The University of Central Missouri offers a Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence through its Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity.
The 30-credit program can be completed online or through flexible in-person and hybrid options in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit. UCM states that students can finish the degree in about 18–24 months.
The curriculum covers machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, data visualization, and big data analytics, making this one of the more direct AI and machine learning graduate options in Missouri.
Program Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| School | Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity |
| Location | Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, Missouri |
| Format | Online, Hybrid, or Campus |
| Credits | 30 |
| Typical Length | 18–24 months |
| Estimated Tuition | $16,510 |
| Key Areas | Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Data Visualization, Big Data Analytics |
University of Central Missouri MS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Curriculum
Students complete 30 graduate credit hours. UCM describes the program as a blend of data science and artificial intelligence that develops skills in data analysis, intelligent systems, and machine learning.
Major areas of study include:
- Machine learning
- Deep learning
- Natural language processing
- Data visualization
- Big data analytics
The program is housed in UCM’s Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, which also offers graduate study in computer science and cybersecurity.
View the UCM Data Science and Artificial Intelligence graduate catalog
Online, Hybrid, and Campus Options
Flexibility is one of the strongest features of the UCM program. The university lists the degree as available online, in Warrensburg, at its Lee’s Summit location, and in a hybrid format.
UCM also states that courses may be offered during the day, in the evening, and on weekends. This gives working students more options than a traditional campus-only program.
How Long Does the UCM Data Science and AI Master’s Take?
UCM lists a completion time of 18–24 months for the 30-credit program.
For directory purposes, 18–24 months is the best length to use because it comes directly from the university rather than from an estimated course schedule.
Tuition and Cost
UCM currently publishes an estimated program tuition of $16,510 for the 30-credit Data Science and Artificial Intelligence master’s.
The estimate is based on 2025–2026 tuition rates and assumes a student takes fewer than nine credit hours in a term. UCM notes that the estimate does not include housing, living expenses, or other fees and may change based on course load, program requirements, and future tuition rates.
That published program estimate works out to roughly $550 per credit across 30 credits, although students should use UCM’s current tuition information when calculating their actual cost.
View current University of Central Missouri tuition and costs
Applied Learning and Career Preparation
UCM emphasizes applied data science and AI training rather than a purely theoretical curriculum. The university highlights access to research projects, hackathons and competitions, and the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit.
The department also points to graduates working for major employers including Boeing, Garmin, IBM, J.P. Morgan, Mastercard, and T-Mobile.
UCM reports that 95% of its Computer Science master’s graduates are employed within six months. That figure applies to Computer Science master’s graduates rather than specifically to the Data Science and AI program, but it provides useful context for the department’s graduate outcomes.
Who Is This Program Best For?
The UCM Data Science and Artificial Intelligence master’s may be a strong fit for students who want a focused graduate degree that combines machine learning with practical data science skills.
- Students who want a degree with artificial intelligence and data science in the program title
- Students interested in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and big data
- Working professionals who want online or flexible hybrid study
- Students who want a relatively compact 30-credit master’s
- Students looking for a program that can be completed in about 18–24 months
- Cost-conscious students comparing AI master’s programs with published tuition near $16,500
University of Central Missouri Data Science and AI Master’s: Bottom Line
The University of Central Missouri offers one of the clearest fits for this directory in the state. The degree is specifically named Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and its required 30-credit curriculum covers core machine learning and AI topics.
The combination of 18–24 month completion, online and hybrid options, and an estimated $16,510 program tuition makes UCM especially notable for students comparing flexible and lower-cost AI and machine learning master’s programs.
Visit the official UCM MS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program page
Related Programs
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