Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) Degree
Gain in-demand skills to shape the future with an MSAI degree.
MSAI Program Overview
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program provides students with a comprehensive framework for artificial intelligence. Its goal is to cultivate exceptional leaders in the AI industry who can create and deploy cutting-edge intelligent systems that enhance human capabilities.
- Develop a strong foundation in artificial intelligence theory and practice through the extensive core curriculum, including machine learning, deep learning, robotics, fuzzy-based methods, and data science.
- Learn to utilize these techniques across various fields to help advance industry-wide digital transformation.
- Apply core course materials to a practical project in a real-world environment.
The MSAI program is available to domestic students and through affiliated institutions, including King’s College, Nepal. International students requiring an F-1 or M-1 visa are not currently eligible to enroll.
Admissions and Tuition Benefits for US Military & Veterans
Westcliff proudly supports U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families. Our flexible hybrid learning model makes it possible to pursue your education during active duty and after discharge.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program is one of Westcliff University’s programs that are CSAVE approved or approved for GI Bill® benefits based on the GI Bill® and the Department of Military Tuition Assistance program. Service members and their families may use the GI Bill® education benefits to pay the cost of tuition and many other education services. Your eligibility for VA education benefits is determined by the Department of Veteran Affairs. (Find more information here)
At Westcliff, every military student is paired with a dedicated military advisor—a fellow veteran who understands your journey and provides personalized guidance. From navigating benefits and admissions to excelling in academics and career planning, your advisor offers both educational expertise and a veteran’s perspective.
By building on your military background with a master’s in AI, you’ll strengthen your credentials and stand out in one of today’s most in-demand fields.
Program at a Glance
Why Pursue a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) Degree?
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated throughout nearly every industry, job candidates with an MSAI degree are in high demand.
- AI could add up to $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030.
- Enterprise AI adoption jumped to 72% in 2024.
- Employment for computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 20% from 2024–2034.
From optimizing drug discovery and enhancing banking fraud detection to enabling new levels of personalized education, AI promises to unlock new capabilities and efficiencies across industries.
Organizations have a need for leaders with rigorous technical foundations and cross-functional skills to translate AI into reliable products, policy, and services. Westcliff’s master’s program in artificial intelligence gives students the technical knowledge and leadership skills to not only participate in this transformation, but to help shape it.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence encourages students to achieve the following educational outcomes:
Program Requirements
Explore degree and GPA requirements for acceptance, as well as how many hours and internship credits are needed to graduate from Westcliff’s MSAI program.
Admission Requirements
For acceptance into the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) degree program, applicants must hold:
Bachelor’s degree in the field of information technology, engineering, computer science, or related fields (i.e., Electrical or Electronics Engineering) from an accredited university (or its equivalent from a recognized institution) with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
OR
Students who have an incoming GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 or do not have a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in a technology discipline may pursue the ACHIEVE version of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence.
Practical Learning Experience Requirements
Westcliff University has integrated Practical Learning Experience (PLE) as a graduation requirement for the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program.
- Can be satisfied by completing at least one credit-bearing internship course that is assessed on a Credit/No Credit basis.
- Students are encouraged to complete as many PLEs as their schedules permit.
- Internships may require a start date up to 30 days prior to the start of classes to meet the onboarding requirements of the professional workplace. Students wishing to meet this graduation requirement in this manner must notify the university in advance.
Graduation Requirements
Students may apply for graduation after meeting the following requirements:
- Thirty-six (36) prescribed credit hours
- Program GPA (PGPA) of 3.0 or higher
Students enrolled in Nepal Affiliate Institutions (King’s College and Presidential Graduate School):
- 60 graduate-level credits (per Nepal federal regulations).
The standard MSAI program duration is 2 years ( may vary based on individual circumstances). Students must apply for graduation. Upon graduation and fulfillment of all academic requirements, students receive a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree.
Program Information
After completing foundational courses in artificial intelligence, students focus on specific aspects of the field, from big data analytics to ethical AI development. The MSAI program culminates in a capstone project. Explore course requirements in more detail below.
Required Courses
Master of Information Systems & Technology Program Requirements – 36 Credits Total
Core Courses
| IST 510 | Information Technology & Project Management | 3 credit hours |
| IST 520 | Leading Strategic Change with Technology | 3 credit hours |
| IST 560 | Systems Engineering | 3 credit hours |
| IST 545 | Business Architecture & Organizational Transformation | 3 credit hours |
Concentration Courses
| CYB 600 | Threat and Vulnerability Management | 3 credit hours |
| CYB 601 | Cyber Operations and Monitoring | 3 credit hours |
| CYB 602 | Digital Forensics and Incident Response | 3 credit hours |
| CYB 603 | Compliance and Assessment | 3 credit hours |
| CYB 604 | Cybersecurity Architecture | 3 credit hours |
| IST 600 | Industrial Internet of Things and Cyber-physical Systems | 3 credit hours |
| IST 601 | Platform-Based Manufacturing, Product Families, and Additive Manufacturing | 3 credit hours |
| IST 602 | Smart Manufacturing | 3 credit hours |
| IST 603 | AI and Big Data for Manufacturing Decision-Making | 3 credit hours |
| IST 604 | Blockchain Applications in Industry and Manufacturing | 3 credit hours |
Capstone
| CAP 695 | Masters Pre-Capstone | 3 credit hours |
| CAP 696 | Masters Applied Capstone | 3 credit hours |
| CAP 697 | Masters Applied Capstone | 3 credit hours |
Course Catalog and Student Handbook
Learn more about the master’s program in artificial intelligence and life at Westcliff by downloading the course catalog and student handbook.
