Khoury College of Computer Sciences

Artificial Intelligence

Master's: Boston
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The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) provides a comprehensive framework of theory and practice in this emerging field, and delivers the foundational knowledge needed to explore key contextual areas and complex technical applications of AI systems.

Boston
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
2-2.5 years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
Overview

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) provides a comprehensive framework of theory and practice in the emerging field of AI. The program delivers the foundational knowledge needed to explore both key contextual areas and complex technical applications of AI systems.

The curriculum incorporates elements of data science, robotics, and machine learning—enabling you to pursue a holistic and interdisciplinary course of study while preparing for a position in AI research, operations, software, or hardware development, or a doctoral degree in a sector poised for explosive growth.

A recent survey of IT executives found that while only 4% of organizations have begun to invest and deploy AI initiatives, 46% have plans to do so in the near future. The same survey identifies two challenges in the adoption of artificial intelligence: the availability of skilled and experienced staff, and the lack of IT and business understanding of AI’s potential. All of which means investing in a graduate education in AI today will pay big dividends tomorrow.

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at Khoury College prepares professionals for leadership roles in this emerging area of the technological landscape, educating students in the creation and administration of AI systems that can reason and respond to complex realities—systems that will revolutionize the 21st century workplace through seamless integration of human and AI capabilities.

More Details

Unique Features

  • Interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates elements of data science, robotics, and machine learning
  • Choice of two electives drawn from one of five specializations: vision, intelligent interaction, robotics and agent-based systems, machine learning, or knowledge management and reasoning
  • Incorporates coursework in ethical concerns in developing responsible AI technologies

Learning Outcomes

Graduate students who complete the MSAI degree will be able to:

  • Understand representations, algorithms, and techniques used across works in artificial intelligence, and be able to apply and evaluate them in applications as well as develop their own
  • Understand the basic processes that an agent must perform—from perceiving its environment to making decisions on how to act and performing those actions—as well as be able to develop and evaluate technology that can be used to perform these processes
  • Understand and apply machine learning techniques, in particular to draw inferences from data and help automate the development of AI systems and components
  • Understand the various ways and reasons humans are integrated into mixed human-AI environments, whether it is to improve overall integrated system performance, improve AI performance, or influence human performance and learning
  • Understand the ethical concerns in developing responsible AI technologies
  • Model human behavior, develop human-AI systems, and evaluate their performance
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the use of AI algorithms and processes in one of the specialization areas: robotics and agent-based systems, vision, intelligent interaction, machine learning, and knowledge representation and reasoning

Career Outlook

Students who successfully complete this program are ready for a wide range of career opportunities, including:

  • AI data scientist
  • Applied machine learning researcher
  • Artificial intelligence engineer
  • Applied artificial intelligence researcher
  • Robotics engineer

More than 40% of organizations plan to deploy AI solutions by the end of 2020 and plan to double the number of AI projects in place within the next year, according to the Gartner 2020 CIO Agenda Survey. Indeed.com data also revealed that AI job postings rose 29.1% in 2019.

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-50 university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$53.3K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Online application and fee
  • PDF or scanned copies of unofficial undergraduate transcripts; you can submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended at the time of admission
  • Statement of purpose, including description of relevant work experience 
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references who know your academic record and/or potential for graduate study
  • Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS examination scores
  • 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • 8.0 on a 10.0 scale
  • 80 on a 100 scale
  • GRE is optional
  • Duolingo language test also accepted

Successful applicants to the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program will have a background in STEM fields, with prior exposure to programming and statistics or linear algebra. Strong candidates from the social sciences—such as economics or psychology—with prior exposure to programming, statistics, and linear algebra will also be considered.

Admission criteria for the MSAI program are:

  • Undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.000
  • GRE - 147V/152Q/3.5AW
  • TOEFL — 100 or IELTS — 7.5 (for international applicants with a bachelor's degree from a non-native English-speaking country)

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners.

Admissions Dates

Applicants must submit the online application and all required admission materials no later than the stated deadlines to be considered for admission. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Spring 2024
Fall 2023
International Students: October 15
Domestic students: December 1
International Students: April 15
Domestic students: August 1
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Co-op makes the Northeastern graduate education richer and more meaningful. It provides master’s students with up to 12 months of professional experience that helps them develop the knowledge, awareness, perspective, and confidence to develop rich careers. In addition to the esteemed faculty, many students enroll in the master’s programs largely because of the successful co-op program.

Graduate students typically have an experiential work opportunity following their second semester. This could be a six- to eight-month co-op or a three- to four-month summer internship. Those who initially experience co-op may have the opportunity to seek an internship for the following summer, or vice versa.

Student participation in experiential education provides enhanced:

  • Learning, technical expertise, and occupational knowledge
  • Confidence, maturity, and self-knowledge
  • Job-seeking and job-success skills
  • Networking opportunities within your desired career path

Northeastern’s co-op program is based on a unique educational strategy that recognizes that classroom learning only provides some of the skills students will need to succeed in their professional lives. Our administration, faculty, and staff are dedicated to the university’s mission to “educate students for a life of fulfillment and accomplishment.” Co-op is closely integrated with our course curriculum and our advising system. The team of graduate co-op faculty within the Khoury College of Computer Sciences provides support for students in preparing for and succeeding in their co-ops.

These multiple connections make co-op at Northeastern an avenue to intellectual and personal growth: adding depth to classroom studies, providing exposure to career paths and opportunities, and developing in students a deeper understanding that leads to success in today’s world.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 14 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 2,900+ employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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