Are there any affordable online master’s degrees in artificial intelligence? You bet! The 20 schools on our list represent a growing number of colleges offering online artificial intelligence degrees. An online artificial intelligence degree allows students to further their expertise in one of the fastest-growing sectors in computer science. And by advancing your studies, you can pursue many high-paying careers in AI.
Our editors first reviewed online artificial intelligence master’s programs in July 2023. This ranking was last updated in December 2023.
Featured Programs
Why Pursue an Online Artificial Intelligence Degree?
Traditional on-campus AI programs are fine for some students. But if you already have a busy career and other obligations, it might not be practical. Pursuing an AI degree online allows you the flexibility to study on your own time. You work on your courses when it is convenient for you. Additionally, online learning can enable you to earn your degree at a significantly lower cost.
You may also like: 50 MOST AFFORDABLE BACHELOR’S IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Most Affordable Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Online Methodology
We’ve compiled a list of the best online AI degrees for graduate students. These programs are all accredited by nationally-recognized boards. And they are all verified to be non-profit colleges.
We ordered the schools from highest to lowest scores based on the most affordable tuition rates. Please note that costs are based on graduate tuition rates per academic year. Costs for some online programs may differ slightly. Additionally, individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Most Affordable Online Master Artificial Intelligence Programs
| School | Tuition | Score |
| Colorado State University | $9,000 | 100 |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | $10,728 | 99.75 |
| University at Buffalo | $11,310 | 99.50 |
| University of California at Berkeley | $11,442 | 99.25 |
| University of California – Los Angeles | $11,442 | 99.00 |
| Arizona State University | $11,720 | 98.75 |
| University of Texas at Austin | $12,050 | 98.50 |
| University of Cincinnati | $13,224 | 98.25 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | $14,570 | 98.00 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $14,635 | 97.75 |
| University of Pittsburgh | $24,118 | 97.50 |
| University of Michigan Ann Arbor | $24,902 | 97.25 |
| Northeastern University | $25,801 | 97.00 |
| University of San Diego | $27,936 | 96.75 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $29,052 | 96.50 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $38,732 | 96.25 |
| Columbia University New York | $50,496 | 96.00 |
| Stanford University | $54,315 | 95.75 |
| Duke University | $57,900 | 95.50 |
| Johns Hopkins University | $58,720 | 95.25 |
Affordable Master in Artificial Intelligence Online Programs
Colorado State University Global
AURORA, COLORADO
Score: 100 Tuition: $9,000 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
CSU Global offers a master’s degree in AI and Machine Learning. This 100 percent online program is highly flexible, and students can complete it at their own pace. At just $9,000 per academic year, it is one of the most affordable AI degrees on our list. And it is designed to give students the skills to solve complex business problems with the latest technical solutions.
A total of 30 credits are needed to earn this MS in artificial intelligence. Some of the core courses for this master artificial intelligence online include:
- Ethical Leadership in Software Development
- Foundations of AI
- Foundations of Computer Vision
- Principles of Machine Learning
- Principles of Programming
All students in the artificial intelligence masters online will also complete a Capstone project. It will be related to applying machine learning and neural networks.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
MADISON, WISCONSIN
Score: 99.75 Tuition: $10,728 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Wisconsin Madison students can enroll in an online MS in Data Engineering. This program is ideal for students who are interested in artificial intelligence. Some of the courses for this MS in artificial intelligence include:
- Advanced Deep Learning
- Big Data Systems
- Data Structures
- Introduction to AI
- Introduction to Generative Models
- Machine Learning
- Statistical Learning
A total of 30 credits are needed to complete the program. This is a great option for students seeking an affordable online master of artificial intelligence.
UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
Score: 99.50 Tuition: $11,310 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
University at Buffalo offers an Engineering Sciences Master’s Degree with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. It’s a one and 1/2-year, 30-credit-hour program.
All online master’s program applicants should have a solid programming background. They can either be indicated by formal coursework or MOOC study. Students will take 100 percent online courses. However, project, thesis, and portfolio options are required as part of a student’s Capstone.
Some of the courses for this MS in artificial intelligence include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Computer Vision and Image Processing
- Fundamentals of AI
- Mechanical Engineering
- NLP and Text Mining
- Robotics Algorithms
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
Score: 99.25 Tuition: $11,442 Accreditation: Western Association of Schools & Colleges
UC Berkeley offers a 100 percent online Master’s Degree in Data Science degree program. Students can pursue the degree at an accelerated, standard, or decelerated pace. So it is incredibly flexible. It can be completed in about one year if taken at an accelerated rate. A total of 27 credit hours are required. Courses in this program include:
- Behind the Data: Humans and Values
- Computer Vision
- Data Visualization
- Deep Learning in the Cloud and at the Edge
- Machine Learning at Scale
- NLP
Although the program is primarily online, students must attend at least one 3–4 day on-campus immersion.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Score: 99.00 Tuition: $11,442 Accreditation: Western Association of Schools & Colleges
This next online program is brand new and offered by the University of California – Los Angeles. UCLA offers a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence program through the Samueli School of Engineering.
