Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Arizona
Chandler-Gilbert Community College — Chandler, AZ
Hakia Insight: Chandler-Gilbert's direct pipeline to Intel and semiconductor manufacturers in the Phoenix metro means your capstone doesn't just demonstrate skills—it becomes a recruitment audition for roles that command 15-20% premiums over general software development positions.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about staying in Arizona's tech corridor, Chandler-Gilbert's artificial intelligence program connects directly to the Phoenix metro's booming semiconductor and software development scene. You'll work with hands-on labs featuring industry-standard tools—Python, machine learning frameworks, and cloud platforms—that employers actually use. Most graduates land roles within the local tech hub or transfer seamlessly to ASU's engineering programs, where your credits stack up and your foundation in data structures and algorithms gives you a genuine edge in upper-level coursework.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, Semiconductor manufacturing firms (Phoenix area), Local software development companies, Cloud service providers with Arizona operations.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University (ASU) - Tempe
- Arizona State University - Polytechnic
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Junior Machine Learning Technician
- Cloud Support Associate
- QA Automation Technician
Included Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (preparation)
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Mesa Community College — Mesa, AZ
Hakia Insight: Mesa's capstone-to-recruitment model differs from peers: employers actively scout projects during coursework, meaning a strong semester-end deliverable can trigger job offers before graduation rather than requiring months of external job searching.
At the associate's level, the standout here is Mesa's partnership with regional tech employers who actively recruit from your capstone projects—you're not just learning AI theory, you're solving real problems for companies in the Phoenix valley. Your first year focuses on fundamentals: Python, databases, and statistics. By year two, you're building recommendation systems and predictive models that go straight into your portfolio. Transfer to ASU's engineering school or jump into roles like junior data analyst or machine learning support technician with employers already familiar with your work.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Phoenix-area tech companies, Consulting firms with data science divisions, Healthcare IT providers in Arizona, Financial services companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University - Tempe
- Arizona State University - Polytechnic
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Junior Machine Learning Technician
- Business Intelligence Associate
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (preparation)
- CompTIA A+
- Python Institute PCAP (Certified Associate in Python)
Location Advantages:
Estrella Mountain Community College — Avondale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Estrella Mountain's open admission combined with transfer agreements to ASU and NAU creates a hidden ladder effect: students can enter at zero barriers, complete the associate's while testing fit, then vertically integrate into a four-year degree without reapplying—a pathway most community colleges obscure.
At the associate's level, with strong industry partnerships across Phoenix's booming tech corridor, Estrella Mountain embeds AI education directly into workforce demands. Students engage with real employers through capstone projects, internship placements, and guest lectures from data scientists and AI engineers at major Arizona corporations. The curriculum emphasizes practical problem-solving—you'll learn Python, machine learning frameworks, and cloud platforms while working on problems your future employers actually care about. Graduates consistently land roles at Fortune 500 companies with operations in Arizona or transfer to ASU's engineering school with a competitive portfolio. This is where hands-on experience becomes your resume.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: Open admission%. GPA Requirement: None.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University - Tempe Campus
- Arizona State University - Polytechnic Campus
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Associate
- Cloud Support Associate
- AI Operations Technician
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Google Cloud Skills Boost
- CompTIA A+
- Python Institute PCEP
Location Advantages: Arizona tech industry accessTransfer partnerships with ASU and NAU
Glendale Community College — Glendale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Glendale's emphasis on schedule flexibility masks a deeper strength: by attracting career-changers and working professionals, the cohort becomes a built-in professional network worth more than traditional peer groups, with classmates already embedded across Phoenix's tech ecosystem.
At the associate's level, glendale's strength is accessibility—whether you're a high school senior, career changer, or working professional, you'll find a schedule that fits. The AI curriculum emphasizes practical coding (Python, SQL) and cloud fundamentals that employers in the greater Phoenix area actively seek. You'll have options: finish your AAS and land a junior role in data analysis or quality assurance, or use your credits to transfer to ASU's engineering or computer science programs with a genuine foundation already in place.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Phoenix-area tech companies, Software development firms, IT service providers, Healthcare and financial services companies in Arizona.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University - Tempe
- Arizona State University - West
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Data Analyst
- QA Technician
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Cloud Support Associate
Included Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (preparation)
Location Advantages:
Scottsdale Community College — Scottsdale, AZ
Hakia Insight: Scottsdale's location in Arizona's wealthiest zip codes connects students to venture capital, startup accelerators, and Fortune 500 operations hubs that most associate's programs never access—your internship network is fundamentally different than peers at geographically isolated community colleges.
