UC Irvine MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence for Science

The UC Irvine Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence for Science is a 40-unit, full-time graduate program built for students who already have a background in science and want practical AI and machine learning skills. The program runs for nine months across fall, winter, and spring and is taught on the Irvine campus. Its curriculum combines machine learning, deep learning, software engineering, scientific data work, ethics, professional development, and a three-course project sequence that ends in a capstone.

Quick Facts

SchoolUniversity of California, Irvine
LocationIrvine, California
DegreeM.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence for Science
Units40
FormatCampus, full-time
Length9 months / 3 quarters
Program Tuition & Fees$39,000 anticipated for Fall 2026 cohort
Estimated Total With Mandatory Fees + GSHIPAbout $47,700
AI / ML FocusHigh: machine learning, deep learning, AI software, scientific applications, capstone

Curriculum

The official UCI catalogue lists 40 required units. Students complete six four-unit lecture courses, three four-unit project courses, and two two-unit seminar courses.

  • AI SCI 210: Introduction to Python Programming and Artificial Intelligence
  • AI SCI 220: Methods in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • AI SCI 230: Software Engineering and Data Visualization for Artificial Intelligence
  • AI SCI 240: Neural Networks and Deep Learning
  • AI SCI 285: Special Topics in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • AI SCI 286: Research Topics in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • AI SCI 290A, 290B, and 290C: Project Courses and AI for Science Capstone
  • AI SCI 294: Ethics in Data Science
  • AI SCI 295: Professional Development

The sequence is structured by quarter. Fall includes Python/AI, machine learning methods, and Project A. Winter adds software engineering and data visualization, neural networks and deep learning, Project B, and ethics. Spring includes special and research topics in AI, the final capstone, and professional development.

Credits and Program Length

UC Irvine requires 40 units and describes the degree as a nine-month, full-time program. Students complete it over three consecutive academic quarters: fall, winter, and spring. This is a faster schedule than many two-year AI or data science master’s programs, but it also means students should expect a concentrated full-time workload.

Tuition and Cost

For the Fall 2026 cohort, the program’s admissions page lists $39,000 in anticipated program tuition and fees for the full 40-unit, three-quarter program. UCI also estimates about $1,650 in mandatory student fees and about $7,050 for graduate student health insurance, which brings the estimated academic charges to roughly $47,700 before books, housing, transportation, and other living costs.

The program notes that these Fall 2026 fee figures are estimates and may change. Graduate students are automatically enrolled in UC’s student health insurance plan, but students with qualifying outside coverage may apply for a waiver. UCI’s 2026-27 graduate fee schedule lists the current annual GSHIP charge at $7,771.86, so actual total charges may be somewhat higher than the program’s earlier estimate.

Admissions

The program admissions page targets applicants with bachelor’s degrees in physical or biological sciences, mathematics, or related quantitative fields. UCI may consider other backgrounds case by case.

  • Minimum undergraduate GPA: 3.0
  • Mathematics: at least one year of calculus
  • Programming: no prior programming experience required
  • Letters of recommendation: three
  • Required written materials: statement of purpose and personal history statement
  • Resume: optional but strongly recommended
  • GRE: not required
  • English proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS when required under UCI Graduate Division rules

For Fall 2026 entry, UCI listed a January 15 priority deadline, a March 15 final deadline for international applicants, and a June 15 final deadline for domestic applicants. Future application cycles may use different dates, so applicants should confirm the current deadline before applying.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

This program has a strong direct fit for students comparing machine learning master’s degrees. Machine learning and artificial intelligence appear throughout the required curriculum rather than as a small elective track. Students study ML methods, neural networks, deep learning, AI software engineering, data visualization, research topics, ethics, and applied project work.

The main distinction is the science focus. UCI built the program for students who want to apply AI to scientific data and scientific problem-solving rather than train primarily for general software engineering roles. That makes it especially relevant for graduates in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, mathematics, and related fields.

Campus Format

The M.S. is a full-time, on-campus program in Irvine. UCI does not present this degree as an online or hybrid option. The short nine-month schedule and project sequence make it best suited to students who can attend campus full time for three consecutive quarters.

Projects and Capstone

Project work is built into every quarter. Students complete AI SCI 290A in fall, AI SCI 290B in winter, and AI SCI 290C: Artificial Intelligence for Science Capstone in spring. UCI says the project courses use scientific data sets and include both individual and team-based work. The capstone gives students a final applied project that connects AI methods with scientific problems.

Who Is This Program Best For?

UC Irvine’s program is a strong option for science graduates and working scientists who want an intensive AI credential without completing a traditional computer science master’s degree first. It also fits students who want a fast, campus-based program with structured project work. Applicants who want a part-time schedule, an online option, or a broader computer science curriculum should compare other programs.

Bottom Line

UC Irvine’s M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence for Science is one of the clearest fits on this site. The degree requires 40 units, takes nine months, and places machine learning and AI at the center of the curriculum. Its strongest feature is the combination of technical AI training with scientific domain knowledge and a three-quarter applied project sequence. The main tradeoffs are the full-time campus format and an estimated total academic cost near $47,700 before living expenses.