MALVERN, Pa. — Penn State Great Valley will offer a master of science in artificial intelligence (AI), beginning in fall 2026. This 30-credit graduate program, delivered through hybrid courses, is designed to prepare students with advanced technical expertise, research experience, and practical skills for careers in industrial research and development, academic research and doctoral study.
The program will provide students with opportunities to conduct original research in collaboration with research-active faculty. Through faculty mentorship, students will investigate theoretical and applied artificial intelligence problems and develop the skills needed to formulate research questions, design rigorous studies, analyze results and communicate scholarly findings.
Designed for aspiring AI researchers and technologists, data scientists, and engineers, this STEM-designated program can be completed in two years of full-time study or two and a half years of part-time study. The courses will cover in-demand topics such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision and reinforcement learning. Research projects may also explore applications of these technologies in manufacturing, healthcare, cybersecurity, finance and other sectors.
Students will complete a research thesis over two semesters, exploring a specialized AI topic, engaging in scholarly analysis and presenting original insights. Working closely with faculty researchers, students will identify a significant research problem, review relevant literature, develop or evaluate AI methods, conduct experiments and interpret their findings.
“The M.S. in artificial intelligence addresses the growing need for professionals who can conduct original research and develop new AI methods,” said Youakim Badr, professor-in-charge of the artificial intelligence program. “While the master of artificial intelligence focuses on building and deploying AI systems, the M.S. prepares students for research-intensive industry roles, academic research and doctoral study.”
Through the thesis experience, students will develop competencies in experimental design, mathematical modeling, algorithm development, data analysis, scholarly writing and research presentation. Depending on the scope and outcomes of the work, students may also have opportunities to present their research at professional conferences or contribute to scholarly publications.
Bachelor’s degree holders in computer science, engineering or mathematics are encouraged to apply to the M.S. in artificial intelligence. Students with degrees in other disciplines will be considered based on prior coursework (including the entrance requirements for mathematics and programming) and standardized test scores. Applicants must have completed math courses in calculus, linear algebra and probability or statistics, as well as two introductory-level programming courses using the same language.
Work experience in programming may be deemed to satisfy this requirement, if applicants submit a recommendation letter from a technical colleague describing their coding contributions at work.
Great Valley also offers low-cost, non-credit online prep modules to provide foundational knowledge in preparation for the program. Program advisors will recommend suitable modules for applicants as needed.
Great Valley’s AI graduate programs
The new M.S. in artificial intelligence expands Great Valley’s portfolio by providing a research-oriented pathway for students who want to develop new AI methods, contribute original knowledge to the field or prepare for doctoral study.
In contrast with Great Valley’s master of artificial intelligence, which is oriented toward professional practice, this research-oriented M.S. program emphasizes theoretical foundations, mathematical modeling, algorithm development and empirical research.
The master of artificial intelligence, highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report, has two options: AI engineering, for programmers who want to design these systems, or the applied and generative AI option, offered only online, which harnesses low- or no-code AI tools for business innovation and transformation.
Great Valley’s new MBA in AI program, also launching in fall 2026, equips students with expertise in both AI and business, preparing them to redesign organizational workflows and build AI-powered enterprises. The MBA in AI primarily prepares students to lead AI initiatives, and guide AI-enabled organizational transformation.
Together, the three programs provide distinct educational pathways: the M.S. emphasizes AI research, the master of artificial intelligence emphasizes technical development and professional practice, and the MBA in AI emphasizes strategic leadership and business transformation.