Skip to main content
School of Engineering Homepage
Graduate Programs

MS Artificial Intelligence

 

Lead the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and innovate. Companies across industries are searching for AI professionals who can build cutting-edge technologies while considering their ethical and social impact.

Santa Clara University’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MS AI) program prepares you to be a leader in this rapidly evolving field. With a strong foundation in both technical expertise and ethical responsibility, our program offers hands-on experience, industry connections, and a curriculum designed to set you apart in the job market.

Artificial Intelligence Screen

Discover MS AI

 

Student analyzing on a computer with visual overlay

Degree Types Master of Science
Available Modalities In-Person
Cost Per Unit $1,254/Unit (2025–2026 academic year)
Admission Requirements View Requirements Here
Starting Quarters Fall, Winter, or Spring
Best Contact Email GradEngineerAdmissions@scu.edu
Application Logistics Apply Now
Fall Application Deadline:
July 1, 2025

Choose Your Track

Our program offers two unique tracks that will help you dive deeper into the world of AI based on your area of interest.

Navigate here to
Computer Science & Engineering (CSEN)
Computer Science & Engineering (CSEN)
Focuses on software, algorithms, and machine learning. Ideal for those with a background in computer science or software engineering.
Navigate here to
Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECEN)
Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECEN)
Focuses on AI’s hardware aspects, including robotics, embedded systems, and edge computing. Ideal for students with experience in electrical or computer engineering.
Two Column

Real-World Experience with Industry Partners

The AI Innovation Hub is one of the program’s most valuable features, connecting students with industry mentors and expert faculty to collaborate on real AI projects. Whether through hands-on coursework, research opportunities, industry collaboration, or the program's AI practicum, you’ll graduate with practical experience that makes an immediate impact.

A Commitment to Responsible AI

At SCU, we believe that technological advancement should go hand in hand with ethical responsibility. Our program integrates ethical considerations into every aspect of the curriculum, ensuring graduates are equipped to develop AI solutions that are fair, unbiased, and socially responsible.

cropped2
Pull quote illustration

"The MS AI program at Santa Clara University empowers students to tackle real-world AI challenges with confidence. Our curriculum blends cutting-edge technology with critical ethical considerations, preparing graduates to build AI solutions that make a positive impact. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the program offers unmatched opportunities for industry collaboration, hands-on projects, and professional networking."

Dr. Yi Fang
Artificial Intelligence Program Director

Curriculum

MS in Artificial Intelligence: 46 Academic Units*

Core Curriculum
AMTH 250: Fundamental Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence+
4 Units
ENGR 344: Artificial Intelligence and Ethics+
2 Units
Professional Development+
2 Units
CSEN 240: Machine Learning+
4 Units
CSEN 342: Deep Learning+
4 Units
CSEN 266: Artificial Intelligence+
4 Units
ECEN 520: Introduction to Machine Learning+
3 Units
ECEN 521: Deep Learning+
3 Units
ECEN 522: Reinforcement Learning+
3 Units
AMTH 370: Optimization Techniques+
2 Units
AMTH 250: Fundamental Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence
4 Units
ENGR 344: Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
2 Units
Professional Development
2 Units
Explore the courses here.
CSEN 240: Machine Learning
4 Units
CSEN 342: Deep Learning
4 Units
CSEN 266: Artificial Intelligence
4 Units
ECEN 520: Introduction to Machine Learning
3 Units
ECEN 521: Deep Learning
3 Units
ECEN 522: Reinforcement Learning
3 Units
AMTH 370: Optimization Techniques
2 Units
CSEN 241: Cloud Computing+
4 Units
CSEN 242: Big Data+
4 Units
CSEN 245: Parallel Computing+
4 Units
CSEN 272: Web Search and Information Retrieval+
4 Units
CSEN 277: Human Computer Interaction+
4 Units
CSEN 281: Pattern Recognition and Data Mining+
4 Units
CSEN 291: Computational Creativity+
4 Units
CSEN 338: Image and Video Compression+
4 Units
CSEN 344/ECEN 644: Computer Vision I+
2 Units
CSEN 345/ECEN 645: Computer Vision II+
2 Units
CSEN 346: Natural Language Processing+
4 Units
CSEN 353: Trust and Privacy in Online Social Network+
4 Units
CSEN 354: Social Networks Analysis and Risk+
4 Units
CSEN 377: Data Visualization+
4 Units
ECEN 226: Machine Learning and Signal Processing using FPGAs+
2 Units
ECEN 337: Robotics I+
2 Units
ECEN 338: Robotics II+
2 Units
ECEN 523: Natural Language Processing+
2 Units
ECEN 524: Robot Learning+
2 Units
ECEN 529: Hardware Acceleration for Machine Learning on FPGAs+
2 Units
ECEN 532: Design of Assistive Technologies+
4 Units
ECEN 809: Human Machine Interaction+
2 Units
CSEN 241: Cloud Computing
4 Units
CSEN 242: Big Data
4 Units
CSEN 245: Parallel Computing
4 Units
CSEN 272: Web Search and Information Retrieval
4 Units
CSEN 277: Human Computer Interaction
4 Units
CSEN 281: Pattern Recognition and Data Mining
4 Units
CSEN 291: Computational Creativity
4 Units
CSEN 338: Image and Video Compression
4 Units
CSEN 344/ECEN 644: Computer Vision I
2 Units
CSEN 345/ECEN 645: Computer Vision II
2 Units
CSEN 346: Natural Language Processing
4 Units
CSEN 353: Trust and Privacy in Online Social Network
4 Units
CSEN 354: Social Networks Analysis and Risk
4 Units
CSEN 377: Data Visualization
4 Units
ECEN 226: Machine Learning and Signal Processing using FPGAs
2 Units
ECEN 337: Robotics I
2 Units
ECEN 338: Robotics II
2 Units
ECEN 523: Natural Language Processing
2 Units
ECEN 524: Robot Learning
2 Units
ECEN 529: Hardware Acceleration for Machine Learning on FPGAs
2 Units
ECEN 532: Design of Assistive Technologies
4 Units
ECEN 809: Human Machine Interaction
2 Units
ECEN 299: Non-Thesis Supervised Research+
6 Units
ECEN 297: Thesis-Based Research+
8 Units
CSEN 493: Industry-Mentored Projects+
6 Units
CSEN 497: Master’s Thesis+
8 Units
ECEN 299: Non-Thesis Supervised Research
6 Units
ECEN 297: Thesis-Based Research
8 Units
CSEN 493: Industry-Mentored Projects
6 Units
CSEN 497: Master’s Thesis
8 Units
CSEN Track
ECEN Track
Both Tracks

