Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: UMD's AI program uniquely balances rigorous research training with proximity to federal technology ecosystems, producing graduates competitive for both academia and government/defense sector careers.
Hakia Insight: UMD treats AI as foundational rather than specialized, meaning even non-AI-track undergrads graduate with machine learning competency—but the real advantage is the federal proximity: graduates slide into NSA, DARPA, and defense contractor roles that typically require security clearances, a career path most universities don't explicitly cultivate.
At the bachelor's level, UMD's artificial intelligence program stands out for its research-intensive curriculum that treats AI not as a specialized elective but as a foundational competency across computer science. The program emphasizes machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision through a combination of rigorous theory courses and hands-on projects with real datasets. What distinguishes UMD is the deep integration with its research ecosystem—students frequently collaborate with faculty on published work, gaining experience in cutting-edge areas like reinforcement learning and knowledge representation. The proximity to the Washington D.C. corridor creates distinctive career pathways into federal agencies, defense contractors, and established tech firms, while the university's strong connections to industry leaders mean capstone projects often involve real-world problem sets from companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Graduates consistently report that the program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and applied projects prepared them well for roles ranging from AI research scientist to machine learning engineer, with many pursuing advanced degrees at top 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
- Center for Automation Research
- Language and Intelligence Laboratory
- Machine Learning Group
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Rama Chellappa — Computer vision and machine learning
- Jordan Boyd-Graber — Natural language processing and machine learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington D.C. federal agencies and intelligence communityAccess to major tech company offices in the regionStrong pipeline to defense and government technology sectors
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: ABET-accredited program. Optional specialization tracks in AI/ML, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Game Development
Hakia Insight: UMBC's ABET accreditation plus specialization tracks in AI/ML and cybersecurity, combined with embedded relationships to Lockheed Martin and NSA, creates a credentialed pathway into defense contracting that rivals schools with far higher prestige—particularly valuable for students from the Baltimore region seeking stable, high-clearance careers.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at UMBC is an ABET-accredited program preparing students for careers in the computing industry and graduate studies. The curriculum requires 120 credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including 75 credits in the major. Core coursework covers programming, discrete structures, data structures, operating systems, algorithms, software engineering, and ethics in information technology. Students may pursue optional tracks in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, or Game Development, each requiring 12-19 additional credits. The AI/ML track includes CMSC 471 (Introduction to Artificial Intelligence) and CMSC 478 (Introduction to Machine Learning) plus 6 credits from advanced electives including Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Neural Networks. Computing jobs rank among the fastest growing and highest-paid fields according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. UMBC graduates are employed by tech industry leaders, government agencies, the defense industry, and video game companies, with many admitted to top graduate programs. The program requires a laptop computer and offers four-year academic pathways to support on-time graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Accelerated Real Time Analytics (CARTA)
- Cybersecurity Research Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- National Security Agency (government)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yelena Yesha — Data analytics, machine learning, and cloud computing
- Dr. Anupam Joshi — Cybersecurity, ontologies, and AI systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Johns Hopkins University and Applied Physics LaboratoryAccess to Baltimore's growing tech startup ecosystemRelationships with defense and federal contractors in the region
Towson University — Towson, MD
Key Distinction: Towson's AI program prioritizes applied, hands-on learning with direct faculty mentorship and strong local industry connections, making it ideal for students seeking practical skills over pure research focus.
Hakia Insight: Towson's emphasis on applied learning with Under Armour connections positions graduates as practitioners rather than researchers, making them immediately productive in industry roles where theoretical depth matters less than the ability to ship working systems quickly.
