Artificial Intelligence, MS
Gain the technical expertise needed for leadership positions in the design, analysis and development of artificial intelligence systems. Enhance both the science and application of creating reliable AI systems alongside a team of internationally recognized faculty.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Artificial Intelligence, MS description
The Master of Science program in artificial intelligence prepares you for either professional practice or further graduate doctorate-level study in the rapidly growing field. The program helps you develop proficiency in both theoretical and practical AI research aimed at enabling you to independently analyze, evaluate and invent new concepts for designing efficient and reliable AI systems.
You have the opportunity to work with highly active faculty research groups, gaining expertise in the cutting-edge of AI while simultaneously developing the skills to invent and deploy novel AI algorithms and systems. The curriculum encompasses a core of foundational courses in AI, complemented by electives from three prominent AI streams: statistical learning; embodied AI, cognition and perception; and reasoning and decision making. Furthermore, you learn how to conduct original research, culminating in a research-oriented thesis that advances knowledge in AI, or you learn how to develop professional-grade systems founded on AI algorithms and systems thinking. You are able to develop new AI paradigms, applications and systems, and advance knowledge of the field itself.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours - course-based master's, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CSE 593)
COURSE-BASED OPTION Statistical Learning Restricted Electives (3 credit hours) Embodied AI, Cognition and Perception Restricted Electives (3 credit hours) Reasoning and Decision Making Restricted Electives (3 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) OPTIONS WITH CULMINATING EXPERIENCE Statistical Learning Restricted Electives (3 credit hours) Embodied AI, Cognition and Perception Restricted Electives (3 credit hours) Reasoning and Decision Making Restricted Electives (3 credit hours) Electives (9 or 12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students select one of the listed courses in each of the required core, statistical learning restricted electives, embodied AI, cognition and perception restricted electives, and reasoning and decision making restricted electives course areas. Courses should be selected in consultation with the program advisor. Students who have not completed a formal AI course are strongly encouraged to complete CSE 571 as part of their core.
Required Core (6 credit hours)
Students choose two of the following courses:
CSE 550 Combinatorial Algorithms and Intractability (3)
CSE 551 Foundations of Algorithms (3)
CSE 552 Randomized and Approximation Algorithms (3)
CSE 555 Theory of Computation (3)
CSE 571 Artificial Intelligence (3)
Students choose one of the following courses:
CSE 524 Machine Learning Acceleration (3)
CSE 569 Fundamentals of Statistical Learning and Pattern Recognition (3)
CSE 572 Data Mining (3)
CSE 573 Semantic Web Mining (3)
CSE 575 Statistical Machine Learning (3)
Students choose one of the following courses:
CSE 509 Digital Video Processing (3)
CSE 515 Multimedia and Web Databases (3)
CSE 522 Real-time Embedded Systems (3)
CSE 570 Advanced Computer Graphics I (3)
CSE 576 Topics in Natural Language Processing (3)
Students choose one of the following courses:
CSE 556 Game Theory and Application to Networks (3)
CSE 561 Modeling and Simulation Foundations for Digital Twins (3)
CSE 574 Planning and Learning Methods in AI (3)
CSE 579 Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (3)
Required Core (6 credit hours)
Students choose two of the following courses:
CSE 550 Combinatorial Algorithms and Intractability (3)
CSE 551 Foundations of Algorithms (3)
CSE 552 Randomized and Approximation Algorithms (3)
CSE 555 Theory of Computation (3)
CSE 571 Artificial Intelligence (3)
Students choose one of the following courses:
CSE 524 Machine Learning Acceleration (3)
CSE 569 Fundamentals of Statistical Learning and Pattern Recognition (3)
CSE 572 Data Mining (3)
CSE 573 Semantic Web Mining (3)
CSE 575 Statistical Machine Learning (3)
Students choose one of the following courses:
CSE 509 Digital Video Processing (3)
CSE 515 Multimedia and Web Databases (3)
CSE 522 Real-time Embedded Systems (3)
CSE 570 Advanced Computer Graphics I (3)
CSE 576 Topics in Natural Language Processing (3)
Students choose one of the following courses:
CSE 556 Game Theory and Application to Networks (3)
CSE 561 Modeling and Simulation Foundations for Digital Twins (3)
CSE 574 Planning and Learning Methods in AI (3)
CSE 579 Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (3)
CSE 593 Applied Project (3)
CSE 599 Thesis (6)
This program offers a course-based option. A course-based master's option is best suited for students who want to deepen their knowledge and advance their professional skills through structured coursework rather than independent research. Students who enjoy solving real-world problems and applying practical skills in professional settings may be drawn to the applied project option. Students with a strong interest in research and a desire to contribute original knowledge to their field may be well-suited for the thesis option.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computational biology, computer engineering, computer science, electrical and electronics engineering, math, mechanical engineering, software engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information The personal statement should be one to two pages, and focus on the candidates' intended area of research and their academic background. If the student is assigned any additional foundational coursework upon admission, those classes must be completed with a grade of "B" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission to the program. These additional foundational courses do not apply to the total credit hours required to complete the degree program. Applicants are expected to have foundational coursework in the following topics:
An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language with a TOEFL iBT® score of 4.5, or 90 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 7 on the IELTS; or 115 on the Duolingo English test, regardless of current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/15 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/15 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this artificial intelligence master's degree prepares you for
Graduates with a master's degree in artificial intelligence are able to pursue a wide range of careers with roles such as:
- AI consultant
- AI engineer
- AI researcher
- machine learning researcher
- machine learning or AI operations engineer
- natural language processing specialist
- robotics researcher
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
scai.grad.admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