The faculty include renowned experts from many engineering backgrounds. And the program teaches students how to build smart machines capable of intelligence, reasoning, and learning. In this MS in artificial intelligence program, students take courses that include:
- Learning and Reasoning with Bayesian Networks
- Machine Learning Algorithms
- Neural Networks
- NLP
- Probabilistic Programming and Relational Learning
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
TEMPE, ARIZONA
Score: 98.75 Tuition: $11,720 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
ASU offers an excellent online Master’s Degree in Computer Science in artificial intelligence A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete the program. There are ten courses, each taking about 7.5 weeks to complete. And most students can complete the entire program in two years.
Students who earn this degree will gain the skills need to develop AI systems. And they will significantly further their understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Some of the courses in this MS in artificial intelligence include:
- Advanced Computer Network Security
- Applied Cryptography
- Distributed & Multiprocessor Operating Systems
- Foundations of Algorithms
- Knowledge Representation and Reasoning
- Software Project, Process and Quality Management
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Score: 98.50 Tuition: $12,050 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Texas at Austin offers an online Master’s Degree in Computer Science. In this program, students can take up to seven elective courses, depending on their academic goals. For example, those who wish to study AI most often choose electives such as:
- Automated Logical Reasoning
- Machine Learning
- NLP
- Quantum Information Science
- Virtualization
A total of 30 credits are needed for this MS in artificial intelligence. And students can expect to complete it in as little as 18 months. The program is offered asynchronously in partnership with edX, so students can go at their own pace.
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
CINCINNATI, OHIO
Score: 98.25 Tuition: $13,224 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The next top online artificial intelligence program is through the University of Cincinnati online. It’s a Master’s in Information Technology that is highly flexible. Students can pursue several focus areas, including machine learning, artificial intelligence engineering, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed for completion. And students can graduate in about two years. Some of the courses in the program include:
- Advanced Storage Technologies
- AI
- Data Mining for IT
- Intelligent Data Analysis
- Machine Learning
- Pattern Recognition
U.S. News & World Report ranked this UC program in the top five in the nation for several years in a row.
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Score: 98.00 Tuition: $14,570 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Georgia Institute of Technology offers a comprehensive MS in Computer Science Program. Students in this program will choose from among 11 specializations, including AI. This online degree is an excellent option for those who want to advance their AI studies beyond the bachelor’s degree level.
A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree, which students can finish in about two years. Some of the courses in the program include:
- AI Techniques for Robotics
- Big Data Systems and Analytics
- Expressive AI
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Game AI
- Machine Learning for Robotics
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
URBANA, ILLINOIS
Score: 97.75 Tuition: $14,635 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Next on our list is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. UIUC students can enroll in an online Master of Computer Science in Augmented Intelligence program. The program is a partnership between Coursera and the university, and it is highly flexible. Students can log in and complete their work whenever they would like. They can complete the entire program in a year or take as long as five years.
Students will need 32 credits to earn the degree, and there are eight classes to complete, each worth four credits. The coursework covers the following key areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Databases
- High-performance Computing
- Human-computer Interaction
- Scientific Computing
- Software Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
Score: 97.50 Tuition: $24,118 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Students at the University of Pittsburgh can enroll in the school’s applied artificial intelligence MS. This multidisciplinary program is dedicated to applied artificial intelligence and requires 30 credits.
Students in this program will design a personalized curriculum in their area of interest. Some of the available courses for the applied artificial intelligence program include:
- Foundations of Translational InformaticsMachine Learning
- Human-computer Interaction and Evaluation Methods
- Intro to NLP
- Topics in Intelligent Systems
Students can expect to complete the applied artificial intelligence masters in about two years.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ANN ARBOR
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
Score: 97.25 Tuition: $24,902 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
UM-Ann Arbor offers an online Master’s in Applied Data Science Degree. The master’s in artificial intelligence requires 30 credits and takes approximately two years.
