Dakota State University

How this program compares

Dakota State University's MS in Artificial Intelligence lists about $11.5K total tuition — roughly 73% below the $42.9K AI master's average (5th percentile in our data). It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with programming experience and coursework in probability, statistics, and linear algebra.

About This Program

This advanced degree program equips students with the technical and mathematical foundations of AI, covering both contemporary models and emerging technological breakthroughs in the field. Coursework concentrates on AI Ethics/Policy and AI Engineering / Applied AI. Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

Budget planners should note $11.5K estimated total tuition (5th percentile among AI master's programs, below the $42.9K average). That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

It is one of 9 AI-related programs we track in South Dakota, of which about 78% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 89% of the South Dakota programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $22.8K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as AI Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Design and implement machine learning models for real-world applications.

Career Outcomes

Dakota State University positions this master track for AI Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $120,000. Its focus on AI Ethics/Policy and AI Engineering / Applied AI maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. AI Research Scientist
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. AI Software Developer

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for real-world applications
• Apply deep learning techniques to computer vision and sequence data
• Evaluate AI systems for ethical implications, bias, and fairness
• Develop AI solutions using programming, data structures, and algorithms

Curriculum Highlights

The 30-credit curriculum includes core courses in the mathematics of AI, machine learning fundamentals, and professional ethics, culminating in a comprehensive AI capstone project.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM.

Admissions

Admission to Dakota State University's MS in Artificial Intelligence generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions