San Diego State University MS in Artificial Intelligence and Technology

San Diego State University offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Technology through its Department of Computer Science. The 31-unit program launches in Fall 2026 and gives students direct graduate-level study in machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, data mining, and other AI fields.

Quick Facts

SchoolSan Diego State University
LocationSan Diego, California
DegreeMS in Artificial Intelligence and Technology
Credits31 semester units
FormatCampus; online option also available
Estimated Resident CostAbout $22,980 in tuition and campus fees over four full-time semesters
Length2 years
AI / ML FocusVery high

Curriculum

The SDSU AI and Technology master’s requires 10 courses plus a graduate seminar. The published curriculum includes six required courses totaling 16 units: CS 549 Machine Learning, CS 553 Neural Networks, CS 601 Graduate Seminar, CS 652 Foundations of Deep Learning, CS 653 Data Mining, and CS 654 Reinforcement Learning.

Students complete the remaining 15 units with approved electives. AI-focused choices include Robotics, Computer Vision, Deep Learning for Natural Language Processing, Computational Linguistics, Speech Processing, Intelligent Systems, Visual Perception and Learning, and Large Language Models. Data science and computing electives include Data Science, Big Data Tools and Methods, Algorithms for Big Data, database theory, computer security, research, and special study.

Credits and Program Length

The degree requires 31 semester units. SDSU describes it as a two-year master’s program. Students complete 10 courses and one seminar, then finish either a comprehensive examination or a research thesis.

Tuition and Cost

SDSU does not publish a single total price for the campus AIT degree. For Fall 2026, the SDSU Bursar lists full-time graduate basic tuition and campus fees at $5,745 per semester. Using four full-time fall/spring semesters for the stated two-year program gives an estimated California-resident cost of $22,980. This estimate includes the listed basic tuition and campus fees but does not include books, housing, transportation, optional fees, or future tuition changes.

Nonresident students pay an additional $471 per unit for Fall 2026, which adds about $14,601 across 31 units. Incoming out-of-state and international students may also owe a separate cohort-based fee, so their total cost will be higher.

Admissions

SDSU states that applicants submit the university application through Cal State Apply. For the published admissions cycle, the application deadline is February 1, and official transcripts and required test scores must arrive by February 15. International applicants whose prior instruction was not in English may need TOEFL scores. SDSU also allows applicants to submit optional recommendation letters through its Slate system after the initial application.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

This program is a strong fit for MastersInMachineLearning.org because AI and machine learning form the core of the degree rather than a small concentration. Every student studies machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, data mining, and reinforcement learning. Electives can extend that work into computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, speech processing, large language models, and AI research.

Campus and Online Options

The program is based at SDSU in San Diego, and the Computer Science department also identifies an online AIT master’s option through SDSU Online. Students should compare the campus and online versions directly with SDSU because tuition structures and course scheduling can differ.

Thesis, Exam, and Research

Students choose between a comprehensive exam and a research thesis to complete the degree. Exam-option students may use CS 797 Research or CS 798 Special Study as an elective for faculty-supervised projects or AI research. This gives students a project or research path even when they do not complete a thesis.

Who Is This Program Best For?

SDSU is a good option for students who want a dedicated AI master’s with substantial machine learning coursework and a choice between applied electives and research. The curriculum is especially relevant for students interested in deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, NLP, robotics, or large language models. California residents may also find the campus program attractive because CSU graduate tuition can be lower than many private AI master’s programs.

Bottom Line

SDSU’s new MS in Artificial Intelligence and Technology is one of the clearest AI-focused master’s programs in California. It combines 31 units, a stated two-year completion time, core coursework across major machine learning methods, and thesis or exam options. Based on Fall 2026 rates, a California resident completing four full-time semesters should plan on roughly $22,980 in basic tuition and campus fees, before other education and living costs.