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Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Artificial Intelligence Master of Science (MSAI)

Advance your career with a master’s in artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) jobs and opportunities continue to grow. Meet the demand and advance your career with a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence from Dakota State University.

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program is designed to equip graduates with the advanced knowledge essential for excelling in the rapidly growing AI field. Its comprehensive curriculum covers the core foundations of artificial intelligence, encompassing computer science, mathematics, statistics, as well as contemporary AI models and frameworks. Students will acquire the skills necessary for developing practical applications in both industry and academic contexts. As AI technologies continue to advance, this state-of-the-art program will equip students to navigate and leverage both current AI applications and future technological breakthroughs.

As one of the few online master’s degrees in artificial intelligence available in the nation, this program ensures graduates emerge with a solid foundation in programming and algorithms. They gain an in-depth understanding of data science, computer vision, natural language processing, and other AI-related subjects, which equips them for practical applications in numerous sectors.

Online or on-campus courses

The Artificial Intelligence Master’s program is offered 100% online or on campus. The flexible program allows students to complete their degree how it works best for them, remote, in-person, or hybrid, and as a full-time or part-time student.

Quick facts

Credits: 30 | Delivery: online, on-campus, hybrid | Start terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Why choose DSU

 

Excellence in cyber

Dakota State is a leading university growing tomorrow's cyber leaders today. We are recognized for excellence in cybersecurity education and research. DSU has close ties with the National Security Agency and other governmental agencies and holds all three Center of Academic Excellence designations.

Expert faculty

Faculty at Dakota State are at the forefront of research and education in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The smaller class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty and enable students to network with peers working nationwide.

Affordable

Dakota State offers top-level education at an affordable cost. DSU is one of the most affordable CAE-designated schools for graduate education.

Accessible and flexible

The MSAI program offers flexible study options, accommodating both online and on-campus formats. Taking classes either full-time or part-time allows students and working professionals to balance career, life, and graduate school responsibilities.

Courses are offered in three academic terms, fall, spring, and summer. Full-time students (taking 6-9 credit hours/2-3 courses per semester) can complete the program in under two years or as little as four semesters.

 

 


Career outcomes

Almost every industry sector is seeking professionals who are skilled at integrating AI into their current or emerging operations. The innovative M.S. in Artificial Intelligence program equips students with the expertise to become highly sought-after AI specialists across various industries.

Learning outcomes & courses

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) degree is designed to prepare professionals who will have the skills to:

  • Analyze and implement fundamental algorithms that drive current Artificial Intelligence systems.
  • Describe and understand the underlying statical, data science, and mathematical methodologies required for modern AI algorithms and models.
  • Apply AI techniques to solve real-world problems across business, industry, and government sectors.
  • Make informed and ethical decisions in the development of Artificial Intelligence solutions.

 

Required core courses (15 credits)

  • CSC 702 Mathematics of AI
  • CSC 722 Machine Learning
  • CSC 726 Neural Networks
  • CSC 727 Applications and Ethics of AI
  • CSC 789 AI Capstone

Electives (15 credits)

Choose five graduate courses from the approved course prefixes: BADM, CET, CSC, HIMS, INFA, INFS, MATH, STAT. 

Recommended courses

  • CSC 578 - Artificial Intelligence Tools and Frameworks
  • CSC 579 - Applied Artificial Intelligence
  • CSC 705 - Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms
  • CSC 712 - Data Structures
  • CSC 718 - Operating Systems & Parallel Programming
  • CSC 720 - Theory of Computation
  • CSC 723 - Machine Learning for Cyber Security
  • CSC 748 - Software Exploitation
  • CSC 761 – Advanced Artificial Intelligence* (Students who don’t have prior relevant coursework or experience in AI and AI-related fields must take this course.)
  • CSC 773 - Mobile Communication and Advanced Network Security
  • CSC 786 - Cyber Problems
  • INFA 723 - Cryptography
  • INFS 768 - Predictive Analytics for Decision Making
  • INFS 772 - Programming for Data Analytics
  • INFS 778 - Deep Learning
  • INFS 784 - Artificial Intelligence Applications

 Total (30 credits)

 

Academic calendar

Learn more about the application requirements and how to apply on the Timelines and Requirements page.

Timelines & Requirements

The MSAI program offers courses starting in the fall, spring, and summer. See when the next classes start on the academic calendar

Academic calendar 

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