Stanford University
MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence
Last reviewed June 2026 by the AI Graduate editorial team. Program data is compiled and verified from official university sources — see our methodology.
How this program compares
Budget-wise, $67.7K puts this master's program at the 82nd percentile on cost — about 58% above the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. 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 or a related field with a strong GPA (typically 3.5+), programming experience, and relevant coursework in algorithms, data structures, and mathematics are required. GRE scores are optional, with strong letters of recommendation and research experience highly valued.
About This Program
Stanford's MS in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence specialization is among the most selective and influential AI degrees in the world. Sitting at the heart of Silicon Valley, the program gives students direct access to the faculty and labs — including the Stanford AI Lab (SAIL) — that helped define modern machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.
The AI track lets students go deep in areas such as deep learning, probabilistic modeling, robotics, and NLP while drawing on Stanford's broader strengths in systems and theory. Many students arrive with research ambitions or startup intentions, and the Bay Area network means internships and full-time roles at frontier labs and top companies are unusually accessible.
Why students choose it: Unmatched faculty, SAIL research access, and the strongest Silicon Valley hiring network of any AI program.
Career Outcomes
Stanford University positions this master track for AI Research Scientist careers — typical offers cluster around $150,000. Its focus on Computer Vision and Deep Learning 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. Computer Vision Specialist
- 4. Natural Language Processing Engineer
What You'll Learn
- Design and implement machine learning models for real-world applications.
- Develop deep neural networks for tasks like image recognition and sequence modeling.
- Apply natural language processing techniques to analyze and generate human language.
- Build AI systems incorporating ethical considerations and automated reasoning.
Curriculum Highlights
The program features coursework in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and the societal impacts of AI.
Top Employers
Top employers include Google, Meta, OpenAI, NVIDIA, and tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft.
Admissions
Admission to Stanford University's MS in Computer Science – 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: 3
- Resume: Required
- Transcripts: Official transcripts required
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Stanford University's MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence?
This master’s degree provides specialized knowledge in the design and implementation of intelligent systems through a research-driven computer science framework.
Is the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence at Stanford University available online?
Yes — Stanford University lists this program as on-campus, online, and it can be taken full-time. Confirm on-campus residency requirements, if any, on the official program page.
How much does the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence cost?
We estimate total tuition at roughly $67.7K, above the $42.9K average for comparable AI master's programs in our database. Tuition changes yearly and excludes fees and living costs, so treat this as a planning figure and confirm with Stanford University.
Does the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence require the GRE?
No — Stanford University does not require the GRE for this program, which is increasingly common among AI programs. A strong transcript, projects and recommendation letters carry more weight.
How long does the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence take to complete?
Most students finish in about 2 years for full-time enrollment. Accelerated or part-time tracks may change the timeline.
What jobs can you get with the MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence?
Graduates commonly pursue roles such as AI Research Scientist, with reported pay around $150,000. Actual outcomes depend on your prior experience, portfolio and location — see our AI salary guide for current, source-cited ranges.
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