*Total academic units and available electives subject to change based on annual curriculum review and updates.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

For any additional questions, please reach out to our admissions team at gradengineeradmissions@scu.edu.

Schedule an Advising Appointment    |   Attend an Information Session

What are the specific admission requirements for the MS AI program?

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas (or a closely related discipline) from an accredited institution:

  • Computer Science
    Electrical Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • General Engineering

 

Additionally, applicants should demonstrate foundational knowledge through college-level coursework or equivalent experience in:

  • Programming (e.g., Python, Java, or C/C++)
  • Data structures and algorithm design
  • Mathematics, including calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics

If you have any questions about program eligibility or exceptions, please contact us at gradengineeradmissions@scu.edu.

The MS AI program is delivered in person and includes:

  • Hands-on experience with cloud-based computing platforms
  • A robust AI Practicum that offers project-based, real-world learning opportunities

Classes in the School of Engineering average 20 students, offering a close-knit, collaborative learning environment with ample opportunities to engage with faculty and classmates.

Yes! The program is STEM-designated.

  • Students enrolled in the Master of Science (MS), 2-year, 45–48 unit program will be issued an I-20 upon admission.
  • The program qualifies eligible international students for OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension.

  • Students may apply for positions as Teaching Assistants (TAs) or graders.
  • Research assistantships are also available for students interested in working with faculty on funded AI-related projects.

 

  • All students are required to take a course on AI and Ethics, which introduces key moral and ethical frameworks.
  • Ethical modules are also integrated into several technical courses such as Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning, and Web Search, covering topics like:
    • Algorithmic fairness
    • Transparency and privacy
    • Safety and societal impact
  • Practicum projects often include work with nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, emphasizing responsible AI in real-world applications.

Yes. The MS AI program:

  • Offers courses across Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Applied Mathematics
  • Encourages collaboration with departments such as Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Philosophy
  • Partners with the Miller Center for Global Impact & the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics to support projects using ethical AI on a global scale

Absolutely. Students choose from two concentration tracks:

  • CSEN (Computer Science & Engineering): Software, algorithms, and applied machine learning
  • ECEN (Electrical & Computer Engineering): Hardware systems, embedded AI, robotics, and edge computing

Within each track, students have the flexibility to select electives aligned with their career goals and personal interests. 

Students are only allowed to choose classes in their respective track. But there is a 4-unit free elective where they can take any class (subject to their advisor's approval).

Check out our curriculum section to learn more about course options.

    SCU offers academic advising, career services, mentorship programs, and professional development resources to support graduate students throughout their educational journey.

    Get in Touch:

    Fill out our form to join our mailing list and learn more about your program of interest.


    School of Engineering Events

    View the full Event Calendar

    We’d love to hear from you!

    Reach out to our Graduate Engineering team via email to learn more about the program you are interested in:

    GradEngineerAdmissions@scu.edu

     

    Your Future Starts Here.
    This will only take a moment.

    Loading...