At the bachelor's level, towson's approach to artificial intelligence centers on making advanced AI concepts accessible through hands-on, applied learning rather than purely theoretical study. The program integrates machine learning, data science, and intelligent systems throughout its computer science curriculum, with particular strength in practical applications that students can immediately understand and implement. Faculty emphasize real-world problem-solving, and the proximity to Baltimore's growing technology sector creates opportunities for internships and projects with local companies and startups exploring AI solutions. Students work on projects that bridge academic theory and industry need—from building recommendation systems to developing computer vision applications for local partners. The program's emphasis on mentorship and career preparation means students graduate not just with technical skills but with portfolios demonstrating applied AI work. While smaller than major research universities, Towson's advantage lies in direct access to faculty mentors and a program scaled for genuine student engagement rather than lecture hall anonymity.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
Location Advantages: Proximity to Baltimore's growing technology sectorAccess to Under Armour and other regional tech companies
United States Naval Academy — Annapolis, MD
Key Distinction: USNA's AI integration uniquely combines technical machine learning training with military applications and leadership development, producing officers equipped to lead AI-enabled naval systems.
Hakia Insight: The Naval Academy's AI curriculum isn't just technical training wrapped in military context—it produces officers who understand both the engineering and strategic implications of autonomous systems, a rare leadership asset that makes USNA graduates unusually valuable across the entire defense and intelligence ecosystem.
At the bachelor's level, the Naval Academy integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning into its computer science curriculum as essential tools for future naval officers who will manage increasingly autonomous systems and data-driven operations. Rather than a standalone AI major, the program weaves machine learning, data analysis, and intelligent systems throughout core coursework, ensuring all midshipmen develop foundational competency in these technologies. The distinctive feature of USNA's approach is the direct application focus: students apply AI concepts to naval problems—from autonomous vehicle control to signal processing and cybersecurity—creating immediate relevance to their future careers. The academy's unique environment combines rigorous technical training with military leadership development, producing graduates who understand both the engineering and strategic implications of AI systems. Midshipmen undertake capstone projects and research opportunities that often involve defense applications, and they graduate into a career path where AI expertise directly impacts their advancement and role assignments. The program benefits from significant resources dedicated to national security applications and access to real-world problems that civilian universities rarely encounter.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- U.S. Department of Defense (government)
- U.S. Navy (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: National Security Agency, Defense Information Systems Agency, Naval Research Labs, Lockheed Martin, Rebellion Defense.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Direct access to U.S. Navy research and operational facilitiesIntegration with defense technology development initiatives
Loyola University Maryland — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Loyola differentiates through an explicit ethical AI curriculum embedded across all levels, rather than treating AI ethics as an elective add-on.
Hakia Insight: Loyola embeds ethical AI across the entire curriculum rather than quarantining it in an elective, meaning graduates develop an ethical reflex alongside technical skill—a competitive advantage as companies face mounting regulatory and reputational pressure around AI fairness and accountability.
At the bachelor's level, loyola's artificial intelligence program emphasizes ethical AI and responsible innovation—a curriculum philosophy that permeates coursework from foundational machine learning to advanced neural networks. Students engage with real-world AI ethics cases, algorithmic bias mitigation, and human-centered design principles alongside rigorous technical training in deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. The program benefits from Loyola's Jesuit mission, which translates into capstone projects focused on social impact: students have applied AI to healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and criminal justice reform. Faculty bring experience from industry and academia, fostering a collaborative environment where undergraduates and graduate students work together on applied research. The location in Baltimore provides internship pipelines to Johns Hopkins University's AI initiatives, the National Security Agency's research divisions, and regional healthcare IT firms increasingly investing in clinical AI applications. Career outcomes show strong placement in both tech companies and mission-driven organizations where ethical AI is a competitive advantage.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Johns Hopkins University (nonprofit)
- National Security Agency (government)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Johns Hopkins University's AI researchProximity to National Security Agency (Fort Meade)Baltimore healthcare IT and biomedical innovation cluster
Hood College — Frederick, MD
Key Distinction: Hood combines rigorous AI technical training with deliberate liberal arts perspectives on technology ethics and impact, unusual in most AI programs.
Hakia Insight: Hood's liberal arts model means AI students graduate with genuine fluency in both technical systems and humanistic critique of technology's impact, a combination that produces unusually thoughtful technologists—particularly valuable for roles in policy, corporate strategy, and responsible AI advocacy.
