For better or worse, artificial intelligence is here to stay. Organizations are rapidly deploying AI solutions to reduce costs, increase productivity, enhance security, and automate business processes. While AI will replace or reduce certain roles, many predict it will create more jobs than it displaces, especially for those with the right skills and credentials.
Completing a respected online master's program in artificial intelligence is one of the best ways to learn and validate those skills.
To help you choose the best online AI master's program, we analyzed over 50 programs to identify our top 10. We looked at numerous factors, including curriculum relevance, school reputation, student outcomes, program features, flexibility, cost, and value.
This page will highlight the best online master's programs in artificial intelligence. We’ll also answer some of your FAQs about the costs, requirements, and value of these programs.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most degree rankings online rely primarily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring school-wide rates for graduation, retention, class size, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go beyond institutional stats to analyze the current and future relevance of the skills and certifications you’ll gain. We also list programs' actual tuition fees and delve deeper into value and flexibility to consider accelerated learning and certificate options.
| The Best Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Rank | School | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| 2 | Georgia Institute of Technology | OMSCS with AI Specialization |
| 3 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| 4 | Johns Hopkins University | M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| 5 | University of San Diego | M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence |
| 6 | Penn State World Campus | Master's in AI - AI Engineering Option |
| 7 | University of Colorado Boulder | M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| 8 | Purdue University | M.S. in Artificial Intelligence with AI and ML Major |
| 9 | Columbia University | Online M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| 10 | University of Oklahoma | M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence |
The Best Online AI Master’s Programs
We ranked the best online master's degrees in artificial intelligence in the U.S. based on numerous factors, including the relevance of the curriculum, university reputation, student outcomes, program features, flexibility, cost, and value.
Here are our picks for the best online AI master’s programs in 2027:
1. University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin's M.S. in Artificial Intelligence gives students exceptional flexibility to shape their AI degree. Ethics in AI is the only required course, and students are encouraged to start with foundational classes in deep learning, machine learning, reinforcement learning, and planning, search, and reasoning under uncertainty. From there, students customize the degree with marketable electives like Advances in Deep Learning, Advances in Deep Generative Models, natural language processing (NLP), and AI in healthcare.
Courses are paced by UT Austin faculty with weekly releases, but the lectures are on demand, so you can learn on your schedule. Beyond its flexible, cutting-edge curriculum, UT Austin's online AI master's was the second most affordable program to make this year's ranking at $10,000, right behind Georgia Tech. UT Austin also offers a graduate certificate in AI and Machine Learning for $5,000; this is a great low-cost path to an AI credential from a top-ranked school.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost:
- AI Master's: $10,000 + fees (10 courses at $1,000 per course)
- AI and ML Grad Certificate: $5,000 (4 courses at $1,250 per course)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech’s OMSCS gives students a full computer science master’s with a well-designed Artificial Intelligence specialization. The specialization includes advanced coursework in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and knowledge-based AI. Online students can also choose from electives in game AI, health informatics, human-computer interaction, educational technology, and AI ethics.
Because the rest of the degree can be designed from Georgia Tech’s broader OMSCS catalog, students can combine AI with systems, software engineering, cybersecurity, and other in-demand areas of IT and computing.
Georgia Tech also announced a dedicated online M.S. in Artificial Intelligence for 2027. We’ll review that program once complete curriculum and pricing details are available.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $9,465 (30 credits at $227 each + $531 per-semester online learning fee for five semesters)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
3. University of Michigan-Dearborn
UM-Dearborn’s highly structured M.S. in Artificial Intelligence begins with a 12-credit foundation before students choose one of four concentrations: Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Knowledge Management and Reasoning, or Intelligent Interaction. Depending on the chosen concentration, students can round out the degree with marketable coursework in areas like information security, robot vision, data mining, and more.
Students can finish the degree through coursework, a master’s project, or a thesis. The project and thesis option gives students a level of research flexibility that’s hard to find in online AI master’s programs.
- Format: Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid
- Tuition Cost:
- MI residents: $36,180 (30 credits at $1,206 per credit)
- Non-residents (fully online): $45,240 (30 credits at $1,508 per credit)
- Non-residents (campus/hybrid): $60,510 (30 credits at $2,017 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4. Johns Hopkins University
Developed with expertise from the renowned Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, JHU's online M.S. in Artificial Intelligence is the #2 online AI master's program in U.S. News & World Report's rankings. Students get a deep-dive AI education, starting with core courses in creating AI-enabled systems, AI algorithm design and analysis, applied ML, and generative AI. From there, JHU offers fascinating electives in areas like agentic AI, building LLMs from scratch, mechanistic interpretability, reinforcement learning, deep learning for computer vision, robotics, and UAV systems and controls.
Most courses are asynchronous, but students can also select live, synchronous classes each term. Optional focus areas in Deep Learning, LLMs, Robotics, Assured Autonomy, and Decision and Leadership let you tailor the degree. There's no GRE requirement or application fee.
JHU also offers a four-course AI graduate certificate designed for those who already have a master's degree. If you decide to pursue the full AI master's later on, certificate courses can count toward it, as long as you declare your intent before completing the certificate.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost:
- AI Master’s: $56,200 (10 courses at $5,620 per course)
- AI Grad Certificate: $22,480 (4 courses at $5,620 per course)
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
5. University of San Diego
USD's M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence features one of the most current curricula in this year's ranking. Core training covers agentic AI systems, neural networks and deep learning, NLP and generative AI, computer vision, LLM engineering, and machine learning operations (MLOps). Applied AI ethics is built into the program, and students cap off the degree with a capstone project that applies their skills to a real-world AI problem.
