The University of Illinois Chicago offers an online Master of Engineering with a concentration in AI and Machine Learning through the College of Engineering.
The 36-credit program consists of nine required courses taken in eight-week terms. Machine learning, deep neural networks, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing are all required, alongside three engineering leadership courses. There is no thesis or capstone.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Engineering, concentration in AI and Machine Learning |
| School | College of Engineering |
| Location | Online (Chicago-based college) |
| Format | Online, asynchronous, eight-week terms |
| Credits | 36 |
| Culminating Experience | None (coursework only) |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 in the final 60 semester hours |
| GRE | Not required |
| Next Deadline | January 5, 2027 |
| Next Start Date | January 11, 2027 |
| Typical Length | As few as 12 months full time |
Official Online Master of Engineering page
Curriculum
UIC’s program has no electives. Every student takes the same nine courses, each worth 4 credit hours. The university describes it as a professional, coursework-only degree with no departmental affiliation.
Students complete 36 graduate credits consisting of:
- 16 credits of Master of Engineering core courses
- 20 credits of AI and Machine Learning concentration courses
AI and Machine Learning Concentration Courses
- MENG 416 – Introduction to Machine Learning
- MENG 417 – Introduction to Deep Neural Networks
- MENG 418 – Image Analysis and Computer Vision
- MENG 419 – Artificial Intelligence
- MENG 420 – Natural Language Processing
The deep neural networks course covers perceptrons, multilayer networks, convolutional networks, and recurrent networks.
Master of Engineering Core
- MENG 404 – Math Fundamentals for AI Engineers and Data Scientists
- MENG 400 – Engineering Law
- MENG 401 – Engineering Management
- MENG 407 – Innovation Tools and Methods
MENG 404 is a prerequisite for the machine learning course. The other three core courses cover legal topics, project management, and innovation methods, which UIC groups together as engineering leadership.
Preparatory Math Course
Students admitted with Calculus I and statistics instead of the full calculus sequence must first complete MENG 490 – Math Preparation for AI/ML. The course carries 4 hours but does not count toward the 36 credits.
Cost and Tuition
UIC publishes a single per-credit tuition rate for the online Master of Engineering and bills by the credit hour each term.
The program site currently lists:
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $896 per credit hour |
| Library and technology fees | $21 per credit hour |
At 36 credits, tuition comes to about $32,256, or about $33,012 with library and technology fees.
The program site does not state which academic year the rate applies to. Rates can change, so students should confirm current costs with UIC before enrolling.
View UIC Master of Engineering payment information
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field, such as biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics, from a regionally accredited institution.
UIC requires a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
Applicants whose degree is not in engineering or computer science need the equivalent of 5 semester hours in the sciences plus one of the following, with grades of C or better:
- Calculus I, II, and III
- Calculus I and an advanced statistics course, followed by MENG 490 after enrolling
At least one programming course is strongly recommended, with Python as the suggested language. Two or more years of professional experience after the bachelor’s degree are recommended but not required.
Application Materials
Applicants submit:
- online application and $80 application fee
- official transcripts from all institutions attended
- resume
- two recommendations
- proof of English proficiency when required
GRE scores are not required. UIC does not list a statement of purpose among the materials for this program.
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Classes starting January 11, 2027 | January 5, 2027 |
The program page shows only the next start date and deadline. Applicants should check the page for later entry terms.
Program Format
UIC lists the Master of Engineering as 100% online and asynchronous. Courses run in accelerated eight-week terms.
Full-time students typically take two courses at a time and can finish in as few as 12 months. Part-time students take one course at a time. The graduate catalog allows up to six years to complete the degree.
The degree is coursework only, with no thesis, project, or capstone.
Who Is This Program Best For?
UIC’s online Master of Engineering is a strong option for working engineers and other science and math graduates who want a fully required sequence in machine learning and AI that can be completed without coming to campus.
It may be especially appealing to students interested in:
- machine learning and deep neural networks
- computer vision
- natural language processing
- engineering management, law, and innovation methods
- an asynchronous online format with eight-week terms
- admission without the GRE
The fixed curriculum leaves no room for electives, and three of the nine courses cover engineering leadership instead of technical AI topics. The program has no thesis, capstone, or research component, and it expects a calculus background. Students who want research opportunities, a customizable curriculum, or a campus program may want to compare other Illinois schools or UIC’s MS in Computer Science.
Official University of Illinois Chicago Program Links
- Online Master of Engineering program page
- Graduate catalog entry
- Admission requirements
- Tuition payment information
Related Machine Learning Programs in Illinois
Students can also compare University of Illinois Chicago with other master’s programs in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields offered in Illinois.
- Bradley University – Peoria
- DePaul University – Chicago
- Elmhurst University – Elmhurst
- Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago
- Lewis University – Romeoville
- Northwestern University – Evanston
- University of Chicago – Chicago
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Urbana-Champaign