As the field of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly expand, so does the demand for professionals who are not only versed in using AI, but who can also responsibly develop, implement, and manage its evolving technologies while leading and managing the people involved. By earning a master’s degree in an in-demand field such as AI, you can showcase your knowledge of emerging technologies and set yourself apart in the job market.
What Are the Benefits of Earning a Master’s In AI?
A master’s in applied AI can prepare you to leverage AI across industries, drive innovation, and adapt to the evolving demands of the workforce. In 2026, LinkedIn ranked “AI engineer” as the fastest growing job title, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected the employment of data scientists to increase 33.5 percent between 2024 and 2034. A master’s in applied AI can prepare you for other in-demand job titles including machine learning engineer, applied AI engineer, AI developer, AI consultant, AI product specialist, AI engineer, and data scientist. With a Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence from University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), you can expand your career potential and leverage this career demand.
“AI is changing how we work across many industries. A master’s in AI helps students understand how these technologies work and how to use them to solve real problems,” says Rony Thakur, portfolio director and associate professor of AI at UMGC. “It can also help working professionals develop in-demand skills, advance in their current role and prepare for AI related careers.”
In the program, students can build their expertise in machine learning, AI governance, risk and compliance, as well as ethical and responsible AI, and other emerging technologies through industry-focused learning that they can immediately apply in their career. The program also covers emerging topics such as generative AI, foundation models, multimodal learning, AI ethics and governance, autonomous systems, edge AI (deployment of AI on local devices), and advancements in natural language processing and computer vision.
What Do You Learn in the Master’s in AI Program?
The master’s in applied AI at UMGC is offered entirely online, giving you the flexibility and accessibility to earn your degree from anywhere. The program is designed for working professionals who want to develop practical artificial intelligence skills that they can immediately apply in today's workforce. You do not need any specific technical background to enroll in the online master’s degree in applied artificial intelligence program at UMGC, but if you completed the bachelor’s in artificial intelligence, you can also earn your master’s faster and with less coursework through UMGC’s accelerated pathway.
Students can choose from a variety of elective courses in the fields that they are most interested in, or they can choose a specialization of AI and Cybersecurity. In Fall 2027, students will also be able to choose a specialization in AI Engineering.
“The AI and Cybersecurity specialization focuses on cyber operations, adversarial AI, AI security, and cloud automation,” says Thakur. “The AI Engineering track will focus on generative AI, large language models, prompt engineering, machine learning, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and AI project management.”
Designed for working professionals seeking practical AI skills and career advancement, this UMGC program gives students hands-on, project-based learning with no thesis and requires only 30 credits for graduation. The program is offered in asynchronous eight-week sessions, allowing students the flexibility to choose a pace that works with their professional and personal responsibilities. Students will also gain skills in software development and programming, using tools such as Python.
“Students will gain hands-on experience with programming, AI application development, machine learning, and scripting,” says Thakur. “Python is particularly important in AI and is used throughout the field, and the curriculum also includes AI Project Management. The program focuses on selecting and using appropriate tools to build practical AI solutions.”
Why Choose UMGC For Your Master’s Degree?
At UMGC, we’re committed to offering degrees and certificates that are on the cutting edge of today’s most in-demand fields. The master’s in applied AI at UMGC is designed for working professionals who want to apply AI to real-world challenges, and upskill in this new area.
In addition to a master’s in applied AI, students can explore master’s degrees in cloud computing systems, cybersecurity technology, and data analytics. UMGC also offers a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence and a bachelor’s in extended reality design, and students can gain job-ready skills quickly with an undergraduate certificate in artificial intelligence foundations or a graduate certificate in cloud computing and networking, systems engineering, and cyber operations.
To push your career further, UMGC offers lifetime career services that you can access from the day you enroll. You can attend both virtual and in-person career fairs, learn how to tailor your resume, and learn job interview tips. UMGC also offers student support services including tutoring, the effective writing center, and UMGC’s extensive online library.
In today’s AI landscape, employers are looking for professionals with market-ready skills. Transform your career and achieve your goals with a master’s degree in applied AI from an accredited state university, which can help provide you with the skills to succeed.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
/blog-artificial-intelligence-bachelors-degree-umgc-linklist-shutterstock-2577940083.jpg)