Applied Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence
Master’s Degree

ON CAMPUS PROGRAM

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence at the iSchool

A Master’s in Artificial Intelligence from Syracuse University School of Information Studies empowers you to master cutting-edge AI technologies while staying true to ethical and human-centered principles. 

With a strong emphasis on hands-on projects, students will conclude the program by creating and reflecting on their application portfolio, showcasing their practical expertise and knowledge. 

Join us and become a leader in the transformative field of Artificial Intelligence.

 Program Benefits 

  • Human-Centered Approach
  • Interdisciplinary Curriculum
  • Hands-On Learning
  • Portfolio Development
  • Industry-Relevant Skills
  • Supportive Learning Environment
Program Info
Clock

Next term starts: 

Spring 2025

31

Total Credit Hours

Graduate

Program Duration:

Can be completed in as little as one year

Laptop

Program Delivery: 

On-campus

11

Courses

 
Admissions Requirements

To apply for the on-campus Master of Science in Applied Human-Centered AI at Syracuse University, follow these steps:

Submit your application through the Graduate Program Application portal.

After submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation from Syracuse University.

A non-refundable fee of $75 is required. 

If you’re applying to multiple programs, each requires a separate application and fee. 

Post-9/11 veterans may qualify for a fee waiver; contact the Veterans Resource Center at veterans@syr.edu for details.

Provide one copy of transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you’ve attended. While unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial review, official transcripts confirming a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are necessary upon admission. Failure to provide official transcripts may result in revocation of admission.

In approximately 500 words, discuss your academic and personal interests, relevant experiences, reasons for choosing this degree and Syracuse University, and your future plans post-graduation. Upload this document through the online application.

Request two letters from individuals who can assess your qualifications. Recommendations can be submitted electronically via the OnBase application system. If electronic submission isn’t possible, mail sealed letters, signed across the seal by the recommender, to the Graduate Enrollment Management Center.

Submitting GRE scores is optional. If you’ve taken the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, you’re encouraged to include your scores.

Include an up-to-date resume or CV with your application.

Please visit the M.S. in Applied Human Centered AI Application Checklist for more detailed information.

Additional admissions requirements for international students:

Exemptions:

  • Applicants with a four-year (or higher) degree from a U.S. institution or select exempt countries (confirm eligibility via igrad@syr.edu).
  • Native English speakers or citizens of English-speaking countries.

Visit the International Student FAQ for detailed information.

Not required for admission review but necessary for visa issuance (I-20).

Demonstrate funding for at least the first year of study:

    • Privately Sponsored Applicants: Submit a certified bank statement or loan approval letter showing sufficient funds in U.S. dollars.
    • Government-Sponsored Applicants: Submit an original or certified copy of an award letter indicating the annual funding amount.

Financial documents must be in English and valid within one year of the semester start date.

 
Tuition & Fees

Cost per
credit

$1,945

X

Number
of credits

31

=

Total
Tuition

$60,295

 

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence?

A master’s degree in AI can unlock a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. For instance, you might find yourself diving deep into consumer data to uncover trends as a marketing analyst or contributing to life-changing advancements in healthcare by optimizing treatment plans and diagnostics. 

You could also channel your creativity into developing innovative applications at a tech startup, where your skills in AI could drive the next big breakthrough.

Career opportunities
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Data scientist
  • Software engineer
  • Business intelligence developer
  • Research scientist
  • Big data architect
  • AI engineer

Gain Experience.

Complement your master’s degree in AI with real-world experience. From student-led consulting projects to research endeavors, internships, networking events and more, we connect you with the experts and the expertise to take the next step in your career.

Grow Your Potential.

In addition to getting practical, on-the-job experience, you’ll have opportunities to join a research lab or collaborate with faculty on their academic work. Your focus on AI will mean your skills will be in-demand on almost any iSchool research team.

Expand Your Career.

Our dedicated Career Services team is available throughout your program and after. From resume and cover letter prep to interview training, career advising, and alumni and employer connections, you’ll have the support you need to land your dream job.

A student pays attention in class, seen through a window

Courses & Curriculum

The master’s degree in artificial intelligence is 31 credits and can be completed in as little as one year. The curriculum combines a primary core, the choice of three tracks for your secondary core, and electives to give you a strong data science foundation with a focus of your choosing.

Primary Core – 21 Credits

IST 664 | 3 CREDITS
Crosslisted with CIS 668
Linguistic and computational aspect of natural language processing technologies. Lectures, readings, and projects in the computational techniques required to perform all levels of linguistic processing of text. Additional work required of graduate students.

IST 675 | 3 CREDITS
This class focuses on understanding, analyzing, and critiquing scientific and practical perspectives on what counts as “interactivity” and what counts as “intelligence” when AI-driven actors interact with humans.

IST 687 | 3 CREDITS
Introduces information professionals to fundamentals about data and the standards, technologies, and methods for organizing, managing, curating, preserving, and using data. Discusses broader issues relating to data management, quality control and publication of data.

