The University of Missouri offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence through Mizzou Engineering. The 30-credit program gives students direct graduate-level training in machine learning, deep learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, computer vision, bioinformatics, and related areas.
The program is based in Columbia, Missouri and is offered on campus. Students can choose a thesis or non-thesis path, and both options include a substantial research component. For students looking specifically for a machine learning or AI master’s, Mizzou is one of the strongest fits in Missouri because AI is the degree itself rather than an elective focus within a broader computer science program.
Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence |
| School | University of Missouri |
| Location | Columbia, Missouri |
| Credits | 30 |
| Format | Campus |
| Program Options | Thesis or non-thesis |
| Core AI Areas | Machine learning, deep learning, AI, NLP, computer vision |
| Fall Application Deadline | March 1 |
| Spring Application Deadline | October 1 |
Mizzou MS in Artificial Intelligence Overview
Mizzou Engineering’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is a specialized graduate degree built around advanced AI and machine learning study. The university highlights research areas that include deep learning, generative AI, natural language processing, and bioinformatics.
The 2026–27 academic catalog requires at least 30 graduate credit hours. Students must complete at least 12 credit hours of foundation coursework and at least 15 credit hours at the 8000 level.
The degree is especially relevant to students who want an AI-focused curriculum without having to build their own concentration from general computer science electives. Mizzou also gives students room to move into specialized areas such as robotics, image processing, biomedical informatics, data mining, and smart manufacturing.
Machine Learning and AI Curriculum
The foundation course list includes several subjects directly tied to modern machine learning and AI. Students choose at least 12 credits from approved foundation courses, while the broader degree requires at least 15 credits of 8000-level coursework.
- Introduction to Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition
- Artificial Intelligence I
- Introduction to Computational Intelligence
- Supervised Learning
- Unsupervised Learning
- Artificial Intelligence II
- Neural Networks
- Deep Learning
Elective choices extend the program into applied and advanced AI topics. Options include Interdisciplinary Introduction to Natural Language Processing, Advanced Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, Machine Learning Methods for Biomedical Informatics, Machine Learning in Neuroscience, Building Intelligent Robots, and Neural Models and Machine Learning.
Thesis and Non-Thesis Options
Mizzou offers both thesis and non-thesis paths. The thesis option includes 3 to 6 credits of master’s thesis research and requires an independent research project, a formal thesis, a faculty committee, and a public defense.
The non-thesis option includes 1 to 3 credits of master’s project research. Students complete a substantial independent project, prepare a report, and present the work to a faculty committee in a final oral examination. A qualifying co-authored manuscript may be accepted in place of the project report.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must submit the University of Missouri Graduate School application, unofficial post-secondary transcripts, and English proficiency results when required for international admission.
The Artificial Intelligence program also requires a resume, a personal goal statement, three letters of recommendation, and an official GRE score report. Mizzou lists application deadlines of March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission.
Prospective international students should review the current Artificial Intelligence admissions page before applying. Mizzou currently notes that the on-campus MS program can accept international applicants planning to use J-1 student visas while approval for other visa categories remains pending.
How Long Does the Mizzou AI Master’s Take?
Mizzou does not publish a fixed completion time on the program page. The degree requires 30 credits. A student taking a typical full-time graduate load of about 9 credits per semester could generally plan on roughly four semesters, although thesis work, course availability, and individual scheduling can change the timeline.
University of Missouri AI Master’s Tuition
Mizzou’s published graduate cost of attendance for 2025–26 lists $11,038 to $12,526 in tuition and fees for Missouri residents and $25,924 to $27,412 for nonresidents, based on 9 credits per semester across fall and spring.
Because Mizzou uses program-based tuition tiers, the university does not provide one universal per-credit graduate price on its cost-of-attendance page. Students should use the university’s current tuition tool to confirm the exact rate for the MS in Artificial Intelligence. The 30-credit degree will cost more than the 18-credit annual figures shown in Mizzou’s published graduate cost estimate.
For planning purposes, simply scaling the published resident graduate tuition-and-fee range from 18 credits to 30 credits produces a rough estimate of about $18,400 to $20,900. The same calculation for nonresidents is about $43,200 to $45,700. These are estimates rather than program-specific quoted tuition rates, so students should verify current charges with Mizzou before enrolling.
See Mizzou’s current graduate cost of attendance for the latest published figures.
What Makes Mizzou’s AI Program Stand Out?
The biggest advantage is specialization. This is a dedicated MS in Artificial Intelligence rather than a general computer science degree with a few AI electives. The curriculum reaches across core machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, robotics, bioinformatics, image processing, and data mining.
The thesis and non-thesis choices also make the program useful for different goals. Students considering research or doctoral study can pursue a formal thesis, while students focused on applied AI careers can complete an independent project through the non-thesis track.
Is Mizzou a Good Choice for Machine Learning?
Yes. Mizzou is one of the clearest machine learning master’s options in Missouri because the degree itself is focused on artificial intelligence and the curriculum includes several graduate courses devoted specifically to machine learning.
- Dedicated 30-credit MS in Artificial Intelligence
- Machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and AI coursework
- Thesis and non-thesis research paths
- On-campus study in Columbia, Missouri
- Fall and spring admission
- Strong fit for students targeting AI engineering, machine learning, data science, or research roles
Related Programs
- Missouri State University - Springfield
- University of Central Missouri - Warrensburg
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