University of Utah MS in Computing: Artificial Intelligence

The University of Utah MS in Computing with an Artificial Intelligence track is a campus-based, research-oriented degree offered by the Kahlert School of Computing in Salt Lake City. The track focuses on the theory and methods behind systems that perceive, learn, reason, communicate, and act. It is a strong fit for students who want a focused AI graduate degree with room for advanced coursework and research.

University of Utah MS in Computing Quick Facts

SchoolUniversity of Utah
LocationSalt Lake City, Utah
DegreeMS in Computing: Artificial Intelligence track
Credits30 credits
FormatCampus
Estimated LengthAbout 2 years full time
Estimated Tuition and FeesAbout $32,356 resident or $70,692 nonresident over two academic years
AI FocusArtificial intelligence theory, machine learning, intelligent systems, perception, reasoning, and related research

Curriculum

The 2026–2027 University of Utah catalog lists 30 total credits for the MS in Computing. Students enter a specific computing track, and the Artificial Intelligence track provides the specialization for this profile.

The School of Computing describes AI as a field that covers intelligent behavior and its implementation in machines. Students can study topics tied to machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, reasoning, and intelligent agents. Exact course plans depend on the current graduate handbook, course availability, and the student’s approved program of study.

Credits and Program Length

The degree requires 30 graduate credits. A full-time student should plan for about two academic years, although the schedule may change based on research work, course sequencing, assistantship duties, or the selected completion option. Students should use the current School of Computing graduate handbook to confirm thesis, project, and course-only requirements for their entering year.

Tuition and Cost

The university’s 2026–2027 graduate cost-of-attendance budget lists annual tuition and fees of $16,178 for Utah residents and $35,346 for nonresidents for engineering students enrolled full time. Using two academic years as a planning period, estimated tuition and fees total about $32,356 for residents or $70,692 for nonresidents.

These are planning estimates rather than a university-published total program price. They assume two years at the current annual rate and may not match a student’s exact credit load. Housing, food, books, transportation, health insurance, and future tuition increases are not included. The same university budget lists a WRGP tuition-and-fee estimate of $24,268 per academic year, but students should confirm program eligibility before using that rate.

Admissions

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Kahlert School of Computing admissions requirements state that a computer science bachelor’s degree is not mandatory. However, applicants need significant programming and computer science experience to gain admission and succeed in the program. International applicants must also meet the university’s English proficiency rules.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

This is a direct fit for a machine learning and AI program directory. The university lists Artificial Intelligence as a formal MS track, not a single elective inside a general computing degree. The track prepares students to conduct research that advances, applies, and governs AI technology. Its scope includes learning, perception, reasoning, communication, and action in intelligent systems.

Utah also supports related work through faculty and courses in data management and analysis, image analysis, robotics, graphics, and scientific computing. That breadth can help students connect machine learning with areas such as computer vision, natural language processing, autonomous systems, or data-intensive research.

Campus Format and Research Options

The School of Computing presents the MS in Computing as a campus program in Salt Lake City. The university does not identify the AI track as an online degree. Students should expect in-person graduate study and should verify the current handbook for available thesis, project, or course-only routes. Research-focused students can also work with AI track faculty whose interests span machine learning, language, robotics, computer vision, data systems, and responsible AI.

Who Is This Program Best For?

  • Students who want a dedicated artificial intelligence track within a computing master’s degree
  • Applicants with solid programming and computer science preparation
  • Students interested in machine learning, NLP, computer vision, robotics, or intelligent systems research
  • Utah residents who can benefit from the lower resident tuition rate
  • Students who prefer an in-person research university rather than a fully online program

Bottom Line

The University of Utah is a strong match for this site because it offers a formal Artificial Intelligence track within a 30-credit MS in Computing. The program provides clear AI depth, research access, and links to machine learning, language, vision, and robotics. Its main tradeoff is cost for nonresident students, with a two-year tuition-and-fee estimate of about $70,692 compared with about $32,356 for Utah residents.

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