Become an Innovator in the Tech Industry
Earn your Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Michigan-Flint and build a well-established understanding of AI’s principles and how you can leverage its many possibilities to solve real-world problems.
As a busy graduate student, you need a master’s program that suits your schedule. That’s why we offer our MS in Artificial Intelligence in online and on-campus formats, which maximize flexibility and accommodate your learning needs. In both program options, you can choose from eight rigorous concentration tracks. From machine learning to augmented and virtual reality, our concentrations allow you to challenge yourself, acquire in-demand skills that align with your career goals, and increase your competitive edge.
If you are a current undergraduate student at UM-Flint and want to pursue an elevated graduate education, we encourage you to consider our joint BS/MS in Artificial Intelligence. In this groundbreaking program, you can simultaneously earn undergraduate and graduate credits, counting toward your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
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Why Choose UM-Flint’s Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Program?
Earn Your UM Degree On-Campus or 100% Online
No matter where you are, you can level up your career with the power of a UM master’s degree. Our leading-edge cyber classrooms help you pursue your MS in Artificial Intelligence by choosing between the convenient online format, face-to-face interaction in the classroom, or a combination of both.
UM-Flint’s cyber classrooms utilize various technologies, including an advanced robotic audio-video recording system, digital whiteboards, and document cameras with an intelligent autonomous recording system to capture everything clearly.
Participate in AI and Machine Learning Research and Projects
In our MS in AI program, you embark on a learning journey that emphasizes real-world application along with fundamental theory through team-based projects to build collaborative and problem-solving skills. Likewise, you can partner with our esteemed faculty members to work on real-world technology and research projects. Through your involvement in these exciting research opportunities, you enhance your skill set while driving industry innovation. Explore UM-Flint’s faculty research interests.
Get Up to Speed With Fast-Track Computer Science Courses
At UM-Flint, we work to create accessible STEM-focused graduate programs that meet you where you are. If you have an undergraduate degree in a non-computing field, then you may need to demonstrate proficiency with algorithms, object-oriented programming, and data structures to qualify for admission to a computing-related MS program.
To get you up to speed, we created the following two options to help you qualify for admission to UM-Flint’s College of Innovation and Technology graduate programs:
- CIT offers non-credit certificates in three areas of preparation: Algorithms, Programming, and Data Structures. These certificates are not for academic credit and utilize a guided self-study format. Additionally, they take approximately four weeks per certificate and can be taken simultaneously or one at a time. You must pass the certificate tests with 85% or better and provide proof of successful completion to the Graduate Programs Manager in CIT at [email protected].
- If you seek more traditional, slower-paced instruction, CIT also offers an accelerated “Fast Track” program consisting of five undergraduate courses. The Fast Track program helps you prepare yourself for success in CIT graduate programs. You must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in each Fast Track course and maintain a B (3.0) or better cumulative grade point average in all Fast Track courses.
- Artificial Intelligence students must show proficiency in CSC 175 & 275 (certificates and/or Fast Track courses).
MS in Artificial Intelligence Curriculum
Our master’s degree in AI program offers a cutting-edge curriculum that prioritizes skill-based learning and the opportunity to tailor your graduate education to your academic and career aspirations.
To complete our AI master’s program, you must earn a minimum of 32 credit hours, which consist of the following:
- 12 credits of core courses
- 12 credits of concentration of choice
- 8 credits of electives or thesis
Our AI program curriculum accelerates your overall growth in problem-solving, technical support and training, and software and hardware management. The core classes strengthen your advanced knowledge in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and software engineering, forming the foundation of your graduate coursework.
Then, you can select one of our eight highly focused concentrations and dive into your specialization. From studying robotics and human-centered design to becoming an expert in AI and cybersecurity, our concentration tracks ensure you acquire valuable technical skills and find your niche in the growing AI field.
Concentration Options
Artificial intelligence is an expansive and competitive discipline. To give you a customizable graduate education that elevates your competitive edge, our AI master’s program offers the following concentrations:
- Machine Learning: In this concentration, you study the foundations of machine learning, including natural language processing, deep learning, statistical analysis, reinforcement learning, explainable AI, and more.
- Embedded Artificial Intelligence: This concentration empowers you with the required skills to create software systems running in embedded devices, such as ECUs in the car. You gain in-depth knowledge about designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining embedded software within constrained resources, including limited memory, CPU, and energy.
- Edge AI and Internet of Things (IoT): Through this concentration option, you acquire the necessary skills related to processing large volumes of IoT data (MLOps, Analytics). You also learn how to integrate cloud-based intelligence at scale (Cognitive Services, IoT Hub) and deploy more AI-enabled IoT devices (IoT Edge) with different applications for automotive, manufacturing, and beyond.
- Robotics and Human-Centered Design AI: This concentration track equips you with deep knowledge related to designing AI systems that interact with humans (AI-Robot interactions), human interaction (UX design and beyond), and the foundations of designing and building robots.
- Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: In this concentration, you examine important topics related to technical robotic and automation expertise, virtualization, advanced vision (cameras), collaborative robotics simulation, and augmented reality applications.
- Augmented and Virtual Reality: During this concentration track, you develop the needed skills to design and develop games and AR/VR systems along with different applications in manufacturing, automotive, etc.
- AI and Software Engineering: This concentration covers skills and topics related to designing, implementing, and testing AI software systems, including AIOps, continuous integration, front-end development and visualization, and beyond.
- AI and Cybersecurity: Learn to build and enhance secure software applications, including evaluating the organization’s security needs and establishing best practices and standards accordingly. You also become skillful in designing, implementing, maintaining, overseeing, and upgrading all security measures needed to protect organizations’ data, systems, and networks. Lastly, you learn how to respond to all security breaches in the network and associated systems and troubleshoot all network and security issues and incidents.
