Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Graduate (Masters)
On Campus (In-Person)
Downtown Location
Contact Us
University of Houston-Downtown
One Main Street,
Houston, TX 77002
713-223-7972
msai@uhd.edu
Angel Griffin
Assistant Director of Graduate Studies
Hong Lin
Director of MSAI & Computer Science Professor
NEW MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Phone: 713-223-7972
Email: msai@uhd.edu
Program Description
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program (MSAI) is an application-oriented program that combines theoretical knowledge of AI with hands-on training in AI-specific applications through programming languages such as Python and open-source libraries such as TensorFlow. It is a 30 credit-hour graduate program, in which students study 19 hours of foundational courses with topics in knowledge representation and reasoning, machine learning, deep learning, and cognitive systems. Students also take 9 hours of interdisciplinary application courses such as computer vision, robotics, engineering of AI systems, AI in biomedical, and AI in business intelligence. In the final 3 hours, students will have the opportunity to engage in research with faculty members at UHD and other collaborators of UHD faculty and/or internships with partnering businesses, industry, and government agencies.
Students with strong programming and mathematics backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Students with minimal background in programming (one programming course) may have to take UHD's CS 5302. Students with minimal mathematics background (Calculus I) will have to take UHD's MATH 5300. Students enroll in a combination of hybrid, face-to-face, and online courses. The face-to-face courses will begin at 5:30 PM.
Our MSAI program began fall 2022, and was recently recognized by AI Degree Guide who named it a “Top Pick of the Very Best Master's Programs in Artificial Intelligence.” UHD was listed alongside some of the nation's top tech and/or research universities. TechGuide recently ranked UHD's MSAI program #30 among the Best Master's in Artificial Intelligence Programs for 2024. No. 30 in the Best Master's in Artificial Intelligence Programs for 2024.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete the program will be able to:
- Explore, prepare, and clean data.
- Transfer data into machine-learning representations of unsupervised, supervised, or reinforcement learning.
- Design and develop intelligent agents and expert systems that receive percepts from the environment and perform actions.
- Communicate and summarize AI solutions in written, oral, and visual form.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree requires a minimum of 30 graduate semester credit hours. Courses are offered in a variety of course modes ranging from hybrid, face-to-face, and online. However, the entire degree cannot be completed online.
Required Courses |
(21 hours) |
CS 5310 | Data Mining |
CS 5332 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence |
CS 6304 | Deep Learning |
CS 6310 | Natural Language Processing |
CS 6305 | Computer Vision |
CS 6332 | Advanced Artificial Intelligence |
CS 6382 or CS 6380/6399 | Capstone in last semester |
Elective Courses |
(9 hours) |
CS 6307 | Cognitive Systems |
CS 6308 | AI in Biomedical |
CS 6311 | AI in Business Intelligence |
CS 6309 | Intelligent Interactive Systems |
CS 6331 | Robotics Process Automation |
CS 6394 | Ethics in Artificial Intelligence |
For course descriptions please see the Graduate Catalog .
Application Deadlines:
Fall 2025 US residents July 15 and International May 1
Admission Requirements:
Admission to the UHD MSAI program is based upon the applicant's scholastic ability, motivation, and potential for success. These attributes will be assessed through the submission of the following documents to the Office of Graduate & International Admissions at gradadmissions@uhd.edu
Applicants seeking admission will provide the following application materials for review by the Graduate Curriculum Committee. Please submit all documents to the Graduate Admissions office at gradadmissions@uhd.edu :
- A completed SLATE application (Click on Apply Now below).
- Submit (1,000 words or less) a personal statement that addresses why you want to pursue a master's in artificial intelligence.
- Bachelor's degree conferred by a regionally accredited institution.
- Official University transcript(s) from which the applicant earned a Bachelor's degree
and an advanced degree (if applicable) indicating:
- the last 60 semester credit hours of coursework and evidence of Bachelor's degree awarded and the GPA. As admission to the degree program is competitive, candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher will be preferred.
- Students with an international transcript must submit their transcripts to UHD already evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Here is a list of approved agencies . If residential applicants are experiencing any delays in submitting their official transcript, we will currently accept unofficial transcripts indicating a Bachelor's degree conferred as part of the completion of the application.
- Complete the following foundation courses (or the equivalent) prior to entering the
master's program:
- CS 5302 – Python for Data Analytics (Prereq one programming course)
- MATH 5300 - Foundations of Graduate Mathematics (Prereq Calculus I)
- Waiver for the Foundation courses is available for those who have completed two courses in Python (for example, CS 1311 and CS 2311 at UHD), linear algebra (for example, MATH 2307 or MATH 2422 at UHD), and probability (for example, MATH 3302 at UHD) or their equivalent with a grade of B or better.
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Waiver can be requested for applicants with a GPA above 3.0 in their last 60 hours of college coursework. The last 60 hours GPA must be counted with all attempted course grades including repeats and not just the highest grades.
- Resume documenting any work experience that emphasizes personal and professional accomplishments.
- Two references from individuals well-acquainted with your work and who are able to address your academic potential, for example, work supervisors and professors. Recommenders may either write a letter or complete the MSAI Application Reference Form .
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if you are a graduate of a university where English is not the primary language of instruction (preferred TOEFL scores are: an Internet-based score of 81, a paper-based score of 553 or an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher). As a waiver to these English Proficiency Exams, the College of Sciences & Technology Graduate Studies office will accept as proof of English proficiency, full-time employment history of at least 3 years in a country where English is the primary language spoken, such as the US, UK, Canada, etc. Please submit the English Proficiency Waiver Form as part of your application documents to the Graduate Admissions office.
Admission Process:
The Graduate Advisory Committee will evaluate applications using a matrix based on
GPA, GRE score, relevant coursework or experience, recommendations, and other written
materials in the applicant's file. The Graduate Advisory Committee will use the results
of this evaluation to determine if an applicant is admitted. The Graduate Coordinator
will notify students, in writing, of the committee's decision. If an applicant wishes
to appeal their admissions decision, can do so here: CST Graduate Admissions Appeal Form . Application opens on September 5
* Please view all of the application requirements on the UHD Admissions website before submitting your application.
Information Session
Information Session Date:
Current Students
The College of Sciences and Technology, Graduate Studies currently offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. We provide academic advising to current graduate students in the program. If you need assistance with personalizing your graduation plan to ensure you graduate within a timely manner, please schedule an appointment. All students have access to their degree evaluation at MyUHD and we are more than happy to assist you with any advising questions or concerns. Please see office hours below.
- Graduate Academic Honesty Policy
- CST Graduate Student Handbook
- CST Graduate Probation, Suspension, or Dismissal Appeal Form
Contact for Office Hours:
Phone Number: 713-223-7972
Email: msai@uhd.edu
Questions About Graduate Admission
Graduate Admissions Office
713-221-8093
713-221-2718 (fax)
gradadmissions@uhd.edu
For any other information about the MS in Artificial Intelligence, contact the Assistant Director of Graduate Studies, Angel Griffin at msai@uhd.edu .
Academic Year | 2022 - 2023 |
Enrollment (Majors) | 8 |
Graduates* |
*The MS-Artificial Intelligence was added Fall 2022
Numbers indicate the number of students reported to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.Data is obtained from Fact Sheets and Fact Books at UHD Institutional Research
Accreditation
The University of Houston-Downtown is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master's degrees and certificate programs. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Houston-Downtown.
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