10 Best Online Master's in AI & Machine Learning Degrees 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data science are fast-growing fields. Now you can earn an online master's degree and become an expert.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) expertise can open doors to many real-world business applications and high-paying careers. Many American and international students learn basic and intermediate AI skills through AI bootcamps and bachelor's degree programs in computer science. Now, you can even earn a master's in AI and machine learning through convenient online or hybrid-learning programs at reputable universities.
What Is a Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning?
Graduate programs for AI/ML focus on training students in the most advanced AI applications to develop new professionals for research, AI systems creation, and addressing real-world problems in the field. These AI degree programs last about two years and expose students to cutting-edge AI systems, algorithms, coding languages, and other machine learning fundamentals, taught by world-class instructors.
The admission requirements for these programs demand high academic performance in college (a 3.0 GPA or higher) and a working knowledge of statistics, coding languages (e.g., Python), and diverse intelligent systems.
Top Online Master's in AI & Machine Learning Degrees
This section offers 10 colleges where you can earn a master's in artificial intelligence and machine learning. These accredited programs are either 100% online or a hybrid of online and on-campus courses.
<h3 id="section---1.ColoradoStateUniversityGlobal">1. Colorado State University Global</h3>
<p>Colorado State University Global (CSU) has a convenient online delivery format for its Master of Science (MS) in AI and machine learning program. This 30-credit degree permits you to transfer 50% of credits from another institution and allows you to begin at one of 12 start dates throughout the academic year.
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<p>CSU's curriculum includes classes like Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, and a capstone project in machine learning.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $675 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfIllinoisChicago">2. University of Illinois - Chicago</h3>
<p>The University of Illinois - Chicago has a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree with a concentration in AI and machine learning. This is more of an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_cheapest_ai_degrees.html">AI fast-track program</a>, featuring nine courses, which you can finish in as little as 12 months. Program graduates later pursue roles as machine learning engineers and data scientists in fields such as e-commerce, healthcare, and technology development.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $896 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfWashington">3. University of Washington</h3>
<p>The University of Washington offers a customizable MS in AI/ML with fully online courses, ideal for either part-time or full-time students. The university calls this a ''stacked degree'' because it grants two graduate certificates and a master's degree all in one program. This includes a capstone project where students perform hands-on work developing AI programs.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $785 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---4.PennStateWorldCampus">4. Penn State World Campus</h3>
<p>Penn State World Campus has a 100% online AI master's degree consisting of 33 credit hours. Coursework involves core courses and electives in topics like computer vision, foundations of AI technology, and natural language processing (NLP). Graduates will also gain significant exposure to areas like reinforcement learning, data mining, and data-driven decision-making.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,078 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---5.WesternGovernorsUniversity">5. Western Governors University</h3>
<p>Western Governors University has an AI/ML master's degree with several required courses and electives in programming, AI systems, NLP, and other elements of computer engineering. This artificial intelligence program has produced many graduates who landed lucrative jobs at major tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon after completing this two-year program.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $4,385 per six-month term
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU
</li></ul><h3 id="section---6.WalshCollege">6. Walsh College</h3>
<p>Walsh College promises the opportunity to learn from industry experts in its MSAI program. Students have the option of completing their coursework at the Walsh campus, 100% online, or a combination of both. The admissions requirements are somewhat more lenient than those of other colleges, too. If you can achieve at least a 2.75 GPA, then you stand a decent chance of gaining acceptance.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $596 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC
</li></ul><h3 id="section---7.GeorgeWashingtonUniversity">7. George Washington University</h3>
<p>George Washington University has a higher tuition rate for its online programs, but it's also a more prestigious school and places graduates into high-paying jobs. This MEng program offers a chance to explore state-of-the-art equipment in robotics, adversarial networks, autonomous systems, and other cutting-edge AI technologies.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,200 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfTheCumberlands">8. University of the Cumberlands</h3>
<p>The University of the Cumberlands has an MSAI program devoted to AI and many elements of ''big data,'' requiring students to use advanced analytical techniques to explore complex data sets for different purposes. Although the curriculum is difficult, the school states that those who possess a mathematics, engineering, or computer science background should be well-suited for the challenging coursework.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $329.17 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---9.DrexelUniversity">9. Drexel University</h3>
<p>Drexel University permits non-computer-science majors to enroll in its MSAI program, provided they begin with the college's graduate certificate in AI first. Upon completion, students can explore the latest state-of-the-art AI tools by attending on-campus or online. Drexel requires 45 quarter credits to graduate, with each quarter term lasting 10 weeks.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,438 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---10.UniversityOfArizona">10. University of Arizona</h3>
<p>The University of Arizona's fully online AI graduate program takes only 12 months to complete. This unique program is a Master of Science in artificial intelligence for business, combining technical elements along with business management practices. Graduates finish their degrees with a greater understanding of big data, AI-driven decision-making, and automation applications for businesses.
