Duke University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $101.6K puts this master's program at the 95th percentile on cost — about 137% above the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with programming experience in languages like Python and coursework in data structures, algorithms, and probability/statistics.

About This Program

This Master of Science track allows students to tailor their computer science education with a specific emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning research and application. Most students complete it in about 2 years.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as AI Research Scientist, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Design and implement machine learning models for real-world problems.

At roughly $101.6K total, Duke University's MS in CS – Personalized Track (AI/ML focus) sits above the $42.9K average among AI master's programs we track — the 95th percentile on price. Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 31 AI-related programs we track in North Carolina, of which about 45% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 71% of the North Carolina programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $69.0K.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Duke University's MS in CS – Personalized Track (AI/ML focus) most often target AI Research Scientist roles, where reported compensation runs around $120,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. AI Research Scientist
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. AI Product Manager

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for real-world problems
• Apply deep learning techniques to image and language data
• Develop AI systems with ethical considerations and bias mitigation
• Optimize algorithms for scalable AI applications

Curriculum Highlights

The personalized structure includes a combination of core computer science requirements and a designated concentration in AI/ML, allowing for either a project-based or coursework-focused degree path.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and AI-focused startups.

Admissions

Admission to Duke University's MS in CS – Personalized Track (AI/ML focus) generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions