The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program is a STEM program that prepares graduate students for professional careers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and intelligent computing systems. Students will develop both theoretical foundations and practical skills in modern AI technologies, including:

• machine learning and deep learning,
• large language models and generative AI,
• intelligent data analysis and predictive modeling,
• AI-driven decision making and automation,
• data engineering and management for AI applications,
• development of intelligent software systems, and
• implementation of efficient AI solutions for real-world scientific, business, and engineering problems using modern algorithmic techniques and software development tools.

The program includes a set of core required courses and provides students with opportunities to select electives from a wide range of topics related to artificial intelligence, data analytics, cyber security, bioinformatics, business intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced software development.

Program Basics and Timeline

The MSAI program consists of 30 credit hours including four breadth-requirement courses. Both thesis (24 credit hours of course work + 6 credit hours of Thesis Research) and non-thesis (30 credit hours of course work) options are available.

A typical full-time student may complete the requirements of the MSAI program in one-and-a-half to two years. Students who take a full course load during the Summer semester may complete the degree requirements within three semesters (approximately 12 months). Many graduate courses are offered during the evening, and some are available online, providing flexibility for part-time and working students.

Previously earned graduate credit with a grade of B or above from another regionally accredited graduate institution may be eligible for transfer into the student’s current degree program if the credit has not been applied toward another degree (either at UAB or elsewhere). All transfer credit requests must be initiated by the student and approved by both the graduate program director and the Graduate School. Transfer of Credit forms are available on the Graduate School website. Completion of the form does not guarantee approval of transfer credit. No more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred to UAB. Once approved, transfer credits will be included in the calculation of the grade point average in the student’s current UAB program.

Questions About the Program?

We invite you to explore the resources available on this website. If you still have questions that are not addressed here, please contact the graduate program director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MS in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) Requirements

General Requirements

All MSAI students must take 30 credit hours in order to graduate. There are four required courses:

• CS 510: Database Application Development or CS 610: Database Systems
• CS 652: Advanced Algorithms and Applications
• CS 667: Machine Learning
• CS 685: Foundation of Data Science or CS 680: Matrix Algorithms for Data Science

Program electives include other CS graduate courses such as big data computing, data mining, natural language processing, deep learning, data visualization, high-performance computing and computer security courses, and approved non-CS electives such as business intelligence, quantitative analysis for business managers, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and graduate level statistical analysis courses. Course descriptions are available in the UAB Graduate Catalog. The program is defined in terms of either of two plans:

• Plan I: 24 credit hours of courses and 6 credit hours of thesis research (CS 699: Master's Thesis Research). Among the 24 course credit hours, at least 15 of them must be CS graduate courses.
• Plan II: 30 credit hours of courses (course work only; does not require a thesis), among which at least 21 credit hours must be CS graduate courses.

Most students choose the Plan II option. Plan I contains a significant research component and requires the student work closely with a faculty member on a research project. This project should be begun early in the program.

Suggested Study Plan

Four core courses and six electives are required. Electives can be any CS graduate courses, some of which can be taken from the following lists of courses, grouped by fields.

Non-CS Electives

Students may take up to three (9 credit hours) non-CS electives from the following list of courses, upon the approval of the graduate program director:

• • Business Intelligence
    • MBA 610: Business Analytics and AI
    • MBA 617: Data Science for Business (replaced with MBA 610 after Spring 2025)
    • MBA 658: Applied Marketing Research
    • MBA 662: Quantitative Analysis for Business Managers
  • Bioinformatics
    • INFO: 601 Introduction to Bioinformatics
    • INFO: 602 Algorithms in Bioinformatics
    • INFO: 603 Biological Data Management
  • Biostatistics
    • BST 611: Intermediate Statistical Analysis I or BST 621: Statistical Methods I
    • BST 612: Intermediate Statistical Analysis II or BST 622: Statistical Methods II

Plan I (Thesis Option) Guidance

If you are interested in Plan I (Thesis Option) for your MSAI, you must maintain good academic standing and contact a faculty advisor who agrees to serve as your MS thesis advisor/mentor. Refer to Graduate School's thesis and dissertations page for the steps to completing your thesis, beginning with forming your committee.

M.S. in Cyber Security (MSSec) Admission Checklist

Graduate School Application Process Checklist

Apply Online

• Complete and submit online application
• Submit application fee payment:
  
  • Domestic: $50.00
  • International: $60.00
• Please ask the individuals from whom you request references to submit them online via the online application system. Electronic submission is the preferred method. However, if your referees prefer to mail a recommendation letter, it should be mailed to the address of the department or program to which you are applying.
• Request one official transcript to be mailed by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School:
  • USPS (Postal Service)
    UAB Graduate School
    G03 LHL; 1700 University Blvd.
    1720 2nd Avenue South
    Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
  • Courier or Shipping Companies
    UAB Graduate School
    Lister Hill Library Suite G03
    1700 University Boulevard
    Birmingham, AL 35233
• Submit official English Language Proficiency test score (for international applicants only): TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

Questions?

For additional information on the MS in Cyber Security program, please contact the graduate program director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..