West Virginia University Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

West Virginia University's online AI master's is one of the lower-priced options on our list at $805 per credit hour, or $24,150 for 30 credits before fees. Cost is its strongest point. It's a good fit if you already have a computer science or related degree and want a public-university price.

The Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is 10 courses and 30 credits from the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University. WVU is a public land-grant research university in Morgantown, and the program is delivered fully online.

Courses run 8 weeks, and you can start in Fall, Spring or Summer. That's three start dates a year, so you don't have to wait long to begin once you're admitted.

You choose between two concentrations, Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems. WVU says you can finish in one to three years, which leaves the pace largely up to you and your schedule.

Tuition is $805 per credit hour. Multiply that by 30 credits and you get $24,150 before fees. WVU reviews its rates annually, so the figure can change between the time you read this and the time you enroll.

Fees aren't included in that total. Ask for a complete cost sheet that includes technology and other fees, along with any difference between resident and non-resident students.

Because you pay per credit, spreading the degree over up to three years lets you budget one term at a time. Just remember that a longer timeline can mean you pay a revised rate partway through.

30 credits at $805 a credit comes to $24,150 in tuition, before fees.

Who It Fits

• You hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity or a closely related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. That's the admissions profile WVU describes.
• You're changing fields and have a year of AI or machine learning experience. WVU says applicants from other fields may be considered provisionally.
• You want to set your own pace. Finishing in one year and stretching to three are both on the table.
• You're comparing prices and want a public university at $805 per credit hour.

Who Should Skip It

• You have no technical degree and no AI or machine learning experience. The admissions bar is built around a technical background, so you'd likely need preparation first.
• You want every class to be live. The program is mostly asynchronous, with synchronous office hours for help.
• You need a fixed, guaranteed total price. WVU reviews rates annually, so the number can move.

The degree is 10 courses and 30 credits, with two concentrations: Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems. Machine Learning is the natural pick if you want to build and tune models. Intelligent Systems is the other direction, and you'll want to see how the two differ before you apply.

Ask WVU for the current plan of study for your concentration, including which courses are required and which are electives, and whether a capstone, thesis or internship is part of it.

Standout Features

• Applications across healthcare, energy and cybersecurity domains
• Complete in one to three years with live synchronous office hours
• Customizable curriculum with tracks in machine learning or intelligent systems
• No GMAT or GRE required

WVU describes the program as online and asynchronous, with synchronous office hours. In practice, that means you do most of your coursework on your own schedule and join live sessions when you want help from an instructor.

Each course runs 8 weeks, which is a quicker rhythm than a full semester. It keeps you moving, but it also means a heavy week at work can put you behind fast. Ask how many hours per week a typical course takes, and whether you can pause between terms.

Starts come three times a year, in Fall, Spring and Summer.

You earn a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from West Virginia University. The credential's value is the university's name and the engineering college behind the program.

The university's graduation rate is 65 percent. That describes WVU overall, not this program, so ask the school how many master's students finish.

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

The full rubric is on the methodology page.

• Admissions are aimed at technical backgrounds, so non-technical applicants face a provisional path.
• Rates are reviewed each year, so the $24,150 figure isn't locked.
• Fees are extra.

• What does provisional admission require, and what counts as a year of AI or machine learning experience?
• How do Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems differ in required courses?
• What fees come on top of the $805 per credit hour?
• How many hours a week should I plan for an 8-week course?
• Is there a capstone, project or thesis, and is it required?
• How often do rates change, and would a three-year timeline expose me to an increase?

Public land-grant research university. The online AI master's is offered by the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

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