Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Louisiana
Baton Rouge Community College — Baton Rouge, LA
Hakia Insight: BRCC's associate degree cuts directly to machine learning fundamentals Louisiana employers actually need, positioning students to contribute to state agencies and petrochemical operations while keeping tuition low enough to avoid debt-driven career constraints.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about AI but want to stay local and keep costs down, BRCC's pathway into data science and machine learning fundamentals gives you exactly what Louisiana employers need. You'll work hands-on with Python, data visualization tools, and basic neural networks in their labs while building a portfolio that actually impresses hiring managers. Most graduates transition into entry-level data analyst or AI support roles at insurance companies, petrochemical firms, and healthcare systems across Baton Rouge—or transfer to Southern University or LSU to complete a bachelor's degree without starting from scratch. The real win here is the college's partnerships with local tech employers who often hire students before they even graduate.
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: State of Louisiana agencies, Baton Rouge healthcare systems, Petrochemical industry support roles, Regional insurance companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Louisiana State University (LSU)
- Southern University and A&M College
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Nicholls State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- AI Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician with AI focus
- Junior Machine Learning Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Location Advantages:
Southern University at Shreveport — Shreveport, LA
Hakia Insight: SU Shreveport's associate pathway straddles workforce training and university-level rigor, letting students earn credentials immediately usable in local healthcare IT and telecom while maintaining clear transfer pathways to four-year degrees.
At the associate's level, through Shreveport's tech corridor growth, SU Shreveport positions AI students at the intersection of traditional workforce training and university-level preparation—meaning you're not just learning coding, you're learning it in a context where regional tech employers actively recruit. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving with Python, cloud platforms, and data handling, with internship opportunities embedded into your second year. Graduates move into roles at healthcare IT departments, state government tech teams, or local financial services firms, or they stack credits toward a four-year degree at Southern's main campus in Baton Rouge without losing momentum.
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: Shreveport regional healthcare systems, State of Louisiana IT departments, Local financial services firms, Telecom support centers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Southern University and A&M College (main campus)
- Louisiana State University
- Texas A&M University-Commerce
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
Entry-Level Career Paths
- AI Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Data Entry Specialist with Python skills
- Junior Systems Support Analyst
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Louisiana Delta Community College — Monroe, LA
Hakia Insight: LDCC fills a genuine market gap—rural Louisiana manufacturers, agricultural co-ops, and state IT departments need AI-literate technicians, and the college tailors stripped-down machine learning fundamentals to solve that problem rather than chase prestige.
At the associate's level, rural Louisiana needs AI talent, and LDCC fills that gap by offering stripped-down, essential training in machine learning fundamentals and data basics that work in real small-town and mid-size business contexts. You'll focus on practical skills—Python, basic statistical analysis, cloud platforms—without unnecessary bloat, completing your degree in two years with strong odds of immediate employment in regional agriculture tech, small manufacturing operations, or state agency support roles. Transfer pathways to Northeast Louisiana University and other state institutions keep your options open, but many LDCC graduates find good work right in their home communities, which is worth a lot.
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: Regional agricultural cooperatives, Local manufacturing firms, State of Louisiana agencies, Rural healthcare IT departments, Small business IT support.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Northeast Louisiana University
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Louisiana Tech University
- Southern University and A&M College
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Data Support Specialist
- Junior Technical Support Analyst
- IT Support Technician
- Agricultural Technology Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Lafayette — Lafayette, LA
Key Distinction: ABET accreditation through Computing Accreditation Commission. Multiple project-based courses throughout curriculum (sophomore, junior, and senior projects)
Hakia Insight: UL Lafayette's ABET-accredited scientific computing concentration embeds sophomore, junior, and senior design projects into the curriculum structure, meaning employers see verified project portfolios before hire-conversations begin.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Scientific Computing Concentration at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a 120-credit program accredited by ABET's Computing Accreditation Commission. The curriculum emphasizes computational theory and applications, featuring a structured progression from foundational courses in data structures and algorithms through advanced topics in parallel and distributed computing, machine learning, and scientific computing. Students complete multiple project-based courses (CMPS 290, 390, 490) throughout their academic career, culminating in a senior capstone project. The concentration offers specialized electives in scientific computing (CMPS 352), machine learning (CMPS 422), numerical methods (MATH 455G), and computational mathematics (MATH 487G). Graduates pursue careers in software development, data visualization, high-performance computing, and information research, with the program preparing students for technical roles requiring strong mathematical foundations and computational expertise.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Scientific Computing Concentration — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Location Advantages: Proximity to energy, petrochemical, and industrial sectors in Louisiana and Southeast TexasAccess to Fortune 500 employers in Gulf Coast region
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: LSU distinguishes itself through a multi-departmental AI ecosystem that lets students customize AI study across computer science, engineering, and quantitative disciplines while tapping into a research-active faculty publishing in premier venues.
