Master’s in
Data Science or Artificial Intelligence

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About the Programs 

The need for talent in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence cuts across nearly all industries and areas of society. If you’re interested in breaking into either of these growing and vitally important fields, take the next step by earning a Master of Science degree in either discipline at the University of San Diego. In these fully online programs administered by elite faculty and supported by Advisory Boards of experienced practitioners from top companies, you will develop the practical and technical skills necessary to become a leader in your field.


With flexible scheduling for busy working professionals, you can earn your master’s degree in just 20 months. We’re now accepting enrollments for the upcoming semester.

Program Snapshot

Summer Application Deadline
April 11, 2022

Program Length
20 Months

Total Credits
MS-ADS : 30
MS-AAI: 30

Format
Online

M.S., Applied Data Science

Become a Premier Data Scientist Through This Fully Online Program

The mission of the Master of Science in Applied Data Science program is to offer a state-of-the-art online learning experience that will enable students to master the technical skills and soft skills necessary for solving challenging analytics problems seen every day in a wide range of data-rich domains.

The University of San Diego’s program differentiates itself from the best online data science master’s programs in several unique and important ways.

The USD Master of Science in Applied Data Science program:

  • Leverages the best of both worlds by combining comprehensive technical knowledge and skills with a deep understanding of how to apply findings (including hard and soft skills) in real-world applications
  • Focuses on continuous improvement, gaining insight used to enhance curriculum immediacy and relevance through ongoing consultations with its Advisory Board and with a broad range of data science experts and managers
  • Employs highly skilled faculty instructors, many of whom are applied data science practitioners in key roles at a wide range of commercial, academic, and government organizations

Designed to be completed in 20 months over five semesters, the program requires students to complete 30 academic units plus 6 prerequisite units (note: the prerequisites may be waived depending on a candidate’s education and experience in mathematics, engineering, programming, computer science, and analytics). Of the 30 academic units:

  • 6 units focus on introductory topics and fundamentals
  • 20 units cover technical aspects essential to the field of data science
  • 4 units are dedicated to the comprehensive Data Science Capstone Project

The courses are updated regularly to ensure that they are closely aligned with progress and advancement in a field that is still undergoing rapid development. This includes ongoing consultation with a wide range of public and private sector stakeholders. The MS-ADS program’s Board of Advisors includes experts and managers from different industries.

M.S., Applied Artificial Intelligence

Learn the practical and technical skills to advance your career in AI

In comparison to USD’s Master of Science in Applied Data Science program — which focuses on gleaning insights from data analysis, visualization, and prediction while a human is usually involved in the process — the applied artificial intelligence master’s degree program focuses on autonomous decision making and action execution by agents with broad-ranging applications such as machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.

Our applied artificial intelligence master’s degree program is ideally suited to those with a background in science, mathematics, engineering, health care, statistics, or technology, but is also structured to train those from other backgrounds who are motivated to transition into artificial intelligence.

The Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the foundation, principles, technical knowledge, and skills they will need to apply powerful, modern, ethical, and socially responsible artificial intelligence techniques to real-world applications.

In addition to being taught by a highly skilled and experienced faculty, the program curriculum integrates ethics, privacy, social good, and moral responsibility in applying artificial intelligence tools and techniques. We also take a student-centered approach, employing faculty who demonstrate teaching excellence and who are committed to engaging with and mentoring students.

Designed to be completed in 20 months over five semesters, the USD master’s in artificial intelligence online degree program requires students to complete 30 academic units:

  • 6 units focus on introductory topics and fundamentals
  • 21 units cover technical aspects essential to the field of artificial intelligence
  • 3 units are dedicated to the comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Capstone Project

One of a select few 100% online master’s in artificial intelligence programs in the U.S., the University of San Diego’s MS-AAI program aspires to function as a respected artificial intelligence thought leader organization as part of its mission to develop current and future generations of ethically responsible AI professionals.


Why Choose University of San Diego?

Top-ranked, accredited university

Aside from attending an established, prestigious university with a long history and a great reputation, you’ll enjoy a practical, relevant curriculum geared toward career advancement.

Enjoy Flexible Schedules

No time to attend class full-time? We get it. That’s why our flexible schedules are ideal for working professionals with a lot on their plate.

No GMAT/GRE Required

Unlike many graduate programs, we don’t require students to take the GMAT or GRE in order to be admitted—so you have one less thing to worry about.