10 Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) Degree Programs in California 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing field, especially in a tech hub like California's Silicon Valley. As a result, many colleges and universities now offer artificial intelligence degrees.

AI experts are already in demand, and it's expected to continue to increase.

The best AI degrees provide a fundamental understanding of not just how AI works but the ethical and real-world implications of this technology. They often have a high return on investment, with AI degree salaries often coming in over six figures. Keep reading to discover the best artificial intelligence programs in California.

Best Artificial Intelligence Degrees in California

California schools offer multiple AI degree programs; some are even available online. Below, we've highlighted the best schools for artificial intelligence in California.

1. Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research institution in Stanford, CA. It offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Master of Science (MS) in computer science, each with a specialization in artificial intelligence.

These programs provide a strong foundation in computer science, then move on to courses on AI principles and techniques. They also include topics on:

• AI methods
• natural language processing (NLP)
• computer vision
• robotics

Since its founding in 1963, the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL) has been a center of excellence for artificial intelligence research, teaching, theory, and practice. Students can join research groups to study NLP, computer vision, and machine learning.

The tuition at Stanford averages $62,484 per year for undergraduate students and $58,746 for graduate students. Free tuition is available to undergraduate students whose families earn less than $100,000 per year.

2. University of California, Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, the flagship institution of the University of California System, students can choose a joint bachelor's/master's degree program in electrical engineering and computer science. This five-year program includes a research project, � and one of the research areas students can choose is artificial intelligence.

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences also offers two research-based graduate degrees: an MS and a PhD. Both allow students to focus their learning and research on artificial intelligence.

Students complete this research through the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab. This lab brings together UC Berkeley researchers across the areas of computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, planning, control, and robotics.

The tuition rate at this public research university for in-state undergraduate students is $14,580 per year, while out-of-state students pay $45,627. In-state graduate students have a rate of $12,264 per year and out-of-state students pay $27,366.

3. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles offers a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and a Master of Engineering through its Samueli School of Engineering. UCLA is another member of the public University of California System.

In the bachelor's program, students can choose a track in networked embedded systems, which includes coursework on robotics and machine learning. The master's degree offers a specialization in artificial intelligence, and this AI degree features courses on neural networks, deep learning, natural language processing, machine learning, and more.

The Samueli School of Engineering runs multiple research initiatives focused on AI technology. These include the Center for Vision, Cognition, Learning, and Autonomy and The Statistical and Relational Artificial Intelligence (StarAI) Lab.

In-state tuition for undergrad students is $13,747 per year and $44,524 for out-of-state students. Grad students who are residents of California pay $12,264 per year, while non-residents pay $27,366.

4. California Institute of Technology

A Bachelor of Science in computer science with a specialization in learning and vision is available through the California Institute of Technology. This specialization features courses covering:

• large language models
• machine learning
• neural networks
• computer vision

CalTech, located in Pasadena, CA, is a private research university. Its Division of Engineering and Applied Science conducts AI research that studies the fundamental aspects of AI, spanning machine learning, mathematics, and statistics.

The tuition rate for undergraduate students at CalTech is $63,255 per year. Graduate students have a rate of $60,816 per year.

5. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private research institution in Los Angeles. It offers an MS in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence that includes courses on machine and deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.

The Viterbi School of Engineering at USC also offers a BS in computer science, and while this degree covers AI, it's not specifically an AI program. Additionally, the Marshall School of Business offers a BS in artificial intelligence for business, for those who want to learn to use AI in real-world business situations.

USC is consistently pioneering breakthroughs in various areas related to AI, such as machine learning, human-robot interaction, information extraction, and privacy protection. It's home to numerous AI research labs, including the Center for Autonomy and AI and the USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society.

Undergraduate tuition at USC is about $68,237 per year. Graduate tuition costs $66,640 per year.

6. University of California, Irvine

Students at the University of California, Irvine can earn a Bachelor of Science in computer science with a specialization in intelligence systems. This specialization not only features courses in artificial intelligence, but also machine learning, computer vision, and algorithms.

In addition, the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Science offers an artificial intelligence master's degree program. This is a research-focused MS in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence.

UC Irvine is another member of the public University of California System. Through its School of Information and Computer Science, it runs many artificial intelligence programs and centers, including the AI in Science Institute and the HPI Research Center in Machine Learning and Data Science.

