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This completely online degree is offered by the Purdue University West Lafayette campus. Students enrolled in this program will utilize main campus resources, such as the Division of Financial Aid, Veteran and Military Success Center, and more. Students graduating from this program will be considered alumni from the Purdue West Lafayette campus. This degree program is interdisciplinary in nature, meaning that courses, faculty, networking opportunities, and staff support may come from a variety of offices across the Purdue West Lafayette system. The MS in AI program resides in the office of Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies and Special Programs.  

 Students interested in other online programs that may be offered through other campuses, such as Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University Northwest, or Purdue University Global should visit those specific campus resources. More information about our systemwide campus locations can be found at this webpage.  

The MS in AI program offers two majors with distinct academic focuses. Both majors share the core foundational courses and a capstone project.  The academic focus is found in the selective and elective courses that students take from courses across disciplines within the Purdue University West Lafayette system. 

The Machine Learning major focuses on the creation and advancement of AI technologies, with coursework in data mining, deep learning, and data engineering. 

The Management and Policy major centers on responsible AI, managing technology teams, and implementing AI in diverse settings. Coursework includes data literacy, ethical communication, and change management. 

Students interested in both majors can select both majors as program of interest on their application, as the application fee has been waived. If unsure about which major to choose, prospective students are encouraged to consult with Enrollment Counselors.

The courses are offered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework when it works for their schedule. Students have 24/7 access to Purdue’s learning platform, Brightspace, where they can view materials, lectures, tests, and assignments at any time, though all work must be completed by set due dates. While lectures are not time-restricted, regular engagement with course content is required to stay on track. Students will progress through course sections together, collaborating with peers and instructors. 

Students are graded based on their performance in class. The courses we offer online will have various methods for grading depending on the specific requirements for a given class. Students can expect to experience any combination of homework, graded exam, final project, group work or graded reports. Learn more about the Purdue Grading Scale.    

The MS AI program is designed to accommodate students’ varying schedules, with most students balancing full-time work while pursuing their degree. Typically, students enroll in 2-3 courses per semester and  plan to finish the program in about two years, though they have up to five years to complete it. Courses range from 4 to 16 weeks and offer varying credit hours. Students can customize their schedule each semester.  The MSAI Student Success Team of academic advisors and success coaches provide support to help balance work, life, and academic goals. 

The MS AI program costs $933.33 per credit hour, regardless of residency, with a total of 30 credits required for the degree, making the estimated tuition around $28,000*. The Foundations in AI Graduate Certificate, requiring 9 credits, costs approximately $8,400*. Students should visit the Purdue West Lafayette Bursar Office for detailed tuition and payment information. 

Students applying for the master’s degree, financial aid options include Stafford and Grad PLUS loans, provided you meet the citizenship requirements and complete the FAFSA. Additional payment options are available through the Division of Financial Aid. 

*The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs. Tuition costs are subject to increase based on approval by the Purdue University Trustees.   

A limited number of graduate-level credit hours may be eligible for transfer if they align with the current curriculum, were not used for another awarded degree, and received a grade of B or better. Transfer requests are reviewed on a semester basis by the department. To request a transfer, students must submit an official transcript, the course name/number, and the course description for evaluation. 

Please visit the Office of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Scholars for what is needed on an application for AI Machine Learning, AI Management and Policy, or the Foundations of AI Graduate Certificate.                

We do not require GRE/GMAT test scores, personal history statement, or statement of purpose. The Admission Committee reviews all submitted materials to reach an admissions decision. If you feel that additional context is needed to strengthen your application, you may choose to submit these optional additional materials for review.   

The Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning major is built for professionals that are familiar with programming, computer science, and mathematics.  Our admissions criteria does require programming knowledge, as well as prior coursework in calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory.  

 However, the admissions review committee does take a holistic review of all application materials. If you feel that your professional and lived experience have prepared you for the Machine Learning program, you may be considered for admission. Please schedule an appointment with our Enrollment Counselors to talk about your specific situation.  

Yes, students who are admitted into the Foundations of AI Graduate Certificate can use the completed coursework towards satisfying the degree requirements in their admitted MS in AI degree. They are two separate programs that require their own application.   

 We encourage you to talk with your Enrollment Counselor if the option appeals to you prior to your application.  If you are an admitted student, connect with your Academic Advisor before enrolling in coursework to effectively plan for this path.  

The Student Success Coach for your program will have opportunities to connect with other online students throughout the program. This may look like affinity, location-based, or professional groups. Events may be recorded or live, allowing the opportunity for students across the program to contribute, regardless of residency.  

  
Our faculty offering coursework within the program are a part of the Purdue University West Lafayette campus and operate their coursework in similar fashions to the residential equivalents. The faculty host frequent office hours, provide feedback throughout each course, and are available for individual meetings should the situation arise.