University of Idaho

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $28K puts this master's program at the 39th percentile on cost — roughly 35% below the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field required; minimum 3.0 GPA competitive. Prerequisites include programming (structured, high-level language), algorithms and data structures, and one year of calculus. Students from allied fields may be admitted with prerequisite deficiencies to be resolved early in the program. International applicants: TOEFL 550 (written), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (iBT) minimum. Contact [email protected] or 208-885-6509.

About This Program

The University of Idaho's dedicated MS/MEng in Artificial Intelligence provides one of the more complete AI curriculum packages among public universities in the Pacific Northwest. The program systematically covers the core AI stack—Python for ML, deep learning, NLP, data science, and AI ethics—then allows specialization through electives in reinforcement learning, adversarial ML, computer vision, and industrial AI applications. The thesis (MS) path suits research-bound students; the capstone (MEng) path suits industry-focused learners. Most students complete it in about 2 years.

Estimated total tuition is $28K, below the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database and in the 39th percentile on cost at this level. That puts it in the mid-range on price among comparable programs.

It is one of 10 AI-related programs we track in Idaho, of which about 30% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 60% of the Idaho programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $24.1K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as AI Engineer, with reported salaries around $112,000.

Build a complete AI foundation: Python for ML, deep learning, NLP, data science, and AI governance.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of University of Idaho's MS / MEng in Artificial Intelligence most often target AI Engineer roles, where reported compensation runs around $112,000. Its focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 26% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. AI / ML Engineer
• 2. Data Scientist
• 3. NLP Engineer
• 4. Computer Vision Engineer
• 5. AI Ethics / Governance Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Build a complete AI foundation: Python for ML, deep learning, NLP, data science, and AI governance.
• Specialize through electives in reinforcement learning, adversarial ML, computer vision, or industrial AI applications.
• Apply AI governance and ethics frameworks alongside technical coursework.
• Complete a research thesis (MS) or industry-sponsored capstone project (MEng).

Curriculum Highlights

The MS/MEng in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Idaho is offered by the Department of Computer Science in Moscow, ID. The program requires 30 total credits. All students take six required courses: CS 5771 Python for Machine Learning, CS 5715 Deep Learning, CS 5701 Artificial Intelligence, CS 5741 Natural Language Processing, CS 5621 Data Science (or CS 5622 Applied Data Science with Python), and CS 5702 AI Governance, Ethics, and Professional Responsibility. The MS (thesis) track adds CS 5007 CS and Cyber Research Methods (3 cr), 6 thesis credits (CS 5000), and one elective. The MEng (non-thesis) track replaces thesis with CS 5790 Graduate Capstone plus three electives. Elective options include CS 5885 Machine Vision, CS 5731 Evolutionary Computation, CS 5727 Adversarial Machine Learning, CS 5571 AI Data Analysis for Industrial Applications, CS 5712 Machine Learning, CS 5713 Reinforcement Learning, and statistical courses (STAT 5500, STAT 5550, etc.). Catalog: catalog.uidaho.edu.

Top Employers

Pacific Northwest technology employers, energy and agriculture-tech companies, federal agencies and national laboratories in the region; verify current employer engagement through UI Career Services.

Admissions

Admission to University of Idaho's MS / MEng in Artificial Intelligence generally expects a bachelor's in cs or related field; 3.0 gpa (competitive). Plan for the GRE, which this program lists as verify current requirement with department. 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: Standard requirement
• Official Transcripts: Required
• English Proficiency: TOEFL 79+ iBT for international applicants
• Application: Via UI Graduate Admissions portal

Frequently Asked Questions