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<ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $1,250 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2>
<p>Learn.org uses three important criteria for ranking the schools on this list. It includes academic accreditation, affordable tuition costs, and access to online coursework.
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<ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Schools must receive accreditation from a reputable review board, such as HLC.
</li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Although graduate school can be expensive, this list focuses on affordable options as much as possible. Affordability is based on tuition rates and financial aid options, including grants and <a href="https://learn.org/pages/scholarship_home.html">scholarships</a>.
</li><li><b>Online delivery:</b> These programs feature online or hybrid delivery formats.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---CareerPathsWithAMasterSInAIMachineLearning">Career Paths With a Master's in AI & Machine Learning</h2>
<p>There are several types of career opportunities for AI/ML master's program graduates. This includes positions like AI intelligence developer, data scientist, machine learning engineer, software engineer, information systems analyst, AI project manager, and cybersecurity specialist. As of March 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/ai-impacts-in-bls-employment-projections.htm">17.9% growth in software developers</a>, primarily because of AI.
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<h2 id="section---FAQsAboutOnlineMasterSInAIMachineLearningDegrees">FAQs About Online Master's in AI & Machine Learning Degrees</h2>
<p>Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about online master's degrees in AI and machine learning. This addresses whether master's degrees are worth it, how long they take to finish, and opportunities for advanced specializations.
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<h3 id="section---IsAMasterSDegreeInAIAndMachineLearningWorthIt">Is a Master's Degree in AI and Machine Learning Worth It?</h3>
<p>Yes, this degree option is worth it, provided you have the background for handling the difficult graduate coursework required. The roles we mentioned pay very well and often require or prefer a master's degree to get the job. While you can find employment after completing an undergraduate-level AI program, graduate credentials can make you even more attractive to employers in this field.
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<h3 id="section---DoINeedAComputerScienceBackgroundForAnAIMasterS">Do I Need a Computer Science Background for an AI Master's?</h3>
<p>No, you do not need a computer science degree to qualify for program enrollment, but this is one of the most preferred backgrounds. There are many AI/ML graduate programs in engineering schools, which may prefer an engineering background. You can also major in data science or data analysis to qualify for these degree programs.
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<h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToCompleteAnOnlineAIMasterS">How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online AI Master's?</h3>
<p>These master's degrees take between one and two years to complete, depending on prior coursework and prerequisite requirements. There are some fast-track options for students who already have graduate credit from their undergraduate education, making it possible to complete a degree in about one year.
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<h3 id="section---CanISpecializeInASpecificAreaLikeRoboticsOrNLP">Can I Specialize in a Specific Area Like Robotics or NLP?</h3>
<p>Yes, you can specialize in these and many other concentrations. Robotics, (NLP), deep learning, computer vision, neural networks, software optimization, reinforcement learning, and AI visualization are just some of the unique areas you may explore in graduate school.
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<h3 id="section---WhatSalaryCanIEarnWithAMasterSInAIAndMachineLearning">What Salary Can I Earn With a Master's in AI and Machine Learning?</h3>
<p>The BLS reports a median salary of $145,080 for AI engineers. You might even earn a six-figure salary right after graduate school since entry-level wages are between $97,000 and $107,000 per year.
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<h2 id="section---DiscoverOnlineAIMasterSDegrees">Discover Online AI Master's Degrees</h2>
<p>Learn.org has several other resources for finding graduate programs in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and more. Check out our website to find the most suitable degree programs for you.</p>