Kent State University offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence with required coursework in machine learning and deep learning, artificial intelligence, advanced AI, and database systems.
The 30-credit, in-person program is offered at Kent State’s main campus in Kent, Ohio. Students can choose a thesis path or a project path that includes a capstone and approved electives.
Kent State is a strong option for students who want a focused AI degree with both applied machine learning coursework and the option to complete graduate research.
Quick Facts
| Degree | M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| Location | Kent, Ohio |
| Format | In person |
| Credits | 30 |
| Machine Learning Course | Machine Learning and Deep Learning |
| 2026–27 Ohio Resident Tuition | $631 per credit for fewer than 11 credits; $6,926.09 for 11–18 credits per semester |
| 2026–27 Non-Ohio Tuition | $1,176.05 per credit for fewer than 11 credits; $12,922.06 for 11–18 credits per semester |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 undergraduate GPA |
| GRE | Required |
| Culminating Option | Thesis or capstone project |
Program Overview
Kent State’s M.S. in Artificial Intelligence provides focused graduate study in AI, machine learning, intelligent analytics, robotics, visualization, and data-intensive computing.
The program combines required technical courses with nine credits of electives. Students can use those electives to build depth in areas such as data mining, big data analytics, robotics, Internet of Things, image processing, probabilistic data management, health informatics, and scientific or information visualization.
The degree also offers two different culminating paths. Students interested in research can complete a master’s thesis, while students seeking a more applied route can complete a capstone project with approved graduate electives or an internship.
Visit the Kent State University M.S. in Artificial Intelligence program page.
Machine Learning and AI Curriculum
The M.S. in Artificial Intelligence requires 30 credit hours. Machine learning is part of the required curriculum rather than an optional specialization.
Required AI Courses
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning and Deep Learning
- Advanced Database Systems Design
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence
- Algorithmic Robotics, Probabilistic Data Management, or Information Visualization
AI and Data Electives
- Data Mining Techniques
- Big Data Analytics
- Probabilistic Data Management
- Image Processing
- Computational Health Informatics
- Software Development for Robotics
- Human-Robot Interaction
- Internet of Things
- Scientific Visualization
- Information Visualization
Kent State states that graduates should be able to apply machine learning techniques to big data for prediction, classification, data mining, and pattern discovery. This makes the program a direct fit for students comparing graduate degrees in machine learning.
See the Kent State University catalog for the complete AI curriculum and current degree requirements.
Thesis and Capstone Options
Kent State gives AI master’s students a choice between a thesis option and a project option.
The thesis route is useful for students who want graduate research experience or may later pursue doctoral study. Students form a thesis committee and complete an approved research project and thesis.
The project route includes the Capstone Project plus approved graduate coursework, special topics, or a graduate internship. This path can fit students who want to emphasize applied AI work.
Related Computer Science Option
Kent State also offers a 32-credit M.S. in Computer Science with an optional Computational Data Science concentration. That concentration includes choices such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning, Data Mining Techniques, Big Data Analytics, and Probabilistic Data Management.
The dedicated AI master’s is the more direct fit for students who know they want artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Computer Science M.S. may appeal more to students who want a broader computing degree with flexibility to specialize in data science.
Tuition and Cost
For 2026–27, Kent State lists Kent Campus graduate tuition for Ohio residents at $631 per credit when taking fewer than 11 credits in a semester. The university caps Ohio-resident graduate tuition at $6,926.09 per semester for 11–18 credits.
For non-Ohio residents, the listed rate is $1,176.05 per credit for fewer than 11 credits, including the nonresident surcharge. Tuition is capped at $12,922.06 per semester for 11–18 credits.
Because the total cost depends on how students distribute the 30 required credits across semesters, a single 30-credit estimate can be misleading. Program fees and other student expenses may also apply.
View Kent State University’s current tuition and fee schedule.
Admissions
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Kent State lists GRE scores, official transcripts, a résumé, a goal statement, and two letters of recommendation among the application requirements. Applicants also need preparation in higher-level algebra, geometry, and calculus. The university strongly recommends prior computer science coursework in programming, discrete structures, data structures, operating systems, databases, and algorithms.
Current application deadlines are June 15 for fall, November 1 for spring, and April 1 for summer. Applications received later may be considered if space remains.
Review Kent State’s official AI admissions requirements.
What Makes Kent State’s AI Program Different?
Required Machine Learning Coursework
Every student completes Machine Learning and Deep Learning along with Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Artificial Intelligence. Machine learning is therefore built into the core of the degree.
Thesis or Applied Project
Students can choose a research-focused thesis or an applied capstone route. This gives the program more flexibility than AI master’s degrees that offer only one culminating experience.
AI Elective Breadth
Electives extend beyond machine learning into robotics, big data, image processing, visualization, Internet of Things, probabilistic data management, and health informatics.
Dedicated AI Degree
Kent State offers AI as a standalone master’s degree rather than only as a concentration inside its Computer Science M.S. Students who want broader computer science study can still choose the separate Computational Data Science concentration.
Is Kent State University’s MS in Artificial Intelligence Worth Considering?
Kent State’s M.S. in Artificial Intelligence deserves consideration from students who want a focused, campus-based AI degree with required machine learning coursework.
The strongest features are the direct machine learning requirement, the range of AI electives, and the choice between thesis and capstone paths. Students can build an applied program or add a stronger research component.
The main tradeoff is delivery. Kent State lists the AI master’s as in person at the Kent Campus, so students seeking a fully online AI or machine learning degree will need another program.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Best for: Students who want an in-person AI master’s with required machine learning and deep learning coursework plus a choice between research and applied project paths.
Consider another program if: You need a fully online degree or want to avoid a program that currently lists GRE scores among its admissions requirements.
Related Machine Learning Programs
Students comparing Kent State with other programs can also review machine learning master’s programs in Ohio.
- Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland
- Tiffin University - Tiffin
- University of Cincinnati - Cinicinnati