IST 688 | 3 CREDITS
Learn to build Generative AI applications leveraging large language models. Through hands-on projects, students will use libraries and APIs to create conversational agents, Q&A bots, and goal-oriented assistants.
PREREQ IST 687 or knowledge of Python Programming

IST 691 | 3 CREDITS
Introduction to Deep Learning concepts and techniques required to develop Deep Learning based applications. Hands-on experience applying models using open-source frameworks and packages.
PREREQ IST 687 OR IST 387 (B grade or higher)

IST 692 | 3 CREDITS
This course will provide students the critical skills necessary to discuss and evaluate more just and equitable AI models, as well as leverage Python or R packages to build such models.
PREREQ IST687 OR IST387 (B grade or higher)

IST 736 | 3 CREDITS
Introduces concepts and methods for knowledge discovery from large amount of text data, and the application of text mining techniques for business intelligence, digital humanities, and social behavior analysis

Secondary Core – 9 Credits

Students select 3 courses (9 credits) from one of the tracks below.

Data Science

IST 659 | 3 CREDITS
Definition, development, and management of databases for information systems. Data analysis techniques, data modeling, and schema design. Query languages and search specifications. Overview of file organization for databases. Data administration concepts and skills.

IST 659 | 3 CREDITS
Definition, development, and management of databases for information systems. Data analysis techniques, data modeling, and schema design. Query languages and search specifications. Overview of file organization for databases. Data administration concepts and skills.

IST 659 | 3 CREDITS
Definition, development, and management of databases for information systems. Data analysis techniques, data modeling, and schema design. Query languages and search specifications. Overview of file organization for databases. Data administration concepts and skills.

IST 659 | 3 CREDITS
Definition, development, and management of databases for information systems. Data analysis techniques, data modeling, and schema design. Query languages and search specifications. Overview of file organization for databases. Data administration concepts and skills.

Cloud Computing

IST 616 | 3 CREDITS
Cloud services creation and management. Practical experience in using, creating and managing digital services across data centers and hybrid clouds. Strategic choices for cloud digital service solutions across open data centers and software defined networks.

IST 659 | 3 CREDITS
Definition, development, and management of databases for information systems. Data analysis techniques, data modeling, and schema design. Query languages and search specifications. Overview of file organization for databases. Data administration concepts and skills.

IST 714 | 3 CREDITS
Advanced, lab-based exploration of enterprise cloud migration/adoption costs, planning and economics; cloud application/service design, network and data center resource orchestration. Topics also include cloud elastic sizing, risk management, governance, compliance and monitoring.

IST 769 | 3 CREDITS
Analyze relational and non-relational databases and corresponding database management system architectures. Learn to build complex database objects to support a variety of needs from big data and traditional perspectives. Data systems performance, scalability, security. Additional work required for graduate students.

Self Guided

Students can select any three IST graduate-level courses (9 credits) that provide a coherent experience related to Applied HCAI.  Students should consult with the program director to ensure the appropriateness of the courses and consider how the electives will add to their knowledge and skillset.  Courses outside of the iSchool must receive permission prior to registration to be used as secondary core credit.

Exit requirement

IST 783 | 1 CREDIT

Project based activity for which students choose assignments and projects worked on in courses during their studies, and then reflect on their abilities specified in the program learning outcomes. .

Student Success Stories
Meet Our Alumni

At Syracuse University School of Information Studies, we believe every student has a unique story. 

Our students come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a range of experiences, but they all share one thing in common: the desire to succeed. From overcoming personal challenges to achieving academic excellence, our students demonstrate the resilience, dedication, and ambition needed to thrive in any job market.

Visit our Alumni & Friends page to discover more about their inspiring stories and connect with fellow alumni.

 

Meet Our Experts

At Syracuse University’s  School of Information Studies, we are proud to have a distinguished team of experts who are leaders in their fields. 

Each expert brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, offering students the opportunity to learn from the best. 

Meet our team of experts and discover how their work is shaping the future of education and industry:

Jaime Banks

Jaime Banks

Jenny Stromer-Galley

Michael Fudge

Michael Fudge

 
How to Apply

If you’re interested in pursuing your graduate studies on campus, follow the steps below to ensure a smooth and successful application.

  1. Gather Required Documents
  2. Complete the Graduate Program Application:
  • Visit the Graduate Program Application portal on the Syracuse University website.
  • Create an account and fill out your personal information, educational background, and program-specific details.
  1. Submit Supporting Documents (You can find the specific requirements at the M.S. in Applied Human Centered AI Application Checklist)
  2. Pay the Application Fee
  3. Track Your Application

If you have any questions or need assistance throughout the process, feel free to reach out to our Enrollment Management team at iGrad@syr.edu. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to receiving your application!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 How long does it take to complete the Master’s in Artificial Intelligence program?

The master’s degree in artificial intelligence is 31 credits and can be completed in as little as one year.

Is masters in artificial intelligence worth it?

Yes, it equips you with advanced, in-demand skills and opens doors to growing career opportunities in AI-driven industries.

How difficult is a master’s in AI?

The program is challenging but manageable, combining technical depth with hands-on learning to ensure your success.

Meet us in Syracuse, or virtually.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Get access to upcoming events, meet with faculty and current students, connect with alumni, and see what a master’s degree can do for your career and future. Submit your contact info below and we’ll be in touch!

Loading…