Thesis or Non-thesis Track
Whichever concentration you select, you also must choose between the thesis track or non-thesis track to complete the degree requirements.
In the thesis track, you enroll in eight credits of thesis research courses. Additionally, you must select a faculty member who serves as your advisor, write a research paper, and conduct an oral defense of your thesis before a faculty panel.
In the non-thesis track, you must complete eight additional credits in graduate-level artificial intelligence electives.
Program Information Request
At UM-Flint, we provide dedicated staff that work with you as you choose a program to meet your career goals. For any questions about starting your MS in Artificial Intelligence, contact CIT Graduate Programs at [email protected].
Career Outlook for Artificial Intelligence
As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent, there is a growing demand for skilled workers who can implement their AI expertise to drive innovation efficiently and ethically.
UM-Flint’s Artificial Intelligence master’s degree program gives you a competitive advantage to pursue leadership positions in the tech industry by strengthening your computing expertise and specializing your skill set.
Through rigorous study, you are empowered to enter and excel in career roles, including:
- AI Engineer
- AR/VR Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
According to the current statistics, employment in this industry is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, exceeding the average growth rate in the United States. Additionally, the national median annual wage for AI engineers is $180,815, promising a reliable earning potential to support your future.
Likewise, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a favorable employment outlook for AI-related career roles, such as data scientists, software developers, or computer and information research scientists. The BLS anticipates employment in these AI-related careers will grow by 35%, 26%, and 23%, respectively.
Similar to Salary.com’s report, careers in Artificial Intelligence also offer above-average salary opportunities. For instance, the median annual salary for data scientists is $108,020. Software developers can expect an average income of $132,270, and computer and information research scientists make a median income of $145,080. With your advanced education and in-demand technical skill set, you are positioned to excel in today’s thriving workforce.
Admission Requirements (No GRE Required)
Interested applicants to the Master of Science (MS) in Artificial Intelligence program must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor of Science from a regionally accredited institution.
- Preference is given to students with a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). Applicants who lack eligibility requirements in coursework (Algorithms, Programming, and Data Structure) will be required to complete courses from the prerequisite list by taking the online non-credit certificates option or the Fast-Track option.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may be offered admission. In such cases, admission depends heavily on other indices of the student’s ability to handle graduate-level work. These might include a strong performance GPA in the major and/or other experiences that are clearly indicative of academic ability.
- Applicants with a three-year bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of the US may be eligible for admission at the University of Michigan-Flint if it is determined through the credential review process that the three-year degree completed is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree.
- The University of Michigan will consider a three-year degree from India equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree if the degrees have been earned with a minimum of 60% marks and the awarding institutions have been accredited by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a grade of “A” or better.
State Authorization for Online Students
In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the need for universities and colleges to comply with the distance education laws of each state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in this program, please visit the State Authorization page to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.
How to Apply to the AI Master’s Program
At UM-Flint, we aim to streamline our application process, saving you time and money. When applying, please submit the materials listed below:
- Online application for graduate admission.
- $55 application fee (non-refundable).
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please read our full transcript policy for more information.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly and/or professional ability (At least one recommendation must be from an academic reference). This requirement is waived for all University of Michigan Alumni.
- Statement of Purpose describing your objectives for graduate study and reasons for selecting this program
- For any degree completed at a non-US institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read the following for instructions on how to submit your transcripts for review.
- If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency.
Please email all additional application materials to [email protected] or deliver them to the Office of Graduate Programs at 251 Thompson Library.
This program can be completed 100% online or on-campus with in-person courses. Students living abroad may also complete this program online in their home country. Other nonimmigrant visa holders currently in the United States please contact the Center for Global Engagement at [email protected].
As a new academic degree, this program is not currently accepting applications from international students seeking an F-1 visa. This program will accept applications from international students who are required to have an I-20 as soon as authorization from the Department of Homeland Security is received.
Special Requirement for Citizens of India
Applicants who attended an institution in India where the language of instruction was exclusively English cannot use that method exclusively to meet the English proficiency requirements. Applicants who attended a verified English-medium institution must also submit an approved test score or use one of the other approved methods. Those with a 5.0 IELTS score will be eligible for standard admission and will have no further English proficiency requirement; those below a 5.0 IELTS score will not be admitted.
*If you are a US citizen or permanent resident and wish to waive this requirement, you may make your case to the program director. The director, in turn, must make the case to the Dean of Graduate Programs. You must provide sufficient evidence that you have the requisite English proficiency.
**The university reserves the right to require an applicant to provide other evidence of English proficiency if independent sources cannot verify that the language of instruction was exclusively English.
Application Deadlines
Prospective students interested in the AI graduate program must submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs by 5 p.m. on the day of the application deadline.
This program offers rolling admission during the fall, winter, and summer semesters. To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:
- Fall – May 1 (guaranteed consideration*)
- Fall – Aug. 1 (if space permits)
- Winter – Dec. 1
- Summer – April 1
*You must have a complete application by the early deadline to guarantee application eligibility for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.
Estimated Tuition and Cost
The University of Michigan-Flint strives to make quality education accessible and affordable so you can achieve your highest potential. As a UM graduate student, you receive competitive tuition rates and financial aid resources to help you afford your AI master’s degree.
Learn more about UM-Flint’s tuition and financial aid.
Envision New Possibilities with a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree
With a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Michigan-Flint, you lead groundbreaking research and make revolutionary advances in the tech industry. Gain in-demand skills and specialize your technical expertise so you can enact meaningful change in the world around you.
Take the next step toward a rewarding career, and begin your UM-Flint application today! Or, if you have questions about our graduate programs, we encourage you to request more information.