M.A. in Communication
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program th...
M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Hammond, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence at Purdue University Northwest is a two-year residential program that requires 30 credit hours for the coursework-only option or 33 credit hours for the thesis-based option. The program was launched to address the growing demand for AI competency and skills in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and finance. It systematically develops practical skills that enable graduates to apply AI to analyze data, make predictions or decisions, automate processes, improve efficiency, and provide personalized experiences. Courses are designed to be accessible, with many offered in the early evening, and a HyFlex option is available for synchronous online participation, catering to working adults.
Curriculum: The 30-33 credit hour curriculum for the M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence is structured to provide a solid foundation in AI and its practical applications. Core courses include "Measurement and Evaluation in Industry and Technology," "Applied Machine Learning," and "Analysis of Research in Industry and Technology." Major-specific courses delve deeper into the field, such as "Practical Deep Learning," "High Performance Computing and Big Data," "Generative AI," and "Ethical AI." Students then select electives from a range of specialized topics like "Datawarehousing and Business Intelligence," "Applied AI for Computer Vision," "Machine Learning Operations," and "Cyber Security and Machine Learning." The curriculum is designed to develop practical skills for applying AI techniques in diverse industrial and organizational contexts.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence at Purdue University Northwest places a strong emphasis on applied research and the practical application of AI concepts. While the program explicitly offers a thesis option (33 credits) that involves conducting in-depth research, even the course-only option (30 credits) includes a strong focus on data analysis, prediction, and decision-making using AI techniques. Required courses like "Analysis of Research in Industry and Technology" ensure students are equipped with methodological understanding. The program's goal is to prepare graduates to "design, develop, and implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to address a wide variety of real-world" challenges, implying a focus on solving practical problems through the application of AI, rather than purely theoretical research. The College of Technology faculty also have a track record of conducting applied research projects, further strengthening this focus.
Industry Engagement: Purdue University Northwest's M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence is characterized by its strong industry engagement, aiming to cultivate graduates who can "fill the gaps of much needed skills for our regional industry, as well as innovate in today's technology-driven world." The program emphasizes "practical, hands-on experience" through lab sessions and projects. It is designed to prepare students for direct entry into high-demand AI-related careers across various industries. Faculty members, who often have extensive industry experience, bring real-world case studies and challenges into the classroom. The program's design, with its focus on "applied AI," directly responds to the needs of organizations seeking a workforce with AI competency to tackle challenging problems and drive AI-driven technologies and applications.
Global Perspective: While the M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence at Purdue University Northwest primarily focuses on addressing the needs of regional industry within the U.S., the fundamental principles and applications of AI are inherently global. The program's curriculum, which covers topics like "Practical Deep Learning," "High Performance Computing and Big Data," and "Generative AI," provides students with skills that are universally applicable across international markets and industries. The increasing demand for AI professionals worldwide means that the competencies gained at PNW are highly transferable to global contexts. Furthermore, the diverse student body, including international students, naturally fosters a global perspective through varied cultural viewpoints and collaborative learning experiences, preparing graduates to work in globally interconnected technological environments.
Location
Hammond, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse talents. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make quality education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: PNW offers several merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded automatically during the admissions process or through a separate application.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Purdue University Northwest provide scholarships specific to their fields of study. These awards reward outstanding students pursuing degrees in areas such as engineering, business, health sciences, and more. International students are encouraged to contact their department of interest for detailed scholarship opportunities.
Renewable Scholarships: Some scholarships at PNW are renewable annually, provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA and meet specific academic requirements. This offers ongoing financial support throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Graduates of Purdue University Northwest's M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence program are highly sought after for their ability to translate cutting-edge AI theories into tangible solutions that drive efficiency, innovation, and personalized experiences across diverse sectors. The program's emphasis on real-world problem-solving, coupled with the growing demand for AI expertise, positions its alumni for impactful careers.
AI Engineer/Developer: This is a core role where graduates design, develop, and implement AI models and systems. They build the algorithms, integrate AI into existing software, and work on solutions for automation, prediction, and optimization in various industries.
Machine Learning Engineer: Specializing in machine learning, graduates develop and deploy algorithms that enable machines to learn from data. They work on projects involving predictive analytics, recommendation systems, fraud detection, and continually improve the performance of ML models.
Data Scientist/Engineer: These professionals collect, clean, analyze, and interpret large datasets to extract meaningful insights. They are crucial for developing and optimizing AI models, using their expertise in statistics, programming, and data visualization to inform business decisions.
Applied AI Researcher: While the program is "applied," graduates can contribute to research and development within companies or dedicated research labs. They focus on exploring and developing new AI techniques to solve specific industry problems, often involving experimentation and algorithm refinement.
Computer Vision Engineer: Specializing in AI applications related to visual data, these engineers develop systems that allow computers to "see" and interpret images and videos. Applications include facial recognition, augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, and quality control in manufacturing.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineer: Graduates in this role develop AI systems that understand, interpret, and generate human language. They work on applications like chatbots, sentiment analysis, language translation, and voice assistants, bridging the gap between human communication and machine understanding.
AI Product Manager: This role bridges the gap between technical AI development and business strategy. Graduates define AI product roadmaps, prioritize features, and ensure that AI solutions align with market needs and business goals, overseeing the product lifecycle from concept to launch.
Robotics Engineer (AI-focused): For those interested in automation, graduates can design, build, and program robots that incorporate AI for enhanced functionality. This can involve developing intelligent automation solutions for manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, or defense.
AI Cybersecurity Specialist: Leveraging their understanding of AI and machine learning, graduates can develop and implement AI-powered security solutions to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. This includes building intelligent intrusion detection systems and fraud prevention models.
Business Intelligence (BI) Developer (AI-Enhanced): Graduates can work as BI developers, processing complex data to identify trends and create actionable insights. With their AI skills, they can enhance BI systems with predictive analytics, automated reporting, and real-time decision support, driving data-driven strategies for businesses.
