Best Online Artificial Intelligence Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)

• Highest Score82.2 out of 100

  Most FlexibleFully Online, asynchronous

  University of Pennsylvania

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

  Pennsylvania · M.S.E.

  University of Pennsylvania's M.S.E. Review
• Lowest Price$1,089 per credit

  Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

  Master of Artificial Intelligence, AI Engineering Option

  Pennsylvania · MAI

  Pennsylvania State University-World Campus's MAI Review

Every program here comes from a school based in Pennsylvania, and all four are master's degrees delivered fully online. Two are private Philadelphia schools, and one is the public online campus of Pennsylvania State University. We found no online AI bachelor's, doctorate or associate degree from a Pennsylvania school that we could verify, so this list is master's only. Certificates are ranked on their own list.

We listed every online AI degree from a school based in Pennsylvania that we could verify on the school's own pages. We then compared each on cost, graduation rate, online flexibility, program depth and track record. Penn State's two options share the same school figures, so the notes explain how they differ. Read the full methodology for how we compare programs.

• School based in Pennsylvania, program delivered online
• In-state rate shown when the school publishes one
• Scored on the same five factors as every list and ranked inside its degree level

Scores are the weighted sum of five factors (Cost 30%, Outcomes 25%, Online Flexibility 20%, Program Depth 10%, Track Record 15%), version 1.0. The methodology page shows the rubric for each factor.

Choosing Between Penn State's Two AI Options

Penn State World Campus offers one Master of Artificial Intelligence with two options, each on its own page. The AI Engineering Option and the Applied and Generative AI Option both need 30 credits at $1,089 per credit for 2026-27, so each totals $32,670.

Because the price is the same, choose by the work you want to do. Engineering fits people who want to build and deploy AI systems. Applied and Generative AI fits people who will manage and use AI tools in an organization.

Both end with a capstone course and a written paper based on an applied project. Penn State also says you can earn up to three related graduate certificates along the way, which is a useful stopping point if life gets busy.

Comparing Cost and Pace Across the Four

Penn's ten courses total $38,590 plus applicable fees, and Penn says tuition and fees may be adjusted yearly. It lists a 16-month fastest full-time schedule and a three-year extended part-time schedule, with asynchronous classes you can take on your own hours.

Drexel is the most expensive at $63,000, but its credits are quarter credits, so 45 of them is not the same as 45 semester credits. Drexel's page says one semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits. Its four ten-week quarters each year mean you can start without waiting long.

Penn State charges $13,062 per semester if you take 12 or more credits, or $1,089 per credit at 11 or fewer.

What to Check Before You Apply in Pennsylvania

Start with your background. Penn asks for an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, information science or a related field. Drexel says a strong computer science background is required, and it names its Graduate Certificate in Computer Science as an entry point.

If you are coming from another field, ask Penn State's admissions office what it expects.

Next, ask each school for a current fee schedule. Penn and Drexel both list tuition apart from fees, so your real total will be higher than the sticker price. Finally, ask about the 2027-28 rate if you plan to start later.