At the bachelor's level, hood College's approach to artificial intelligence centers on small-scale, deeply mentored research—students work alongside faculty on real computational problems rather than through isolated coursework alone. The liberal arts context means AI students also engage humanities and social science perspectives on technology's impact, producing graduates who can articulate not just how AI works but why its design choices matter. Machine learning, data mining, and applications in natural language and image processing form the technical core, but the program intentionally surfaces questions about data provenance, algorithmic fairness, and technology's role in society. Faculty actively involve undergraduates in their own research, leading to co-authored publications and conference presentations that strengthen graduate school and job applications. Hood's location in Maryland's Frederick County provides some geographic distance from intense tech competition, allowing the program to focus on quality mentorship and research productivity rather than recruiting prestige. Graduates emerge as thoughtful technologists—prepared for both technical roles and leadership positions where they navigate the human and ethical dimensions of AI alongside the mathematical ones.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Liberal arts focus balancing technical and humanistic perspectives on AI
Coppin State University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Coppin prepares students from underrepresented backgrounds for AI careers through deliberate scaffolding and community-focused applied projects, not elite prerequisites.
Hakia Insight: Coppin's intentional scaffolding for underrepresented students—paired with applied community projects rather than abstract problem sets—creates a path into AI careers for students who might be screened out by credential-focused programs, while building practical portfolio work that speaks to employers seeking diversity in technical hiring.
At the bachelor's level, coppin State's computer science programs serve a student population historically underrepresented in AI and technology fields, with intentional scaffolding and support systems designed to build AI fluency from entry-level coursework through advanced specializations. Rather than assuming prior computing experience, the program offers foundational pathways that accelerate diverse learners into machine learning, data science, and AI applications. Hands-on projects dominate the curriculum—students apply clustering algorithms to urban datasets, build predictive models for workforce development, and collaborate on AI projects addressing Baltimore's economic and social challenges. Faculty emphasize mentorship and research inclusion, with undergraduates publishing findings alongside graduate peers. Partnerships with local nonprofits and city agencies create meaningful AI applications: students have contributed to projects on housing prediction, workforce training optimization, and community health analytics. The program's strength lies not in flashy specializations but in producing competent, confident AI practitioners who understand both technical depth and community context—a combination employers increasingly value.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- City of Baltimore (government)
- Baltimore community development nonprofits (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Baltimore's growing tech ecosystemCommunity partnerships enabling applied AI projects
Washington Adventist University — Takoma Park, MD
Hakia Insight: Limited public information suggests Washington Adventist remains a developing program; prospective students should seek direct contact to understand current faculty, labs, and industry partnerships before committing.
At the bachelor's level, washington Adventist University's artificial intelligence and computer science initiatives remain limited in public documentation; available information suggests foundational computer science instruction with some exposure to data science and programming fundamentals relevant to AI. For accurate, detailed information about any specialized AI program, research concentrations, faculty expertise, industry partnerships, and career outcomes at this institution, prospective students should contact the university's computer science department or admissions office directly.
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 Washington, DC technology sector
Washington College — Chestertown, MD
Key Distinction: Washington College offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Washington College's exact program depth and partnerships remain unclear from available documentation; prospective students should request detailed curriculum and employer placement data directly from the institution.
Washington College offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Chestertown, MD. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Frostburg State University — Frostburg, MD
Key Distinction: Frostburg embeds AI and machine learning in a liberal arts framework, emphasizing ethical AI development and societal context alongside technical depth.
Hakia Insight: Frostburg's liberal arts integration means AI students emerge with the rare combination of technical depth and explicit training in how algorithmic systems affect society—positioning them for emerging roles in AI governance, ethics boards, and responsible innovation rather than just engineering positions.
At the bachelor's level, frostburg's computer science program integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning as core competencies within a liberal arts context, meaning students develop AI literacy alongside breadth in related domains like mathematics, statistics, and ethics. This interdisciplinary stance prepares graduates to think critically about AI's societal impact—increasingly important as organizations seek technologists who can navigate regulatory, fairness, and deployment challenges. The program leverages small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships to offer individualized research opportunities and mentorship. Students benefit from electives in neural networks, natural language processing, and data mining, with options to pursue independent study and applied projects. The Appalachian location, while rural, offers a distinctive advantage: graduates often find themselves in markets hungry for tech talent and willing to relocate, making Frostburg graduates competitive for roles nationwide.
