University of San Francisco MS in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

The University of San Francisco MS in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence is a full-time, in-person graduate program built around machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, generative AI, data engineering, cloud computing, and applied data science. Students complete the degree in 12 months at USF’s downtown San Francisco campus and spend about nine months working on a practicum project with an external organization.

Quick Facts

SchoolUniversity of San Francisco
LocationSan Francisco, California
DegreeMS in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Credits35 units
FormatCampus, full time
Estimated Tuition$60,725 for 2026–27
Length12 months
AI / ML FocusStrong: machine learning, deep learning, NLP, generative AI, LLMs, AI engineering

Curriculum

USF describes the 35-unit curriculum as an accelerated sequence in data science and AI. The program starts with an intensive summer boot camp covering computation for data science, probability and statistics, communication, and a linear algebra competency exam. Later coursework develops technical depth across analytics, software tools, machine learning, and AI.

Sample courses listed in the program overview include Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Statistical Modeling, Design of Experiments, Distributed Computing, Application Development, and Data Visualization. USF also states that the curriculum covers generative AI, large language models, cloud computing, Spark, AWS, SQL, NoSQL, and data engineering.

Credits and Program Length

The standard MS requires 35 units and is designed for completion in 12 months. The cohort begins in late June or early July and continues through the following June. Classes run during the day Monday through Friday, and USF says students should expect to devote their full attention to the program.

Students who add the Data Engineering concentration extend the program by one additional six-week module, for a total length of about 13.5 months.

Tuition and Cost

For the 2026–27 academic year, USF lists tuition for the MS in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence at $1,735 per unit. With 35 required units, the university estimates total program tuition at $60,725. This figure is tuition only and may not include additional university fees, living costs, books, or other expenses. See USF’s graduate student cost page for current pricing.

USF offers a limited number of partial scholarships. The program FAQ states that all applicants are considered automatically, with no separate scholarship application required.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and should have prior graded coursework in probability and inferential statistics, linear algebra, and computer programming. USF accepts applicants from any undergraduate major, although many candidates come from mathematics, computer science, engineering, economics, statistics, and related quantitative fields.

The application requirements include transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume or CV, and one recommendation letter. The GRE is optional. USF does not publish a strict minimum GPA, but the program says it generally looks for GPAs of 3.0 or higher. Applicants selected for further review must complete a technical admission interview covering statistics, linear algebra, and programming.

For Summer 2027 admission, USF lists a December 5 priority deadline for scholarship consideration and a March 1 final application deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

This program has a direct and substantial connection to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Machine learning, deep learning, NLP, generative AI, LLMs, AI engineering, and data engineering are central parts of the curriculum rather than isolated electives. The program also combines model development with the infrastructure and cloud tools used to deploy data and AI systems.

Campus Format

USF classifies the MS-DSAI as a full-time, in-person program at its downtown San Francisco campus. The university states that there is currently no online option, no part-time option, and no night-class track. Students take classes as a cohort during the daytime.

Practicum

A major part of the degree is the nine-month practicum. USF guarantees every student a practicum placement and expects about 16 hours of practicum work per week. Projects involve real data science, data engineering, or AI problems for outside organizations in the Bay Area and beyond.

The practicum makes this program especially applied. Students work on a sustained external project while completing technical coursework, which can help them build experience beyond class assignments.

Data Engineering Concentration

Students can add a Data Engineering concentration after the first semester. The concentration focuses on scalable data infrastructure, cloud systems, lakehouse architectures, data catalogs, and real-time stream processing. USF positions it as additional preparation for data engineering, AI engineering, and machine learning engineering roles.

Who Is This Program Best For?

USF is a strong option for students who want an intensive, campus-based master’s that combines data science with modern AI and machine learning. It is especially well suited to students who already have a quantitative and programming foundation and can commit to a full-time 12-month schedule. The nine-month practicum may also appeal to students who want substantial applied project experience built into the degree.

Bottom Line

The University of San Francisco MS in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence is one of the more concentrated AI-focused graduate options in California. The 35-unit program covers machine learning, deep learning, NLP, generative AI, cloud and data engineering tools, and a long practicum in just 12 months. The main tradeoffs are the intensive full-time schedule, campus-only format, and estimated tuition of $60,725 for 2026–27.