Hakia Insight: LSU's multi-departmental AI ecosystem lets undergraduates cross-register into engineering and quantitative courses while accessing active research labs—a flexibility that typically appears only at schools three times the size.
At the bachelor's level, LSU's artificial intelligence program benefits from the university's research-intensive environment and significant investment in computational infrastructure. The program spans multiple departments—computer science, electrical engineering, and statistics—allowing students to tailor AI specializations toward their interests, whether that's deep learning architectures, robotics, natural language processing, or data mining. The university operates several research centers with active AI components, and faculty members publish frequently in top-tier venues like NeurIPS, ICML, and IEEE transactions. Students gain practical experience through departmental labs, collaborative projects with industry partners, and involvement in competitions like machine learning challenges. LSU's location in Baton Rouge provides connections to petrochemical and energy companies seeking AI talent, while partnerships with national laboratories (Oak Ridge, Argonne) create summer research and postdoctoral pathways. Master's graduates typically secure positions at major tech companies, defense contractors, and research institutions within 6 months of graduation, with salaries reflecting strong demand for rigorous AI talent.
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
- LSU Center for Computation and Technology
- Networked Sensing & Optimization Lab
Industry Partners
- Shell (corporate)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Argonne National Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Shell, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Raytheon.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Engineering and Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Access to petrochemical and energy sector companies in LouisianaPartnerships with national laboratories (Oak Ridge, Argonne) for research and internshipsGrowing Baton Rouge tech ecosystem
Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: Tulane's AI program stands out for emphasizing application-driven learning in healthcare and biomedical domains, leveraging direct partnerships with major medical systems that most schools cannot access.
Hakia Insight: Tulane's direct partnership with Ochsner Health System gives AI undergraduates access to real clinical datasets and biomedical problems most peers won't encounter until graduate school or first jobs.
At the bachelor's level, tulane's approach to artificial intelligence emphasizes the intersection of AI with domain applications—particularly in healthcare, biomedical engineering, environmental science, and social impact. The university's School of Science and Engineering houses a growing AI program that benefits from Tulane's proximity to Ochsner Health System, the major medical center in the Gulf South, creating unique opportunities for students to work on AI applications in clinical decision support, medical imaging, and health analytics. Faculty research in machine learning often connects to real-world health challenges, and students can pursue internships and research positions with healthcare organizations seeking AI talent. The program also leverages Tulane's New Orleans location and historical research strengths in ecology and environmental science to explore AI applications for climate and sustainability modeling. Compared to larger state universities, Tulane offers smaller cohorts and more direct faculty mentoring, though this comes with fewer specialized AI labs. Graduates often pursue careers in healthcare AI, biotech, and consulting firms, with some continuing to PhD programs at top research institutions.
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
- Biomedical and Health Informatics Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Ochsner Health System (nonprofit)
- Tulane School of Medicine (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Ochsner Health System, Deloitte Consulting, Accenture, IBM Watson Health.
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Ochsner Health System—major regional medical centerAccess to clinical AI and healthcare data science opportunitiesGrowing healthcare tech ecosystem in New Orleans and the Gulf South
Louisiana Tech University — Ruston, LA
Key Distinction: Louisiana Tech's AI program stands out for embedding artificial intelligence deeply within its engineering pipeline, offering applied systems design experience that most peers reserve for specialized master's students.
