Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Integration of cognitive psychology and neuroscience with AI foundations. Mandatory ethics coursework (two philosophy ethics courses required)
Hakia Insight: Purdue's mandatory cognitive psychology and two philosophy ethics courses create the rare four-year undergrad who understands why an AI system fails, not just how to build one—a soft-skill moat that compounds when competing for internships at Amazon and Google.
Purdue's Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence prepares students to master foundational AI systems that reason about data, correct themselves, and make decisions. The 120+ credit program integrates computer science, mathematics, psychology, and philosophy, requiring students to explore connections between cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and AI ethics—integral to holistic AI understanding. Core coursework spans data engineering, problem-solving, algorithms, machine learning, and advanced AI topics, with flexibility through selective courses in data visualization, natural language processing, robotics, and human-computer interaction. The curriculum emphasizes both technical depth and ethical considerations, opening pathways to careers in healthcare, sustainability, business, and economics. All major courses and prerequisites must be completed with a C or better.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Purdue Center for Robotic Systems and Controls
- Purdue Image and Video Processing Laboratory
- Purdue Predictive Intelligence Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Toyota (corporate)
- General Motors (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Avinash C. Kak — Computer vision, robotics, and AI
- Katsushi Ikeuchi — Computer vision and 3D shape analysis
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited computer science programs
Location Advantages: Access to major tech recruiting corridor with presence of Amazon, Google, Microsoft offices in nearby regionsStrong connections to automotive and aerospace industries in the Midwest
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: Project-based, hands-on curriculum from first class through senior design capstone. Undergraduate research opportunities available from day one with expert faculty and graduate students
Hakia Insight: Indiana University-Bloomington's partnership with Eli Lilly—headquartered 45 minutes away in Indianapolis—means undergraduates can move from campus labs directly into healthcare AI research that shapes real drug discovery pipelines, a rare advantage for a bachelor's program.
The Bachelor of Science in Intelligent Systems Engineering is a project-based, hands-on program that prepares students to design and build computerized devices and systems using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computing. Students engage in hands-on work from day one through the senior design capstone, with research opportunities available throughout the program. The curriculum combines intensive engineering and computing study with a broad liberal arts foundation. Students select one of three specialization concentrations: Bioengineering and Pre-med Path, Cyber-physical Systems, or Nanoscale Engineering. The program is ABET-accredited and emphasizes collaboration and communication skills for dynamic engineering environments. In the class of 2024, 96% of graduates reported employment or continuing education within six months of graduation. The program is housed in a small, family-like department within the Luddy School, offering an accelerated option to earn a master's degree in just one additional year.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Intelligent Systems Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Indiana University Center for the Study of AI and Machine Learning
- Luddy School Conversational AI Lab
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
- Salesforce (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
- Cerner Corporation (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- David Crandall — Computer vision, visual understanding, and machine learning
- Shimorina Anastasia — Natural language generation and dialogue systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited computer science programs
Location Advantages: Proximity to Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis for healthcare AI applicationsAccess to recruiting from financial services and consulting firms in the region
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Mandatory capstone experience through choice of Capstone Project Internship, Senior Thesis, or Information System Design project. Available in both on-campus and online formats with separate degree maps
Hakia Insight: IU-Indianapolis's three capstone pathways (internship, thesis, or systems design) let students choose whether they want direct employment leverage, academic credibility for grad school, or portfolio-ready projects—a specificity most programs compress into a single track.