The degree can prepare students for a range of careers within the artificial intelligence industry. Courses in this program include:
- Data Science for Social Good
- Experiment Design and Analysis
- Machine Learning Pipelines
- SQL & Databases
- Visual Exploration of Data
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Score: 97.00 Tuition: $25,801 Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Northeastern University offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Machine Intelligence. Students can pursue this master’s in artificial intelligence in either a full-time or part-time format. With the full-time format, students can expect to complete the program in just 12 months. Choose from four concentrations:
- Artificial Intelligence for Business Ventures
- Artificial Intelligence for Finance
- Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare
- Artificial Intelligence for Human Resources
The practical courses in this program are heavily focused on artificial intelligence, and some of them include:
- Applications of Artificial Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence System Technologies
- Data Management and Big Data
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
- Usability and Human Interaction
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA
Score: 96.75 Tuition: $27,936 Accreditation: Western Association of Schools & Colleges
Students at USD can enroll in the school’s online Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence. The program gives students the expertise for a rewarding career in artificial intelligence. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to earn the degree, which takes approximately 20 months.
USD offers a cutting-edge curriculum taught by leading experts in artificial intelligence. And the program culminates in a Capstone project with their peers. The project also introduces them to industry partners so they can showcase their artificial intelligence knowledge. Some of the courses include:
- Data Analytics and Internet of Things
- Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- Probability and Statistics for Artificial Intelligence
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Score: 96.50 Tuition: $26,708 Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Students at IIT can enroll in an online Master of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence. The program will teach students how to make a positive impact with their skills and knowledge of artificial intelligence. A total of 30 credits are needed to earn the degree. And it can be finished in three semesters plus one summer course.
Some of the courses include:
- Advances Artificial Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence in Smart Grid
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Deep Learning
- Machine Learning
- Robotics
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Score: 96.25 Tuition: $38,732 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Penn State offers a brand new online Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science program. The degree allows participants to interact with Ivy League professors and work with peers worldwide. The program is asynchronous, so students can complete their studies whenever it is convenient. There is an optional on-week practicum on campus, but it is not required.
A total of 30 credits are needed to complete the program, which takes 16 to 20 months. Some of the courses include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Principles of Deep Learning
- Wireless Communications for Mobile Networks and Internet of Things
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Score: 96.00 Tuition: $50,496 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Columbia University offers graduate students an online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate. It’s not a master’s degree program. Instead, it is designed to be taken in tandem with other graduate degree programs.
A total of six courses are needed to complete this online program. They include:
- Algorithms and Machine Learning
- Business for Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Vision and Robotics
- Intro to Artificial Intelligence
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- NLP and Speech
- Security, Privacy, and Policy
There is one three-day, in-person immersion in New York City that students will need to attend. Candidates can expect to complete this program in 9-18 months.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
STANFORD, CALIFORNIA
Score: 95.75 Tuition: $54,315 Accreditation: Western Association of Schools & Colleges
Stanford has an online Master of Science in Computer Science. Plus, the school offers additional Artificial Intelligence Certification. These two programs are ideal for students to customize their computer science program to ensure they meet their professional career goals. A total of 45 units are needed for the MS, which takes two to three years. And most students who take the AI certification complete it in one to two years. These are highly rigorous programs for only the most dedicated students.
Some of the artificial intelligence courses in the certification include:
- AI and Machine Learning with Graphs
- Computer Vision: From 3D Reconstruction to Recognition
- Deep Generative Models
- Deep Learning for Computer Vision
- Mining Massive Data Sets
- Principles of Robot Autonomy
- Probabilistic Graphical Models: Principles and Techniques
DUKE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
Score: 95.50 Tuition: $57,900 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
Duke University offers a unique AI for Product Innovation Master’s Degree. Students in this 30-credit program can attend classes on campus as well as online. This artificial intelligence online program is presented in an accelerated format and can be completed in as little as twelve months.
The program will help you better understand the skills needed to create AI solutions. A few of the courses include:
- AI and Machine Learning
- Business Fundamentals for Engineers
- Deep Reinforcement Learning Applications
- Legal, Societal & Ethical Implications of AI
- Operationalizing AI
- Python & Data Science Math Bootcamp
Graduate students can also opt for Duke’s AI Foundations for Product Innovation Certificate.
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Score: 95.25 Tuition: $58,720 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Johns Hopkins engineering school has an excellent online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. The program combines practical knowledge and theory you can use to apply to real-world systems. And it is taught by some of the leading professionals in the field. A total of 10 courses are needed to earn this online masters in artificial intelligence. And students have up to five years to work through the Johns Hopkins engineering program.
Some of the courses include:
- Computer Vision
- Creating Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Systems
- Human Robotics Interaction
- Intelligent Algorithms
- Machine Learning for Signal Processing
- Modeling and Simulation of Complex Systems
- Neural Networks
How To Pay for an Artificial Intelligence Online Masters
Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. And many of the schools on our list are explicitly designed to offer students the most affordable online artificial intelligence degrees in the nation. But there are still times when students need a little help paying for college. This is true whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.
