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Artificial Intelligence Engineering (Software Engineering), MS

Artificial Intelligence Engineering (Software Engineering), MS

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Artificial Intelligence Engineering (Software Engineering), MS
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Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Computer Vision, Engineering, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Pattern recognition, Programmer, Robotics, Software, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ethics

Learn the advanced skills needed to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning in software engineering. Take high-demand AI courses and software engineering electives and select a culminating experience that fits your needs to graduate in one to two years.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Artificial Intelligence Engineering (Software Engineering)

The Master of Science program in artificial intelligence engineering with a concentration in software engineering combines advanced study in AI approaches with deep domain expertise in software engineering.

The use of AI approaches, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics and pattern recognition is becoming widespread in many fields, including all engineering disciplines. Yet, the majority of engineering occupations require subject matter expertise beyond AI.

You learn how to develop and customize relevant AI approaches to software engineering problems. A core curriculum in AI engineering foundations, AI systems and tools, AI ethics and social responsibility and data collection and evaluation for AI systems is complemented by software engineering-specific courses to ensure breadth and depth in AI and in software engineering.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree requirements

30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SER 517)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
FSE 561 Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Social Responsibility (3)

AI Engineering Foundations (3 credit hours)

AI Systems and Tools (3 credit hours)

Data Collection and Evaluation for AI Systems (3 credit hours)

Concentration (9 credit hours)
SER 501 Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
SER 502 Emerging Languages and Programming Paradigms (3)
SER 515 Foundations of Software Engineering (3)
SER 531 Semantic Web Engineering (3)
SER 541 Data Science for Software Engineers (3)

Electives (3 or 6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
SER 517 Software Factory Capstone (3) or
SER 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
For concentration coursework, students select three courses from the list. Students should see their program advisor for a complete list of approved courses.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computing, engineering, mathematics, statistics, operations research, information technology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admissions application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. professional resume
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.

Before applying to the program, students are required to have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II, with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher. Completion of a discrete math course is also recommended prior to admission. Students from noncomputing backgrounds may also be eligible with the required math listed and at least six credit hours of computer programming or at least one year of software industry experience.

Students assigned any additional coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" or higher within two semesters of admission to the program. These courses may include:

SER 222 Design and Analysis of Data Structures and Algorithms or CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
SER 334 Operating Systems and System Programming or CSE 330 Operating Systems

The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and software engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.

Familiarity with Matlab, Python, SQL, R, or other relevant programming skills must be present in the professional resume.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 02/01 Priority
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 12/01 Priority
Career opportunities

Software engineers with a background in AI can pursue opportunities in a variety of fields to develop, customize and apply AI systems and tools while taking ethical and societal considerations into account. These skills can be applied to industries including:

  • blockchain application
  • cybersecurity
  • interface development
  • software development
Contact information

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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