The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence at Indiana University-Indianapolis is a 120-credit program designed to prepare students for careers in AI and data science. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through a required capstone experience, with students choosing between a capstone project internship, senior thesis, or information system design project. The AI core (46 credits) covers foundational topics including machine learning, natural language processing, data structures, cognitive automation, and enterprise AI applications. Students complete 39 credits of general education requirements with a strong emphasis on mathematics and statistics (18 credits), including calculus, linear algebra, and biostatistics. The program offers 12 credits of AI electives allowing specialization in areas such as deep learning, cloud computing, statistical learning, and bioinformatics. Career readiness training is integrated into the curriculum. The program is available in both on-campus and online formats, providing flexibility for working professionals and traditional students.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Biomedical Informatics and Machine Learning Lab
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
- IU School of Medicine (nonprofit)
- Indiana University Health (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Eli Lilly headquarters (Indianapolis)Access to IU School of Medicine and Indiana University Health systems for research and internshipsLocated in growing biotech and medical device innovation corridor
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue Northwest's AI curriculum is purpose-built for working professionals and industrial applications, offering practical machine learning training with direct connections to manufacturing and logistics employers in the steel and petrochemical-heavy Northwest Indiana region.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Northwest's curriculum is calibrated to the steel and petrochemical employers dominating its region; students learn AI not in the abstract but through real predictive maintenance and supply chain problems ArcelorMittal and BP actually need solved.
At the bachelor's level, purdue University Northwest's approach to artificial intelligence prioritizes bridging academic theory with industrial application through heavy collaboration with manufacturers and engineering firms across the Chicago-Gary region. Rather than emphasizing a single specialization, the program weaves AI through multiple engineering disciplines—students can concentrate in computer vision for quality control and manufacturing optimization, machine learning for predictive maintenance, or robotics and automation, depending on career trajectory. The curriculum reflects Purdue's engineering DNA: strong fundamentals in linear algebra, statistics, and programming are paired with practical projects sourcing real data from regional heavy industry and advanced manufacturing plants. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships with companies like ArcelorMittal (the massive steel producer headquartered nearby) and smaller industrial automation firms, which translates into guest lectures, lab partnerships, and direct job pipelines for graduates. The program is deliberately smaller and more accessible than flagship Purdue West Lafayette, meaning closer faculty mentorship and fewer enrollment caps on specialized seminars. Internship placements often happen before graduation—students work on live optimization challenges for stamping plants, assembly lines, or logistics systems. If your goal is solving real-world engineering problems with machine learning rather than pursuing academic research or exploring trendy consumer AI, this program's location and philosophy align directly with those ambitions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- ArcelorMittal (corporate)
- BP (Whiting Refinery) (corporate)
- Chicago manufacturing and automation companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: ArcelorMittal, BP, Local manufacturing and logistics firms.
Location Advantages: Proximity to ArcelorMittal headquarters and major steel productionAccess to Chicago-Gary advanced manufacturing and industrial corridorPartnerships with BP Whiting Refinery and regional automation firms
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology — Terre Haute, IN
Hakia Insight: Rose-Hulman's AI minor model—available to engineering and non-engineering majors alike—lets students layer machine learning onto domain expertise in physics, chemistry, or business rather than forcing a choice between specialization and breadth.
At the bachelor's level, rose-Hulman's AI minor empowers students from any major to understand, build, and responsibly apply intelligent systems, combining technical foundations of machine learning and AI with opportunities to apply them across disciplines. Students get hands-on experience in state-of-the-art computer labs with mentorship from sophomore, junior, or senior students, and can engage in research from their first year through senior thesis.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
DePauw University — Greencastle, IN
Key Distinction: DePauw University offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: DePauw's positioning in Greencastle provides genuine regional differentiation: students gain AI expertise while maintaining access to Indianapolis's tech recruiting without the cost premium of urban private schools.
DePauw University offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Greencastle, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Ball State University — Muncie, IN
Key Distinction: Ball State's AI program emphasizes cross-disciplinary application and integration with domain-specific fields, preparing graduates for roles that blend AI expertise with industry-specific knowledge.
Hakia Insight: Ball State's cross-disciplinary integration means a student can graduate with AI credentials equally relevant to healthcare, education, or business transformation—not just software roles—expanding post-grad pathways most peers won't have.