Hakia Insight: Louisiana Tech embeds AI within engineering design coursework rather than treating it as a separate track, meaning graduates exit with applied systems experience and defense-contractor relationships most bachelor's programs don't offer until internships.
At the bachelor's level, louisiana Tech's artificial intelligence program emphasizes applied machine learning and intelligent systems with strong integration into the engineering curriculum. The program capitalizes on the university's established strength in engineering disciplines, offering students hands-on experience through project-based learning and industry collaboration. Students work with real datasets and modern AI frameworks while completing core coursework in neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision. The proximity to major energy, aerospace, and manufacturing industries in Louisiana creates internship pipelines and capstone project opportunities with Fortune 500 companies. Faculty research spans autonomous systems, predictive analytics, and optimization techniques—many with active grants and industry sponsorships. Graduates report strong placement rates in technical roles across data science, machine learning engineering, and AI systems development, with competitive starting salaries in the $75,000–$95,000 range. The program's engineering-first approach appeals to students seeking rigorous mathematical foundations alongside practical AI applications.
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
- College of Engineering and Science AI/ML Research Group
Industry Partners
- Shell (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- ExxonMobil (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Shell, ExxonMobil, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Proximity to energy sector headquarters (Shell, ExxonMobil, Cheniere Energy)Access to aerospace and defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics)Growing tech corridor in Northern Louisiana with manufacturing AI adoption
Grambling State University — Grambling, LA
Key Distinction: Grambling's AI coursework emphasizes workforce development and community-focused applications, positioning graduates as technically capable contributors to inclusive tech industries.
Hakia Insight: Grambling's curriculum balances theory with explicit focus on AI applications in underserved communities, positioning graduates to solve real problems in healthcare access, small business optimization, and rural logistics—not just generic algorithm work.
At the bachelor's level, grambling's AI program emphasizes applied machine learning with a strong focus on real-world problem-solving in underserved communities. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations in neural networks and statistical learning with hands-on projects addressing challenges relevant to HBCUs and rural regions—from predictive healthcare analytics to agricultural optimization. Students engage early with industry mentorship through partnerships that connect them to professionals at major tech firms, creating a pipeline from coursework directly into internships. The program deliberately integrates ethical AI and responsible technology development, reflecting the institution's commitment to inclusive innovation. Faculty bring research expertise in natural language processing and computer vision, and undergraduate students regularly present findings at regional conferences. Graduates have placed into roles at companies across the Gulf South region and nationally, with many pursuing advanced degrees at R1 institutions. The smaller cohort size means close faculty mentorship and customized career guidance—a hallmark advantage for students who benefit from direct access to program leadership. Experiential learning through capstone projects in AI applications rounds out preparation for entry-level data scientist and machine learning engineer positions.
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 Gulf South tech job marketsProximity to growing data science roles in Houston and Dallas regions
University of New Orleans — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: UNO's AI program stands out for embedding robotics and autonomous systems specializations within a curriculum designed for direct industry application in the Gulf South region's logistics, energy, and maritime sectors.
Hakia Insight: UNO's robotics and autonomous systems specializations target Gulf South maritime and logistics sectors directly, giving students portfolio pieces in domains where regional employers actively hire rather than requiring relocation to coastal tech hubs.
At the bachelor's level, UNO's artificial intelligence initiative leverages the university's research strength in computer vision, pattern recognition, and signal processing—fields where the institution has sustained faculty expertise for decades. The program attracts students interested in how AI solves perception problems: facial recognition systems, medical image analysis, autonomous sensing, and real-time video understanding. Rather than a broad survey approach, UNO concentrates depth in vision and machine perception, with electives and projects that build toward portfolio work in these specialized domains. You'll find opportunities to contribute to funded research projects in computer vision and biometric systems, collaborations that often lead to conference publications and industry internships. The faculty bring genuine research credentials—not just industry experience—meaning lectures connect directly to open problems in the field and students encounter the intellectual frontier early. Located in New Orleans, the program also draws on the city's growing tech community and positions graduates for roles in emerging vision-based AI companies. What distinguishes this path is the focus: if you're passionate about perception, sensors, and visual intelligence systems, UNO provides concentrated expertise rather than generalist AI training.
