Applied Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence
Master’s Degree

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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.

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

Next term starts: 

Fall 2026

31

Total Credit Hours

Graduate

Program Duration
The program may be completed in one calendar year through summer and Winterlude coursework, depending on course availability.

Laptop

Program Delivery

On-campus

11

Courses

 
Admissions Requirements
  1. Complete the Graduate Program Application – Submit your application through the Graduate Program Application portal.
    After submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation from Syracuse University.
  2. Pay the Application Fee – 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.
  3. Submit Academic Transcripts – 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.
  4. Write a Personal Statement – 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.
  5. Obtain Two Letters of Recommendation – 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.
  6. Consider Exam Scores – Submitting GRE scores is optional. If you’ve taken the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, you’re encouraged to include your scores.
  7. Provide a Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) – 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.

Admission Requirements for International Students

  • All international applications are required to submit one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores.
  • 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.

Financial Documentation:

  • 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.

 
How to Apply
  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.

 
Tuition & Fees

Cost per
credit

$2,086

X

Number
of credits

31

=

Total
Tuition

$64,666

Visit our graduate costs page to see a full list of tuition costs, housing, fees, and international student financial requirements. 

 

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

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.

Required Core – 21 Credits

IST 664 | 3 CREDITS
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
Understand, analyze, and critique scientific and practical perspectives on what counts as “interactivity” and “intelligence” when AI-driven agents interact with humans.

IST 687 | 3 CREDITS
Introduction to using data science across many different situations. Covers concepts such as data management, transformation, analysis, and machine learning, using R. No programming experience required. Hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving help identify when data science is useful, with emphasis on ethically applying data science.

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
An introduction to the concepts and techniques needed to build deep learning applications. Gain hands-on experience training neural networks using open-source tools (Python, Tensorflow/Keras). The course culminates in a project applying deep learning methods to real-world challenges.

PREREQ IST 687 OR IST 387

IST 692 | 3 CREDITS
Through hands-on coding exercises and critical analysis, you’ll learn to identify and address biases in AI systems, evaluate the social and environmental impact of AI, navigate AI regulations, and apply best practices for responsible AI design and deployment.
PREREQ IST687 OR IST387

IST 736 | 3 CREDITS
This course provides a conceptual and applied introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs), emphasizing informed use, evaluation, and responsible deployment. Students will learn how LLMs process and generate texts, evaluate their capabilities and limitations, and design applications for information-rich environments.

Concentrations – 6 Credits

Select 2 courses (6 credits) from one of the concentrations below.

IST 659 – Data Administration Concepts and Database Management – 3 credits

IST 686 – Quantitative Reasoning for Data Science – 3 credits

IST 707 – Machine Learning – 3 credits

IST 718 – Big Data Analytics – 3 credits

IST 615 – Cloud Management – 3 credits

IST 659 – Data Administration Concepts and Database Management – 3 credits

IST 714 – Cloud Computing Architecture – 3 credits

IST 769 – Advanced Big Data Management – 3 credits

IST 621 – Managing Digital Transformation – 3 credits

IST 644 – Managing AI/Data Science Projects – 3 credits

IST 682 – Community Responsiveness in the Information Profession – 3 credits

Students can select any two IST graduate-level courses (6 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.

Elective – 3 credits

Students can select any IST graduate-level class to count towards their elective. Courses outside of the iSchool must receive program director approval prior to registration.

Exit requirement

IST 782 | 1 CREDIT

Reflect on and curate a portfolio of AI or data science projects completed during the program. Through an ePortfolio and reflection document, demonstrate how your work has aligned with your program learning outcomes. The portfolio serves as a professional showcase for future career opportunities. No new projects are required.

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.

Jaime Banks

Jaime Banks

Leading research on social AI, Dr. Banks explores why we treat machines like real companions.

Jenny Stromer-Galley

Professor Jenny Stromer-Galley is an expert in political communication and social media, with decades of research on digital campaigning, misinformation, and online behavior.

Michael Fudge

Guiding future IS leaders, Mike Fudge unites cloud, data, and human-centered design.

Faculty 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.

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.