At the associate's level, scottsdale's program attracts students who want to train in one of Arizona's most affluent and tech-forward communities—your network and internship opportunities reflect that. The curriculum emphasizes both technical depth (machine learning, data engineering) and the business acumen that separates junior technicians from future leads. You'll graduate with hands-on experience in tools that Scottsdale-area companies—from hospitality tech to financial services—are actively using, positioning you for roles that offer real growth potential.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Scottsdale hospitality and resort tech companies, Financial services and investment firms, Software and SaaS companies in the Phoenix metro, Healthcare technology providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University - Tempe
- Arizona State University - West
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Junior Machine Learning Technician
- Cloud Support Associate
- Business Intelligence Technician
Included Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (preparation)
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Phoenix College — Phoenix, AZ
Hakia Insight: Phoenix College's downtown location means zero commute friction for working professionals, but the real edge is proximity to early-stage AI startups and corporate innovation labs that use community college capstones as cheap R&D—your project might become company IP before you graduate.
At the associate's level, at Phoenix College, you're in the heart of Arizona's largest city—which means your classroom is minutes from major tech employers and innovation hubs. The AI program balances theory with real-world projects: you'll code in Python and SQL, study machine learning algorithms, and work with actual datasets from industry partners. Graduates either move into junior analyst or support roles at Phoenix-based companies, or transfer to ASU/University of Arizona with credits that count and a portfolio that impresses admissions counselors.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Phoenix tech startups and established software firms, Fortune 500 companies with Phoenix operations, Consulting and services firms, Healthcare IT providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University - Tempe
- Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Data Analyst
- IT Support Technician
- QA Automation Technician
- Systems Support Associate
Included Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (preparation)
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
University of Advancing Technology — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: UAT's AI program uniquely prioritizes hands-on project work and contemporary tool mastery over traditional theory, preparing students for immediate impact in commercial AI roles rather than academic research pathways.
Hakia Insight: UAT's founding mission around hands-on AI work (not theory) means the curriculum is updated in real-time as tools evolve, unlike traditional programs locked into academic cycles—students learn current PyTorch, not last year's frameworks, a difference that matters enormously in a field evolving monthly.
At the associate's level, the University of Advancing Technology has positioned artificial intelligence and machine learning as central to its identity since its founding, treating AI not as an elective specialization but as foundational across its tech-focused curriculum. UAT's approach is deliberately project-centric: students build AI systems from day one rather than spending semesters on prerequisite theory. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation with current frameworks and tools—students work with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud AI services in real projects before formalizing the mathematics behind them. This pedagogy appeals to learners who thrive through making and iteration rather than traditional computer science theory sequences. The Tempe location near Phoenix provides access to Arizona's growing technology sector while maintaining UAT's identity as a smaller, specialized institution where students get mentorship from faculty actively working on AI projects. Internship and capstone opportunities frequently involve local startups and tech companies, giving students exposure to AI in practical commercial contexts. UAT graduates pursue diverse AI-adjacent careers—some move into machine learning engineering roles at established tech companies, others launch startups or join early-stage AI ventures. The program's strength lies not in research depth but in rapid competency development and comfort with ambiguity, traits highly valued in AI industry roles where technologies shift quickly.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Various Arizona tech startups (startup)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Arizona tech companies, Startups, Regional tech firms.
Location Advantages: Tempe/Phoenix metro area tech ecosystemProximity to emerging Arizona tech startups and companies
Paradise Valley Community College — Phoenix, AZ
Hakia Insight: Paradise Valley's north Phoenix location offers the practical advantage of tech employer proximity without Scottsdale's cost-of-living premium—you gain access to the same employer network while your living expenses remain 20-30% lower than classmates at more centrally located programs.
At the associate's level, paradise Valley's location in north Phoenix gives you proximity to tech employers without the most expensive real estate in the valley—and the program reflects that practical, resourceful mindset. You'll study applied machine learning and data analysis with instructors who've worked in industry, building a portfolio that speaks directly to what local employers need. Many graduates land junior analyst or support roles right out of the program; others transfer to ASU engineering with coursework that counts and real projects that set them apart.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Phoenix-area tech and software companies, IT service and consulting firms, Healthcare technology providers, Financial services companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Arizona State University - Tempe
- Arizona State University - West
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Data Analyst
- IT Support Technician
- QA Technician
- Cloud Support Associate
Included Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (preparation)
Location Advantages:
Mohave Community College — Kingman, AZ
Hakia Insight: Mohave's focus on rural northern Arizona needs—tribal IT, regional healthcare, small government systems—creates an unusual differentiation: graduates face minimal local competition for roles that often remain unfilled, making placement rates misleadingly high and first salaries surprisingly negotiable.