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 Gulf South maritime and logistics industriesProximity to energy sector AI applications
Southern University and A & M College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: Southern University integrates AI research opportunities directly into undergraduate studies, preparing students for either industry leadership or advanced academic pursuits.
Hakia Insight: Southern University weaves undergraduate AI research opportunities into core coursework instead of siloing them in honors tracks, ensuring all students—not just a select few—build publication-ready portfolios before graduation.
At the bachelor's level, southern University's artificial intelligence initiative reflects a commitment to preparing African American and underrepresented students for leadership roles in AI research and development. The program architecture emphasizes both breadth—covering machine learning, NLP, and robotics—and depth through specialized labs where students engage with cutting-edge tools and methodologies. Faculty bring research credentials from competitive grants, and graduate students particularly benefit from opportunities to contribute to faculty-led projects in areas like intelligent systems and data mining. The curriculum integrates emerging topics like fairness in machine learning and AI ethics from the ground up, not as afterthoughts. Partnerships with technology companies and federal research institutions create pathways into internships and full-time roles; Southern graduates have transitioned into positions at major tech firms and national laboratories. The program intentionally cultivates a research mindset even among undergraduates, encouraging early publication and conference attendance. Baton Rouge's growing tech ecosystem—bolstered by state investments in innovation hubs—provides additional career opportunities locally. Students here benefit from a historically Black university environment with strong institutional focus on diversity in STEM and mentorship systems designed to support persistence in technical fields.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Located in Baton Rouge with growing state-supported tech innovation ecosystemProximity to federal research opportunities and national laboratory partnerships
McNeese State University — Lake Charles, LA
Key Distinction: McNeese emphasizes AI and machine learning applications in engineering and industrial contexts, preparing graduates for technical roles in energy, maritime, and manufacturing sectors.
Hakia Insight: McNeese positions AI education within industrial and energy applications from day one rather than as abstract theory, so students graduate with demonstrated expertise in petrochemical process optimization and maritime logistics that Lake Charles employers recognize immediately.
At the bachelor's level, mcNeese's computer science program, serving Southwest Louisiana and the broader Gulf region, positions AI education directly within the context of industrial and technical applications where graduates will work. The curriculum emphasizes practical machine learning tools and frameworks, embedded systems, and data analysis—skills immediately applicable in the energy, maritime, and manufacturing sectors that dominate the regional economy. Faculty bring industry experience and maintain active connections to local employers, meaning course projects often align with real operational needs. Students gain hands-on experience through labs and internship placements with companies in Lake Charles and Houston, building professional networks before graduation. The program is accessible and affordable, with cohort-based learning that fosters peer support and lasting professional relationships. Capstone projects frequently emerge from industry partnerships, allowing students to graduate with portfolio projects that employers in the region immediately recognize and value. Career outcomes reflect strong regional placement, particularly in roles involving robotics, control systems, and data analytics for manufacturing and energy operations. McNeese graduates often remain in the region, forming a network of practitioners who mentor subsequent cohorts—a genuine community advantage for students committed to Southwest Louisiana.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Located in Lake Charles near petrochemical and energy sector hubsProximity to Houston tech and energy industry job marketsStrong industry internship pipeline in Southwest Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Monroe — Monroe, LA
Key Distinction: ULM emphasizes practical AI project work integrated throughout the curriculum, ensuring students graduate with portfolio-ready experience rather than theory alone.
Hakia Insight: ULM integrates practical AI project work throughout the curriculum—not just as a capstone—meaning students leave with portfolio-ready systems rather than theoretical knowledge that requires years of on-the-job translation.