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 Maryland
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Flexible thesis vs. non-thesis track options. Thesis track includes 6 credits of independent thesis research (CMSC 799) with oral defense
Hakia Insight: UMBC's thesis vs. non-thesis flexibility with 6 credits of independent research in the thesis track lets working professionals structure their degree around career constraints without sacrificing research credibility—particularly valuable for mid-career defense and intelligence community employees seeking advancement without leaving their jobs.
UMBC's M.S. in Computer Science offers flexibility for working professionals with thesis and non-thesis track options. The thesis track requires 30 credits including 6 credits of thesis research (CMSC 799) with oral defense, while the non-thesis track requires 33 credits of coursework. Both tracks require completion of core courses including CMSC 641 Algorithms, plus electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, databases, and graphics. The program must be completed within five years with a minimum 3.0 GPA. While specific salary data and assistantship details are not provided in this content, the program offers strong research areas in AI including intelligent decision support, semantic representations, and interactive AI systems. Graduates are well-positioned for advancement in technology sectors leveraging AI and machine learning expertise.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Accelerated Real Time Analytics (CARTA)
- Cybersecurity Research Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- National Security Agency (government)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yelena Yesha — Data analytics, machine learning, and cloud computing
- Dr. Anupam Joshi — Cybersecurity, ontologies, and AI systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Johns Hopkins University and Applied Physics LaboratoryAccess to Baltimore's growing tech startup ecosystemRelationships with defense and federal contractors in the region
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: Non-thesis, coursework-only track with practical, applied learning focus. Evening and weekend class scheduling specifically designed for working professionals
Hakia Insight: UMD's evening-and-weekend cohort model paired with its three active research labs (Center for Automation Research, Language and Intelligence Laboratory, Machine Learning Group) means working professionals can transition into Amazon, Microsoft, and NVIDIA roles without pausing their careers—a rare combination of schedule flexibility and lab credibility.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is a 30-credit, non-thesis program designed for working professionals, completed in less than 2 years. Instruction is delivered face-to-face at UMD College Park primarily in evenings to accommodate professionals. The program emphasizes practical, applied learning without research requirements, focusing on machine learning, deep learning, AI ethics, explainable AI, and human-centered AI. Students build expertise in mathematics, statistics, and computing while exploring societal implications and policy considerations. The curriculum includes core courses in probability/statistics, machine learning, data science, and safe/trustworthy AI, plus electives in generative AI, NLP, robotics, and cloud computing. Both full-time (4 semesters) and part-time (5 semesters) tracks are available, with flexible scheduling to support career advancement in the rapidly growing AI industry.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Automation Research
- Language and Intelligence Laboratory
- Machine Learning Group
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Rama Chellappa — Computer vision and machine learning
- Jordan Boyd-Graber — Natural language processing and machine learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington D.C. federal agencies and intelligence communityAccess to major tech company offices in the regionStrong pipeline to defense and government technology sectors
Towson University — Towson, MD
Key Distinction: Three specialized tracks: Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science. Thesis vs. coursework track options
Hakia Insight: Towson's Data Science track within its CS master's gives students a deliberate pathway that Towson itself rarely markets as an AI specialization, yet the program's Under Armour partnership creates direct pipelines into Baltimore's retail-tech sector where data science and AI overlap most tangibly.