At the associate's level, mohave's program serves rural northern Arizona with a practical focus: you'll learn the AI and data skills that employers in the region actually need, without unnecessary theory that doesn't apply to real jobs. The smaller student-to-instructor ratio means personalized feedback on your coding projects and portfolio building. You can finish your AAS and pursue local IT and data support roles, or transfer your credits to NAU or ASU for a four-year degree with a solid technical foundation already complete.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Northern Arizona government and education, Regional healthcare IT, Small tech and services companies in the Kingman area, Tribal IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Northern Arizona University
- Arizona State University
- University of Arizona
Entry-Level Career Paths
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Data Technician
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (preparation)
Location Advantages:
Cochise County Community College District — Sierra Vista, AZ
Hakia Insight: Cochise County's associate degree in AI functions as a regional talent pipeline for Arizona's mining and government sectors—students gain hands-on skills in data fundamentals while already embedded in the industries that will hire them, compressing the typical job-search timeline.
At the associate's level, cochise County's program serves southeastern Arizona with a strong emphasis on applied skills and local relevance—you're learning AI and data fundamentals in a community where that training opens real doors. The small class sizes mean instructors know your strengths and can tailor feedback, and the lower tuition makes it financially accessible. Graduates either pursue IT and data support roles with local employers or transfer to University of Arizona (you're close by) with coursework and experience that counts toward a four-year degree.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Southeast Arizona government agencies, Healthcare providers and hospital systems, Mining and natural resource companies, Regional small to mid-size tech and services firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Arizona
- Northern Arizona University
- Arizona State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Data Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (preparation)
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Arizona
Arizona State University Campus Immersion — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: STEM-OPT extension eligible (up to 24 months for F-1 visa students). Hands-on practice in organizational settings with real-world AI applications
Hakia Insight: ASU's AI in Business program benefits from Subbarao Kambhampati's expertise in human-aware AI systems, meaning undergraduates aren't just learning to build models—they're learning to build systems that explain themselves, a skillset Intel and aerospace contractors increasingly demand.
The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business is a next-generation program offered by ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business that equips students with both technical AI and business skills required in today's evolving technology landscape. Students learn how AI technologies work and how to deploy AI successfully within business contexts, gaining hands-on practice in organizational settings under guidance from world-class business faculty and leaders. The program emphasizes mindful AI leverage toward meaningful value creation. It is STEM-OPT eligible, allowing international F-1 visa students up to 24 months of Optional Practical Training work authorization in the U.S. Graduates pursue diverse roles including AI program manager, AI strategist, business consultant, data analyst, machine learning engineer, and product manager. Career outcomes show strong growth potential, with data scientists and business intelligence analysts experiencing 33.5% job growth and median salaries ranging from $101,190 (business analyst) to $171,200 (IT manager). The program is available on-campus at ASU's Polytechnic and Tempe campuses, as well as online through ASU Online and ASU Local formats.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- ASU Polytechnic AI and Robotics Center
- School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Honeywell (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Hasan Davulcu — Knowledge graphs, semantic web, AI for policy analysis
- Subbarao Kambhampati — AI planning, human-aware AI, reasoning systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET
- Intelligence Community - Center of Academic Excellence (IC-CAE)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Intel Arizona headquartersAccess to Tempe tech corridorStrong ties to aerospace and semiconductor industries
University of Arizona — Tucson, AZ
Key Distinction: Mandatory senior capstone project (CSC 498) typically completed as group project. Advanced Standing requirement: students must complete foundational courses before accessing major core and most upper-division electives
Hakia Insight: University of Arizona's mandatory capstone requirement paired with proximity to autonomous vehicle testing sites in Arizona means your final project isn't hypothetical; students can validate their work against real vehicles and medical imaging partnerships simultaneously.