At the bachelor's level, ULM's approach to artificial intelligence centers on machine learning systems design with particular strength in applications across healthcare, energy systems, and logistics—sectors dominant in Louisiana's economy. The program sequences coursework to build from data fundamentals through advanced topics in deep learning and reinforcement learning, with lab experience integrated into upper-level courses rather than isolated to thesis work. Faculty research in computer vision and autonomous systems creates opportunities for undergraduates and master's students to contribute to publications and grant-funded projects. The proximity to petrochemical and industrial manufacturing hubs in Northeast Louisiana provides internship networks in robotics, predictive maintenance, and process optimization—industries hungry for AI talent. Students complete capstone projects that often address real operational challenges from regional companies, turning classroom learning into portfolio pieces that resonate with employers in oil, gas, and utilities sectors. Career services here are attuned to the regional job market's specific needs, preparing graduates for roles that blend engineering rigor with data science. The program's size allows for cohort-based learning where peer networks often extend into post-graduation collaboration.
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 petrochemical and industrial manufacturing sectors in Northeast LouisianaAccess to energy and logistics industry internships and employment
Louisiana State University-Shreveport — Shreveport, LA
Hakia Insight: LSUS offers dual BA/BS pathways in AI rather than forcing a single degree track, letting students pursuing business applications choose the BA's flexibility while engineering-focused peers select the BS—a rare undergraduate distinction that typically emerges only at larger institutions.
At the bachelor's level, LSUS delivers artificial intelligence education with particular strength in applied machine learning for business and industrial applications, preparing graduates to address data challenges in healthcare, energy, and enterprise systems. The program structure allows students to develop specialized expertise through elective sequences focused on areas like predictive modeling, deep learning architectures, or business intelligence integration. Faculty bring practical experience from industry roles alongside academic research, meaning classroom instruction frequently references real implementation challenges and solutions. Students benefit from access to LSUS's computing infrastructure and datasets that support hands-on work in classification, regression, and clustering problems drawn from authentic business contexts. The curriculum scaffolds technical knowledge effectively, building from programming fundamentals through statistical foundations to advanced topics like neural networks and reinforcement learning. What distinguishes the LSUS approach is explicit attention to communication skills and technical documentation—recognizing that AI professionals must translate complex work for stakeholders without deep technical backgrounds. The program maintains active connections with employers in the region, creating internship placements and guest lectures that keep course content aligned with market demand. Graduates report strong preparation for analyst and engineer roles, with many securing positions before completing their degrees. The supportive academic environment and reasonable class sizes enable personalized feedback and mentorship as students tackle challenging project work.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Louisiana
Southern University and A & M College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: Southern University integrates AI research opportunities directly into undergraduate studies, preparing students for either industry leadership or advanced academic pursuits.
Hakia Insight: Southern University's integration of AI research directly into undergraduate coursework before the master's level creates an unusual pipeline where students arrive at graduate study already knowing how to conduct publishable research, not just consume it.
At the master's level, southern University's artificial intelligence initiative reflects a commitment to preparing African American and underrepresented students for leadership roles in AI research and development. The program architecture emphasizes both breadth—covering machine learning, NLP, and robotics—and depth through specialized labs where students engage with cutting-edge tools and methodologies. Faculty bring research credentials from competitive grants, and graduate students particularly benefit from opportunities to contribute to faculty-led projects in areas like intelligent systems and data mining. The curriculum integrates emerging topics like fairness in machine learning and AI ethics from the ground up, not as afterthoughts. Partnerships with technology companies and federal research institutions create pathways into internships and full-time roles; Southern graduates have transitioned into positions at major tech firms and national laboratories. The program intentionally cultivates a research mindset even among undergraduates, encouraging early publication and conference attendance. Baton Rouge's growing tech ecosystem—bolstered by state investments in innovation hubs—provides additional career opportunities locally. Students here benefit from a historically Black university environment with strong institutional focus on diversity in STEM and mentorship systems designed to support persistence in technical fields.
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: Located in Baton Rouge with growing state-supported tech innovation ecosystemProximity to federal research opportunities and national laboratory partnerships
University of Louisiana at Lafayette — Lafayette, LA
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis track options available; students choose after completing 12 credit hours. Flexible scheduling with 8-week and 16-week course options for online students
Hakia Insight: UL Lafayette's 33-credit informatics degree with 8-week and 16-week scheduling options compresses the part-time commitment compared to traditional two-year master's programs, making it genuinely viable for Intel engineers and Gulf Coast industry professionals who can't afford semester-long course blocks.
