Purdue University-Main Campus Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (Online)

Purdue's online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is a 30-credit, fully online degree at $950 per credit for Indiana residents and non-residents alike, which makes the tuition-only total $28,500. It's a strong pick if you can show programming and math coursework, or at least 24 months of work experience for the management major, and you don't want to take the GRE.

Purdue delivers this degree online and lets you choose between two majors: AI and Machine Learning, or AI Management and Policy. You earn the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence either way, and you finish with a 3-credit capstone, GRAD 58900.

Purdue says you can complete the degree in 1 to 2 years, full time or part time. The school's institution-wide graduation rate is 83%, and Purdue reports awards in the matching fields.

It's the only online AI degree we found at Purdue, so the choice you make is the major, not the program.

The full rubric is on the methodology page.

Purdue's program page lists 30 credits at $950 per credit hour for both Indiana residents and non-residents. That puts tuition at $28,500, and the $28,500 is tuition only.

Because the rate is the same for everyone, you can plan the full cost from day one. Fees, books and any software aren't in that total, so ask for those separately. Purdue also sells a 9-credit graduate certificate in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence at the same $950 per credit hour, with credits that apply to the master's, which lets you start smaller and see whether you like the work.

30 credits at $950 a credit comes to $28,500 in tuition, before fees.

Who It Fits

• You have a technical background and want the AI and Machine Learning major, which focuses on programming, computer science, and mathematics.
• You manage people or projects and have at least 24 months of work experience. The AI Management and Policy major focuses on leadership, management, ethics, and policy.
• You want one flat rate. Purdue charges $950 per credit hour to Indiana residents and non-residents, so living out of state doesn't raise your price.
• You'd rather skip the GRE. Purdue says the GRE or GMAT exam is not required for admission.

Who Should Skip It

• You're changing careers and don't have programming or math coursework. The AI and Machine Learning major asks for programming experience plus algorithms, calculus, linear algebra and probability.
• You want the cheapest route into AI. At $28,500 in tuition, this degree is moderately priced, and cheaper programs exist.

The two majors split the degree. AI and Machine Learning leans toward programming, computer science and mathematics. AI Management and Policy leans toward leadership, management, ethics and policy. Pick based on the job you want, because the two majors prepare you for different kinds of work.

Everyone completes the capstone, GRAD 58900, which is worth 3 credits. Ask Purdue for the course map for your major before you apply, and ask how much of the 30 credits is shared between the majors.

Standout Features

• Choice of a technical AI and machine learning major or an AI management and policy major
• Graduate certificate in AI stacks into the master's
• Real-world projects with peers and professors on practical AI challenges

The degree is delivered through an online and flexible modality, and Purdue lists no campus residency. You can study full time or part time, which is how Purdue arrives at its 1 to 2 year range.

If you're working full time, ask whether courses meet at set times, and whether the capstone requires coordination with a team or an advisor.

You earn a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from Purdue University.

The admissions rules are the clearest credential check. Purdue wants a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent. The GRE or GMAT exam is not required.

Where this degree can lead: Data Scientist Jobs, Jobs You Can Get With an AI Degree.

• Admission to the AI and Machine Learning major expects prior coursework, so a career changer may need prerequisites first.
• The $28,500 figure covers tuition only. Fees and materials come on top.
• Fees, books and software come on top, so ask for a full cost sheet.

• Does my prior coursework satisfy the algorithms, calculus, linear algebra and probability expectation for the AI and Machine Learning major?
• How does Purdue count the 24 months of work experience for the AI Management and Policy major?
• What fees and materials come on top of the $28,500 in tuition?
• How are the GRAD 58900 capstone projects chosen and supervised?
• Do the 9 credits from the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence certificate count toward this master's, and can I start there?
• Can I switch majors after I'm admitted?

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• Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (Online)

  Graduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate

  Fully Online $950 per credit Score 68.7

• Graduate Certificate in Foundations in AI for Technical Professionals (Online)

  Graduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate

  Fully Online $950 per credit Score 66.0

• University of Pennsylvania

  Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (MSE-AI Online)

  Pennsylvania Score 82.2

• University of San Diego

  Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (Online)

  California $995 per credit Score 78.1

• Capitol Technology University

  Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Artificial Intelligence

  Maryland $665 per credit Score 76.1

• Columbia University in the City of New York

  Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

  New York $2,700 per credit Score 76.0