In-state undergrad students pay $14,237 per year at UC Irvine, while out-of-state students pay $45,014. Graduate California residents have a tuition rate of $12,264, while that number is $27,366 for out-of-state students.

7. San Jose State University

San Jose State University offers a Master of Science in artificial intelligence through the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering. This artificial intelligence master's degree program offers specializations in data science and autonomous systems, and students can choose to conclude their program with a thesis or research project.

Additionally, the College of Science offers a bachelor's degree in computer science and linguistics. While this isn't solely a degree for artificial intelligence, it includes several required courses on AI and machine learning.

SJSU is a member of the public California State University System. AI research is conducted through the College of Engineering in areas like deep learning, knowledge representation, machine learning, computer vision, robotics, speech, and natural language processing.

Tuition for in-state undergraduate students is $7,992 per year and $19,872 for out-of-state students. For graduate residents, tuition is $7,176 per year, and for non-residents it's $16,680 per year.

8. University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego offers a Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence. The AI degree program at this public research institution is new for the Jacobs School of Engineering. The school also offers an MS in computer science and engineering, in which students create their own specialization through their choice of electives. There are multiple electives focused on AI to choose from.

The Artificial Intelligence Group at UC San Diego engages in a wide range of theoretical and experimental research. Students and faculty pursue real-world applications to problems in natural language processing, data mining, computer vision, robotics, speech and audio processing, bioinformatics, and computer security.

In-state undergraduate tuition is $15,265 per year, while out-of-state tuition is $46,042. For graduate students, residents pay $12,246 per year and non-residents pay $27,336.

9. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University is a public research institution in San Francisco. It offers a Master of Science in data science and artificial intelligence that includes courses on data mining, deep learning, software engineering, and big data.

While SFSU doesn't offer a bachelor's degree for artificial intelligence, it offers a BS in computer science and a BS in computer engineering. Both of these programs include courses on AI.

The AI research program at SFSU delves into the intersection of methods, applications, and ethics of AI. Researchers have developed novel methods to enhance capabilities, transparency, and interpretability of AI models.

Tuition for undergraduate programs at SFSU is $7,424 per year for in-state residents and $19,304 for out-of-state residents. For graduates, tuition is $7,176 per year for residents and $16,680 per year for non-residents.

10. University of San Diego

Through the University of San Diego, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or BS in computer science with a concentration in data science and artificial intelligence. This concentration features courses on AI, data mining, neural networks, and bioinformatics.

Students can also earn an artificial intelligence degree online at the master's level. The Master of Science in applied artificial intelligence places a significant emphasis on real-world applications, ethics, moral responsibility, and social good in designing AI-enabled systems. This online AI degree can be completed in less than two years.

USD, a Catholic research university, is based in San Diego. It offers a variety of AI research opportunities through its Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. Tuition here is $56,444 yearly for undergraduates and $28,854 for graduate students.

How We Rank Schools

To choose the best schools for artificial intelligence above, we focused on:

• Location: We focused specifically on schools located in California.
• Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
• Type: We only selected four-year public and private non-profit schools.
• AI degree programs: The schools above offer degrees specifically in AI or computer science degrees that include focuses on AI.
• Reputation in AI: All universities above have research institutions and programs dedicated to furthering the study and use of AI.

Accreditation is especially important, as it ensures your school will qualify for aid through the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). By applying for FAFSA, you may be able to receive enough aid to pursue free AI degrees.

FAQs About AI Colleges in California

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about AI colleges in California.

What Is the Best Artificial Intelligence Master's Degree Program in California?

There are numerous excellent artificial intelligence master's degree programs in California. If you're looking for a master's specifically in AI, UC Irvine, San Jose State, and USD all offer excellent AI master's degrees.

What Are the Most Popular Related Majors to AI Degree Programs?

Most commonly, students who want to study AI will major in computer science or sometimes computer engineering. Other popular fields include data science, bioinformatics, and information technology.

What Is the Best Degree To Get in AI?

If you know you want to specifically go into AI, a major in artificial intelligence is often your best bet. If an AI major isn't available to you, a degree in computer science is a good option as well.

Many AI experts have not just a bachelor's degree but a graduate degree too. Master's degrees can help you in your career field, and PhDs are ideal if you want to go into AI research.

Earn Your Degree in Artificial Intelligence

Find the perfect artificial intelligence degree by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today to learn more about their AI programs, admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.