University of San Diego

How this program compares

University of San Diego's Online MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence lists about $29.9K total tuition — about 172% above the $11.0K AI certificate average (97th 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 a STEM field such as computer science, engineering, or mathematics with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with demonstrated programming proficiency in languages like Python. Relevant work experience or coursework in data structures and linear algebra is preferred.

About This Program

This innovative online program is dedicated to training professionals in the technical and soft skills required for building ethical AI solutions. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI. Most students complete it in about 1 year.

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 cheaper than about 70% of the California programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $63.3K.

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

Design and implement machine learning models for real-world data problems.

Budget planners should note $29.9K estimated total tuition (97th percentile among AI certificate programs, above the $11.0K average). Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

Career Outcomes

University of San Diego positions this certificate track for AI Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $120,000. Its focus on Machine Learning 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 Specialist
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. AI Product Manager

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for real-world data problems.
• Apply deep learning techniques to tasks like image recognition and natural language understanding.
• Develop AI systems with ethical considerations and bias mitigation.
• Deploy scalable AI solutions using cloud platforms and frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.

Curriculum Highlights

Typical course themes involve AI fundamentals, neural networks, deep learning, and a hands-on capstone experience focused on practical workplace applications.

Top Employers

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

Admissions

Admission to University of San Diego's Online MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is not required 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