Duke University offers a Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) track within its graduate programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students can complete the track through either the Master of Science (MS) or Master of Engineering (MEng) in ECE.
The Durham, North Carolina program combines machine learning theory with practical work in programming, data engineering, deep learning, and advanced AI topics. Duke lists a typical completion time of 3–4 semesters.
Duke Machine Learning & AI Master’s at a Glance
| School | Duke University |
| Degree | MS or MEng in Electrical & Computer Engineering |
| Specialization | Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence |
| Location | Durham, North Carolina |
| Format | Campus |
| Length | 3–4 semesters |
| Curriculum | 10 graduate courses (30 credits) plus first-year seminar |
| 2026–27 Tuition | MEng: about $107,040 for 3 semesters; MS: at least 3 semesters of full-time tuition |
Program Overview
Duke’s Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence track is a strong fit for students who want graduate-level training in both the foundations and applications of modern AI. The track is available to students in Duke ECE’s MS and MEng programs.
The curriculum was redesigned beginning in fall 2025 to place more emphasis on skills used in current machine learning and AI work. Students study how models work, how to evaluate them, and how to apply AI methods to real engineering problems.
Curriculum
Students complete a minimum of 10 graduate-level courses totaling 30 credits, plus the first-year ECE seminar. The ML/AI track includes one programming course, three foundational machine learning courses, advanced ML/AI coursework, and electives.
- Programming: ECE 551D Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms in C++ or ECE 590 P4ML Programming and Data Structures for Machine Learning
- Machine learning foundations: coursework includes Mathematics for Machine Learning and other required ML courses
- Applied AI: students build depth in areas such as practical machine learning, data engineering, and deep learning
- Advanced electives: options can include natural language processing, computer vision, generative AI, privacy and security, probabilistic machine learning, and other advanced ECE topics
Students with strong programming skills may request a waiver of the programming requirement and replace it with an approved graduate elective. Course offerings can change by semester, so students should use Duke’s current ML/AI curriculum when planning their degree.
MS vs. MEng
Both degree paths can include the Machine Learning & AI track, but they serve somewhat different goals. The MS in ECE is the more research-oriented option and can be useful for students considering research or further graduate study. The MEng in ECE places greater emphasis on professional engineering preparation and includes business and management components.
Students should compare Duke’s ECE master’s study tracks and degree requirements before choosing between the MS and MEng paths.
Program Format and Length
The Duke ECE Machine Learning & AI track is offered on campus in Durham, North Carolina. Duke lists 3–4 semesters as the expected time needed to earn an ECE master’s degree with the ML/AI focus.
Admissions
Applicants apply to Duke’s graduate program in Electrical and Computer Engineering and select the degree path that fits their goals. Because the ML/AI curriculum includes programming, mathematics, algorithms, and graduate-level machine learning, applicants should be prepared for quantitative and technical coursework.
Current application requirements, deadlines, and instructions are available through Duke ECE master’s admissions.
Tuition and Cost
For the 2026–27 academic year, Duke lists campus MEng tuition at $35,680 per semester. Completing the standard 30-credit MEng over three semesters results in estimated tuition of $107,040, before fees and living expenses.
MS students are billed under Duke Graduate School rates. Duke lists 2026–27 master’s tuition at $34,940 per fall or spring semester and requires master’s students to enroll and pay tuition for at least three semesters of full-time study. Rates can change each academic year.
See Duke Engineering’s tuition and financial aid information and the Graduate School tuition schedule for current costs.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Duke’s ML/AI track is best suited to students who want a technically demanding machine learning education inside an electrical and computer engineering program. It offers particular value for students interested in machine learning engineering, AI systems, data science, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, or AI research.
The choice between the MS and MEng also gives students flexibility to lean more heavily into research or professional engineering preparation.
Official Duke University Resources
- Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Master’s Track
- ECE Master’s Study Tracks
- ECE Master’s Admissions
- Engineering Master’s Tuition & Financial Aid
Students comparing Duke with other options can also review our machine learning master’s programs in North Carolina.