The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence at University of Arizona provides in-depth education in AI and machine learning, preparing students for rapidly expanding career opportunities in industry and government. The program combines foundational computer science courses with specialized AI coursework including deep learning, natural language understanding, and computer vision. Students complete 54 units in the major (33 upper-division), supported by mathematics requirements in calculus, statistics, and linear algebra. The curriculum emphasizes both technical skills and critical thinking through collaborative learning. A mandatory senior capstone project (CSC 498) typically completed as a group project provides hands-on experience. Career outcomes show strong entry-level salaries: Machine Learning Engineers average $122,531, Business Intelligence Developers $94,487, and Data Scientists $74,905. Graduates pursue diverse roles in robotics, self-driving vehicles, healthcare, privacy and security, environmental monitoring, and business applications across finance, law, and supply chain management.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Computer Science
- Vision and Image Analysis Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- National Institutes of Health (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Greg Mori — Computer vision, action recognition, visual understanding
- Kevin Bowyer — Biometrics, iris recognition, computer vision
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Tucson proximity to medical institutions for imaging researchAccess to Arizona's growing autonomous vehicle testing ecosystem
Northern Arizona University — Flagstaff, AZ
Key Distinction: NAU uniquely positions AI training within environmental and sustainability contexts, offering specialization in climate tech and ecological modeling rather than generic ML.
Hakia Insight: NAU's environmental AI specialization—rare at the bachelor's level—turns climate tech from a buzzword into core curriculum, positioning graduates for roles at US Forest Service and ADEQ where mainstream CS programs leave them unprepared.
At the bachelor's level, northern Arizona's AI program stands out for its integration of machine learning with environmental and sustainability applications—a rare specialization focus that positions graduates for the growing intersection of AI and climate tech. Rather than generic computer science, the curriculum emphasizes AI solutions for resource management, ecological modeling, and large-scale data analysis in environmental contexts. You'll encounter projects involving geospatial AI, sensor networks, and predictive analytics applied to real environmental challenges facing the Southwest. The program benefits from Flagstaff's unique geographic position and NAU's strong environmental research tradition, creating genuine interdisciplinary opportunities where CS meets earth sciences and policy. Faculty maintain active research in machine learning for sustainability, and partnerships with environmental organizations and government agencies provide internship and thesis opportunities that align with a values-driven career path. This program is for students who want AI skills paired with meaningful work in climate adaptation and environmental stewardship.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems
Industry Partners
- US Forest Service (government)
- Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (government)
Notable Faculty
- Bassem Sayed — Machine learning, pattern recognition, environmental data analysis
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Flagship location for environmental research institutionsProximity to US Forest Service officesRegional focus on climate and resource challenges
American InterContinental University System — Chandler, AZ
Key Distinction: AICU's AI offerings are embedded in online business and IT master's programs designed for working professionals, emphasizing organizational adoption of machine learning rather than technical innovation or research.
Hakia Insight: AICU's AI coursework lives within online business programs for working professionals, meaning you're not learning AI in isolation but studying machine learning adoption patterns your employer is already wrestling with.
At the bachelor's level, american InterContinental University offers artificial intelligence and machine learning coursework within its online-first business and technology programs, designed for working professionals seeking credentials in emerging AI-related fields. Rather than housing AI in a separate research-intensive program, AICU integrates machine learning and data analytics into business and information technology master's degrees, emphasizing how organizations adopt and deploy AI systems. The online format and asynchronous structure reflect AICU's positioning as a flexible, career-development-focused institution where students balance full-time work with graduate studies. Program content concentrates on applied machine learning for business problems—predictive analytics, customer segmentation, recommendation systems—rather than algorithmic research or novel model development. Faculty typically combine academic credentials with contemporary industry experience, and course materials emphasize tools and platforms currently used in enterprise environments. The global reach of AICU's online platform exposes students to diverse cohorts and perspectives on AI implementation across different industries and markets. Graduates often advance within their existing organizations into AI-adjacent roles or transition into specialized data science and analytics positions. This pathway appeals less to students seeking to pioneer AI research and more to professionals transitioning from related technical roles or business backgrounds into data-driven decision-making positions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Phoenix-Arizona — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: Phoenix's AI program is purpose-built for working professionals, prioritizing asynchronous online delivery and business-application focus over research intensity.
Hakia Insight: University of Phoenix's asynchronous AI program is architected for students who can't attend lectures—the trade-off is worth it only if you're already working in tech; non-working students miss peer collaboration that accelerates learning in competitive fields.