At the bachelor's level, ball State has positioned itself as an early adopter of AI integration across multiple academic disciplines, not just computer science, creating a distinctive ecosystem where students encounter artificial intelligence as both a technical specialization and a transformative tool across domains. The computer science program offers dedicated AI and machine learning courses with particular strength in applications—students work on projects spanning healthcare analytics, educational technology, and business intelligence rather than purely theoretical problems. The university has invested in computing infrastructure and maker spaces that support hands-on AI experimentation. Faculty maintain active research agendas in areas like intelligent tutoring systems and data science for social good, providing students with research opportunities aligned to real-world impact. The career outcomes tend toward mid-market and regional companies, along with education technology firms seeking AI talent. Internship partnerships include both large technology companies and smaller Indiana-based firms navigating AI adoption. The program is particularly strong for students who want to understand how AI applies to specific industries rather than pursue pure AI research; the curriculum emphasizes domain expertise alongside technical skills. Graduates report strong job placement in roles that blend AI technical skills with domain knowledge—healthcare IT, educational technology, business analytics—making this path especially valuable for students with specific application interests.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to regional companies undergoing digital transformationEducation technology sector presence in Indiana
University of Evansville — Evansville, IN
Key Distinction: University of Evansville embeds AI applications across its curriculum and emphasizes cross-disciplinary problem-solving from the start, producing graduates who understand AI in business and technical contexts.
Hakia Insight: University of Evansville's dual-market positioning (Louisville and Indianapolis) gives students recruiting access to two distinct tech ecosystems without requiring relocation, a geographic arbitrage most Indiana peers can't offer.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Evansville's computer science program incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning as core competencies within its curriculum, with faculty-led research opportunities that give undergraduates exposure to cutting-edge projects from their first year. The program distinguishes itself through its integration of AI across multiple domains—students don't just learn algorithms in isolation but apply them to real problems in robotics, data analysis, and software engineering. Evansville's relatively small cohort size means professors know their students well and can guide them toward research and internship placements that align with individual interests, whether that's deep learning, game AI, or business analytics. The university's location in Southwestern Indiana, adjacent to Louisville's growing tech scene and within reach of Indianapolis's innovation hub, creates pipeline opportunities with established tech companies and startups. Students benefit from collaborative learning environments and peer-to-peer projects where they build AI systems from conception through deployment. Graduates from the program have found success in roles spanning software development with AI components, data science, and specialized AI research, with many employers noting that Evansville students arrive prepared not just with technical skills but with the problem-solving mindset necessary to lead AI initiatives.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Louisville tech marketAccess to Indianapolis innovation ecosystem
Taylor University — Upland, IN
Key Distinction: Taylor integrates AI ethics and human-centered design into its core curriculum rather than treating them as electives, producing engineers who think critically about societal impact.
Hakia Insight: Taylor University embeds AI ethics as core curriculum—not an afterthought elective—meaning graduates enter industry discussions about responsible AI deployment as trained practitioners, not novices learning the stakes on the job.
At the bachelor's level, taylor University's artificial intelligence program emphasizes ethical AI development and human-centered design, reflecting the institution's values-driven approach to technology education. The curriculum integrates philosophy and ethics alongside technical machine learning foundations, ensuring graduates think critically about AI's societal impact rather than simply building systems. Students work through a structured pathway beginning with discrete mathematics and foundational computer science, progressing to machine learning, neural networks, and applied AI projects that simulate real-world constraints and stakeholder considerations. The program leverages Taylor's small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships to provide personalized mentorship; undergraduate researchers regularly present at conferences and collaborate on faculty-led projects exploring AI applications in healthcare, education, and sustainability. Internship partnerships with regional companies and a capstone requirement involving external clients mean students graduate with portfolio-ready experience. What distinguishes this approach is the explicit weaving of responsible innovation into every course—students don't take ethics as an afterthought, but design it into their systems from day one. For students seeking a program that values both technical rigor and principled thinking, Taylor offers a rare combination.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech corridor and growing startup ecosystem
Anderson University — Anderson, IN
Key Distinction: Anderson positions AI as an integrated elective track within a well-rounded computer science degree, ideal for students wanting AI capability without deep specialization.
Hakia Insight: Anderson's AI-as-elective-track model appeals to a specific student: someone seeking job-market relevance without betting their entire degree on a rapidly shifting field, a pragmatism most specialized AI programs don't accommodate.