The Master of Science in Informatics at University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a 33-credit interdisciplinary program designed for working professionals seeking flexible learning options. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks after completing 12 credit hours, allowing customization based on career goals. The program is available both on-campus and fully online with 8-week and 16-week course options, making it ideal for professionals balancing work and education. The curriculum covers data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, database management, analytics, and enterprise computing solutions. Online students benefit from flat-rate tuition at $480 per credit hour. Graduate assistantships and fellowships are available to help fund studies while gaining career experience. Faculty expertise spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, fintech, and health informatics. Graduates advance into roles such as Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, and IT Consultant across healthcare, retail, government, and technology sectors. The program welcomes students from non-technical backgrounds, providing accessible pathways to technology careers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Informatics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Location Advantages: Proximity to energy, petrochemical, and industrial sectors in Louisiana and Southeast TexasAccess to Fortune 500 employers in Gulf Coast region
Louisiana Tech University — Ruston, LA
Key Distinction: Louisiana Tech's AI program stands out for embedding artificial intelligence deeply within its engineering pipeline, offering applied systems design experience that most peers reserve for specialized master's students.
Hakia Insight: Louisiana Tech embeds AI into its engineering curriculum at the master's level rather than siloing it, meaning graduates build intelligent systems with domain expertise in energy and aerospace—a depth most specialized AI programs achieve only through dual degrees.
At the master's level, louisiana Tech's artificial intelligence program emphasizes applied machine learning and intelligent systems with strong integration into the engineering curriculum. The program capitalizes on the university's established strength in engineering disciplines, offering students hands-on experience through project-based learning and industry collaboration. Students work with real datasets and modern AI frameworks while completing core coursework in neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision. The proximity to major energy, aerospace, and manufacturing industries in Louisiana creates internship pipelines and capstone project opportunities with Fortune 500 companies. Faculty research spans autonomous systems, predictive analytics, and optimization techniques—many with active grants and industry sponsorships. Graduates report strong placement rates in technical roles across data science, machine learning engineering, and AI systems development, with competitive starting salaries in the $75,000–$95,000 range. The program's engineering-first approach appeals to students seeking rigorous mathematical foundations alongside practical AI applications.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- College of Engineering and Science AI/ML Research Group
Industry Partners
- Shell (corporate)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- ExxonMobil (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Shell, ExxonMobil, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Proximity to energy sector headquarters (Shell, ExxonMobil, Cheniere Energy)Access to aerospace and defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics)Growing tech corridor in Northern Louisiana with manufacturing AI adoption
University of New Orleans — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: UNO's AI program stands out for embedding robotics and autonomous systems specializations within a curriculum designed for direct industry application in the Gulf South region's logistics, energy, and maritime sectors.
Hakia Insight: UNO's explicit robotics and autonomous systems specialization paired with Gulf South maritime and logistics sector focus creates a niche where graduates solve container-port optimization and offshore platform automation problems competitors don't even teach.
At the master's level, UNO's artificial intelligence initiative leverages the university's research strength in computer vision, pattern recognition, and signal processing—fields where the institution has sustained faculty expertise for decades. The program attracts students interested in how AI solves perception problems: facial recognition systems, medical image analysis, autonomous sensing, and real-time video understanding. Rather than a broad survey approach, UNO concentrates depth in vision and machine perception, with electives and projects that build toward portfolio work in these specialized domains. You'll find opportunities to contribute to funded research projects in computer vision and biometric systems, collaborations that often lead to conference publications and industry internships. The faculty bring genuine research credentials—not just industry experience—meaning lectures connect directly to open problems in the field and students encounter the intellectual frontier early. Located in New Orleans, the program also draws on the city's growing tech community and positions graduates for roles in emerging vision-based AI companies. What distinguishes this path is the focus: if you're passionate about perception, sensors, and visual intelligence systems, UNO provides concentrated expertise rather than generalist AI training.
