View a complete list of program courses, program-specific and degree-level requirements, technology requirements, and more.
This program requires a total of 30 credits. You’ll take 9 credits of core courses, 18 elective credits, and a 3-credit capstone.
Throughout this program, you will have no-cost access to open source and proprietary data science software and AI Model instances and licenses per industry agreements.
Take six 3-credit elective courses (outlined under Select Applied AI Elective Courses) for a total of 18 credits.
Select the capstone course that is reflective of your chosen elective area:
This program requires a total of 18 elective credits. To fulfill this requirement, you may choose an elective subject area. Take six courses from one of the specific areas listed below.
Take the six courses from the following selection or take five courses and the Workplace Learning experience.
We plan to offer a selection of courses in AI Engineering starting in Fall 2027. Please keep an eye on this area if this subject interests you and plan your degree progress accordingly.
For some of the upper-level cybersecurity and IT courses in this program, you will need equipment that meets the following specifications. Courses in graphics- or computing-intensive disciplines may require a higher processing speed, more RAM, and/or better screen resolution.
Choose one of the following:
If you completed your bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence at UMGC, an accelerated pathway between UMGC's graduate and undergraduate degree programs in that field may allow you to reduce your total coursework for this program.
This information is for students who enroll in the 2026–2027 academic year. As this is the first year this program is offered, there will be no differing UMGC program requirements for previous years. To review information about related educational programs, visit our program catalog archive.
Employers are looking for professionals who have market-relevant skills—and the educational credentials to prove it. This online AI master’s degree program is designed to equip you with important skills in problem solving, machine learning, data analysis, developing AI solutions, ethical AI use, and communication.
UMGC refreshes and updates the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:
This program is designed to equip you with strong theoretical foundations and practical experience using modern AI tools to design, develop, and evaluate real-world AI solutions. The program may prepare you for advanced technical roles and continuous adaptation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
As you work through our career-relevant curriculum, your instructors will assign projects that help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. Potential course projects include:
Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including AI careers, AI models, innovation, and more.
Get answers to questions that current and prospective students are asking about program admission, credibility, and more.
The online Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence is a 30-credit, fully online graduate program designed to equip working professionals with both essential technical AI foundations and specialized application skills. You can choose to specialize in AI & Cybersecurity or AI Engineering (fall 2027), allowing you to build the expertise that is applicable for your career. The program culminates in a subject-specific capstone project demonstrating mastery in applying AI solutions to real-world problems.
At UMGC, we want you to be satisfied with the investment you make in your education, and we work hard to keep our programs affordable. When you choose to pursue your online master’s degree in applied artificial intelligence at UMGC, you can rest assured that the quality of our curriculum is backed by our status as an accredited state university and as a member of the University System of Maryland.
Deciding whether a master’s degree is worth it for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're not sure whether this is the right program for you or need help figuring out how to fit the program into your life, don't hesitate to reach out to us—our advisors and success coaches are happy to help.
UMGC’s online master’s degree in applied artificial intelligence is a 30-credit program offered in asynchronous, eight-week sessions. Taking one course per 8-week session, you may be able to complete the program in 10 sessions (about five terms or 2.5 years). You may also accelerate this process by taking two courses per session when feasible. UMGC’s session-based calendar offers multiple start dates per term.
UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The online master’s degree in applied artificial intelligence follows the standard graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships for eligible students, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.
Throughout this program, you will have no-cost access to open source and proprietary data science software and AI Model instances and licenses per industry agreements, so you will not have to worry about paying extra for software.
You do not need any specific background to enroll in the online master’s degree in applied artificial intelligence program at UMGC. Our standard graduate admission requirements apply.
/blog-umgc-ai-project-management-degree-banner-linklist-shutterstock_1063381052.jpg)
/blog-umgc-time-management-tips-linklist-shutterstock-766847605.jpg)
/blog-artificial-intelligence-bachelors-degree-umgc-linklist-shutterstock-2577940083.jpg)