At the bachelor's level, anderson University's computer science program includes artificial intelligence coursework designed for students seeking foundational and applied AI knowledge without necessarily specializing exclusively in machine learning. The program balances breadth across computer science fundamentals—algorithms, data structures, software engineering—with elective depth in AI topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, and knowledge representation. This approach appeals to students who want AI competency as part of a broader technical skill set rather than a narrow specialization. The university's location in central Indiana connects students to regional employers investing in automation and data analytics, with internship opportunities at manufacturing, logistics, and financial services companies increasingly incorporating AI into operations. Hands-on labs and project-based learning dominate the AI courses, emphasizing implementation over theory alone. Small cohorts mean students receive direct feedback on their machine learning models and can easily access faculty during office hours to troubleshoot implementations. The program also encourages students to explore AI applications across multiple domains—from robotics in manufacturing to predictive analytics in business—allowing flexibility in career direction.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Central Indiana location near regional manufacturing and logistics hubs adopting AI
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Indiana
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: Flexibility to earn course credit through paid internships (local or coasts) or faculty research collaboration. 100% employment rate within six months of graduation
Hakia Insight: IU-Bloomington's unusual policy of converting paid internships into course credit means working professionals can compress their degree timeline by generating tuition payments through the same projects they'd do anyway, effectively getting paid to progress.
Indiana University's M.S. in Computer Science prepares working professionals for high-demand technical roles in 1.5–2 years. The program combines computing fundamentals with cutting-edge applications in artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and security. The Creativity Requirement allows students to earn credit through paid internships or faculty research, balancing work and study. Graduates achieve 100% employment within six months, with an average starting salary of $126,067 and $25,719 signing bonuses. The program attracts global talent and offers support for international students. Career paths include software engineer, technical consultant, security consultant, and analyst roles at companies like IBM, Amazon, Yahoo!, Cerner, and Expedia.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Indiana University Center for the Study of AI and Machine Learning
- Luddy School Conversational AI Lab
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
- Salesforce (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
- Cerner Corporation (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: IBM, Expedia, Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- David Crandall — Computer vision, visual understanding, and machine learning
- Shimorina Anastasia — Natural language generation and dialogue systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited computer science programs
Location Advantages: Proximity to Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis for healthcare AI applicationsAccess to recruiting from financial services and consulting firms in the region
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: 100% online delivery with flexible self-paced learning for working professionals. Two customizable majors allowing focus on technical AI/ML or management/policy tracks
Hakia Insight: Purdue's dual-track AI master's (technical vs. management/policy) is genuinely rare—most programs funnel everyone into the same curriculum, but here a graduate can emerge either as a machine learning engineer or as an AI-literate executive ready to lead implementation decisions.
Purdue's online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence prepares working professionals for high-demand AI careers through flexible, 100% online learning. The program offers two customizable majors: AI and Machine Learning (programming, computer science, mathematics focus) and AI Management and Policy (leadership, ethics, policy focus). Students complete a capstone project applying knowledge to real-world AI challenges. The program requires 30 credits and can be completed in 24 months while balancing full-time work. Master's degree holders in AI see salary increases of 25-75% over bachelor's degrees, with median advertised salaries of $141k. No GRE/GMAT required. Graduate assistantships are not mentioned. The curriculum includes embedded ethics and policy coursework (SCLA 52200, SCLA 52100) alongside technical electives, allowing professionals to stay competitive in rapidly evolving AI sectors including technology, finance, government, automotive, and retail.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Purdue Center for Robotic Systems and Controls
- Purdue Image and Video Processing Laboratory
- Purdue Predictive Intelligence Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Toyota (corporate)
- General Motors (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Avinash C. Kak — Computer vision, robotics, and AI
- Katsushi Ikeuchi — Computer vision and 3D shape analysis
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited computer science programs
Location Advantages: Access to major tech recruiting corridor with presence of Amazon, Google, Microsoft offices in nearby regionsStrong connections to automotive and aerospace industries in the Midwest
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue Northwest's AI curriculum is purpose-built for working professionals and industrial applications, offering practical machine learning training with direct connections to manufacturing and logistics employers in the steel and petrochemical-heavy Northwest Indiana region.