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: Access to Gulf South maritime and logistics industriesProximity to energy sector AI applications
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: Part-time/flexible online format designed for working professionals with no fixed cohort schedule. Specialization tracks in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Cloud Computing (not on transcript but provides customized pathway)
Hakia Insight: LSU's online master's with no fixed cohort schedule lets you study at your own pace while accessing Oak Ridge and Argonne National Laboratory partnerships for research internships—a combination of flexibility and institutional research access most online programs sacrifice.
LSU's online Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for working professionals and recent graduates seeking career advancement in high-demand tech fields. The program offers flexible, fully online delivery with specializations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Cloud Computing. Students complete 36 credit hours combining rigorous core coursework with customizable electives aligned to career goals. The program prepares students for industry certifications including AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CISSP, and CEH. Graduates achieve a 94% employment rate with median salaries of $110,900. No prior computer science degree required—prerequisite courses available through Study.com and Coursera. LSU's world-class faculty maintain active research and industry collaborations with top employers including Deloitte, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Ford, providing direct access to cutting-edge knowledge and professional networks.
Programs Offered
- Online Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- LSU Center for Computation and Technology
- Networked Sensing & Optimization Lab
Industry Partners
- Shell (corporate)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Argonne National Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Engineering and Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Access to petrochemical and energy sector companies in LouisianaPartnerships with national laboratories (Oak Ridge, Argonne) for research and internshipsGrowing Baton Rouge tech ecosystem
Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: Coursework and thesis track options. Online MS degree available (coursework track)
Hakia Insight: Tulane's direct Ochsner Health System partnership means master's students don't just study healthcare AI theory; they work with actual clinical datasets and live EHR systems, giving them portfolio projects competitors in generic CS programs can't match.
Tulane's Master of Science in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence specialization offers both coursework and thesis tracks, allowing working professionals to tailor their studies to AI research interests or practical skill development. The coursework track—available online—requires 30 credits with 12 credits of breadth courses and 12-18 credits of depth courses in AI-focused areas like machine learning, reinforcement learning, and multi-agent systems. The thesis track enables research-focused students to conduct original AI research under faculty mentorship. A 4+1 accelerated pathway allows undergraduates to begin graduate coursework during their final year. While specific salary data and assistantship stipends are not detailed on this page, the program emphasizes faculty-guided research opportunities and interdisciplinary collaboration across mathematics, economics, and engineering. Applications are reviewed rolling from January onward, with GRE/TOEFL optional.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence specialization — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Biomedical and Health Informatics Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Ochsner Health System (nonprofit)
- Tulane School of Medicine (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Ochsner Health System, Deloitte Consulting, Accenture, IBM Watson Health.
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Ochsner Health System—major regional medical centerAccess to clinical AI and healthcare data science opportunitiesGrowing healthcare tech ecosystem in New Orleans and the Gulf South
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Lafayette — Lafayette, LA
Key Distinction: UL Lafayette's AI program uniquely positions graduates for energy and industrial systems sectors through specializations in optimization, decision systems, and process automation—combining engineering fundamentals with modern machine learning.
Hakia Insight: UL Lafayette's doctoral program explicitly builds optimization and process automation into AI study rather than treating engineering as optional—a design that lets petroleum engineers and industrial systems experts finish PhDs in four years instead of retraining in data science.
At the doctoral level, UL Lafayette's strength in artificial intelligence emerges from its engineering-first culture and integration of AI across multiple disciplines—computer science, petroleum engineering, and industrial engineering all embed machine learning and data science competencies. The program distinguishes itself through a blend of theoretical rigor and problem-solving orientation, preparing students equally for research careers and industry roles. A notable feature is the emphasis on AI applications in energy and industrial systems, reflecting Louisiana's economic landscape while building transferable expertise. Faculty research areas span machine learning optimization, data analytics, and intelligent decision systems, with graduate students regularly involved in funded research that produces publications and patents. The curriculum allows specialization depth through electives in neural networks, reinforcement learning, and advanced data analytics, though the program maintains breadth across software engineering and systems design. UL Lafayette's location near Baton Rouge's petrochemical corridor and Houston's energy hub creates pipeline opportunities with Fortune 500 employers actively recruiting graduates. Internship and co-op programs provide structured pathways into industry roles before graduation, a practical advantage for students seeking to test career directions.