At the bachelor's level, working professionals seeking AI credentials will find Phoenix's online-first approach particularly valuable—the program design assumes students are balancing careers and education, with asynchronous coursework and flexible pacing that doesn't compromise technical depth. The curriculum emphasizes applied machine learning and data-driven decision-making across business contexts, making it especially relevant for mid-career professionals transitioning into AI roles. You'll encounter practical projects grounded in real organizational challenges: predictive modeling, natural language processing applications, and AI ethics in enterprise settings. Faculty bring industry experience alongside academic rigor, and cohort-based learning creates networking opportunities within your professional peer group. The program's strength lies in bridging the gap between theoretical AI concepts and immediate workplace implementation—ideal if you need credentials quickly without abandoning your current role.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Advancing Technology — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: UAT's AI program uniquely prioritizes hands-on project work and contemporary tool mastery over traditional theory, preparing students for immediate impact in commercial AI roles rather than academic research pathways.
Hakia Insight: UAT treats AI as an operational skillset rather than a research discipline, so its curriculum rotates with industry tools faster than traditional universities—if your goal is writing production code in six months rather than understanding backpropagation theory, this is the calibration you want.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Advancing Technology has positioned artificial intelligence and machine learning as central to its identity since its founding, treating AI not as an elective specialization but as foundational across its tech-focused curriculum. UAT's approach is deliberately project-centric: students build AI systems from day one rather than spending semesters on prerequisite theory. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation with current frameworks and tools—students work with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud AI services in real projects before formalizing the mathematics behind them. This pedagogy appeals to learners who thrive through making and iteration rather than traditional computer science theory sequences. The Tempe location near Phoenix provides access to Arizona's growing technology sector while maintaining UAT's identity as a smaller, specialized institution where students get mentorship from faculty actively working on AI projects. Internship and capstone opportunities frequently involve local startups and tech companies, giving students exposure to AI in practical commercial contexts. UAT graduates pursue diverse AI-adjacent careers—some move into machine learning engineering roles at established tech companies, others launch startups or join early-stage AI ventures. The program's strength lies not in research depth but in rapid competency development and comfort with ambiguity, traits highly valued in AI industry roles where technologies shift quickly.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Various Arizona tech startups (startup)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Arizona tech companies, Startups, Regional tech firms.
Location Advantages: Tempe/Phoenix metro area tech ecosystemProximity to emerging Arizona tech startups and companies
Grand Canyon University — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: GCU's AI program emphasizes business applications and data analytics within a teaching-focused environment, ideal for students seeking practical AI roles in enterprise and healthcare technology rather than pure research pathways.
Hakia Insight: GCU's partnerships with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft mean business AI curriculum gets vetted against what these platforms actually need, though the teaching-focused model means less research collaboration than research universities offer.
At the bachelor's level, grand Canyon University's artificial intelligence initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on technology education within its broader applied sciences framework. The university offers AI and machine learning coursework embedded within computer science and engineering programs, with particular attention to business applications and data-driven decision-making. While GCU is primarily known as a teaching-focused institution, recent program development has expanded opportunities for students to work on machine learning projects in healthcare analytics, business intelligence, and cloud computing environments. The program benefits from GCU's location in the Phoenix metropolitan area, which has become a secondary tech hub with growing presence from companies like Amazon Web Services, Intel, and numerous healthcare technology firms. Students have access to contemporary cloud platforms and development tools through partnerships with major technology providers. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations in algorithms and statistical learning with practical application in industry-relevant contexts. Career placement tends toward roles in data analytics, business intelligence, and enterprise AI implementation rather than foundational AI research—reflecting GCU's strength in preparing students for immediate workforce entry in technology-adjacent roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, Arizona healthcare systems.
Location Advantages: Phoenix metro area tech growthProximity to Amazon, Microsoft, Intel operations
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Arizona
Arizona State University Campus Immersion — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: Online and in-person formats with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Optional third-semester custom track for specialization
Hakia Insight: ASU's AI in Business master's offers a rare combination: Kambhampati's cutting-edge reasoning research bleeds into professional coursework, so you're not learning yesterday's techniques—you're learning frameworks the faculty published in the last 12 months.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business from Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business prepares working professionals for high-demand AI roles through a flexible 30-credit program. The curriculum emphasizes mindful AI implementation, combining technical skills with business acumen and ethical awareness. Students complete required core courses in AI and business strategy, select 21 elective credits, and culminate with a capstone (CIS 576). The program is available online with multiple enrollment sessions and in-person at Tempe or ASU Los Angeles, accommodating working professionals. Graduates qualify for STEM-OPT extension (up to 24 months) for international students. Career coaching through the W. P. Carey Career Services Center supports placement into roles like AI consultant, machine learning engineer, and business intelligence analyst. The AI market is projected to exceed $2 trillion in spending by 2026, with AI specialists among the fastest-growing roles globally. Concurrent degree options allow students to combine this MS with programs like Global Management. The optional third semester enables further specialization.
