we are known for high-quality academics and instruction delivered by passionate, student-centered faculty through a time-tested online learning environment that is both collaborative and user friendly. The online classes are designed to provide ultimate flexibility for busy working professionals to balance work and life with their educational and career goals.
Our applied artificial intelligence master’s degree program is ideally suited to those with a background in science, mathematics, engineering, health care, statistics, or technology, but is also structured to train those from other backgrounds who are motivated to transition into artificial intelligence.
Preference will be given to prospective students with research experience, industry experience, or other relevant real-life experiences. Potential candidates for the University of San Diego’s online AI master’s degree program include:
- Those who possess a bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials in such majors as statistics, mathematics, data science, computer science, engineering, physics, biological sciences, health care, etc.
- Those who possess a bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials in non-STEM fields and are interested in advancing their technical knowledge into the realm of artificial intelligence
- Programmers and engineers who are looking to expand their skills into the realm of artificial intelligence
- Professionals starting their careers in AI who realize they are more interested in practical applications and real-world problem solving
- Professionals in other disciplines who are motivated to learn artificial intelligence and applications to advance their careers.
Artificial intelligence is about much more than self-driving cars, home automation, and Internet of Things-enabled systems. Experts predict that AI will play a key role in automating data-driven decision-making, impacting markets that include health care, defense, national security, transportation, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, financial services, and more.
English Language Requirements
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