| Center |
Creatio Center for Technology and Design |
| Academic Awards |
Master of Science |
| Credits Required |
30 semester credits |
| Faculty Lead |
Craig Chapman |
| CIP Code |
11.0102 |
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MS/AAI) is a pioneering graduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the principles and technologies underpinning artificial intelligence (AI), as well as the practical skills needed to develop and deploy AI solutions across a range of industries. Unlike programs that focus on the technical aspects of writing software and building models, the MS/AAI emphasizes the application of AI technologies to address real-world challenges across a number of contexts. The program aims to close the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application, preparing students to effectively utilize AI across a variety of applications without the need for a deep technical background in software development or model design.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
The MS/AAI is designed to appeal to both recent graduates seeking an advanced degree as well as working professionals aiming to enhance their career opportunities by learning how to apply cutting edge technology into their established careers. Students already enrolled at Northwest University in an eligible undergraduate program will have the opportunity to gain early admission into the MS/AAI program before their senior year. This pathway allows them to begin their required MS/AAI courses during their last year of undergraduate study, enabling a bachelor’s degree in four years and a master’s degree in five.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates with an MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence will be able to:
- Communication: Graduates will be able to effectively communicate the use of AI technologies for specific applications.
- Application: Graduates will use AI techniques to solve real-world problems.
- Analysis: Graduates will assess AI models for efficiency, accuracy, and suitability and bias for use in specific applications.
- Synthesis: Graduates will be able to synthesize advanced AI techniques to innovate in their target field.
- Evaluation: Graduates will identify and address ethical concerns in AI deployment which would violate fairness, privacy, transparency, and Christ-centered values.
Admissions Requirements
- A Bachelor of Arts or Science (or equivalent degree) from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale on all previous college work.
- A completed application which includes a personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest in AI, goals for their participation in the program, and its potential impact on their career
- International students whose native language is not English must submit a minimum score of 90 (or equivalent) on the TOEFL iBT exam as part of the application process. International students will also meet requirements set out by SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
Academic Progress
Students whose academic histories reflect a GPA below 3.0 (“B” level) may be admitted to the program on academic probation. Students may also be placed on probation if their GPA falls below 3.0. Students are given one academic term to show improvement and to raise their GPA to at least 3.0, at which point they are removed from probationary status. If the student’s GPA has been below 3.0 for two or more terms, he or she is placed on academic suspension (disqualification). Students must earn at least a 3.0 overall grade point average to graduate.
Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence
To earn a Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MS/AAI), students must complete 30 credits, which translates to 10 classes. The program is designed with a schedule that includes one weekly 4-hour class every 8 weeks, across two 8-week terms per semester, operating on a year-round basis without a summer break. This setup results in three full semesters (comprising 6 classes) the first year and two full semesters (4 classes) the second year, allowing students to finish the MS/AAI degree in under two years of full time study. The program is offered in a Hyflex format, supporting both on-campus and synchronous online participation, and classes are scheduled for early evenings to suit both local and remote industry professionals.
The instruction adheres to a cohort model, ensuring that students embark on and conclude their educational journey with the same group of peers. This approach cultivates a dynamic learning community and establishes a dependable circle of friends for support. The program’s scheduling aims to launch two cohorts each year, in August and January, aligning with the commencement of undergraduate semesters.
The 30 credits can be completed in approximately 21 months
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