Rather than leaving students to piece together a contemporary AI skillset through electives, USD's structured program delivers a modern applied AI stack from start to finish. The asynchronous online format lets you focus on one seven-week course at a time and finish in about 20 months.
- Format: Online or On-Campus
- Tuition Cost: $29,850 (30 units at $995 per unit)
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
6. Penn State World Campus
Penn State's Master of Artificial Intelligence now offers two tracks. Its AI Engineering Option is the pick for students who want to build and deploy intelligent systems. This programming-intensive option features coursework in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, reinforcement learning, and computer vision, culminating in a comprehensive capstone.
We especially like Penn State's stackable credentials. Graduate certificates in Foundations of AI, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision are embedded in the degree, so you can bolster your resume with AI credentials before you even graduate.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $31,440 (30 credits at $1,048 per credit)
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
7. University of Colorado Boulder
CU Boulder's M.S. in Artificial Intelligence combines a highly technical curriculum with one of the lowest price tags in this year's ranking. Students build advanced skills in neural networks, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and generative AI. They also learn to deliver production-ready AI and machine learning projects, from model building through scalable deployment.
CU Boulder's performance-based admissions process is refreshing. There's no traditional application or bachelor's degree requirement. Instead, you earn admission by scoring a B or better in each of three pathway courses, and those courses count toward your degree. At $15,750 with pay-as-you-go tuition, it's the third most affordable program in our 2027 ranking.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $15,750 (30 credits at $525 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. Purdue University
Purdue's M.S. in Artificial Intelligence offers a technical AI and Machine Learning major built for students with a background in programming, computer science, and mathematics. After a core in AI fundamentals, AI policy and ethics, and the societal impacts of AI, students delve into technical courses like Artificial Intelligence and Adversarial Techniques in AI. Nine elective credits round out the degree.
Purdue partners with real organizations on its capstone projects, and an optional concentration in AI Technology Policy and Governance adds even more customization. Not ready for a full master's? Purdue's nine-credit Foundations of AI graduate certificate is a great way to earn a respected AI credential for about $8,550.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $28,500 (30 credits at $950 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. Columbia University
Columbia Engineering's brand-new Online M.S. in Artificial Intelligence features a core curriculum in AI, machine learning, NLP, and ethical and responsible AI. Students then choose from three industry-relevant concentrations: AI in Finance and Operations, AI Infrastructure, or AI and Advanced Computing. Students can also take an optional two-semester capstone that pairs them with a faculty mentor to tackle a real challenge for an industry partner.
It’s too soon for graduate outcomes data, but online students get personalized career coaching and access to Columbia Engineering's network, including its strong ties to AI-heavy New York industries like fintech, healthcare, and media. Columbia brings Ivy League credentials and a selective learning experience, but at $81,000, it's also the most expensive AI master's degree in this year's ranking.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $81,000 (30 credits at $2,700 per credit)
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
10. University of Oklahoma
Rounding out the best online AI master's programs for 2027, the University of Oklahoma's M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence features core training in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and AI ethics, plus forward-looking courses in agentic systems. Students can customize the degree with electives in computer vision, cybersecurity, cloud computing, DevOps, and advanced databases. If your goal is to deploy AI in the workplace, OU's production-focused curriculum is hard to beat.
OU's program culminates in a master's practicum where students team up to solve current AI challenges. The asynchronous online format offers three start terms per year and accepts up to 12 transfer credits.
- Format: Online
- Tuition Cost: $30,450 (30 credits at $1,015 per credit)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
How much does an online AI master’s program cost?
Program tuition in our 2027 online AI master’s ranking ranges from just under $10,000 to $80,000+. Three top-ranked AI master's programs cost less than $20,000, including Geaorgia Tech, UT Austin, and CU Boulder. Some employers also provide tuition assistance for job-related graduate education. Before enrolling, compare the full program cost, available aid, and any tuition reimbursement offered by your employer.
What are the admission requirements for an AI master's degree?
Most online AI master’s programs in the U.S. require an accredited bachelor’s degree in AI, computer science, or other STEM majors like software engineering, math, or data science. CU Boulder is a notable exception: its performance-based admissions don't require a bachelor's degree. Students with bachelor’s degrees in non-related subjects are usually accepted on a case-by-case basis. Some artificial intelligence master’s programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA (usually 3.0+). The GRE is generally not needed for an AI master's admission.
Non-coders who want to lead AI initiatives rather than build models may prefer a business-focused program; AIDegreePrograms.org ranks the best online AI master's for business.
What’s the cheapest online master's in artificial intelligence?
At $9,465, Georgia Tech's OMSCS with the AI Specialization is the most affordable program in our 2027 ranking. If you want a master’s degree with "artificial intelligence" in the title, UT Austin's M.S. in AI is the cheapest option at $10,000. CU Boulder is another strong value play at $15,750. For additional budget-friendly options, AIDegreePrograms.org lists the most affordable online AI master's degrees.
What’s the best online master's in machine learning?
Per our ranking, UT Austin has the best online master’s for students interested in machine learning. Its M.S. in Artificial Intelligence combines advanced coursework in machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and related AI topics with strong academics and a low tuition of $10,000. Georgia Tech and UM-Dearborn are also solid choices for students who want to specialize in ML.
