University of Pennsylvania

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $84.8K puts this master's program at the 91st percentile on cost — about 98% above the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field with a strong GPA (typically 3.0+), relevant coursework in programming and mathematics, and GRE scores (optional at many programs) are required. Relevant technical experience or projects in AI/ML strengthen applications.

About This Program

This master's program offers advanced study in the foundations of computer science with a specialized track in artificial intelligence. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

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

Estimated total tuition is $84.8K, above the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database and in the 91st percentile on cost at this level. Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 60 AI-related programs we track in Pennsylvania, of which about 43% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 63% of the Pennsylvania programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $81.1K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $150,000.

Career Outcomes

University of Pennsylvania positions this master track for Machine Learning Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $150,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) 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. Computer Vision Engineer

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for real-world applications
• Apply deep learning techniques to process and analyze large datasets
• Develop AI systems for tasks like natural language understanding and computer vision
• Evaluate and optimize AI algorithms for performance and scalability

Curriculum Highlights

The structure requires core courses in theory and systems, plus concentration courses in deep learning and ethical algorithm design.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and AI research labs at companies like OpenAI and NVIDIA.

Admissions

Admission to University of Pennsylvania's MSE in CIS – AI Track 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