East Texas A&M University MS in Artificial Intelligence

East Texas A&M University offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for students who want direct training in machine learning, data mining, computer vision, natural language processing, and responsible AI. The program supports fully online study and face-to-face study in Commerce or Dallas. Students can choose a 34-credit non-thesis plan or a 37-credit thesis plan and finish in about 1.5 to 2 years.

Quick Facts

FactDetails
SchoolEast Texas A&M University
LocationCommerce, Texas; Dallas option available
DegreeMS in Artificial Intelligence
Credits34 non-thesis; 37 thesis
FormatOnline or Campus
Estimated online tuition and feesAbout $16,250 for Texas residents or $30,800 for nonresidents
Length1.5–2 years
Emphasis optionsComputer Science, Computational Linguistics, Mathematics, Psychology, Technology Management

Curriculum

The 2026–27 graduate catalog lists a 19-credit core shared by both degree plans. Required courses include Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Seminar in Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Data Mining, Computer Vision, Machine Learning for Artificial Intelligence, and Symbolic Computational Linguistics.

Students also complete 12 credits in one emphasis area. The Computer Science emphasis has the strongest direct machine learning focus, with trusted AI, autonomous systems, neural networks, deep learning, data analysis, visualization, and big data computing.

Emphasis Options

  • Computer Science: Trusted AI, autonomous systems, neural networks, deep learning, data visualization, and big data analytics.
  • Computational Linguistics: Linguistics, psycholinguistics, machine learning for linguists, and algorithm design for language applications.
  • Mathematics: Matrix theory, numerical analysis, machine learning, image processing, and image recognition.
  • Psychology: Cognitive science, human cognition, learning, and learning technology.
  • Technology Management: AI management, engineering leadership, project management, and implementation tools.

Students who need more programming preparation may complete Python Programming for AI or pass a proficiency exam. This prerequisite can add 3 credits beyond the published degree total.

Credits and Program Length

The non-thesis option requires 34 credits, including a 3-credit research literature and techniques course. The thesis option requires 37 credits and includes 6 thesis credits.

East Texas A&M states that students can complete the degree in 1.5 to 2 years. Actual time depends on course load, emphasis choice, prerequisite needs, and thesis progress. All students must also pass a comprehensive examination.

Tuition and Cost

East Texas A&M lists Fall 2026 graduate tuition and fees of $3,851 for Texas residents and $7,703 for nonresidents at 9 credits. The university also charges an additional $50 per credit for online courses.

Using the 9-credit published rate across the 34-credit non-thesis plan, estimated online tuition and required fees total about $16,250 for Texas residents or $30,800 for nonresidents. These estimates include the online course surcharge but exclude possible lab fees, future tuition increases, books, and the extra Python prerequisite when required.

The 37-credit thesis route should cost more. A student’s actual total can also vary because the university publishes semester pricing rather than a fixed program price.

Admissions

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The program’s admissions instructions also request official transcripts, a statement of goals of no more than 500 words, a resume or CV, and one letter of recommendation.

Domestic applicants pay a $50 application fee. The program page does not list a minimum GPA or GRE requirement for general admission, although the separate AI graduate scholarship requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

This is a dedicated AI degree rather than a general computer science program with one AI elective. Every student completes machine learning, data mining, computer vision, symbolic computational linguistics, and AI ethics.

The emphasis options let students shape the degree around technical development, language technology, mathematical modeling, cognitive science, or AI project leadership. Students who want the deepest technical preparation should compare the Computer Science and Mathematics emphases first.

Online or Campus Format

The university offers the program 100% online through Brightspace and provides face-to-face options in Commerce and Dallas. International students who need an in-person program can use the face-to-face route.

Online students should confirm course schedules for their chosen emphasis before enrolling. The university describes flexible pacing, but each emphasis depends on a defined 12-credit course sequence.

Thesis or Non-Thesis

The thesis route fits students who want to complete supervised research or prepare for doctoral study. The non-thesis route replaces the thesis with Research Literature and Techniques and reduces the degree from 37 to 34 credits.

Both paths use the same AI core and emphasis structure. The main choice concerns research depth, time, and total cost rather than access to the central machine learning curriculum.

Who Is This Program Best For?

This program fits working professionals who want a flexible online AI master’s with several specialization choices. It also fits students who want campus access in the Dallas area or a thesis option within a dedicated AI degree.

Applicants who want a narrow machine learning engineering curriculum should favor the Computer Science emphasis. Students focused on language models, NLP, or human cognition may find the Computational Linguistics or Psychology emphasis more useful.

Bottom Line

East Texas A&M offers a strong and flexible AI curriculum at a relatively low estimated resident cost. The program stands out for its online and campus choices, five emphasis areas, and thesis and non-thesis plans. The main cost caution is that tuition is published by semester, so students should request a personalized estimate before enrolling.