Towson University's Master of Science in Computer Science is designed for working professionals seeking advanced technical expertise and career advancement. The program offers flexibility through three specialized tracks—Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Data Science—with both thesis and coursework options. Students can complete their degree part-time through convenient late afternoon, evening, and summer classes. Graduate assistantships are available to support students financially. The program emphasizes real-world connections through internship opportunities with local employers and industry conferences. Graduates advance into high-profile roles as software developers, web developers, computer security analysts, and e-commerce analysts. An accelerated combined B.S./M.S. pathway is also available for eligible undergraduates.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
Location Advantages: Proximity to Baltimore's growing technology sectorAccess to Under Armour and other regional tech companies
Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Coursework-only track; no thesis requirement. Five flexible focus areas (Assured Autonomy, Decision and Leadership, Deep Learning, LLMs, Robotics) — no official transcript designation
Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins' five focus areas (Assured Autonomy, Decision and Leadership, Deep Learning, LLMs, Robotics) carry no transcript designation, meaning students can pursue cutting-edge specialization in, say, surgical AI with Gregory Hager or LLM safety without signaling narrow expertise to employers—a credential flexibility most ranked programs don't offer.
Johns Hopkins' Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is a 30-credit, coursework-based program designed for working professionals seeking advanced expertise in AI systems and applications. The program requires 10 graduate-level courses (2 core, 3 required, 5 electives) completed within five years, offering flexibility for part-time study. Students choose from five focus areas—Assured Autonomy, Decision and Leadership, Deep Learning, Large Language Models, and Robotics—without official transcript designation. The curriculum emphasizes practical AI application through courses in machine learning, generative AI, responsible AI, and domain-specific applications (healthcare, cybersecurity, robotics). No thesis requirement; coursework-only track. While specific salary data and assistantship details are not provided in the catalogue, the program targets mid-career professionals in tech, engineering, and leadership roles seeking AI specialization. Prerequisite coursework (calculus, linear algebra, probability, Python) may be completed provisionally at Johns Hopkins or other accredited institutions, enabling flexible entry for career changers.
Programs Offered
- Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
- Center for Imaging Science
- Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (government)
- National Institutes of Health (government)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Gregory Hager — Computer vision, robotics, and surgical AI
- Dr. Alan Yuille — Computer vision, deep learning, and cognitive models
- Dr. Rene Vidal — Machine learning, computer vision, and robotics
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) for research and internshipsLocation in Baltimore's innovation corridor with proximity to federal research institutionsRelationships with leading technology companies in the region and nationwide
Hood College — Frederick, MD
Key Distinction: Hood combines rigorous AI technical training with deliberate liberal arts perspectives on technology ethics and impact, unusual in most AI programs.
Hakia Insight: Hood College's deliberate pairing of rigorous AI technical training with liberal arts ethics frameworks means graduates emerge equipped to articulate not just *how* their models work but *why* deployment choices matter—a rare credential in hiring for governance and policy-facing AI roles.
At the master's level, hood College's approach to artificial intelligence centers on small-scale, deeply mentored research—students work alongside faculty on real computational problems rather than through isolated coursework alone. The liberal arts context means AI students also engage humanities and social science perspectives on technology's impact, producing graduates who can articulate not just how AI works but why its design choices matter. Machine learning, data mining, and applications in natural language and image processing form the technical core, but the program intentionally surfaces questions about data provenance, algorithmic fairness, and technology's role in society. Faculty actively involve undergraduates in their own research, leading to co-authored publications and conference presentations that strengthen graduate school and job applications. Hood's location in Maryland's Frederick County provides some geographic distance from intense tech competition, allowing the program to focus on quality mentorship and research productivity rather than recruiting prestige. Graduates emerge as thoughtful technologists—prepared for both technical roles and leadership positions where they navigate the human and ethical dimensions of AI alongside the mathematical ones.
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: Liberal arts focus balancing technical and humanistic perspectives on AI
Frostburg State University — Frostburg, MD
Key Distinction: Frostburg embeds AI and machine learning in a liberal arts framework, emphasizing ethical AI development and societal context alongside technical depth.
Hakia Insight: Frostburg embeds machine learning within liberal arts coursework rather than treating ethics as a capstone add-on, producing graduates who can credibly speak to societal implications during technical interviews—an unusual advantage in companies building responsible AI teams.