Campuses Offering the MSAI
We currently offer the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program at our Irvine, California campus, with hybrid online coursework. Located in the heart of Orange County, our main campus provides a rich student experience—year-round sunshine, a variety of events and clubs, a short drive from the beach, and career-focused education. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to study in the heart of one of America’s most vibrant tech hubs.
Scholarship Opportunities
Westcliff is committed to nurturing a diverse student body and a workforce that is equipped with the skills and varied life experiences that are essential for building an ethical, equitable AI-powered society. To that end, Westcliff offers numerous scholarship and grant opportunities.
Scholarship Application
As a Westcliff student, you have access to a powerful network of support from staff, faculty, alumni, and many others who take pride in investing in you. Scholarships are made possible by generous benefactors who are passionate about supporting your success.
Scholarship Application Deadlines
Why Pursue Your Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) Degree at Westcliff University
Westcliff’s master’s program in artificial intelligence equips students with the technical and leadership skills, as well as the practical experience and confidence needed to succeed in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. The MSAI degree’s career-focused curriculum was developed in collaboration with and is taught by industry professionals with real-world expertise. Our Board of Trustees includes key leaders from organizations such as Meta Artificial Intelligence, Google, and Hewlett-Packard, lending valuable perspectives on what skills are most in demand for employers. With a focus on hands-on learning, the program culminates with a capstone project, during which students gain real-world experience through an industry internship.
Westcliff prioritizes making higher education more accessible so that everyone can succeed in the digital economy. Our MSAI program offers flexible hybrid learning, combining online coursework with in-person learning at our beautiful Irvine campus.
An accredited institution under the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Westcliff University is dedicated to providing convenient, affordable, and career-focused education in high-demand industries.
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) Degree FAQs
Is it worth doing a master's program in artificial intelligence?
Yes, an artificial intelligence master’s degree opens doors to a wide range of high-impact, high-growth careers. Because AI touches nearly every sector—from healthcare and finance to cybersecurity and education—graduates can pursue deeply technical paths and leadership-oriented roles.
AI Engineer / ML Engineer roles are among the fastest-growing job titles globally. McKinsey and Deloitte report that most enterprise leaders expect AI adoption to increase the need for technical AI specialists, governance experts, and AI-savvy product leaders. An MSAI degree gives candidates the technical and leadership skills to thrive in these roles.
What kind of jobs can I get with a master’s in AI?
A master’s degree in artificial intelligence opens paths into advanced technical, applied, and strategic roles across industries. Graduates are typically hired into positions that require deeper knowledge of machine learning, algorithms, data architecture, model deployment, and responsible AI practices.
Technical & Engineering Roles
- AI Engineer / Machine Learning Engineer
- Deep Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist / Applied Scientist
- AI Research Scientist
- Robotics Engineer / Autonomous Systems Engineer
AI Product, Strategy & Leadership Roles
- AI Product Manager
- AI Project Manager / Program Manager
- AI Strategist / Innovation Lead
- Chief AI Officer / Director of AI (for experienced professionals)
AI Governance, Ethics & Policy Roles
- AI Governance Specialist / Responsible AI Lead
- AI Policy Analyst / Regulatory Specialist
How long does it take to complete the MSAI degree?
Westcliff’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program is designed to be completed in two years. Students must complete 36 prescribed credit hours to graduate. The duration of the program may vary based on individual circumstances. Students enrolled in Nepal Affiliate Institutions (King’s College and Presidential Graduate School) must complete 60 graduate-level credits (per Nepal federal regulations).
Can I work while enrolled in the MSAI program?
At Westcliff, we believe that everyone should be able to pursue higher education, including working professionals. Our master’s program in artificial intelligence is designed to be flexible, with hybrid in-person and online courses that allow students to work while pursuing their MSAI degree. To learn more, we encourage you to speak with an admissions counselor.
Is the MSAI program accredited and recognized globally?
Westcliff University is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring that all programs meet rigorous academic and industry standards. Our curriculum is developed by expert faculty and taught by experienced practitioners who bring real-world applications into the classroom. A degree from Westcliff— including our master’s in artificial intelligence program in the USA—is recognized both nationally and internationally for its quality and career relevance. Graduates gain globally transferable skills that prepare them for advanced roles across tech-driven industries.
What networking opportunities exist with industry professionals or alumni?
Westcliff University supports students and graduates through an active Alumni Association that offers ongoing networking events, mentorship programs, and continued access to career services. Alumni and current students can participate in career fairs, employer meet-and-greets, and workshops on résumé building, interview preparation, and personal branding. We also provide access to an online career platform with job listings, global opportunities, and resources especially helpful for international students. Graduates retain lifelong access to career advising, job-search support, and alumni-networking channels.