Master's in Artificial Intelligence at Columbia Engineering
Considering a master's in machine learning? Columbia Engineering's Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence delivers a comprehensive AI education that includes the essential elements of a master's in machine learning.
While we don't offer a separate machine learning master's degree, our master's in artificial intelligence immerses you in the essential theories and applications that drive machine learning. You will delve into both AI fundamentals and trailblazing developments, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
Program Overview
Our master's in AI provides a solid foundation in the principles that enable modern systems. Core courses include machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. The program emphasizes responsible and trustworthy AI, covering aspects like fairness, reproducibility, interpretability, and governance.
Situated in New York City, Columbia offers access to distinguished faculty, cutting-edge labs, and industry collaborations. You will develop both the analytical expertise typical of a master's in AI and machine learning and the practical skills necessary to transition models from concept to production. Graduates are equipped to apply AI and machine learning in fields such as healthcare, finance, robotics, media, and climate science.
Career paths include robotics, medicine, finance, and much more. If you are weighing a master's in artificial intelligence against a master's in machine learning, our Master's of Science in Artificial Intelligence offers both breadth and depth with a focus on practical impact.
Curriculum and Course Structure
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is a full-time, STEM-designated program that includes core courses, four electives in the base degree program or a specialized concentration, and either an Interdisciplinary Capstone project or additional electives.
Concentrations include:
- AI and Advanced Computing
- AI Infrastructure
- AI and Finance and Operations
- Robotics and Perception
- AI and UI/IX
- AI and Biomedical
- AI and Health and Medicine
- AI and Public Health
- Statistical Foundation in AI
- AI and Arts, Creativity, and Media
- AI and Architecture and Urbanism
Students must also complete the professional development and leadership course as a graduation requirement.
Students completing the program will be awarded a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree and receive an annotation of the specific concentration on their transcript.
Students begin in the fall semester and may complete the program in May, August, or December of the following year.
We also offer a part-time, online Master's in AI program. Learn more.
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Delivery Format and Flexibility
We offer full-time, in-person study as well a part-time, online masters in AI program.
For our full-time program, the degree is primarily conducted on-campus at Morningside Heights, with some online components for flexibility. While certain lectures, labs, or seminars might be available virtually, core project work, research, and networking are designed for in-person engagement—a significant advantage for those pursuing a masters in machine learning-focused pathway.
Regardless of program, academic advisors assist in aligning plans with career aspirations and, if applicable, visa requirements.
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Faculty and Research Opportunities
Columbia Engineering faculty are pioneers in AI and machine learning, integrating cutting-edge research into the curriculum. Areas of expertise include statistical learning theory, optimization, deep neural networks, NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and responsible AI.
Meet our professors who use develop and AI
Mentorship is a key component. Faculty assist with research direction and career planning. Seminars, reading groups, and workshops facilitate portfolio building and connections with New York City’s AI community.
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Admissions Process and Requirements
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program at Columbia University is designed to attract highly motivated graduate students who wish to broaden their knowledge and skills in AI and related technologies.
Education
A bachelor's degree received from an institution of acceptable standing. An undergraduate STEM degree is recommended, but not required.
Recommendations
- Test Scores: Outstanding standardized test scores (TOEFL or IELTS for students or students who received their degree in a country where English is not the primary language)
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Careers and Outcomes at a Glance
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program prepares you for a pioneering career bridging the gap between emerging AI technologies and the various disciplines it is impacting. You will have access to career support services and professional development programs at Columbia Engineering.
These outcomes align with expectations for a master's in AI and machine learning or a machine learning master's program, delivered within a comprehensive AI curriculum.
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If your search for a master's in machine learning led you here, explore how Columbia’s master's in artificial intelligence provides the specialized depth of an MS in machine learning within a broader framework that anticipates the future of the field. Take the next step toward building trustworthy, high-performing intelligent systems with a master's in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
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