Seattle University offers a dedicated online master’s degree for students who want focused training in artificial intelligence rather than a broad computer science curriculum. The program combines technical AI courses with ethics, governance, human-centered design, and applied project work.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is a 49-quarter-credit, asynchronous program that Seattle University says students can complete in two years. It is housed in the College of Science and Engineering and starts in September.
Quick Facts
| School | Seattle University |
| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Degree | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence |
| Credits | 49 quarter credits |
| Format | Online and asynchronous |
| Estimated Tuition | $52,577 before mandatory fees |
| Length | 2 years / 6 quarters |
| Start Term | September |
| AI and ML Focus | Dedicated AI degree with required machine learning and advanced machine learning |
Curriculum
Seattle University’s curriculum covers AI foundations, data infrastructure, advanced modeling, responsible deployment, and practical implementation. The program lists the following required subjects:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Big Data Systems
- AI Systems
- AI Governance
- Ethics and Philosophy of AI
- Generative AI and Large Language Models
- AI Capstone Projects
- Either Computer Vision or Natural Language Processing
Elective options include AI and machine learning for cybersecurity, numerical methods for machine learning, data visualization, and social network analysis. Students should confirm the current course sequence and elective schedule in the Seattle University catalog.
Credits and Program Length
The program requires 49 quarter credits. Seattle University lists a standard completion time of six quarters, or two years. This schedule provides a clear cohort-style path for students who want to finish while continuing to work.
Seattle University plans to move its graduate programs from quarters to semesters beginning in summer 2027. The university states that it intends to limit the effect on completion time and program cost, but students whose enrollment crosses the transition should confirm their final credit plan.
Tuition and Cost
Seattle University lists 2026–27 tuition for the MS in Artificial Intelligence at $1,073 per quarter credit. Multiplying that rate by 49 required credits produces estimated tuition of $52,577. This estimate excludes mandatory fees and assumes the current rate applies to every credit.
The university also lists a $175 one-time matriculation fee, a $214 technology fee per quarter, a $172 wellness fee per quarter, and a $20 graduate activity fee in non-summer quarters. Tuition and fees may rise each year, so students should use the official graduate cost page to calculate costs for their planned start date.
Admissions
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit a graduate application, transcripts, and a résumé or CV. Seattle University does not charge an application fee, and the program reviews applications on a rolling basis.
The program expects prior coursework or equivalent preparation in three areas:
- Elementary probability and statistics
- Python programming
- Integral calculus
Applicants who lack a prerequisite may complete approved university, community college, or online coursework. Seattle University also offers a Python placement exam for some conditionally admitted students. The GRE is not required for most applicants, although it may apply to students covered by the university’s three-year degree policy or applicants from institutions that issue non-graded transcripts. Full details appear on the MSAI admissions requirements page.
The online MSAI does not support F-1 student visas. International applicants who do not need F-1 sponsorship may also need to provide proof of English proficiency.
Machine Learning and AI Focus
This is one of the more direct AI options in Washington because machine learning is part of the required core rather than a single elective. Students progress from artificial intelligence and machine learning to advanced machine learning, AI systems, generative AI, and a choice between computer vision and natural language processing.
The curriculum also gives unusual weight to responsible AI. Required work in governance, ethics, and human-centered considerations sits alongside technical training. This mix may appeal to students who expect to design, evaluate, or manage AI systems in settings where privacy, fairness, safety, and policy matter.
Online Format
Seattle University classifies the program as fully online and asynchronous. Students can complete coursework without attending scheduled campus classes, which makes the degree practical for working professionals and students outside the Seattle area.
The program begins in September and follows a six-quarter sequence. Prospective students should ask the department how the planned 2027 semester conversion will affect course timing if they expect to enroll during or after that change.
Capstone and Industry Projects
Students complete a three-quarter capstone through Seattle University’s Project Center. Small teams work on industry-sponsored AI projects and carry a problem from definition and goal setting through design, implementation, and analysis.
The extended capstone is a meaningful part of the degree. It gives students time to build an applied project, practice team-based development, and produce work that may support a career portfolio.
Who Is This Program Best For?
The program is a strong match for working professionals who want a structured online AI degree with substantial machine learning content. It also fits recent graduates and career changers who already have the required calculus, statistics, and Python preparation.
Students who want a low-cost degree may find the estimated tuition high compared with some public online programs. Applicants who need F-1 sponsorship must consider another program because Seattle University states that the online MSAI does not support that visa.
Bottom Line
Seattle University’s online MS in Artificial Intelligence offers a focused AI curriculum, asynchronous delivery, a two-year plan, and a long industry capstone. Its strongest features are the required machine learning sequence, coverage of generative AI and AI systems, and integration of technical work with ethics and governance. The main tradeoff is cost: current tuition produces an estimate of $52,577 before mandatory fees.
- University of Washington - Seattle