UNC Charlotte offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence through its College of Computing and Informatics. The 30-credit, on-campus program combines required AI and machine learning coursework with electives in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, MLOps, human-centered AI, and AI security.
The degree is a strong fit for students comparing machine learning master’s programs because machine learning is built into the core curriculum rather than offered only as an optional specialization.
Students also complete an applied capstone, individual study, or thesis option, giving the program room for both practical AI development and research-oriented study.
Quick Facts
| Degree | M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Format | On campus |
| Credits | 30 |
| Starts | Fall and Spring |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 overall and 3.0 junior/senior GPA |
| GRE | Optional; not required |
| Capstone | Yes; thesis option also available |
| 2026–27 Graduate Tuition | $5,324/year NC resident; $22,688/year nonresident, before fees |
Program Overview
UNC Charlotte’s M.S. in Artificial Intelligence focuses on the design, development, testing, deployment, and management of AI systems and applications.
The curriculum combines mathematical and algorithmic foundations with the AI software lifecycle, ethical considerations, and applied system development. Students can then use technical electives to build depth in a specific AI area or combine AI with another discipline.
The program is offered on campus in Charlotte and requires 30 credit hours.
Visit the official UNC Charlotte M.S. in Artificial Intelligence program page.
Machine Learning and AI Curriculum
The 30-credit curriculum includes 12 credits of core coursework, 9 credits of technical courses, 6 credits of general graduate electives, and a 3-credit capstone requirement.
Core AI and Machine Learning Courses
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
- Introduction to Machine Learning or Applied Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence or Applied Artificial Intelligence
- One course in AI software development, cloud/databases for AI, or Machine Learning Operations
This required structure makes the degree especially relevant for students interested in machine learning. Every student completes a dedicated machine learning course as part of the core.
Technical Electives
Students choose three technical courses. UNC Charlotte groups many of the options into suggested clusters rather than requiring a formal concentration.
- Machine Learning: Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Computer Vision
- Robotics and Decision Making: Mobile Robotics, Intelligent Robotics, Robot Motion Planning, AI topics
- Human-AI Interaction: Visual Analytics, Data and Information Visualization, Human-Centered AI, Virtual and Augmented Reality
- AI System Design: AI-Driven Trustworthy Software Development, Databases and Cloud for AI, MLOps, Parallel Computing, Cloud Computing for Data Analysis
- AI Security: Artificial Intelligence Risk Management, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy
Students also complete six credits of general graduate electives. UNC Charlotte encourages students to use these courses to apply AI in other disciplines.
Review the official UNC Charlotte graduate catalog entry for the M.S. in Artificial Intelligence.
Capstone and Thesis Options
The program requires a capstone experience. Students can satisfy the requirement through an Artificial Intelligence Development Projects course, approved individual study, another approved capstone course, or an Artificial Intelligence Thesis.
Students who choose the thesis path enroll in thesis work across two consecutive semesters for six total credits, with three of those credits satisfying the capstone requirement.
Admissions
Applicants are expected to have prior knowledge in computer programming, data structures, calculus, statistics, and linear algebra. A bachelor’s degree in computer science can be helpful, but UNC Charlotte also considers relevant professional experience when reviewing prerequisite preparation.
Applicants should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a 3.0 junior/senior GPA. The GRE is not required. Applicants who completed an undergraduate degree outside the United States may submit GRE scores voluntarily for consideration.
The university lists both Fall and Spring admission. Its program page lists a March 1 priority deadline and an August 1 final deadline for Fall admission.
Tuition and Cost
For the 2026–27 academic year, UNC Charlotte lists annual graduate tuition of $5,324 for North Carolina residents and $22,688 for nonresidents.
UNC Charlotte also lists required graduate fees, and some programs may carry additional college or program charges. Because the M.S. in Artificial Intelligence is a 30-credit program and total cost depends on residency, enrollment load, and applicable fees, students should use the university’s current tuition tables rather than treating the annual base tuition figure as a complete program price.
View current UNC Charlotte graduate tuition and fees through Niner Central.
What Makes UNC Charlotte’s AI Program Different?
Machine Learning Is Part of the Core
Students do not have to build a machine learning focus entirely from electives. A machine learning course is required, and students can add more depth through advanced machine learning, NLP, computer vision, and MLOps coursework.
Broad AI Elective Options
The technical electives extend beyond predictive modeling. Students can study robotics, human-AI interaction, AI security, cloud systems, trustworthy AI, and visualization while still keeping machine learning central to the degree.
Capstone or Thesis Path
The program can support students who want an applied project as well as students who prefer a more research-focused thesis experience.
Is UNC Charlotte’s MS in Artificial Intelligence Worth Considering?
UNC Charlotte’s M.S. in Artificial Intelligence is a strong option for students who want a dedicated AI degree with substantial machine learning coursework at a public research university.
The strongest part of the program is its curriculum. Machine learning is required, and students can continue into NLP, computer vision, MLOps, robotics, AI security, or human-centered AI. The capstone and thesis choices also give students more flexibility than a coursework-only degree.
The main limitation is format. The M.S. in Artificial Intelligence is currently listed as an on-campus program, so students specifically looking for a fully online master’s degree may prefer another option.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Best for: Students who want an on-campus AI master’s degree with required machine learning study and the ability to specialize through technical electives or a thesis.
Consider another program if: You need a fully online format or want a degree focused almost entirely on statistical machine learning rather than broader AI systems.
Related Machine Learning Programs
Students comparing UNC Charlotte with other programs can also review machine learning master’s programs in North Carolina.
- North Carolina A&T State University - Greensboro