At the master's level, frostburg's computer science program integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning as core competencies within a liberal arts context, meaning students develop AI literacy alongside breadth in related domains like mathematics, statistics, and ethics. This interdisciplinary stance prepares graduates to think critically about AI's societal impact—increasingly important as organizations seek technologists who can navigate regulatory, fairness, and deployment challenges. The program leverages small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships to offer individualized research opportunities and mentorship. Students benefit from electives in neural networks, natural language processing, and data mining, with options to pursue independent study and applied projects. The Appalachian location, while rural, offers a distinctive advantage: graduates often find themselves in markets hungry for tech talent and willing to relocate, making Frostburg graduates competitive for roles nationwide.
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:
Morgan State University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Morgan State's AI program distinctly centers on algorithmic fairness, bias detection, and ethical AI deployment—preparing graduates to build trustworthy systems and address the societal implications of machine learning.
Hakia Insight: Morgan State's explicit focus on algorithmic fairness and bias detection positions graduates as specialists in a domain where demand exceeds supply; fintech and healthcare companies in Baltimore actively recruit for this expertise, creating immediate market advantage.
At the master's level, morgan State's computer science department has built an AI track rooted in addressing bias, fairness, and ethical deployment of machine learning systems—a differentiator that reflects the institution's historical commitment to serving underrepresented populations in STEM. Rather than treating ethics as an afterthought, the program weaves responsible AI principles throughout the curriculum, from foundational courses onward, ensuring graduates think critically about algorithmic impact before writing code. Students work on projects that examine real-world algorithmic bias, participate in case studies on fairness in hiring and lending systems, and collaborate with faculty on research examining AI's societal implications. The university's location in Baltimore provides access to healthcare systems, financial institutions, and nonprofits eager to implement AI responsibly, creating internship and research opportunities focused on real social impact. Morgan State graduates have moved into roles at companies prioritizing AI ethics, governmental AI policy positions, and graduate programs emphasizing responsible innovation.
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: Baltimore's growing fintech and healthcare sectorsProximity to companies prioritizing responsible AI and algorithmic fairness
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: UMD's AI program uniquely balances rigorous research training with proximity to federal technology ecosystems, producing graduates competitive for both academia and government/defense sector careers.
Hakia Insight: UMD's doctoral pipeline to both NSF-funded academic roles and the Defense Department's AI initiatives stems directly from its proximity to federal tech ecosystems and labs like the Center for Automation Research—students can shape national AI policy through government fellowships that other PhD programs rarely facilitate.
At the doctoral level, UMD's artificial intelligence program stands out for its research-intensive curriculum that treats AI not as a specialized elective but as a foundational competency across computer science. The program emphasizes machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision through a combination of rigorous theory courses and hands-on projects with real datasets. What distinguishes UMD is the deep integration with its research ecosystem—students frequently collaborate with faculty on published work, gaining experience in cutting-edge areas like reinforcement learning and knowledge representation. The proximity to the Washington D.C. corridor creates distinctive career pathways into federal agencies, defense contractors, and established tech firms, while the university's strong connections to industry leaders mean capstone projects often involve real-world problem sets from companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Graduates consistently report that the program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and applied projects prepared them well for roles ranging from AI research scientist to machine learning engineer, with many pursuing advanced degrees at top 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
- Center for Automation Research
- Language and Intelligence Laboratory
- Machine Learning Group
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- NVIDIA (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Rama Chellappa — Computer vision and machine learning
- Jordan Boyd-Graber — Natural language processing and machine learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington D.C. federal agencies and intelligence communityAccess to major tech company offices in the regionStrong pipeline to defense and government technology sectors
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: UMBC combines active AI research centers with proximity to Baltimore's tech and federal research ecosystem, creating robust internship and career pathways.
Hakia Insight: UMBC's Center for Accelerated Real Time Analytics (CARTA) and cybersecurity partnerships with Lockheed Martin and NSA create an unusual pathway where doctoral candidates publish in peer-reviewed venues *and* hold security clearances simultaneously—rare credential stacking for defense and intelligence careers.
