The University of Colorado Boulder offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MS-AI) through its Department of Computer Science. The 30-credit professional degree focuses heavily on machine learning, deep learning, AI engineering, and related areas of artificial intelligence.
Students can pursue the degree on campus in Boulder or fully online through Coursera. The two formats use different admission structures and course delivery models, so prospective students should compare them carefully.
Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence |
| School | College of Engineering and Applied Science |
| Department | Computer Science |
| Location | Boulder, Colorado |
| Credits | 30 |
| Format | On Campus or 100% Online |
| On-Campus Length | About 2 years |
| Online Length | Self-paced; possible in about 12 months |
| Online Tuition | $525 per credit |
| Online Estimated Tuition | $15,750 |
| GRE | Not required for on-campus admission |
| Thesis | No |
Visit the CU Boulder MS in Artificial Intelligence program page
Program Overview
CU Boulder’s MS in Artificial Intelligence is a professional, course-based graduate degree for students who want advanced technical training in AI and machine learning.
The on-campus program begins in Fall 2026 and follows a traditional semester schedule. CU Boulder describes it as a two-year program aimed at engineers, applied scientists, technical professionals, and recent graduates.
The online MS-AI is delivered through Coursera. It uses eight-week courses, flexible enrollment, and performance-based admission rather than the traditional graduate application used for the Boulder campus program.
Both options require 30 graduate credits.
Machine Learning and AI Curriculum
Machine learning is a central part of the residential MS-AI curriculum. All on-campus students complete three required AI core courses:
- CSCI 5622 – Machine Learning
- CSCI 5922 – Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- CSCI 5942 – AI Engineering: Building, Scaling, and Deploying Large-Scale Models
Students also complete 12 credits of AI depth courses. Options include:
- Data Mining
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Deep Reinforcement Learning
- Probabilistic Models of Human and Machine Learning
- Systems for Machine Learning
- Theory of Machine Learning
- Advanced Robotics
- Convex Optimization
The remaining requirements include professional preparation in AI skills, toolkits, and ethics, along with six credits of electives.
This structure makes CU Boulder a strong option for students who want a machine learning-focused degree while retaining the broader scope of an artificial intelligence program.
Online MS-AI
CU Boulder also offers the MS-AI 100% online through Coursera.
The online program requires 30 credits and uses a different course structure from the residential program. Courses are generally offered as one-credit classes grouped into three-course specializations.
Students complete required breadth coursework in areas such as:
- Machine learning
- Probability and statistics
- AI ethics
- AI systems
The machine learning pathway includes coursework in supervised learning, unsupervised machine learning, and deep learning.
Students can then use electives to study additional AI subjects.
One major difference is admission. The online program uses performance-based admission. Students begin taking CU Boulder courses and earn admission by completing an approved pathway with grades of B or better.
There is no traditional application, and CU Boulder does not require transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, or an application fee for the online program.
Learn more about the online MS-AI curriculum
Admissions
On-Campus Program
Applicants to the residential MS-AI use CU Boulder’s regular graduate admission process.
Current application requirements include:
- Online graduate application
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Responses to program application questions
- English proficiency documentation when required
GRE scores are not required and are not considered as part of the admission review.
Students should have enough computer science, mathematics, and programming preparation to handle graduate AI coursework.
For the one-time Spring 2027 admission cycle, applications are due October 1, 2026. The current deadline for Fall 2027 is January 15, 2027.
CU Boulder currently states that the residential MS-AI is not available to international students because of federal document-processing limitations. Prospective international students should check with the university for updates before applying.
Review CU Boulder graduate admissions requirements
Online Program
The online program does not use traditional admissions.
Students establish eligibility by successfully completing one of the designated pathway specializations. CU Boulder recommends prior knowledge in:
- Programming and software development
- Calculus
- Linear algebra
- Discrete mathematics
- Probability and statistics
A previous college degree is not required for performance-based admission.
Tuition and Cost
The online MS-AI is one of the more affordable graduate AI programs available from a major public research university.
For the 2026–27 academic year, CU Boulder lists tuition at:
| Online MS-AI Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition per credit | $525 |
| Required credits | 30 |
| Estimated total tuition | $15,750 |
The rate is the same for in-state, out-of-state, and international online students. CU Boulder charges tuition on a pay-as-you-go basis, and Coursera MS-AI students do not pay student fees.
View current CU Boulder Coursera tuition
The residential program uses CU Boulder’s separate on-campus graduate tuition and fee structure. Costs vary based on residency, enrollment, and other factors. Students considering the Boulder campus option should use the university’s current professional graduate tuition schedules rather than the online $15,750 estimate.
How Long Does the Program Take?
CU Boulder describes the residential MS-AI as a two-year program. Students must complete all degree requirements within four years.
The online program is more flexible. Courses run in eight-week sessions and students can study full-time or part-time. CU Boulder states that completion may be possible in approximately 12 months, although actual time will depend on course load and course availability.
Is CU Boulder a Good Choice for Machine Learning?
CU Boulder is worth considering for students who want a graduate AI degree with substantial machine learning coursework.
The residential curriculum requires Machine Learning, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, and AI Engineering, rather than treating machine learning as a single elective. Students can build additional depth through courses in reinforcement learning, computer vision, NLP, probabilistic modeling, robotics, and related subjects.
The program is especially notable for offering two very different paths to the same field:
- On campus: traditional graduate admission, semester-based study, faculty and campus interaction, and access to professional internships.
- Online: lower tuition, flexible eight-week courses, performance-based admission, and no requirement to relocate to Boulder.
Students focused on academic research or eventual PhD study may also want to compare this professional degree with CU Boulder’s traditional research-based MS in Computer Science, which offers thesis and independent-study options.
Program Website
University of Colorado Boulder – Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence
Students interested specifically in the online option can also review the university’s MS-AI on Coursera curriculum and requirements.
Related Programs
Compare the University of Colorado Boulder with other machine learning master’s programs in Colorado.