Most traditional students qualify for some form of financial aid. The good news is that those same financial aid programs are available to online students too. For example, online students pursuing a master’s in artificial intelligence are eligible to apply for Federal financial aid. And they can also apply for scholarships and grant opportunities.
Often, employers will reimburse tuition for employees trying to further their artificial intelligence skills. And you can sometimes apply for fellowships or assistantships to help you out.
Don’t say no to a particular master’s degree program just because you can’t afford it. Instead, be sure to explore all the available financial assistance options available first.
What are the Admission Requirements for Masters Artificial Intelligence Online Degrees?
Every online AI program is different, of course. So you will need to check the admissions program details for each school you are considering. However, there are a few common requirements:
- Completed application form and any fees
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Standardized test scores
- Statement of purpose
For many programs, it is recommended that students hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Sometimes, you won’t need a computer science degree, but you will need real-world experience in a related field.
Prerequisites for Artificial Intelligence Master Online Degrees
Artificial Intelligence programs rely heavily on data science and mathematics skills. Therefore, your prerequisite courses explore the following topics.
Data Science
- Big Data
- Cognitive Learning Theory
- Data Structures
- Java or Python
- Language Processing
- Mechanics
Mathematics
- Advanced Algebra
- Bayesian Algorithms
- Calculus I and II
- Linear Algebra
- Probability and Statistics
What Skills Do You Learn in a Master’s Degree Artificial Intelligence Program?
Future artificial intelligence professionals need a very specific skillset to success. However, the knowledge you acquire from an artificial intelligence program can vary according to program details. So choosing an artificial intelligence program that aligns with your professional goals and interests is essential.
Some of the most common skills acquired through an online master’s artificial intelligence program will include:
Algorithm Engineering
Algorithm engineering involves designing, testing, and evaluating algorithms. The best AI degree programs teach strong algorithm engineering skills.
Artificial Intelligence
The most vital skills learned in any AI degree program will obviously be related to artificial intelligence. You’ll dive deep into data and computer science and learn how to build intelligent machines.
Database Management
Database management involves administering, storing, and organizing data in a database. This skillset is vital to learn AI.
Data Mining
Within AI, data mining involves finding patterns and connections within large volumes of data. For an artificial intelligence engineer, this is closely related to data science as well.
Machine Learning
A primary aspect of artificial intelligence is machine learning. Machine learning involves the way computers (the machines) “learn” to improve with algorithms. Machine learning is a major component of artificial intelligence.
Natural Language Processing
NLP involves analyzing human language to help computers recognize and understand its meaning. In AI, NLP is one of the most important skills to understand.
Neural Networks
Artificial intelligence engineer programs teach a lot about neural networks. Neural networks are computer systems that are designed to model the human brain and nervous system. In artificial intelligence coursework, you learn to “train” these vast networks.
See Also: WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MASTER’S IN DATA SCIENCE?
Python
Python is one of the most critical skills you will learn in a data science or artificial intelligence degree program. You may have already mastered this skill in a bachelor’s degree program. However, graduate programs will go deeper into machine learning with Python.
Are Graduate Artificial Intelligence Programs Hard?
Just like bachelor’s degree programs in AI, online masters artificial intelligence programs can be rigorous and challenging. Therefore, these programs are best suited for students who are very passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning. If you only have a passing interest in these AI , you’ll want to be sure you can handle the difficult coursework involved in these programs. In addition, AI programs are highly scientific. So artificial intelligence graduates should be people who enjoys science, mathematics, and problem-solving.
From the perspective of educators and program directors, online master’s programs in AI are designed to prepare students for success in the AI field through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training. These programs leverage virtual platforms and interactive technologies to deliver engaging coursework, hands-on labs, and collaborative projects. Students have the opportunity to work on real datasets and industry-relevant problems, gaining practical experience in AI algorithms, statistical modeling, and data analysis. Online programs also offer the advantage of flexibility, allowing individuals to balance their studies with work or other commitments. Online AI master’s programs often provide access to a global network of industry professionals and alumni, facilitating mentorship, career guidance, and job placement opportunities.
Program quality varies, so consider factors like faculty expertise, curriculum relevance, and student success rates. Look for strong industry partnerships, research opportunities, and practical project work. Don’t forget accreditation and program length.
Connor Ondriska, CEO SpanishVIP
Should I Pursue a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
For future artificial intelligence professionals, the future is bright. According to Precedence Research, the global AI market size was valued at USD 69.25 billion in 2022. This figure is expected to rise to around USD 1,871.2 billion by 2032. The demand for AI technology will increase across all sectors. That includes retail, food, automotive, healthcare, and more. As a result, now is the perfect time to pursue a master’s degree in artificial intelligence.
