Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $42K puts this master's program at the 61st percentile on cost — roughly 2% below the $42.9K average across 394 comparable listings. It runs on a full-time, part-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Department materials cite a 3.0 GPA expectation, English proficiency minimums, and one letter of recommendation for recent cycles—always confirm on the live Innovation Campus admissions checklist. March deadlines have been advertised for upcoming entry terms.

About This Program

This listing highlights the Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence track inside Virginia Tech’s coursework-only M.Eng. in Computer Science and Applications, which the department markets primarily for the Washington, D.C. metro with a separate Blacksburg eligibility path for qualified students. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and Data Analytics. Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

At roughly $42K total, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's MEng in Computer Science and Applications (Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence track) sits below the $42.9K average among AI master's programs we track — the 61st percentile on price. That puts it in the mid-range on price among comparable programs.

It is one of 14 AI-related programs we track in Virginia, of which about 71% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 79% of the Virginia programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $32.8K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $130,000.

Complete a concentration sequence in data analytics and artificial intelligence alongside M.

Career Outcomes

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University positions this master track for Machine Learning Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $130,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and Data Analytics 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. Data Engineer / Analytics Engineer
• 3. Software Engineer (AI products)
• 4. Applied Scientist

What You'll Learn

• Complete a concentration sequence in data analytics and artificial intelligence alongside M.Eng. core expectations.
• Finish a capstone project as part of the professional engineering curriculum.
• Study computing ethics at the graduate level per program requirements.
• Optionally explore the project-based learning track through Innovation Campus materials if admitted to that pathway.

Curriculum Highlights

Virginia Tech describes the Master of Engineering in Computer Science and Applications as approximately 30 credits of coursework (4000-level or higher, with six credits allowed at the 4000 level), including a capstone project, a three-course concentration area, and an ethics and professionalism course. Published track lists include Software Development & Applications, Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, Computer Security, and Human-Computer Interaction (noted as Blacksburg-only for HCI). Full-time completion in about three semesters is cited for M.Eng. students; part-time study is available.

Top Employers

M.Eng. students often target employers in the national capital region technology and defense ecosystem; use Virginia Tech career outcome surveys for quantitative placement context.

Admissions

Admission to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's MEng in Computer Science and Applications (Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence track) generally expects a bachelor's degree. Plan for the GRE, which this program lists as confirm waiver policy annually. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Personal statement: Verify prompt
• Letters of recommendation: Confirm count (recent pages cited one)
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required
• English proficiency exams for international applicants

Frequently Asked Questions