University of Pennsylvania MSE in AI: Tuition, Courses & Admissions

The University of Pennsylvania Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence Online is a 10-course-unit graduate degree for students with a computer science, computer engineering, or closely related background. Penn delivers the program fully online and asynchronously, with coursework in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, statistics, GPU computing, and AI ethics.

Quick Facts

School	University of Pennsylvania
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Degree	Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence Online
Requirements	10 course units
Format	Online, asynchronous
Estimated 2026–27 Cost	$40,270 including published online services fees
Length	16–40 months
AI / ML Focus	Very high

Curriculum

Penn’s MSE-AI curriculum requires seven core course units, two technical elective course units, and one free elective course unit. The 2026–27 University Catalog lists required study in Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning for Data Science, Statistics for Data Science, Principles of Deep Learning, and Technology Ethics and the Legal Landscape.

Students also complete either Internet and Web Systems or GPU Computing for Machine Learning Systems as a core course. Technical elective options include Algorithms for Big Data, Networked Systems, Computer Vision & Computational Photography, and Artificial Intelligence Capstone. The free elective can come from eligible Penn Engineering Online offerings.

Credits and Program Length

The degree requires 10 course units. Penn uses course units rather than a conventional credit-hour total for this program. Penn Engineering Online states that students can complete an online degree in 16 to 40 months, depending on how many courses they take each term. Students can move between part-time and full-time enrollment, and summer enrollment is optional.

Tuition and Cost

For the 2026–27 academic year, Penn Engineering Online lists $3,859 in tuition plus a $168 online services fee per course unit. Based on the 10-course-unit degree requirement, estimated tuition is $38,590, and the published online services fees add $1,680. That produces an estimated program cost of $40,270 before books, supplies, and any applicable taxes for students in certain jurisdictions outside the United States.

Penn notes that tuition and fees are adjusted annually. Eligible online students may use federal student loans, and U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for the Penn Engineering Graduate Scholarship when applying to the program.

Admissions

The MSE-AI admissions page says the program is intended for applicants with an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Applicants submit an online application, resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Penn lists the GRE as optional.

Applicants who must demonstrate English proficiency can submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores. Penn currently lists minimum scores of 100 TOEFL, 7.5 IELTS, or 135 DET. The program offers both fall and spring entry.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

This is one of the strongest direct fits for a machine learning and AI graduate-program directory. The degree centers on AI rather than treating it as a minor concentration. Core study covers machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, statistical modeling, AI systems, and ethical issues, while electives can extend into computer vision, big-data algorithms, networked systems, and a capstone.

Online Format

Penn classifies the MSE-AI as a fully online program. Courses are 100% online and asynchronous, and Penn states that there are no required login sessions. This format can work well for students who plan to continue working while completing the degree.

Capstone and Electives

A capstone is available as a technical elective rather than a universal degree requirement. Students can use their two technical electives to deepen work in areas such as computer vision, networked systems, big-data algorithms, or an AI capstone. The additional free elective gives students another course unit of flexibility.

Who Is This Program Best For?

Penn’s MSE-AI Online is best for students who already have a solid computing background and want a graduate degree focused directly on modern AI. It is especially relevant for software engineers, computer scientists, data professionals, and technical practitioners who want deeper training in machine learning, NLP, deep learning, GPU-based AI systems, and responsible AI without leaving the workforce.

Bottom Line

The University of Pennsylvania offers a highly focused online AI master’s with a strong technical core and flexible asynchronous delivery. The main tradeoff is cost: at current 2026–27 rates, the estimated total is about $40,270 including published online services fees. For applicants with the required computing background who want an Ivy League engineering degree built specifically around AI and machine learning, the program is an excellent fit for this directory.