Hakia Insight: For the working engineer in Northwest Indiana's manufacturing belt, Purdue Northwest's AI master's is hyper-local: night and weekend options paired with employers who actively recruit from the program create a genuine career ladder rather than a generic degree.
At the master's level, purdue University Northwest's approach to artificial intelligence prioritizes bridging academic theory with industrial application through heavy collaboration with manufacturers and engineering firms across the Chicago-Gary region. Rather than emphasizing a single specialization, the program weaves AI through multiple engineering disciplines—students can concentrate in computer vision for quality control and manufacturing optimization, machine learning for predictive maintenance, or robotics and automation, depending on career trajectory. The curriculum reflects Purdue's engineering DNA: strong fundamentals in linear algebra, statistics, and programming are paired with practical projects sourcing real data from regional heavy industry and advanced manufacturing plants. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships with companies like ArcelorMittal (the massive steel producer headquartered nearby) and smaller industrial automation firms, which translates into guest lectures, lab partnerships, and direct job pipelines for graduates. The program is deliberately smaller and more accessible than flagship Purdue West Lafayette, meaning closer faculty mentorship and fewer enrollment caps on specialized seminars. Internship placements often happen before graduation—students work on live optimization challenges for stamping plants, assembly lines, or logistics systems. If your goal is solving real-world engineering problems with machine learning rather than pursuing academic research or exploring trendy consumer AI, this program's location and philosophy align directly with those ambitions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- ArcelorMittal (corporate)
- BP (Whiting Refinery) (corporate)
- Chicago manufacturing and automation companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: ArcelorMittal, BP, Local manufacturing and logistics firms.
Location Advantages: Proximity to ArcelorMittal headquarters and major steel productionAccess to Chicago-Gary advanced manufacturing and industrial corridorPartnerships with BP Whiting Refinery and regional automation firms
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Flexible curriculum combining foundational knowledge with emerging technologies. Thesis vs. non-thesis tracks available through course customization
Hakia Insight: IU-Indianapolis's thesis vs. non-thesis customization through course selection means working professionals can signal research capability to doctoral programs (thesis track) or optimize for immediate hiring velocity (non-thesis) without applying to different programs.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at Indiana University-Indianapolis (Luddy School) is designed for working professionals seeking advanced technical expertise in a flexible format. The program offers both on-campus and hybrid delivery with Fall and Spring start dates, allowing completion in as little as 1.5 years including summer. Students can customize their degree through electives in artificial intelligence, data science, and cloud computing while developing research mastery, project management, and communication skills. Graduates advance to in-demand roles with median starting salaries of $85–$110k, representing significant career advancement from bachelor's-level positions. The program includes at least 30 credit hours of graduate coursework and prepares students for industry certifications. Admission-based scholarships range from $500–$2,250 per semester for full-time students. Career services and faculty mentors connect graduates with leading employers including Salesforce, Eli Lilly, Raytheon, and Cummins.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Biomedical Informatics and Machine Learning Lab
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
- IU School of Medicine (nonprofit)
- Indiana University Health (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Salesforce.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Eli Lilly headquarters (Indianapolis)Access to IU School of Medicine and Indiana University Health systems for research and internshipsLocated in growing biotech and medical device innovation corridor
Purdue University Fort Wayne — Fort Wayne, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue Fort Wayne's AI program stands out for its embedded systems and industrial automation focus, directly addressing Indiana's manufacturing sector's urgent need for AI-literate engineers.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Fort Wayne's embedded systems and industrial automation focus directly addresses the gap in Indiana's manufacturing sector: while coastal programs chase autonomous vehicles and chatbots, this program trains the engineers who actually keep factories intelligent and competitive.