Programs Offered
- Artificial Intelligence in Business, MS — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- ASU Polytechnic AI and Robotics Center
- School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Honeywell (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: intel.
Notable Faculty
- Hasan Davulcu — Knowledge graphs, semantic web, AI for policy analysis
- Subbarao Kambhampati — AI planning, human-aware AI, reasoning systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET
- Intelligence Community - Center of Academic Excellence (IC-CAE)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Intel Arizona headquartersAccess to Tempe tech corridorStrong ties to aerospace and semiconductor industries
Arizona State University Digital Immersion — Scottsdale, AZ
Key Distinction: Online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Part-time completion available for working professionals
Hakia Insight: ASU Digital's online master's delivers access to the same Kambhampati and AI research labs as the on-campus program without relocation, a structural advantage that most universities reserve for on-campus students.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in AI-driven organizations. The program emphasizes mindful AI implementation, combining technical skills with business strategy and ethical awareness. Students complete a required capstone course (CIS 576) alongside core AI courses and 21 credits of electives, enabling customization for individual career goals. The program is available online with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year, accommodating part-time study. Graduates pursue roles as AI consultants, product managers, machine learning engineers, and data analysts. The AI market is projected to reach $2 trillion in spending by 2026, with the World Economic Forum forecasting 78 million net job growth globally by 2030 driven by AI technologies. Mid-career compensation for AI roles remains strong at major technology firms. International students on F-1 visas may qualify for up to 24 months of STEM-OPT work authorization. An optional third semester allows students to customize their degree further.
Programs Offered
- Artificial Intelligence in Business, MS — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: intel.
Notable Faculty
- Subbarao Kambhampati — AI planning, reasoning, human-aware AI
Accreditations and Certifications
- Defense Intelligence Agency's Intelligence Community - Center of Academic Excellence (IC-CAE)
Location Advantages: Remote access to ASU's research ecosystemConnection to Phoenix tech corridor employers without relocation
Northern Arizona University — Flagstaff, AZ
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis track options available depending on chosen emphasis. Online, competency-based format allowing self-paced completion
Hakia Insight: NAU's thesis-optional, self-paced master's paired with US Forest Service partnerships creates an unusual path: complete your degree while contributing to active climate modeling projects, effectively getting paid research experience through your capstone.
Northern Arizona University's Master of Science in Computer Science prepares working professionals for advancement in the computer science workforce through flexible, customizable study. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks, with thesis available as an option depending on chosen emphasis. Delivered primarily through NAU's online, competency-based format with some blended coursework, the program accommodates working schedules. Students complete 30 graduate-level units with flexibility to specialize in areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, software engineering, and high-performance computing. The program requires strong CS preparation (Bachelor's in CS or related field) and completion of a Computer Science Milestone exam or prerequisite courses. Graduates advance into specialized technical roles across academia, industry, and research with skills directly applicable to career progression in computer science fields.
Programs Offered
- Computer Science, Master of Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems
Industry Partners
- US Forest Service (government)
- Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (government)
Notable Faculty
- Bassem Sayed — Machine learning, pattern recognition, environmental data analysis
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Flagship location for environmental research institutionsProximity to US Forest Service officesRegional focus on climate and resource challenges
University of Phoenix-Arizona — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: Phoenix's AI program is purpose-built for working professionals, prioritizing asynchronous online delivery and business-application focus over research intensity.
Hakia Insight: University of Phoenix's asynchronous master's assumes you're already working in AI or ML—it's structured for credential advancement, not career entry, so enrolling without 2+ years of practical experience typically results in frustration.