At the doctoral level, UMBC's computer science and engineering programs have built a reputation for machine learning research and AI applications in domains ranging from cybersecurity to autonomous systems. The university operates several research centers where graduate and advanced undergraduate students contribute to funded projects, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques and publishing alongside faculty. UMBC's location in the Baltimore tech corridor—with proximity to Johns Hopkins, federal laboratories, and growing startup ecosystems—creates networking and internship opportunities that extend far beyond campus. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with industry-relevant specializations: students can concentrate in areas like deep learning, reinforcement learning, or AI for cybersecurity. Graduate students particularly benefit from the research-intensive environment, which emphasizes both thesis-based and project-based pathways. Career placement is strong, with graduates moving into roles at major tech firms, defense contractors, and research institutions. For those seeking an AI education embedded in an active research university with real-world application focus, UMBC offers rigorous training and clear industry pathways.
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
- Center for Accelerated Real Time Analytics (CARTA)
- Cybersecurity Research Laboratory
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- National Security Agency (government)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yelena Yesha — Data analytics, machine learning, and cloud computing
- Dr. Anupam Joshi — Cybersecurity, ontologies, and AI systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Johns Hopkins University and Applied Physics LaboratoryAccess to Baltimore's growing tech startup ecosystemRelationships with defense and federal contractors in the region
Capitol Technology University — Laurel, MD
Key Distinction: Capitol differentiates through AI specialization in cybersecurity and defense, with direct pipeline to federal agencies requiring security clearances.
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology's explicit specialization in cybersecurity and defense AI narrows the competitive field dramatically; graduates with security clearances and DoD contractor experience face virtually no job search friction in their target sector.
At the doctoral level, capitol Technology's artificial intelligence program prioritizes hands-on cybersecurity and defense applications—a specialization that sets it apart in the crowded AI landscape. The curriculum weaves AI into threat detection, anomaly discovery, and secure system design from the ground up, giving students practical experience that directly translates to government and defense contractor roles. Small cohorts mean direct faculty mentorship and access to specialized labs where students build AI models for intrusion detection and vulnerability assessment. The university's strong partnerships with defense and intelligence agencies create a clear pipeline for students, with many securing security clearances during their studies—a significant credential in the federal AI job market. Capitol's location in the DC metropolitan area and its established relationships with agencies like the Department of Defense and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provide unmatched networking and recruiting opportunities. Graduates consistently land roles in roles like AI security analyst, threat intelligence engineer, and autonomous defense systems specialist, with salaries reflecting the high demand for these niche skills.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Department of Defense (government)
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Department of Defense contractors, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Department of Defense headquartersProximity to federal intelligence and cybersecurity agencies in Northern Virginia and DCSecurity clearance sponsorship opportunities
Morgan State University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Morgan State's AI program distinctly centers on algorithmic fairness, bias detection, and ethical AI deployment—preparing graduates to build trustworthy systems and address the societal implications of machine learning.
Hakia Insight: Morgan State's doctoral emphasis on fairness and ethical AI deployment differentiates its PhDs in a job market increasingly demanding researchers who can defend algorithmic decisions to regulators and audit boards, not just optimize model performance.
At the doctoral level, morgan State's computer science department has built an AI track rooted in addressing bias, fairness, and ethical deployment of machine learning systems—a differentiator that reflects the institution's historical commitment to serving underrepresented populations in STEM. Rather than treating ethics as an afterthought, the program weaves responsible AI principles throughout the curriculum, from foundational courses onward, ensuring graduates think critically about algorithmic impact before writing code. Students work on projects that examine real-world algorithmic bias, participate in case studies on fairness in hiring and lending systems, and collaborate with faculty on research examining AI's societal implications. The university's location in Baltimore provides access to healthcare systems, financial institutions, and nonprofits eager to implement AI responsibly, creating internship and research opportunities focused on real social impact. Morgan State graduates have moved into roles at companies prioritizing AI ethics, governmental AI policy positions, and graduate programs emphasizing responsible innovation.
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: Baltimore's growing fintech and healthcare sectorsProximity to companies prioritizing responsible AI and algorithmic fairness
