CSUN MS in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science through the College of Engineering and Computer Science and The Tseng College. The 30-unit program is fully online and follows a two-year cohort schedule. Its required curriculum includes machine learning, deep learning, data mining, Python programming, big data, databases, statistics, and a graduate project.

Quick Facts

SchoolCalifornia State University, Northridge (CSUN)
LocationNorthridge, California
DegreeM.S. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Credits30 units
FormatOnline
Tuition$29,400 for Fall 2027 cohort ($980 per unit; tuition only)
Length2 years / 5 semesters including summer
AI / ML FocusHigh: required machine learning, deep learning, data mining, and AI/data science coursework

Curriculum

CSUN’s online curriculum consists of 10 required three-unit courses. The cohort model uses a fixed course sequence rather than electives, so every student completes the same core AI and data science training.

The curriculum moves from Python programming, statistics, and data science fundamentals into machine learning, data mining, database systems, visualization, big data, and deep learning. Students finish with a graduate project that applies analytical and computational methods to a large-scale problem.

Credits and Program Length

The degree requires 30 semester units. CSUN states that the online cohort can be completed in five semesters over two academic years, including summer sessions. Students must complete all graduate courses with a grade of C or better, maintain at least a 3.0 program GPA, and complete the culminating graduate project.

Tuition and Cost

For the Fall 2027 cohort, CSUN publishes tuition of $980 per unit. At 30 units, the university lists total tuition of $29,400. This figure covers tuition only and does not include books, supplies, the $70 university application fee, or the $47 graduation application fee. CSUN notes that tuition can change by cohort.

See the official tuition and fees page for current pricing.

Admissions

CSUN prefers applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as computer science, data science, or another computing discipline. Applicants from other fields may receive case-by-case consideration. The program generally expects a 3.0 bachelor’s GPA; applicants between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered and may need GRE scores.

Prerequisite preparation includes a full year of calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, programming, and data structures and algorithms. Equivalent professional certification may satisfy some prerequisites on a case-by-case basis. The application includes a statement of purpose, resume, official transcripts, and the university application. GRE rules vary by academic background and where the bachelor’s degree was earned.

Review the official admission requirements before applying.

Machine Learning, AI, and Data Science Focus

This program is a strong fit for MastersInMachineLearning.org because AI and machine learning are central parts of the required curriculum. Every student takes Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Mining, and Fundamentals of Data Science, along with supporting courses in statistics, programming, databases, visualization, and big data.

The program has a practical data science orientation rather than a narrow machine learning research focus. Students who want applied AI skills across the full data lifecycle may find that breadth useful.

Online Format

The Tseng College version of the degree is fully online and uses a cohort format. CSUN limits the cohort to 45 students. The fixed curriculum and two-year schedule give students a defined path from foundational coursework through the final graduate project.

Graduate Project vs. Thesis

Students in the online self-support cohort complete a 3-unit graduate project rather than the 6-unit thesis used in CSUN’s state-support Data Science M.S. pathway. The project requires students to collect and process data and apply suitable analytical and computational methods to a large-scale problem.

Who Is This Program Best For?

CSUN is a good option for students who want a structured online master’s with required coursework across machine learning, deep learning, data mining, Python, statistics, databases, visualization, and big data. It may be especially useful for working professionals who prefer a fixed cohort schedule and an applied graduate project instead of a research thesis.

Bottom Line

CSUN’s online M.S. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science has a clear machine learning and AI focus, a compact 30-unit curriculum, and a published two-year completion schedule. Fall 2027 tuition is $29,400 before additional fees and supplies. Required courses in machine learning, deep learning, data mining, and data science make it a strong match for students comparing applied AI and machine learning master’s programs in California.