University of San Diego

How this program compares

University of San Diego's MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence lists about $60K total tuition — about 40% above the $42.9K AI master's average (76th 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: Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, programming experience, and background in probability and statistics. GRE is often optional or not required.

About This Program

This online master's degree focuses on developing and deploying ethical AI systems to solve real-world problems across diverse industries. Coursework concentrates on Computer Vision and AI Engineering / Applied AI. Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as AI Engineer, with reported salaries around $105,000.

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

Budget planners should note $60K estimated total tuition (76th percentile among AI master's programs, above the $42.9K average). Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 65 AI-related programs we track in California, of which about 37% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 64% of the California programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $63.3K.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of University of San Diego's MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence most often target AI Engineer roles, where reported compensation runs around $105,000. Its focus on Computer Vision 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. AI Engineer
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. AI Product Manager

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for real-world applications
• Apply deep learning techniques to process and analyze complex data
• Develop AI systems with ethical considerations and deployment strategies
• Build predictive models using probability, statistics, and data pipelines

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum includes neural networks, deep learning, AI ethics, and a comprehensive capstone project that pairs students with potential industry partners.

Top Employers

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

Admissions

Admission to University of San Diego's MS in Applied 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