University of Alabama

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Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: GRE General Test is required. Applicants must demonstrate at least two introductory programming courses or equivalent industrial experience. Fall deadline: June 1 (domestic), March 1 (international); Spring deadline: November 1 (domestic), August 1 (international). Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Carver, graduate@cs.ua.edu.

About This Program

UA Tuscaloosa's standalone MS in AI is administered by the Computer Science department, providing a structured AI-specific curriculum distinct from a general MSCS. The program is offered on-campus and includes CPT provisions for international students who want applied industry experience during the summer.

Career Outcomes

Dedicated MS AI at the University of Alabama with 12-credit foundational AI core, CPT provision for international students, and thesis or non-thesis paths.

• 1. AI / ML Engineer
• 2. Research Scientist
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. PhD-track researcher

What You'll Learn

• Complete 12-credit Foundational AI Core: CS523, CS565, CS566, CS583.
• Select AI electives from advanced ML, NLP, vision, and intelligent systems courses.
• Complete thesis research or a non-thesis project/coursework path.
• Optionally pursue summer CPT for industry experience after completing two semesters.

Curriculum Highlights

The University of Alabama CS department requires 30 total credit hours for the MS in Artificial Intelligence. Thesis track (Plan I): 24 hours of CS graduate coursework including 12 hours of Foundational AI Courses (CS523, CS565, CS566, CS583) and 12 hours of AI Elective Courses (CS551, CS560, CS561, CS563, CS581, CS584, CS651, CS665, CS583), plus 6 hours of CS 599 Thesis Research. Non-Thesis track (Plan II): 30 hours of coursework including the same 12-hour foundational AI core and 18 hours of AI electives, with an optional 3-credit non-thesis project (CS 598). Up to 9 hours of transfer credit may count toward electives. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available for international students after two semesters.

Top Employers

Alabama's growing tech, aerospace, and defense sectors; national AI employers; verify through UA's career services.

Admissions

GRE General Test is required. Applicants must demonstrate at least two introductory programming courses or equivalent industrial experience. Fall deadline: June 1 (domestic), March 1 (international); Spring deadline: November 1 (domestic), August 1 (international). Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Carver, graduate@cs.ua.edu.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: Standard graduate school requirement
• GRE General: Required
• Transcripts: Official required after admission
• English Proficiency: Per Graduate School for international applicants

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's in CS or related field; programming background required
• GRE/GMAT: GRE General required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Per Graduate School requirements for international applicants