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: Proximity to energy, petrochemical, and industrial sectors in Louisiana and Southeast TexasAccess to Fortune 500 employers in Gulf Coast region
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College — Baton Rouge, LA
Key Distinction: LSU distinguishes itself through a multi-departmental AI ecosystem that lets students customize AI study across computer science, engineering, and quantitative disciplines while tapping into a research-active faculty publishing in premier venues.
Hakia Insight: LSU's multi-departmental PhD structure lets you cross-list courses across computer science, engineering, and quantitative disciplines while publishing with faculty in premier venues, creating a customizable research environment that mimics the flexibility of Stanford's lab culture but with energy sector focus.
LSU's artificial intelligence program benefits from the university's research-intensive environment and significant investment in computational infrastructure. The program spans multiple departments—computer science, electrical engineering, and statistics—allowing students to tailor AI specializations toward their interests, whether that's deep learning architectures, robotics, natural language processing, or data mining. The university operates several research centers with active AI components, and faculty members publish frequently in top-tier venues like NeurIPS, ICML, and IEEE transactions. Students gain practical experience through departmental labs, collaborative projects with industry partners, and involvement in competitions like machine learning challenges. LSU's location in Baton Rouge provides connections to petrochemical and energy companies seeking AI talent, while partnerships with national laboratories (Oak Ridge, Argonne) create summer research and postdoctoral pathways. Master's graduates typically secure positions at major tech companies, defense contractors, and research institutions within 6 months of graduation, with salaries reflecting strong demand for rigorous AI talent.
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
- LSU Center for Computation and Technology
- Networked Sensing & Optimization Lab
Industry Partners
- Shell (corporate)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
- Argonne National Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Shell, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Raytheon.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Engineering and Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Access to petrochemical and energy sector companies in LouisianaPartnerships with national laboratories (Oak Ridge, Argonne) for research and internshipsGrowing Baton Rouge tech ecosystem
Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, LA
Key Distinction: Tulane's AI program stands out for emphasizing application-driven learning in healthcare and biomedical domains, leveraging direct partnerships with major medical systems that most schools cannot access.
Hakia Insight: Tulane's doctoral emphasis on biomedical and healthcare applications, anchored by direct Ochsner partnerships, positions graduates for clinical AI roles—not just software engineering—where domain knowledge in medicine makes them rare hires in healthcare systems and precision-medicine startups.
At the doctoral level, tulane's approach to artificial intelligence emphasizes the intersection of AI with domain applications—particularly in healthcare, biomedical engineering, environmental science, and social impact. The university's School of Science and Engineering houses a growing AI program that benefits from Tulane's proximity to Ochsner Health System, the major medical center in the Gulf South, creating unique opportunities for students to work on AI applications in clinical decision support, medical imaging, and health analytics. Faculty research in machine learning often connects to real-world health challenges, and students can pursue internships and research positions with healthcare organizations seeking AI talent. The program also leverages Tulane's New Orleans location and historical research strengths in ecology and environmental science to explore AI applications for climate and sustainability modeling. Compared to larger state universities, Tulane offers smaller cohorts and more direct faculty mentoring, though this comes with fewer specialized AI labs. Graduates often pursue careers in healthcare AI, biotech, and consulting firms, with some continuing to PhD programs at top research institutions.
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 and Health Informatics Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Ochsner Health System (nonprofit)
- Tulane School of Medicine (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Ochsner Health System, Deloitte Consulting, Accenture, IBM Watson Health.
Location Advantages: Direct partnership with Ochsner Health System—major regional medical centerAccess to clinical AI and healthcare data science opportunitiesGrowing healthcare tech ecosystem in New Orleans and the Gulf South