At the master's level, purdue Fort Wayne's artificial intelligence program emphasizes applied machine learning within a strong engineering context, reflecting the campus's identity as a technical institution serving Indiana's manufacturing and logistics heartland. The curriculum integrates core AI theory—neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision—with immediate industry relevance through capstone projects partnered with regional manufacturers and supply chain companies. Students gain hands-on experience in embedded AI systems and robotics, areas where Fort Wayne employers have acute talent gaps. The program benefits from Purdue's broader research infrastructure while maintaining intimate class sizes and close faculty mentorship. Graduates typically move into roles in predictive maintenance, industrial automation, and logistics optimization, where demand consistently outpaces supply in the region. The engineering-first pedagogy means AI is taught as a tool for solving real problems rather than as theoretical computer science, a distinction that resonates with employers in the area. Internship placements happen early and often, with students working on live projects before graduation. The location provides a natural pipeline to companies like Lincoln Electric, Cummins, and regional automotive suppliers who actively recruit from the program.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Lincoln Electric (corporate)
- Cummins (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Lincoln Electric, Cummins, regional automotive suppliers.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to manufacturing and logistics companies in IndianaStrong regional employer relationships in industrial automation
Indiana State University — Terre Haute, IN
Key Distinction: Indiana State's AI program balances serious technical training with accessibility, particularly strong in industrial applications and manufacturing-focused machine learning roles.
Hakia Insight: Indiana State's reputation for accessibility in technical depth is unusual—the program delivers serious machine learning without the gatekeeping rigor of elite competitors, particularly valuable for career-switchers and professionals from non-CS backgrounds moving into predictive maintenance and logistics roles.
At the master's level, indiana State University's computer science program has developed meaningful depth in artificial intelligence and machine learning while remaining embedded within a broader engineering and technology ecosystem. The curriculum covers classical machine learning, deep learning, and applications spanning computer vision and natural language processing. Faculty research areas include intelligent systems and data science, creating opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student involvement in live research projects. The program benefits from partnerships with local and regional employers in manufacturing, energy, and logistics sectors where AI adoption is accelerating. Students complete capstone projects that often involve real-world data and problems sourced from industry partners. The location in Terre Haute, while not a major tech hub, connects naturally to Indiana's broader manufacturing and industrial technology sectors. Graduates pursue roles as software engineers, data scientists, and machine learning engineers, with a significant portion remaining in the Midwest where they find strong demand. The program is particularly well-suited for students seeking rigorous AI technical training within a supportive, comprehensive university environment, without the competitive intensity of larger research universities. Career placement tends to favor roles in data analytics, predictive maintenance, and intelligent systems development for industrial applications.
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: Connection to Indiana's manufacturing and industrial technology sectorProximity to employers adopting AI in logistics and predictive maintenance
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue's AI program stands out for its engineering-centric approach to machine learning, combining theoretical rigor with cooperative education internships that give students paid industry experience in real-world AI systems before graduation.
Hakia Insight: Purdue's paid cooperative education internships embedded in its doctoral curriculum mean students graduate with 12–18 months of real industry AI experience already logged—a credential advantage that most peer programs only offer post-graduation through postdocs.
At the doctoral level, purdue's artificial intelligence program benefits from deep integration with its world-class engineering infrastructure and a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with applied machine learning across domains like robotics, autonomous systems, and data science. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through its connection to industry partnerships—particularly in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing—where students work on real-world AI problems. Faculty expertise spans computer vision, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, and AI safety, with particular strength in robotics applications. Students can specialize through tracks in machine learning systems, autonomous vehicles, or AI for engineering design, and the program's proximity to major tech recruiting hubs means strong pipeline connections to companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and automotive OEMs. Purdue's cooperative education option allows students to alternate semesters between coursework and paid industry internships, creating a distinctive earn-while-you-learn pathway that many AI students leverage to build professional networks before graduation.
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
- Purdue Center for Robotic Systems and Controls
- Purdue Image and Video Processing Laboratory
- Purdue Predictive Intelligence Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Toyota (corporate)
- General Motors (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, General Motors, Boeing.