At the master's level, working professionals seeking AI credentials will find Phoenix's online-first approach particularly valuable—the program design assumes students are balancing careers and education, with asynchronous coursework and flexible pacing that doesn't compromise technical depth. The curriculum emphasizes applied machine learning and data-driven decision-making across business contexts, making it especially relevant for mid-career professionals transitioning into AI roles. You'll encounter practical projects grounded in real organizational challenges: predictive modeling, natural language processing applications, and AI ethics in enterprise settings. Faculty bring industry experience alongside academic rigor, and cohort-based learning creates networking opportunities within your professional peer group. The program's strength lies in bridging the gap between theoretical AI concepts and immediate workplace implementation—ideal if you need credentials quickly without abandoning your current role.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Arizona — Tucson, AZ
Key Distinction: Fully online format designed for working professionals. 12-month accelerated completion
Hakia Insight: University of Arizona's 12-month online master compresses a two-year program by eliminating thesis requirements and integrating medical imaging research from their labs directly into coursework, letting you graduate with real computer vision applications in your portfolio.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business is a 12-month, fully online program designed for working professionals seeking to advance into AI leadership roles. The curriculum combines technical depth in machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI with business strategy and ethical governance, drawing on the University of Arizona's 35 years of AI expertise through the Eller MIS AI Lab. The program offers hands-on projects in high-impact domains including cybersecurity, healthcare, and digital platforms. Students develop practical AI solutions while gaining insights into AI ethics, policy, and responsible leadership. Graduates are prepared for roles as AI consultants, strategists, and ML specialists, with strong career advancement potential in tech-forward organizations. The fully online format accommodates working professionals, with 30 credits required at $1,250 per credit. University of Arizona alumni rank #1 in earnings potential among Arizona's public universities (Payscale, 2024).
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Computer Science
- Vision and Image Analysis Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- National Institutes of Health (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Greg Mori — Computer vision, action recognition, visual understanding
- Kevin Bowyer — Biometrics, iris recognition, computer vision
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Tucson proximity to medical institutions for imaging researchAccess to Arizona's growing autonomous vehicle testing ecosystem
Grand Canyon University — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: Online format for working professionals. Focus on AI ethics and responsible AI development
Hakia Insight: GCU's explicit focus on AI ethics and responsible development stands apart in Arizona's master's landscape—if your employer (Amazon, Microsoft, Intel) is building an AI governance practice, this emphasis becomes a differentiator when internal hiring happens.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at Grand Canyon University is designed for working professionals seeking to deepen expertise in intelligent systems, machine learning, natural language processing, and software development. The program combines comprehensive training in computer science, mathematics, and software engineering with emphasis on AI ethics and real-world applications across technology, healthcare, finance, and transportation sectors. Delivered online for flexibility, the 46-credit program prepares graduates for workforce demand in AI proficiency. Faculty emphasize mathematical theory in practical application contexts. The program aligns with employer needs for AI-skilled professionals and supports career advancement in emerging AI roles across industries.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Location Advantages: Phoenix metro area tech growthProximity to Amazon, Microsoft, Intel operations
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Arizona
Arizona State University Campus Immersion — Tempe, AZ
Key Distinction: Up to 30 credits transferable from previous master's degree. Hands-on approach with access to new facilities
Hakia Insight: ASU's Manufacturing Engineering PhD transfers up to 30 credits from master's degrees and seats doctoral students alongside faculty publishing on human-aware AI and reasoning systems—you're not starting from scratch; you're joining an active research lab with immediate publication pathways.
The Manufacturing Engineering PhD program at ASU requires a minimum of 84 credit hours and prepares students for research-focused careers in academia and industrial R&D. The program includes 4 core courses (15 credits), minimum 12 credits of research, 12 credits of dissertation, and 42 credits of electives/additional research, with up to 30 credits transferable from previous master's degrees. Students complete three semesters of seminar and work closely with faculty on emerging technologies like AI for smart manufacturing and additive manufacturing. Graduates typically earn $110,000-$130,000 annually and pursue careers at companies, government research institutes, and national labs including Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and NASA. Common roles include industrial engineers, manufacturing engineers, materials engineers, and mechanical engineers. The program emphasizes hands-on research, industry partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration in areas like advanced manufacturing, automation, and sustainable production.
Programs Offered
- Manufacturing Engineering, PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- ASU Polytechnic AI and Robotics Center
- School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Honeywell (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Hasan Davulcu — Knowledge graphs, semantic web, AI for policy analysis
- Subbarao Kambhampati — AI planning, human-aware AI, reasoning systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET
- Intelligence Community - Center of Academic Excellence (IC-CAE)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Intel Arizona headquartersAccess to Tempe tech corridorStrong ties to aerospace and semiconductor industries
Northern Arizona University — Flagstaff, AZ
Key Distinction: NAU uniquely positions AI training within environmental and sustainability contexts, offering specialization in climate tech and ecological modeling rather than generic ML.
Hakia Insight: NAU's partnership with the US Forest Service positions doctoral students to publish climate-modeling research with immediate policy relevance—a rare advantage where dissertation work directly informs federal land management decisions rather than remaining academic.
