M.S. in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)

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 opens a new website 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..

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..

M.S. in Cyber Security (MSSec) Admission

To apply to the program you need to be a graduate (or will graduate soon) with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university or from a recognized university abroad. Most students accepted into the program have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. An admissions committee (the program directors and a minimum of two affiliated faculty members) will screen applicants and make recommendations to the UAB Graduate School for admission into the program. You can read more about admissions requirements and other program information in the UAB Graduate Catalog.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Admission: August 1, 2026
• Spring Admission: December 1, 2026
• Summer Admission: May 1, 2027

Note: Application may be closed earlier if desired cohort size is reached prior to the above deadlines.

Background Requirements

We accept students from undergraduate programs including criminal justice, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, MIS, IT, business, and accounting, as well as other science and social science fields. Regardless of specific undergraduate preparation, you will need to have formal exposure to the core areas of computer forensics, including cybercrime and its investigation, IT auditing/forensic accounting, fundamentals of computer and Internet literacy, probability and statistics, computer programming, networking, logic, discrete mathematics/logic, and information security management.

If you do not meet this background requirement but meet other admission requirements, you will be admitted on a contingency basis and be required to take a series of prerequisite courses that allow you to gain the necessary background to be successful in the program.