Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering

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Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence

Acquire the expertise for developing and deploying ethical AI systems to solve problems.

The On-Campus, Full-Time Program is Launching Fall 2026

This on-campus or 100% online Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MS-AAI) program was designed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders to offer a cutting-edge curriculum that focuses on autonomous decision making and action execution by agents with broad-ranging applications such as robotics, computer vision and text analysis. The university's MS-AAI program aspires to function as a respected thought leader as part of its mission to develop current and future generations of ethical and socially responsible artificial intelligence experts. The online format, which launched in 2021, is now complemented by a full-time, on-campus version starting Fall 2026.

Customize Your Experience: Online or Campus, Part-time or Full-time

Designed to prepare graduates for success in this vitally important and fast-growing field, this applied artificial intelligence master’s degree program has been developed by AI experts in close collaboration with key industry and government stakeholders to provide in-depth practical and technical training.

AT A GLANCE

Earn your master’s degree online or on campus to position yourself for career success in the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence. Click on the different tabs to view information for each program format.

Program Length 20 Months
Total Units 30 Units
Cost Per Unit $995
Next Term Starts May 5
Priority App Deadline March 6

Highlights of the Part-Time Program (Online):

  • Offered 100% online only
  • 10 courses total: 2 foundational courses, 6 core courses and 2 final courses
  • 30 units
  • Estimated time to completion: 20 months
  • Courses are offered year-round in spring, summer and fall terms
  • Students take 2 courses per 14-week semester (taken 1 at a time with each course running 7 weeks)
  • Intakes in spring, summer and fall
  • This option is not available to international students

Highlights of the Full-Time Program (On-campus):

  • Offered on-campus only, 2-3 times per week
  • 10 courses total: 2 Foundational courses, 6 Core courses and 2 final courses
  • 30 units
  • Estimated time to completion: 16 months
  • Students take 3 courses in each of two fall semesters and four in the spring
  • Intakes in fall and spring
  • No required coursework over the summer

MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence Recognition

USD’s MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence program, which launched with an online-only format in 2021, has been annually recognized as one of the top artificial intelligence programs by Fortune, Master’s in AI.org, Tech Guide, College Rank, IT Career Finder and more. Along with continually refining curriculum in keeping with the evolving nature of AI, the MS-AAI program is expanding with an on-campus option for students beginning Fall 2026.

About the Director

Ebrahim Tarshizi, PhD

Ebrahim Tarshizi is a professor of practice and director of the MS in Applied Data Science (ADS) and MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) programs at the University of San Diego (USD). He is also co-director of the Center for Digital Civil Society in the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. Dr. Tarshizi is a member of a startup company’s advisory board specializing in healthcare technology. He is an adjunct professor at National University, where he has taught a variety of business and data analytics courses. Dr. Tarshizi is a former senior technical advisor for the CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Mining Research Program. He was an instructor for the UCSD Extension’s Business Intelligence Analysis program. Dr. Tarshizi was a visiting scholar at UCSD’s San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) and an assistant professor at Michigan Tech, where he spent over two years to co-develop a new engineering curriculum.

Dr. Tarshizi received a PhD in Geo-engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). He obtained an MSc in Data Science from Michigan Tech and an MBA from UNR College of Business. He earned a BSc in Exploration Engineering in Iran. Dr. Tarshizi has published several articles in international journals and symposium proceedings and has delivered many technical reports and presentations at professional meetings and conferences. He has received a number of university, national and international awards and honors.

Your future in AI

Why Choose USD?

Education can change lives and create opportunities for those who commit themselves to the pursuit of excellence. At the University of San Diego we have designed an innovative learning experience with your success in mind.

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