Notable Faculty
- Avinash C. Kak — Computer vision, robotics, and AI
- Katsushi Ikeuchi — Computer vision and 3D shape analysis
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited computer science programs
Location Advantages: Access to major tech recruiting corridor with presence of Amazon, Google, Microsoft offices in nearby regionsStrong connections to automotive and aerospace industries in the Midwest
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: IU's AI program uniquely emphasizes human-centered and interdisciplinary AI applications, allowing students to combine machine learning specializations with deep domain expertise in healthcare, social computing, or digital humanities.
Hakia Insight: IU Bloomington's Conversational AI Lab and explicit pathway to combine machine learning with digital humanities or healthcare domain work creates a rare exit route for AI PhDs into applied sectors beyond big tech, where domain fluency is as valuable as algorithmic expertise.
At the doctoral level, IU's School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering houses an artificial intelligence program known for its breadth across machine learning, natural language processing, and human-centered AI design. The curriculum is distinctive in weaving together computer science fundamentals with practical applications in healthcare, social computing, and digital humanities—reflecting IU's particular strength in interdisciplinary collaboration. Students pursue specializations in areas like conversational AI, knowledge representation, and machine learning engineering, with required projects that demand real-world problem-solving. The program maintains active research collaborations with industry partners and national labs, and faculty expertise includes work on large language models, information retrieval, and ethical AI considerations. Internship and co-op placements with tech companies, financial services firms, and research institutions are facilitated through the school's established recruiting relationships. For students drawn to both AI and domain applications—whether healthcare, business intelligence, or scientific research—IU's interdisciplinary culture creates unusual opportunities to pair machine learning courses with specialized work in other fields.
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
- Indiana University Center for the Study of AI and Machine Learning
- Luddy School Conversational AI Lab
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
- Salesforce (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
- Cerner Corporation (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Eli Lilly, Salesforce, JPMorgan Chase, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Cerner.
Notable Faculty
- David Crandall — Computer vision, visual understanding, and machine learning
- Shimorina Anastasia — Natural language generation and dialogue systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited computer science programs
Location Advantages: Proximity to Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis for healthcare AI applicationsAccess to recruiting from financial services and consulting firms in the region
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: IU Indianapolis's MS in Data Science specializes in healthcare AI and biomedical informatics, leveraging partnerships with medical schools and health systems for unique domain expertise and career placement.
Hakia Insight: IU Indianapolis's proximity to Eli Lilly headquarters and embedded partnerships with IU School of Medicine create a biomedical AI PhD pipeline that sidesteps the traditional academic-to-industry lag—students can publish healthcare ML research and transition directly into pharmaceutical AI roles.
At the doctoral level, IU Indianapolis's artificial intelligence program emphasizes applied AI within healthcare and biomedical contexts, reflecting the school's anchor in one of the nation's largest medical research complexes. The curriculum blends foundational machine learning and deep learning with domain-specific applications in clinical decision support, medical imaging analysis, and health informatics—giving students rare hands-on exposure to real problems in patient care and biomedical research. You'll work alongside faculty who collaborate directly with IU School of Medicine and the Indiana University School of Nursing, meaning coursework connects immediately to industry-relevant challenges in precision medicine and health technology. The program encourages capstone projects with local healthcare systems and biotech firms, so graduates often transition into roles at companies like Eli Lilly (headquartered nearby in Indianapolis) or health-tech startups. Beyond healthcare focus, the program maintains strong foundations in computer vision, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning, with electives that let you specialize based on career goals. Students benefit from the urban research ecosystem—proximity to a thriving medical device and pharmaceutical hub creates internship and job placement pipelines that many regional AI programs lack.
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
- Biomedical Informatics and Machine Learning Lab
Industry Partners
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
- IU School of Medicine (nonprofit)
- Indiana University Health (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Eli Lilly headquarters (Indianapolis)Access to IU School of Medicine and Indiana University Health systems for research and internshipsLocated in growing biotech and medical device innovation corridor