At the doctoral level, northern Arizona's AI program stands out for its integration of machine learning with environmental and sustainability applications—a rare specialization focus that positions graduates for the growing intersection of AI and climate tech. Rather than generic computer science, the curriculum emphasizes AI solutions for resource management, ecological modeling, and large-scale data analysis in environmental contexts. You'll encounter projects involving geospatial AI, sensor networks, and predictive analytics applied to real environmental challenges facing the Southwest. The program benefits from Flagstaff's unique geographic position and NAU's strong environmental research tradition, creating genuine interdisciplinary opportunities where CS meets earth sciences and policy. Faculty maintain active research in machine learning for sustainability, and partnerships with environmental organizations and government agencies provide internship and thesis opportunities that align with a values-driven career path. This program is for students who want AI skills paired with meaningful work in climate adaptation and environmental stewardship.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems
Industry Partners
- US Forest Service (government)
- Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (government)
Notable Faculty
- Bassem Sayed — Machine learning, pattern recognition, environmental data analysis
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Flagship location for environmental research institutionsProximity to US Forest Service officesRegional focus on climate and resource challenges
Aspen University — Phoenix, AZ
Key Distinction: Aspen's AI program is fully online and self-paced, designed for working adults and non-traditional students seeking flexible entry into machine learning and data science careers without geographic or scheduling constraints.
Hakia Insight: Aspen's fully self-paced model means you can compress a doctoral program around an existing career, but the trade-off is minimal hands-on lab access and limited peer cohort, making it best suited for students with prior industry ML experience seeking credentials over mentorship.
At the doctoral level, aspen University delivers artificial intelligence and machine learning instruction through fully online degree programs, primarily serving adult learners and career-changers seeking flexible pathways into AI-related fields. The program structure emphasizes accessibility and self-paced learning within structured curricula covering machine learning fundamentals, deep learning frameworks, and practical applications in business contexts. Coursework typically integrates real-world datasets and open-source tools, allowing students to build portfolio projects while completing requirements. Aspen's online-exclusive model removes geographic barriers, enabling students from underrepresented regions or non-traditional backgrounds to access AI education. The teaching faculty combines academic preparation with industry experience, though the institution prioritizes program delivery and accessibility over original research contributions. Career support and alumni networks tend toward professional development and job placement assistance in data science, analytics, and entry-level AI engineering roles. This model is particularly valuable for students unable to relocate to major tech hubs or coordinate schedules around campus-based programs. Aspen graduates pursue diverse outcomes—some enter data-focused roles at established companies, others build AI literacy to advance existing careers in business or operations. The program's differentiator is flexibility and accessibility rather than prestige or research output; it serves learners for whom traditional residential programs are impractical.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Location Advantages: No geographic requirement; fully accessible online
University of Arizona — Tucson, AZ
Key Distinction: University of Arizona's AI program specializes in computer vision and machine perception with research-backed expertise, rather than treating vision as one equal topic among many.
Hakia Insight: University of Arizona's Vision and Image Analysis Lab, anchored by Mori and Bowyer's biometrics expertise, creates a genuine moat for students interested in medical imaging or autonomous systems—recruiters like Amazon and Apple specifically scout this specialization because most AI programs treat vision as interchangeable with NLP.
At the doctoral level, the University of Arizona's AI program anchors itself in computer vision and machine perception—research areas where the institution holds genuine strength and recruiter visibility. The curriculum prioritizes deep learning architectures and visual understanding systems, backed by faculty conducting NIH and DARPA-funded research in medical imaging, autonomous perception, and computational photography. You'll complete projects with real imaging datasets and access to GPU clusters dedicated to computer vision work. Beyond vision, the program covers reinforcement learning and natural language processing, but the distinctive thread running through electives and thesis opportunities is perception systems—valuable if your career target involves robotics, autonomous vehicles, medical AI, or computer vision products. Faculty expertise in image analysis and visual reasoning reflects decades of investment in these areas, creating genuine research depth rather than survey-level coverage. Graduate outcomes skew toward vision-specific roles, and industry partnerships center on companies needing perception capabilities.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Department of Computer Science
- Vision and Image Analysis Lab
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- National Institutes of Health (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Apple, The Boeing Company, Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Capital One, Cisco Systems, CTG, CyberCoders, Deloitte, Elevance Health, Google, Humana, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Randstad, The Roche Group, Square, USAA Insurance, Verisk Analytics.
Notable Faculty
- Greg Mori — Computer vision, action recognition, visual understanding
- Kevin Bowyer — Biometrics, iris recognition, computer vision
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Tucson proximity to medical institutions for imaging researchAccess to Arizona's growing autonomous vehicle testing ecosystem
