Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a term used to describe machines or software that are capable of addressing problems that one would typically say require some amount of human intelligence to solve.
AI is more widely used in academics to describe computers and computer software that are capable of intelligent behavior. At the University at Buffalo, we are focused on preparing students for a future filled with AI technology by offering an Engineering Science MS program with a focus on AI.
This Engineering Sciences MS with a course focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a 1 and 1/2 year (30 credit hour) multidisciplinary program. It is designed to train students in the areas of machine learning, programming languages that are needed to design intelligent agents, deep learning algorithms, and advanced artificial neural networks that use predictive analytics to solve real-world problems. Students in this program are offered a set of foundational core courses in AI and the flexibility to choose from elective concentration areas that include data analytics, computational linguistics and information retrieval, machine learning and computer vision, knowledge representation and robotics.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects “much faster than average” job growth in AI related career paths, including machine learning engineer, data scientist, research scientist, research and development engineering (R&D), business intelligence developer and computer vision engineer. A master’s degree in this area provides students with advanced coursework, research opportunities, and leadership training that opens doors to more career opportunities.
A baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences or a related field is recommended. Students should have a solid programming background as indicated by formal coursework or by a comprehensive online (MOOC) study. Applicants with non-engineering degrees are welcome to apply and will be evaluated on an individual basis. All applications will be reviewed based on the innovative Mastermind Europe “best-fit” philosophy examining each applicant’s abilities on an individual long-term “potential” basis.
While the GRE requirement is waived for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021, it is still recommended.
This program is primarily course-based, but thesis, project and portfolios options are also required as part of a capstone project.
Please note this program is NOT a pathway to further education in AI such as a PhD. Students with a Computer Science background, or that intend to one day apply for a PhD program to research AI would be best served by an MS degree from Computer Science and Engineering.
Students must complete 9 courses (27 credits) and a capstone project (3 credits). The program is flexible and students can enroll either full-time or part-time. Students can tailor the program to their own interests and careers via elective courses and degree project.
The program will accept its first class in the spring of 2020, and then annually starting in the fall of 2020.
Students engage in a hands-on capstone projects with faculty, industry, and other partners that centers on the application of specific principles that were learned through their coursework.